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"il.Amends ORD Nos: 4707, 4720,
4724
CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. 5066
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON,
AMENDING SECTION 4-4-100 OF CHAPTER 4, CITY-WIDE
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, OF TITLE IV
(DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS) OF ORDINANCE NO. 4260
ENTITLED "CODE OF GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
RENTON, WASHINGTON" TO ALLOW FREESTANDING SIGN
HEIGHT OF 50 FEET FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERSHIPS WITH
OVER ONE ACRE OF CONTIGUOUS OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL
LOCATED WITHIN THE AUTO MALL AREA.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. Section 4-4-100.E.3.b of Chapter 4, "City-Wide Property
Development Standards,"of Title IV (Development Regulations) of Ordinance No. 4260 entitled
"Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton, Washington" is hereby amended to read as
follows:
b. Signs Outside City Center Sign Regulation Area: The height limitation for
freestanding, ground, projecting and combination signs shall be the maximum height of the
zone or forty feet(40'),whichever is less. Roof signs may extend twenty feet(20') above the
parapet wall. This Section shall not apply to those signs covered by Subsection E.5.e of this
Section, Large Retail Uses, or subsection H of this Section, City Center Sign Regulations, or
Subsection E.5.f.ii of this Section, Motor Vehicle Dealership Over One Acre of Contiguous
Ownership or Control Located within the Auto Mall Area(s).
SECTION II. Section 4-4-100.E.5.fii of Chapter 4, "City-Wide Property
Development Standards,"of Title IV (Development Regulations) of Ordinance No. 4260 entitled
1
ORDINANCE NO. 5 0 6 6
"Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton, Washington"is hereby amended to read as
follows:
ii. Freestanding Signs: Each dealership is allowed:
• One freestanding sign per street frontage not to exceed an area greater than
one and one-half(1-1/2) square feet for each lineal foot of property frontage that the business
occupies up to a maximum of two hundred(200) square feet per sign face, and a maximum of
four hundred (400) square feet including all sign faces, and not to exceed fifty(50)feet in height;
or
• One freestanding sign per street frontage not to exceed an area greater than
one and one-half(1-1/2) square feet for each lineal foot of property frontage, up to a maximum
of one hundred fifty(150) square feet per sign face and a maximum of three hundred(300)
square feet including all sign faces, and not to exceed fifty(50) feet in height. In addition, each
dealership is allowed a maximum of two (2) accessory ground signs per street frontage, each for
a separate business activity located on the property that can reasonably be related to the primary
business. These signs shall not exceed a height often feet (10') and a total sign area of twenty
five (25) square feet if single faced, or fifty(50) square feet including all sign faces. The
accessory signs must also maintain a minimum twenty foot(20') setback and be no closer than
one hundred fifty feet(150')to any other accessory ground sign.
• One electronic message board sign is permitted as a wall sign, under
marquee sign, or freestanding sign as allowed by the provisions stated above.
SECTION III. This Ordinance shall be effective upon its passage, approval, and
five days after its publication.
2
- . ORDINANCE NO. 5066
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 5th day of April , 2004.
..1 Wagito
Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this 5th day of April 2004.
44d6a-ekei- 1--ItrL02
Kathy olker-Wheeler, Mayor
Approved as to form:
Lawrence J. Warren,City Attorney
Date of Publication: 4/9/2 0 0 4 (summary)
ORD.1094:3/16/04:ma
3
April 5,2004 NMle Renton City Council Minutes`' Page 102
Ordinance#5066 An ordinance was read amending Section 4-4-100 of Chapter 4,Citywide
Planning: Auto Mall Area Sign Property Development Standards,of Title IV (Development Regulations)of
Height Amendment City Code to allow freestanding sign height of 50 feet for motor vehicle
dealerships with over one acre of contiguous ownership or control located
within the Auto Mall area. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS READ. ROLL
CALL: ALL AYES. CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY LAW,SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:32 p.m.
