Proposed Ordinance - 4/27/2023
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SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE
No. _____ of 2023
(An ordinance amending various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code
pertaining to Nonconforming Signs)
An ordinance amending various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code pursuant
to Petition No. PLNPCM2022-00984 pertaining to nonconforming signs.
WHEREAS, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission (“Planning Commission”) held a
public hearing on March 29, 2023 to consider a petition submitted by Mayor Erin Mendenhall
(“Applicant”) (Petition No. PLNPCM2022-0984) to amend various sections of Chapter 21A.46
(Zoning: Signs) of the Salt Lake City Code to modify regulations pertaining to nonconforming
signs; and
WHEREAS, at its March 29, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission voted in favor of
transmitting a positive recommendation to the Salt Lake City Council (“City Council”) on said
petition; and
WHEREAS, after a public hearing on this matter the City Council has determined that
adopting this ordinance is in the city’s best interests.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah:
SECTION 1. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.46.020. That
Section 21A.46.020 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Definitions) shall be, and hereby
is amended as follows:
a. Section 21A.46.020 is amended to delete the definition of “ALTERATION,
SIGN”.
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b. Section 21A.46.020 is amended to modify the definition of “ANIMATED SIGN”
to read as follows:
ANIMATED SIGN: A sign, excluding electronic changeable copy, which involves motion or
rotation of any part by mechanical or artificial means or which displays flashing or
intermittent lights.
c. Section 21A.46.020 is amended to modify the definition of “ELECTRONIC
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN” to read as follows:
ELECTRONIC CHANGEABLE COPY: The copy of a sign containing an electronically
generated message such as a public service, time, temperature and date, or a message center
or reader board, where different copy changes of a public service or commercial nature are
shown on the same lamp bank or message facility. The term “electronic changeable copy”
shall not be defined as a type of “animated sign” if the message displayed is fully readable
within three (3) seconds. Electronic changeable copy shall be considered, for the intents of
this chapter, a sign face type rather than a sign type.
SECTION 2. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Subsection 21A.46.030.A.
That Subsection 21A.46.030.A of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: General Sign Permit
Requirements: Sign Permit Required) shall be, and hereby is amended to read as follows:
A. Sign Permit Required: Except where exempted by the provisions of this chapter, it is
unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, locate or modify any on or off
premises sign within the city contrary to any provisions of this chapter without first
obtaining a sign permit from the building official. No sign shall be erected, constructed,
reconstructed, located or modified until the site plan for such sign has been approved and
a sign permit issued by the building official. Such permits shall be issued only to State of
Utah licensed contractors unless specifically exempted by the State of Utah.
SECTION 3. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.46.070. That
Section 21A.46.070 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: General Standards) shall be, and
hereby is amended to read as follows:
21A.46.070: GENERAL STANDARDS
A. Construction Standards:
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1. Applicable Regulations: All signs erected in the city after April 12, 1995, shall
comply with the current standards of the National Electrical Code, and adopted
building code, all provisions of this chapter and any other applicable provisions of
this title or other applicable regulations.
2. Engineering Required: All sign permit applications for freestanding signs shall be
engineered to conform with the applicable provisions of the adopted building code
and, where required by the building official, shall be accompanied by an engineering
drawing stamped and signed by a structural engineer licensed by the State attesting to
the adequacy of the proposed construction of the sign and its supports.
B. Ownership Shown on Signs: The name of the sign owner and sign erector of all signs
shall be in plain and public view. Signs not carrying such an imprint will be presumed to
be owned by the owner of the property on which the sign is located.
C. Clearance Between Sign and Ground: A minimum clearance of ten feet (10’) shall be
provided between the ground and the bottom of any pole, projecting sign or flag.
D. Signs Not to Constitute a Traffic Hazard: No sign shall be erected along any streets in
such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where by reason of
its position, shape, color or words, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be
confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device or block visibility for driveway
ingress or egress. (See also Subsection 21A.46.060.B of this chapter.)
E. Repair of Building Facades: A building facade damaged as the result of the removal,
repair, replacement or installation of any signs shall be repaired by the property owner
within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the damage.
F. Maintenance of Signs: Every sign shall be kept in good maintenance and repair. The
ground space within a radius of ten feet (10’) from the base of any freestanding sign shall
be kept free and clear of all weeds, rubbish and flammable material. The building official
shall inspect and enforce this section pursuant to the provisions of Section 21A.46.150 of
this chapter.
