Possible changes to Issaquah sign code

The city of Issaquah's Planning Policy Commission is considering updates to the codes which regulate signs in the city.

Included in the updates is a change to allow 'coming soon' signs. Previously not allowed by the city's code, the proposed change would allow the often requested 'coming soon' signs under the existing requirement used for construction and contractor signs.

An administrative change to the update would create a sign permit timeline. Modeled after the building permit timeline, this would specify how long a sign is permitted for, and how long extensions would last when given.

The updated code also creates a specific section for sign requirements dealing with automobile service stations. In the older version of the city's regulations this information was scattered in several different sections, making it difficult to find, according to the city.

Finally, larger retail developments with monument signs displaying which businesses are located in the center will need to include the name of the center, according to the proposed changes.

Only retail developments with three or more tenants will be required to do so under this proposed rule.

The city continues to work on other sections of the sign code, which were not discussed by the PCC on Thursday evening. Those areas include temporary signs, address signs and permanent wall signs.

Based on conversations with the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce and business owners, the city does not plan to make any changes to the sign illumination, tenant directory signs, nor do are changes planned for portion of the sign code dealing with flags.