BONNIE L WALTON,City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
April 5, 2004
March 22,2004 r.► Renton City Council Minutes Page 92
ORDINANCES AND The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the
RESOLUTIONS Council meeting of 4/05/2004 for second and final reading:
Planning: Auto Mall Area Sign An ordinance was read amending Section 4-4-100 of Chapter 4, Citywide
Height Amendment Property Development Standards,of Title IV(Development Regulations)of
1 W City Code to allow freestanding sign height of 50 feet for motor vehicle
dealerships with over one acre of contiguous ownership or control located
within the Auto Mall area. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY NELSON,
COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL
READING ON 4/05/2004. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS Councilman Persson reported receipt of e-mail from Sandel DeMastus,
Citizen Comment: DeMastus - Highlands Community Association President, PO Box 2041, Renton,98059,
Gas Powered Motor Scooters regarding gas powered motor scooter safety issues. MOVED BY PERSSON,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL REFER THIS CORRESPONDENCE
TO THE ADMINISTRATION. CARRIED.
Citizen Comment: Paholke- Councilman Persson reported receipt of a letter from Diane O.Paholke,Pro-
Airport Trees, Safety Hazard Flight Aviation,Inc. President, 243 W. Perimeter Rd. Renton,98055,
requesting the removal or thinning of trees located between Perimeter Rd.W.
and Rainier Ave. S. at the Airport. She stated that the tree debris pose a safety
hazard to aircraft, as do the birds that the trees attract. MOVED BY
PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL REFER THIS
CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION. CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY NELSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN.
CARRIED. Time: 8:39 p.m.
BONNIE I.WALTON,City Clerk
Recorder: Michele Neumann
March 22,2004
RENTON CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
March 22, 2004 Council Chambers
Monday,7:30 p.m. MINUTES Renton City Hall
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kathy Keolker-Wheeler led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and
called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order.
ROLL CALL OF DON PERSSON,Council President;RANDY CORMAN;TONI NELSON;
COUNCILMEMBERS DAN CLAWSON;DENIS LAW;TERRI BRIERE;MARCIE PALMER.
CITY STAFF IN KATHY KEOLKER-WHEELER,Mayor;JAY COVINGTON,Chief
ATTENDANCE Administrative Officer; RUSSELL WILSON, Assistant City Attorney;
BONNIE WALTON,City Clerk; GREGG ZIMMERMAN,
Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator; SANDRA MEYER,
Transportation Systems Director; ALEX PIETSCH,Economic Development
Administrator; GIL CERISE, Senior Planner; DEREK TODD,Assistant to the
CAO; COMMANDER TIM TROXEL, Police Department.
PUBLIC HEARING This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in
Planning: Auto Mall Area Sign accordance with local and State laws,Mayor Keolker-Wheeler opened the
Height Amendment public hearing to consider the Auto Mall area sign code amendment to permit a
?-P maximum freestanding sign height of 50 feet for motor vehicle dealerships with
more than one acre of property.
Gil Cerise, Senior Planner,reported that the current sign code states that
freestanding signs must be either the height of the zone or 40 feet, whichever is
less. In the Auto Mall area,the maximum height of a building in the
Commercial Arterial Zone is 50 feet; therefore,freestanding signs are limited to
40 feet. Mr. Cerise reviewed the boundaries of the Auto Mall area, and
explained that motor vehicle dealerships find the existing height limitations too
restrictive, as some are located a considerable distance from I-405.
Additionally, some existing signs in the area are taller than the height of the
zone.
Continuing, Mr. Cerise stated that increasing the visibility of the signs would
attract new customers to the Auto Mall area and benefit existing area
businesses, thereby promoting the City's economic development policies. Mr.
Cerise concluded with the staff recommendation to amend City Code to allow a
new maximum freestanding sign height of 50 feet for those motor vehicle
dealerships with over one acre of contiguous ownership or control within the
Auto Mall area.
Public comment was invited.
Robert Bridge, 150 SW 7th Ave., Renton,98055, stated that his motor vehicle
dealership, which employs 100 people,has been in business in Renton since
1981. He described the nature of the retail automobile business and his
customer base, noting that he sells 2,800 to 3,000 vehicles annually. He
commented that the utilization of an Auto Mall area keeps the automotive
community healthy and the standards high. Mr. Bridge emphasized that the
new sign height will increase the visibility of his dealership for those travelers
exiting I-405 onto Rainier Ave. S: Additionally, he commented on the look
achieved in a community when using the manufacturer's customized auto
dealership signs.
Nme
March 22,2004 Renton City Council Minutes Page 88
There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY BRIERE,
SECONDED BY NELSON, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
CARRIED.
MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY CLAWSON,COUNCIL SUSPEND
THE RULES AND ADVANCE TO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE REPORT ON THIS SUBJECT. CARRIED.