G. Sign Removal: The sign face identifying a discontinued use on the property shall be
removed from the property when the use is discontinued. The removal of nonconforming
signs shall be regulated by Section 21A.46.140.
H. Lights and Lighted Signs: No spotlight, floodlight or lighted sign shall be installed in any
way which will permit the rays of such sign’s light to penetrate beyond the property on
which such light or lighted sign is located in such a manner as to constitute a nuisance.
Signs alleged to be a nuisance, by reason of light, by the neighboring property owners or
tenants shall be subject to the zoning administrator’s review to consider the validity of the
nuisance complaint. If the sign is determined to be a nuisance, by reason of light, by the
zoning administrator, the owner of the sign shall be required by the zoning administrator
to take the appropriate corrective action.
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I. Height and Elevation of Building Signs: The height and elevation of building signs shall
conform with the following provisions:
1. Awning Signs: Awning signs shall not be located above the second floor level of the
building.
2. Flat Signs: Flat signs may extend a maximum of two feet (2’) above the roofline or
parapet wall of the building on which they are located.
3. Marquee and Canopy Signs: Marquee and canopy signs shall not be located above the
main entry level of the premises.
4. Nameplates: Nameplates shall not be located above the first floor level of the
building.
5. Projecting Building Signs: A projecting building sign shall not exceed the top of the
vertical building wall on which it is located.
6. Projecting Business Storefront Signs: A projecting business storefront sign shall be
located at the main pedestrian entry level of the building.
7. Projecting Parking Entry Signs: A projecting parking entry sign shall be located at the
parking entry level of the building.
8. Roof Signs: The height of the sign face of roof signs shall not exceed twenty percent
(20%) of the height of the building or ten feet (10’), whichever is less.
9. Wall Signs: Wall signs may extend to the top of the vertical building wall.
10. Window Signs: In the RB, RO, R-MU, CN and CB districts only, window signs shall
not be located above the first floor. In other districts where window signs are allowed,
they may be located on all floors.
11. Outdoor Television Monitor: Shall not be located above the second floor of the
building.
J. Signs on Public Property: Except for portable signs authorized pursuant to Section
21A.46.055 of this chapter, no sign shall be located on publicly owned land or inside
street rights of way, except signs erected by permission of an authorized public agency.
K. Extension of Building Signs: The following building signs shall be allowed to extend
beyond the face of buildings or structures in conformance with the following provisions:
1. Flat Signs: A flat sign, with no copy visible from the sides, may extend a maximum
of two feet (2’) from the face of the building, even when the extension extends over
the public right of way, subject to the city’s right of way encroachment policy.
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2. Projecting Building Signs: Projecting building signs may extend a maximum of six
feet (6’) from the face of the building but shall not extend over a public right of way,
except in the D-1 and D-4 zones as allowed in Section 21A.46.110 of this chapter.
3. Awning/Canopy Aand Marquee Signs: As authorized in other sections of this chapter.
L. Roof Signs: Roof signs shall conform to the following standards:
1. The height of the sign face of roof signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the
height of the building or ten feet (10’), whichever is less;
2. No guywires, braces or secondary supports visible from the ground shall be used;
3. Roof signs shall be designed to appear as extensions of the exterior building wall as
shown in Figure 21A.46.020 of this chapter or be located on the elevator/mechanical
penthouse or, on buildings taller than one hundred feet (100’), may be located on
blank walls at the highest inhabitable level; and
4. Roof signs shall not exceed the maximum permitted height for the zoning district in
which it is located.
M. Marquees: Marquees designed to project over public property shall:
1. Frontage Requirement: Extend across a major portion of the building entrance.
2. Height Limitation: Be located on the main entry level of the premises.
3. Thickness: Have a vertical face height or cross section dimension not exceeding three
feet (3’).
4. Clearance: Have a clearance of at least ten feet (10’) above the sidewalk.
5. Projection: Extend a maximum of twelve feet (12’) from the face of the building but
must not project closer than two feet (2’) to the back of the curb.
6. Location: Be so located as not to interfere with the operation of any exterior standpipe
or to obstruct the clear passage of stairways or exits from the building.
