Wenatchee Adopts Updated Sign Code

The Wenatchee City Council voted Thursday night to adopt an updated sign code for the city.

Community Development Director Glen DeVries stated there had been a lot of public interest and input during the process, especially from local businesses. The city's planning commission held open houses, formed a stakeholder group, and hosted workshops for both the planning commission as well as the city council.

Despite complaints from some business owners, the overall feeling from those that submitted input in one form or another was that the city should deal with non-complying signs much more harshly. However, the city council decided upon a more even-handed approach.

"There were a variety of options on the table." DeVries said, "A survey was conducted with about 500 submittals. There was strong support (for the city) to work hard on moving forward on a new signage approach, but ultimately the planning commission recommended something in the middle."

The ordinance that was adopted Thursday night should create a much more clear cut, predictable process going forward.

But what about the current signs?

If a business' sign meets the city's criteria is to be considered a historic sign, then the sign owner need not worry (provided they don't alter the sign to the point of no longer meeting compliance).

However, a non-conforming sign will survive only as long as the business that presently maintains it, for the most part.

"For those non-conforming signs, at the change from one business to a new business, the non-conforming sign must be replaced at that time," added DeVries.

The new ordinance is filled with minor changes to the previously existing code. A copy of the ordinance can be found within the 306-page agenda packet here.

Some of the changes include a reduction in pole signs and alterations to the rules regarding temporary signage.

DeVries said that some issues in the city's previous sign code will be addressed later with the idea that the city will make changes over time.