Snohomish
No sign of agreement on changes to city code

By Judy Chia Hui Hsu
Times Snohomish County Bureau

DEAN RUTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES A battle over Snohomish's sign code began after this 34-foot-tall digital electronic sign was installed in January at a shopping center. A citizens panel has recommended banning electronic signs and lowering the height limit for other types of signs.

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Proposed changes to Snohomish's sign code have divided the city's residents.

A plan to ban electronic signs drew a standing-room-only crowd last week. Many people said they were concerned a ban would jeopardize the city's economic livelihood; others said prohibiting the signs would preserve the character of the community.

The Citizen Signage Committee issued an 18-page report last month that recommends banning all electronic signs and limiting the height of free-standing signs to 12 feet. The report aims to help the city update its entire sign code.

Committee member Karen Guzak said she wasn't surprised that some people have been alarmed by the recommendations.

"These issues were controversial within the committee," said Guzak, a yoga-studio owner who has lived in Snohomish for almost six years. The committee voted 5-3 in support of the proposed electronic-sign ban.

The contentious battle began after a 34-foot-tall digital electronic sign was installed at Kla Ha Ya Village in January. After residents complained, the City Council a month later passed a six-month moratorium on electronic signs taller than 20 feet.

But disagreement remains over how the municipal sign code should be interpreted. It limits free-standing signs to 35 feet and doesn't allow "blinking, flashing or fluttering" lights. Snohomish now has six electronic signs, including three approved by the city this year.

In July, Mayor Liz Loomis appointed the eight-member sign committee, which prepared the report after nearly three months of research and discussions led by John Owen, a consultant from Makers Architecture and Urban Design. Six of the members own businesses in Snohomish.

"We agonized over these issues," Guzak said. Although the vote was split, she added, there was a "great deal of consensus."

A City Council work session on signs is scheduled next month. A draft ordinance will be sent to the Planning Commission for a public hearing; the commission will then make recommendations to the council, which is scheduled to decide by the year's end.
 
The sign committee proposed that existing electronic signs conform to nearly a dozen new provisions, including brightness. If the city allowed additional electronic signs, the displays would be permitted only if they met new requirements.

The group recommended additional policy changes for A-board, free-standing, building and window signs. It also addressed the size and number of signs allowed for buildings.

Eldon Wexler, a managing member of Kace Investments, the owner and developer of Kla Ha Ya Village, said the proposed revisions would violate his constitutional rights.

"Let's write a sign ordinance that addresses its citizens, its residents and that's legal," he said.

Phil Morris, who has owned a Snohomish printing business for about 20 years, said he has had to compete with big companies, pay hefty taxes and face rising health-care costs.

"We're small businesses, we're struggling, and there's not a lot of ways to advertise other than signage," he said.

Not all business owners agree.

"Bigger isn't better," said Marija Mayo, an interior designer who supports the proposed ban on electronic displays. She also gave a brief lesson on the elements of design harmony.

"If you're good at what you do, you won't need an ostentatious sign," she said. "Your business will speak for itself."

Some, including lifelong Snohomish resident and business owner Gayle Campbell, are undecided about the issue.

"I'm of the mind that I want to hear all the facts before I make any decisions," she said.

Judy Chia Hui Hsu: 425-745-7809 or jhsu@seattletimes.com