7. Shelter: In order to provide pedestrian shelter, a marquee shall have its first six feet
(6’) of projection form a rectangle with the sides ninety degrees (90°) to the building
face and the plane at least six feet (6’) from the building parallel with the front
property line. The remaining projection of the marquee can assume a configuration
compatible with the architecture of the building.
N. Marquee Signs: Signs attached to an approved marquee, as specified in Subsection N of
this section, may extend over public property a maximum of twelve inches (12”) from the
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face of the marquee. Copy is allowed on the sides of the marquee. Signs placed within or
below the ceiling of a marquee shall not extend beyond the marquee face and shall be
placed within the vertical plane of the marquee. Within a commercial or downtown
district, a permanent sign or letters may be attached to the top of, or fascia of, or within or
below the ceiling of an approved marquee, subject to the following standards:
1. Vertical Dimension: Overall vertical dimensions of the combined sign and marquee
shall not exceed five feet (5’).
2. Height of Sign: The height of the sign or letters shall not exceed two feet (2’).
3. No Side Copy: Signs attached to marquees shall have no copy on the side portion of
the sign.
4. Clearance: Signs attached to marquees shall maintain the minimum ten foot (10’)
clearance required for the marquee.
O. New Development Sign: New development signs shall be permitted during construction
through initial occupancy of ninety five percent (95%) of floor space for a nonresidential
development and through ninety five percent (95%) initial unit occupancy for a
residential development. New development signs shall be removed upon two (2) years of
use, regardless of the level of occupancy. See Sections 21A.46.080 through 21A.46.120
of this chapter for zoning district limitations on size, height and location of new
development signs.
P. Temporary Signs: Temporary signs shall comply with the following standards:
1. Required Setback: All temporary signs shall be set back five feet (5’) from all
property lines, except where displayed as building signs on buildings set back less
than five feet (5’) or where the sign setback is otherwise specified in this title.
2. Display Period and Removal: Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with
the standards set forth below for display period and removal, unless specified
otherwise in this title:
Sign Type1 Display Period Removal Required 3 Days
After
Construction impact
area mitigation sign
Per city guidelines2 Per city guidelines2
Construction sign Duration of construction Completion
Garage/yard sale sign 2 sales per year (7days
maximum per sale)
End of sale
Political sign No limit Election/voting day
Public event banner (on
public property)
Per city guidelines Per city guidelines
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Real estate sign Duration of listing Closing/lease
commencement date
Special event Duration of event End of event
Vacancy sign Duration of vacancy Date of lease or of purchase
and sale contract
Notes:
1. See Sections 21A.46.080 through 21A.46.120 of this chapter for zoning district
limitations on the size, height and location of temporary signs.
2. See Section 21A.46.180, “Construction Impact Area Mitigation Signs”, of this
chapter.
Q. Flags of Fraternal, Religious or Civic Organizations: Flags of fraternal, religious and
civic organizations are permitted as on premises signs, but shall not exceed thirty (30)
square feet in area.
R. Official Flags: Official flags shall not project over a property line, except within the D-1
and D-4 Zoning Districts, where official flags are allowed to project up to eight feet (8’)
across the property line, but not within two feet (2’) of the curb line. The pole support
must be attached directly to the building and located so that all portions of the flag clear
the pedestrian level of the building. Flags shall not interfere with street trees, light poles,
utility lines, etc., and shall maintain a ten foot (10’) clearance from the sidewalk.
S. Freeway Height Exception: The height of on premises pole signs located on properties
adjacent to I-15, I-80, I-215 and the 2100 South Expressway (State Route 201) may be
increased to a height of twenty five feet (25’) above the pavement grade of the adjacent
freeway if the sign is freeway oriented and located within three hundred feet (300’) of the
freeway.
T. Freeway Frontage: Freeways shall be considered street frontage for signage purposes,
except for monument signs. Pole signs approved on freeway frontage shall be limited to
seventy five percent (75%) of the maximum size allowed for the zone. Reduced size pole
signs shall be interchangeable with other pole signs on the same site.
