17.62.120 Exceptions.
A. Applications for an Exception shall be heard by the planning commission, which may authorize exceptions from the requirements of this chapter where it can be shown that, owing to special and unusual circumstances related to a specific piece of property, strict application of this chapter would cause an undue or unnecessary hardship as set forth in subsections B and C of this section, except that no exception shall be granted pursuant to subsection B of this section to allow a sign or a type of signage which is prohibited by MMC 17.62.050 of this chapter. In granting an exception the commission may attach conditions which it finds necessary to protect the best interests of the surrounding property or neighborhood or otherwise achieve the purposes of this chapter.
B. An exception may be granted if the property owner established that:
1. An exception is necessary to prevent an unnecessary hardship due to factors such as topography, location, surrounding development, lot shape or lot size; and
2. The granting of the exception will not result in material damage or prejudice to other property in the vicinity; and
3. The request will not be detrimental to community standards and the appearance of the city.
C. An exception may be granted if the property owner establishes that the strict enforcement of the ordinance will either:
1. Deny the owner of all economically viable use of the property on which the sign is located; or
2. Substantially interfere with the owner’s use and enjoyment of the property on which the sign is located
D. Exceptions shall not be granted for the convenience of the applicant or for the convenience of regional or national businesses which wish to use a standard sign size.
E. The city council shall stand as an appeal board. An appeal from a ruling of the commission must be filed within 15 days of the date said ruling is rendered. (Ord. 5013 §1, 2016).