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Department of Community and Economic Development
Planning Division
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY/CODE INTERPRETATION
ADMINISTRATIVE
POLICY/CODE
INTERPRETATION #: CI-145
MUNICIPAL
CODE SECTIONS: RMC 4-11-030 Definitions C
REFERENCE: N/A
SUBJECT: Clear Vision Area
BACKGROUND: In order to preserve visual lines-of-sight for vehicles or pedestrians
approaching an intersection, corner lots are required to maintain a clear
vision area. The clear vision area is defined as an area bounded by the
street property lines of corner lots and a line joining points along said
street lines 20’ from the their point of intersection. Structures or plants in
the defined areas are limited to a maximum height in order to ensure
adequate visibility at the intersection.
The residential, commercial, and industrial development standards in
RMC 4-2 Zoning Districts – Uses and Standards and the fence standards in
RMC 4-4-040 Fences, Hedges, and Retaining Walls specifically reference
42 inches as the maximum height for structures in the Clear Vision Area .
Therefore, staff has generally applied the 42 inch height limit when
reviewing building permits that may impact the Clear Vision Area.
While the majority of code sections reference 42 inches as the maximum
height limit allowed for structures in the clear vision area, two sections of
code reference a different standard that is not used by staff. Under the
definition of Clear Vision Area in RMC 4-11-030 Definitions C, a diagram
illustrating the method of calculating the clear vision area contains text
referencing a maximum structure or plant height of three feet (or 36
inches). In addition, language under the section “Prohibited Signs and
Devices” in RMC 4-4-100 Sign Regulations prohibits signs between three
and ten feet in height when located within the clear vision area. In order
to ensure consistency in both the application and understanding of the
clear vision area, all sections of code should use the 42-inch maximum
height limit for structures referenced in the various development
standards.
CI-145 Page 2 of 4
DECISION: Amend the definition of “Clear Vision Area” in RMC 4-11-030 Definitions
C to allow a maximum structure height of 42 inches in the clear vision
area by removing the ambiguous text in the graphic and amend the
language under “Prohibited Signs and Devices” in RMC 4-4-100 Sign
Regulations to allow a maximum sign height of 42 inches in the clear
vision area.
JUSTIFICATION: Changing the maximum height limit in the definition of Clear Vision Area
under RMC 4-11-030 Definitions C will ensure the two code sections are
consistent.
ADMINISTRATOR
APPROVAL: _______________________________________
C. E. “Chip” Vincent
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 19, 2018
APPEAL
PROCESS: To appeal this determination, a written appeal--accompanied by the
required filing fee--must be filed with the City's Hearing Examiner (1055
South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057, 425-430-6515) no more than 14
days from the date of this decision. Your submittal should explain the
basis for the appeal. Section 4-8-110 of the Renton Municipal Code
provides further information on the appeal process.
DISCLAIMER: Excerpts from the Renton Municipal Code shown below may not contain the most
recently codified text. In such instances, code amendments implemented through this
Administrative Code Interpretation shall be construed to affect the current code and past/future
Administrative Code Interpretations not yet codified in the same manner as shown below.
Should any conflicts result the Administrator shall determine the effective code.
CODE
AMENDMENTS
NEEDED TO
IMPLEMENT
DETERMINATIONS:
RMC 4-11-030 Definitions C
CI-145 Page 3 of 4
THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT FOR ANY STRUCTURE OR
PLANTING IN THE CLEAR VISION AREA SHALL BE 42
INCHES
CLEAR VISION AREA: The area bounded by the street property lines of corner lots and a line
joining points along said street lines twenty feet (20') from their point of intersection.
RMC 4-4-100 Sign Regulations
C. PROHIBITED SIGNS AND DEVICES:
The following signs or devices are specifically prohibited:
1. Signs Which Violate State Regulations: All signs not complying with the Washington State
Highway Department regulations abutting State roads. (Ord. 4629, 8 -19-1996; Ord. 5676, 12-3-
2012)
2. Signs Which Interfere with Traffic Control: Any sign using the words “stop”, “look”, “danger”
or any other word, symbol or character which might confuse traffic or detract from any legal
traffic control device. No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to confine or obstruct the
view or interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal or device. (Ord. 4629, 8-19-1996; Amd.
Ord. 4720, 5-4-1998)
3. Animated, Revolving, Blinking and Flashing Signs:
a. Outside City Center: All of the following signs located within seventy five feet (75') of
the public right-of-way with any of the following features: animated, revolving more than
eight (8) revolutions per minute, blinking and flashing. Exceptions are public service signs,
such as those which give the time, temperature and/or humidity, and electronic message
boards/signs for public facilities and car dealers located within the Automall Area(s). (Ord.
4629, 8-19-1996, Amd. Ord. 4724, 5-11-1998; Ord. 4766, 3-1-1999).
CI-145 Page 4 of 4
b. Inside City Center Sign Regulation Area Boundaries: In the City Center, all of the
following signs with any of the following features: animated, revolving, blinking and
flashing. Exceptions are public service signs, such as those which give the time,
temperature and/or humidity, and barber poles.
4. Devices of a Carnival Nature: Balloons, flags, pennants/streamers, wind-animated objects,
searchlights, inflatable statuary, and similar devices of a carnival nature except as specifically
provided in subsections B6, Exemptions from Permit Requirements, and J6, Event Signs, of this
Section. (Amd. Ord. 4848, 6-26-2000)
5. Banners and Rigid Portable Signs: Banners and rigid portable signs or any similar sign which
is not permanently mounted, except for those signs specifically permitted by subsections B6,
Exceptions from Permit Requirements, and J, Temporary Signs, of this Section. (Amd. Ord. 4832,
3-6-2000; Ord. 4848, 6-26-2000)
6. Signs Which Obscure Vision: There shall be no signs over forty-two inches (42”) in height
allowed within twenty feet (20') of intersections or driveways. which shall obscure vision
between the height of three feet (3') and ten feet (10') of the street or driveway grade
STAFF CONTACT: Alex Morganroth, Associate Planner x7219