Planning &Development Planning and Development Committee Chair Briere presented a report
Committee regarding the Auto Mall area sign height amendment. The Committee met on
Planning: Auto Mall Area Sign March 4, 2004,to review an issue raised by auto dealers within the Auto Mall
Height Amendment area about their limited visibility from nearby freeways and arterials. Existing
sign code governing signs within the Auto Mall area limit the maximum height
to 40 feet. Zoning in the area allows buildings 50 feet in height. Area dealers
feel that 50-foot sign heights would allow signage to better stand out from
nearby buildings and improve visibility from surrounding freeways and
arterials.
Permitting an additional ten feet of sign height within the.Auto Mall area would
further distinguish the auto dealerships within this area, and increase visibility
of the large auto dealers for automobile traffic passing on I-405 and SR-167.
Limiting the taller signs to auto dealerships over one acre in size would prevent
proliferation of a large number of 50-foot signs in this area, and retain the
larger auto dealerships which contribute to the economic viability of the City.
The Committee recommended amending the portion of the sign code applicable
to motor vehicle dealerships with over one acre of contiguous ownership or
control located within the Auto Mall area to permit maximum sign heights of
50 feet. The Committee further recommended that the ordinance regarding this
matter be presented for first reading. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY
CLAWSON, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT.
CARRIED. (See page 92 for ordinance.)
ADMINISTRATIVE Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington reviewed a written administrative
REPORT report summarizing the City's recent progress towards goals and work
programs adopted as part of its business plan for 2004 and beyond. Items noted
included:
* The Human Services Division will host a South King County Pre-
Application Workshop for Human Services and Capital Funds on March
25th at Carco Theatre. This workshop is for non-profit and public agencies
interested in applying for 2005-2006 General and Community Development
Block Grant funds
* The Puget Sound Regional Council is honoring the City of Renton with a
VISION 2020 Award for its work on the Urban Center North(Boeing)
Comprehensive Plan Amendment effort.
* The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs selected the
Renton School District for a new program involving the mapping of the
facilities and surrounding environment of middle schools and high schools.
When completed,each computer-equipped patrol vehicle and fire apparatus
will be able to quickly download maps for use by law enforcement and fire
departments during emergency responses.
NTNNW "vire
PUBLIC HEARING HANDOUT
March 22,2004, City Council Chambers,7:30 PM
APPLICATION NAME: Auto Mall Sign Code Amendment modifying height of
freestanding signs governed by Section 4-4-100E.5.f.ii. of the
Renton Municipal Code.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Due to issues associated with visibility of freestanding signs
within the Auto Mall area, a proposal has been developed that
would permit a motor vehicle dealership with over one acre of
contiguous ownership within the Auto Mall to have one
freestanding sign of a maximum of 50 feet in height. This would
allow motor vehicle dealerships of this size to have a sign that
meets the maximum building height of the zone. Currently
freestanding sign heights are limited to 40 feet within this area.
Increasing visibility of freestanding signs for large motor vehicle
dealerships would help attract new customers to the Auto Mall
and help retain existing businesses in the area that benefit from
the increased business. The limitation of the taller sign heights
to motor vehicle dealerships of over one acre in size would limit
the number of 50 foot signs to approximately thirteen dealerships
under current land ownership configurations.
RECOMMENDATION: Council adopt the code revisions allowing one freestanding sign
of a maximum of 50 feet for motor vehicle dealerships over one
acre of contiguous ownership within the Auto Mall area, as
presented.
uto Mall Sign Height
Code_Amendment
March 22.2004
City Council
Public Hearing
E-xisti-na Si„,�n Code
• Existing sign code states that a
freestanding sign must be either the
height of the zone or 40 ft.,whichever
is less.
• In Auto Mall,the height of the
Commercial Arterial(CA)zone is 50
ft.
• Therefore,freestanding signs in the
Auto Mall may be a maximum of 40 ft.
Renton Auto Mill
r a. . 4'
1a. s t" f
CG + -
x_ �.
I
Motor Vehicle Dealership Issues
• Motor vehicle dealerships in the Auto
Mall find existing height limitations
too restrictive.
• Some dealerships are located a
considerable distance from I-405,the
major artery producing pass-through
traffic.
