Permissible Signs vary by type and zoning. See the FAQ below for details on regulations for various types of signage.The citizens of Newberg desire a clean, attractive, economically vibrant, and safe community. Well-planned and constructed signs can contribute to the community’s success by directing and informing the public about commercial and other activities, and by creating attractive commercial and other neighborhoods. On the other hand, unregulated signage can create clutter, distractions, and hazards. For questions regarding signs, contact the Planning Department.
Signs fall into two general categories:
- Signs Requiring a Permit (see below for regulations and permit application)
- Non-permitted Signs - Do not require a permit but must otherwise comply with standards outlined in the City's Sign Code NMC 15.435
- Minor freestanding signs
- Minor attached signs
- Temporary signs
- Portable signs (except as stated in NMC 15.435.105)
- Flag Display (two allowed on each street frontage, except as authorized by NMC 15.435.100(C))
Signs Requiring a Permit
The Sign Application packet below includes:
- Development code regulations for signs within the city
- Planning Division review application
- Building permit application for the proposed sign
A. All signs shall comply with the standards contained in the current edition of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code. If the standards of that code and this development code conflict, this development code shall prevail. All signs shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation as required under the current edition of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.
B. No sign shall have bright or flashing lights shining on a public way that blind or impair the vision of drivers. No sign shall be constructed such that it may be confused with any traffic sign, signal or device.
C. In the C-3 zone, animated signs are prohibited.
D. All signs shall comply with the vision clearance standards of NMC 15.410.060.
E. Signs located in the airport overlay subdistrict shall comply with the height and visual interference restrictions of that district. [Ord. 2782 § 1 (Exh. A), 9-8-15; Ord. 2731 § 3, 10-18-10; Ord. 2565, 4-1-02; Ord. 2561, 4-1-02; Ord. 2499, 11-2-98. Code 2001 § 151.593.]
Non-Permitted Signs
Any sign supported by structures or supports that are anchored or inserted in the ground and that are independent from any other building or structure. Freestanding signs are of two types:
Minor Freestanding. A freestanding sign that is less than or equal to six square feet in area (three square feet in residential zones) and three feet in height.
Major Freestanding. All other freestanding signs.
Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted to a freestanding sign. Attached signs are of two types:Minor Attached. A sign not to exceed six square feet in area (three square feet in residential zones) that does not extend above the roof line of the building it is attached to.
Major Attached. All other attached signs.
Time limits:
- Grand Opening
- Up to 30 days after opening
- Other Events
- Up to 2 other events a year no more than 8 days each and no less than 30 days apart
- An unlimited number of temporary signs are allowed during the event
- Flags
- An unlimited number of flags are permitted on Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Labor Day, Flag Day, Peace Officers Day, the Friday of the Camellia Festival, the Friday of the Old Fashioned Festival, on days when flags are normally flown at half-mast, or on any festival day designated by the Newberg city council.
A "portable" sign means any sign not inserted in or attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to: - signs designed to be transported by means of wheels
- signs connected to A- or T-frames
- menu and sandwich board signs
- umbrellas, balloons, flags, or banners containing signs
- signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said sign is permanently affixed to the vehicle and said vehicle is licensed for movement on public streets
One or more flags attached to a single pole. Two allowed on each street frontage, except as authorized in the Temporary signage regulations (NMC 15.435.100(C)).
A. All signs shall comply with the standards contained in the current edition of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code. If the standards of that code and this development code conflict, this development code shall prevail. All signs shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation as required under the current edition of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.
B. No sign shall have bright or flashing lights shining on a public way that blind or impair the vision of drivers. No sign shall be constructed such that it may be confused with any traffic sign, signal or device.
C. In the C-3 zone, animated signs are prohibited.
D. All signs shall comply with the vision clearance standards of NMC 15.410.060.
E. Signs located in the airport overlay subdistrict shall comply with the height and visual interference restrictions of that district. [Ord. 2782 § 1 (Exh. A), 9-8-15; Ord. 2731 § 3, 10-18-10; Ord. 2565, 4-1-02; Ord. 2561, 4-1-02; Ord. 2499, 11-2-98. Code 2001 § 151.593.]
