With your constraints, I think you might want to consider large native shrubs (or bamboo) instead.

If you want some ideas for native shrubs, try these:
http://www.nwplants.com/plants/shrubs/ericaceae/vaccinium/index.html
http://www.nwplants.com/plants/trees/arbutus/arbutus_menziesii/index.html

Vine maple.

Azara or some Eucryphia species are small leafed evergreen, but a bit slow growing. Maybe you could find a larger specimen to start with. Not sure about the full sun for them though.
Evergreen Magnolia but it would make more shade.

Azara and eucryphia require mild oceanic climate. What area are you in, etgarnet? Evergreen magnolia is very messy.

thanks for the suggestions so far. I am in the Portland area. i received another recommendation for a little gem magnolia -- i didn't realize they were so messy. Ideally, I would prefer something with smaller leaves than a magnolia.
I love the look of vine maples, but don't they lose their leaves?

There are some evergreen viburnums that get tall.
V. cylindricum, cinnamomifolium, japonicum, rhytidophyllum....

Fargesia robusta, a evergreen clumping bamboo with small leaves. 14-16 feet tall, will get wide over time. You said not too wide but didn't say what was too wide. The up side of bamboo is you can remove or reduce the width of the plant without changing the look or character of the plant.

Yes, Vine Maples loose their leaves in winter.