• Some existing signs in the area are
taller than the height of the zone(Wal-
Mart)
Economic Development Policies
• Staff seeks support for amendment to
support City's economic development
policies
—Comprehensive Plan: Retain existing and
attract new businesses that generate
consumer oriented commercial activity
—Comprehensive Plan: Increase the retail
sales tax base of the City
—Business Plan: Promote citywide
economic development
Staff Recommended Code
Amendment
• Allow new maximum freestanding sign
height of 50 feet.
-An increase of 10 feet over existing
heieht limit
• Limit applicability to motor vehicle
dealerships with over 1 acre of
contiguous ownership or control
located within the Auto Mall Area
—Existing Sign Code Applicability .
2
•
NININF NNW
Existing Freestanding Sign
4 .y •
- Ji
Projected ie\,•
Sign Code Amendment Process
• SEPA process is complete
—DNS was issued on March 2°3
• Planning&Development Committee
reviewed proposal on March 4th
•
• Seek Council approval followed by 1st
Reading of draft ordinance tonight
• 2nd Reading of ordinance scheduled for
April 5th
3
NNW 41110.* AnPrOVED BY
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE17 COUNCIL
COMMITTEE REPORT
Date 3-aa?-e
March 22,2004
Auto Mall Sign Height Code Amendments
(February 23, 2004)
The Planning and Development Committee met March 4, 2004, to review an issue raised by
auto dealers within the Auto Mall about their limited visibility from nearby freeways and
arterials. Existing sign code governing signs within the Auto Mall area limit maximum height
to 40 feet within this area. Zoning in the area allows buildings 50 feet in height. Area dealers
feel that 50-foot sign heights would allow signage to better stand out from nearby buildings
and improve visibility from surrounding freeways and arterials.
Permitting an additional 10 feet of sign height within the Auto Mall would further distinguish
the auto dealerships within this area, and increase visibility of the large auto dealers for
automobile traffic passing on I-405 and SR-167. Limiting the taller signs to auto dealerships
over one acre in size would prevent proliferation of a large number of 50-foot signs in this
area, and retain the larger auto dealerships which contribute to the economic viability of the
City.
The Committee recommends amendment of the portion of the sign code applicable to motor
vehicle dealerships over one acre of contiguous ownership or control located within the Auto
Mall Area to permit maximum sign heights of 50 feet,
The Committee further recommends that the ordinance regarding this matter be presented for
first reading.
Terri Briere, C air
Dan lawson, Vice Chair
/1/4"9"
GJ► 447
Denis W. Law, Member
cc: Alex Pietsch
Ben Wolters
Gregg Zimmerman
Neil Watts
Jennifer Henning
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CITY OF RENTON
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Renton City Council has fixed the 22nd day of
March, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. as the date and time for a public hearing to be held in the
seventh floor Council Chambers of Renton City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton, WA
98055, to consider the following:
Sign code amendment to permit taller signs for auto dealerships with more than
one acre of property in the Auto Mall Overlay
All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and present written or oral
comments regarding the proposal. Renton City Hall is in compliance with the American
Disabilities Act, and interpretive services for the hearing impaired will be provided upon
prior notice. For information, call 425-430-6502.
&7 41-t •J• uk e on-
Bonnie I. Walton
City Clerk
Published King County Journal
February 27, 2004
Account No. 50640
Sent to one party:,of record 2/25/04 - SDL
cc: Gil Cerise
Suzann Lombard - Re: Public Hearing - 'in code amends - auto dealerships Page 1
From: Gil Cerise
To: Lombard, Suzann
Date: 2/24/2004 10:45:39 AM
Subject: Re: Public Hearing -Sign code amends -auto dealerships
Suzann:
There is one party-of-record that I would like to include in the March 22nd public hearing. That is:
Bob Bridge
Bob Bridge Auto Center
P.O. Box 1055
Renton, WA 98057
Let me know if you have additional questions.
Thanks,
Gil
>>> Suzann Lombard 2/24/2004 10:13:55 AM >>>
I understand there are no posters necessary for this public hearing. Bonnie wanted me to find out whether
you want the notice to go to any specific parties.
Please let me know as soon as possible.
Thanks,
Suzann Lombard
Records Management Coordinator
City of Renton
425-430-6521
CITY OF RENTON
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Renton City Council has fixed the 22nd day of
March, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. as the date and time for a public hearing to be held in the
seventh floor Council Chambers of Renton City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton, WA
98055, to consider the following:
Sign code amendment to permit taller signs for auto dealerships with more than
one acre of property in the Auto Mall Overlay
All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and present written or oral
comments regarding the proposal. Renton City Hall is in compliance with the American
Disabilities Act, and interpretive services for the hearing impaired will be provided upon
prior notice. For information, call 425-430-6502.
k ltvti. • (t1c
Bonnie I. Walton
City Clerk
Published King County Journal
February 27, 2004
Account No. 50640
,. February 23,2004 �..r Renton City Council Minutes Page 53
ft
is posted on the City's website at www.ci.renton.wa.us, and her speech will
be recablecast on Cable Channel 21 beginning in March.
* More than 190 senior citizens celebrated Valentines Day at the Senior
Activity Center with lunch,entertainment, and a special recognition of 29
couples who have been married 50 years or more.
* Stop signs and one-truck-on-the-bridge-at-a-time signs have been installed
for the Monster Road Bridge in order to reduce loads and impacts to the
bridge while repairs are being designed.
Board/Commission: Vacant Mayor Keolker-Wheeler announced that there are several openings on various
Positions City boards,commissions and committees,and she encouraged interested
residents to apply.
CONSENT AGENDA Items on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the
listing.
Council Meeting Minutes of Approval of Council meeting minutes of February 9, 2004. Council concur.
February 9, 2004
Appointment: Municipal Arts Mayor Keolker-Wheeler appointed Linda Middlebrooks, 510 Seneca Ave. NW,
Commission Renton, 98055, to the Municipal Arts Commission to fill the unexpired three-
year term of Paul Webb, who has resigned(term to expire 12/31/2004). Refer
to Community Services Committee.
Development Services: Nicks Development Services Division recommended acceptance of the dedication of
Short Plat, ROW Dedication at additional right-of-way along Morris Ave. S. to fulfill a requirement of the
Morris Ave S, SHP-03-047 Nick's Short Plat(SHP-03-047). Council concur.
Planning: Auto Mall Area Sign Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning Department
Height Amendment recommended an amendment to the sign code to permit maximum sign heights
q 1 of 50 feet for auto dealerships with more than one acre of property in the Auto
f'f Mall area. Refer to Planning and Development Committee; set public hearing
for March 22, 2004.
Transportation: Trans-Valley Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of an agreement with
Corridor Traffic Management King County,Tukwila, and WSDOT for the design and construction of the
System Interlocal Agreement Trans-Valley Corridor Intelligent Traffic Management System. Renton's cost is
$50,000. Refer to Transportation(Aviation) Committee.
SAD: NE 2nd St Utility Systems Division requested preliminary authorization to establish the
NE 2nd St. Special Assessment District(SAD), and to proceed with
establishing the final SAD upon completion of construction of the sanitary
sewer facility in NE 2nd St. Installation estimate is $45,000. Council concur.
CAG: 02-048, North Talbot Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-02-048,North Talbot Pump Station
Pump Station Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final
Omega Contractors pay estimate in the amount of$544,commencement of 60-day lien period, and
release of retained amount of$10,279.92 to Omega Contractors, Inc.,
contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur.
MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL APPROVE
THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED.
CI'1`1"`OF RENTON COUNCIL AGENDA BILL
AI#:
Submitting Data: For Agenda of: February 23, 2004
Dept/Div/Board.. EDNSP
Staff Contact Gil Cerise Agenda Status
Consent X
Subject: Public Hearing..
Sign code amendment to permit taller signs for auto Correspondence..
dealerships with more than one acre of property in the Ordinance
Auto Mall Overlay Resolution
Old Business
Exhibits: New Business
Issue Paper Study Sessions
Information
Recommended Action: Approvals:
Refer to Planning and Development Committee Legal Dept
Set a Public Hearing for March 22, 2004 Finance Dept
Other
Fiscal Impact:
Expenditure Required... 0 Transfer/Amendment 0
Amount Budgeted 0 Revenue Generated 0
Total Project Budget 0 City Share Total Project.. 0
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
The proposed amendment adds 10 feet of height to the maximum sign height permitted for auto
dealers with over one acre of property in the Auto Mall.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Refer this item to the Planning and Development Committee to provide guidance to staff
regarding necessary sign code amendments within the Auto Mall area.
Rentonnet/agnbill/ bh
CITY OF RENTON
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, NEIGHBORHOODS,
AND STRATEGIC PLANNING DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 16,2004
TO: Don Persson, Council President
Members of the Renton City Council
VIA: t Mayor Kathy Keolker-Wheeler
FROM: Alex Pietsch,EDNSP Administrator
STAFF CONTACT: Gil Cerise, x6578 ���r `"`
SUBJECT: Auto Mall Sign Height Code Amendments
ISSUE:
Auto dealers within the Auto Mall are concerned about their visibility from nearby freeways and
arterials. Existing sign code governing signs within the Auto Mall area limit maximum height to 40 feet
within this area. Area dealers feel that 50 feet sign heights would improve their visibility from
surrounding freeways and arterials.
RECOMMENDATION:
• Amend the portion of the sign code applicable to motor vehicle dealerships over one acre of
contiguous ownership or control located within the Auto Mall Area to permit maximum sign heights
of 50 feet.
• Set an open public hearing date before the City Council for Monday,March 22,2004.
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
Existing Conditions. Auto dealers within the Auto Mall are concerned about their visibility from
nearby freeways and arterials. Existing sign code governing signs within the Auto Mall area state that a
freestanding sign may be a maximum of 40 feet or the height permitted within the zone,whichever is
less. The zone that predominates within the Auto Mall Area is the Commercial Arterial (CA)zone with
a maximum height of 50 feet. Therefore,maximum sign heights are 10 feet lower than maximum
building heights.
The Auto Mall was created at the junction of I-405 and SR-167 in order to increase visibility of and
improve access to auto dealerships in Renton for the regional market. Since its inception,the Auto Mall
has proved to be an economic asset to the City. With increased concerns over visibility heard from auto
dealerships in the area, staff believes that a modest height increase for auto dealership signs in this area
will help retain existing businesses and promote additional economic development for the City.
14010.
February 16, 2004
Page 2
Potential Code Amendments. Staff suggests amending the portion of the sign code applicable to
motor vehicle dealerships with over one acre of contiguous ownership or control located within the
Auto Mall Area. This would limit the taller signs to the larger auto dealerships located within the City's
Auto Mall Area. Auto dealerships with smaller areas of land or auto dealerships located outside of the
Auto Mall would still be limited to 40 feet tall signs. Staff estimates that under current property
ownership and configurations 11 auto dealerships would be able to take advantage of this taller sign
provision.
Staff proposes permitting maximum sign heights of 50 feet for larger auto dealerships located within the
Auto Mall Area. This would ensure that signs are no taller than the maximum building height permitted
in the zone. Also, the Auto Mall is outside of areas where sign heights of 50 feet would be a concern to
aircraft using the Renton Municipal Airport. A 50 foot height limit for larger auto dealerships would
further distinguish them and make those auto dealerships located further from the freeways and arterials
more visible to passing consumers.
The proposed code amendment complies with City policies supporting economic development and
support for retail activity within the City. The following policies support the proposed code
amendment:
Policy ED-8. Increase the retail sales tax base of the City.
The proposed taller sign would help increase the City's sales tax base. The Auto Mall provides a
significant amount of retail sales tax revenue for the City. This code amendment will encourage new
large auto dealerships to come to this part of the City,thus increasing the sales tax base of the City.
Policy ED-18. Retain existing and attract new businesses that generate consumer oriented commercial
activity.
The code amendment is expected to retain existing large auto dealers in the City's Auto Mall, as well as
attract new auto dealers. Auto dealerships are some of the largest consumer oriented commercial
activities. This code amendment helps ensure auto dealerships remain happy with the Auto Mall area.
Objective ED-E. Ensure a healthier regional economy.
The City's Auto Mall is also a source of revenue for the regional economy. The Auto Mall area
provides retails sales tax that supports State,regional, and County government functions and services.
In addition, the spin off effects of income generated from the auto mall helps ensure a healthy regional
economy. This code amendment ensures the City's Auto Mall continues in its role providing income
for the regional economy.
Conclusion:
Permitting an additional 10 feet of sign height within the Auto Mall Area for auto dealerships with one
acre or more of land would further distinguish the auto dealerships within this area, and increase
visibility of the large auto dealers from automobile traffic passing on I-405 and SR-167 (Rainier
Avenue). Limiting the taller signs to auto dealerships over one acre in size would prevent proliferation
of a large number of 50-foot signs in this area, and retain the larger auto dealerships which contribute so
much to the identity of the City's Auto Mall.
Auto mall sign issue paper.doc