U. Historic District Signs: The historic landmark commission may authorize, as a minor
alteration modification to an existing sign or the size or placement of a new sign in a
historic district or on a landmark site, including placement of a sign type not allowed in
the underlying zone, if the applicant can demonstrate that the location, size and/or design
of the proposed sign is compatible with the design period or theme of the historic
structure or district and/or will cause less physical damage to the historically significant
structure. If a sign in a local historic district or on a landmark site has been designated a
vintage sign as per Section 21A.46.125 of this chapter, the modifications allowed in that
section may be authorized by the historic landmark commission subject to the appropriate
standards of Section 21A.34.020 of this title.
V. Sign Area Determination: Sign face area square footage shall be determined as follows:
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1. Flat Signs (Excluding Letter Signs and Backlit Awnings) and Wall Signs: The entire
surface of the sign face shall be measured.
2. Backlit Awnings and Letter Signs: A polygon, not to exceed eight (8) sides, shall be
drawn around the copy area to enclose as nearly as possible the space covered by the
copy.
3. All Signs: Words, symbols, letters, images, logos and all other designs that are
intended to convey a message shall be included in calculating the sign face area.
Colors, stripes and other designs that are not intended to convey a message shall not
be included.
SECTION 4. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Subsection 21A.46.080.A.4.
That Subsection 21A.46.080.A.4 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Sign Regulations
for Residential Districts: Sign Regulations for Single-Family and Two-Family Residential
Districts: Supplementary Regulations) shall be, and hereby is amended to read as follows:
4. Supplementary Regulations:
a. Signs for Nonconforming Business Uses: Signs for permitted nonconforming
business uses shall conform to Subsection 21A.46.090.A.4 of this chapter, sign
regulations for the CN district, but shall not be internally illuminated.
b. Illumination: Signs for residential uses shall not be internally illuminated, except
for new development signs and development entry signs.
SECTION 5. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Subsection 21A.46.110.A.3.b.
That Subsection 21A.46.110.A.3.b of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Sign Regulations
for Downtown Districts: Sign Regulations for the D-1 and D-4 Downtown Districts: Sign Type,
Size and Height Standards: Sports Arena Located on the Block between South Temple and 100
South Between 300 and 400 West Streets) shall be, and hereby is amended to read as follows:
b. Sports Arena Located on the Block Between South Temple and 100 South
Between 300 and 400 West Streets:
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STANDARDS FOR THE SPORTS ARENA LOCATED ON THE BLOCK
BETWEEN SOUTH TEMPLE AND 100 SOUTH BETWEEN 300 AND 400
WEST STREETS
Types of Signs
Permitted7
Maximum
Area per
Sign Face
Maximum
Height
of
Freestanding
Signs1
Minimum
Setback2
Number of
Signs
Permitted
per Sign
Type
Awning/canopy
signs
5 square feet
per linear
foot of
canopy length
(sign area
only)
Shall not be
located
above the
second
floor level of
the
building for
both
awning and
canopy
signs
May
extend 6
feet
from face
of building
but not
within 2
feet
from back
of curb
1 per first
floor
window/door,
may
be combined
with
adjacent
doors/
windows
Flat sign
(general
building
orientation)
5 square feet
per linear
foot of
building face
See note 1 n/a 1 per building
face
Flat sign
(storefront
orientation)
Flat sign
(storefront
orientation)
See note 1 n/a 3 per business
storefront
Flat sign
display,
electronic
changeable
copy3
No larger
than 1,400
square feet
per sign
See note 1 n/a 5 per city
block
Freestanding
sign, electronic
changeable
copy4
Not more
than 1,600
square feet
per sign,
which may be
located in a
continuous
round display
45 feet n/a 2 per city
block
Monument sign 3 square feet
per linear foot
of street
frontage
20 feet None 5 per street
frontage
10
Private
directional
sign5
100 square
feet
20 feet No setback No limit
Roof surface
sign
30,000 square
feet6
n/a n/a 1 per roof
surface
Special event
light pole sign
10 square feet 20 feet n/a 2 per light
pole
Special event
sign
Sign may
cover up to
60% of total
building face7
May not
exceed the
height of
building
n/a 1 per street
frontage
Window sign 90% of total
frontage
window area
(interior or
exterior) for
sports arena
events, not to
exceed 6
months in
duration for
each calendar
year unless
otherwise
allowed by
the zoning
administrator.
No Limit n/a No Limit
Notes:
1. For height limits on building signs, see Subsection 21A.46.070.J of this
chapter.
2. Public property lease and insurance required for projection over property line.
3. Flat sign, electronic changeable copy may display static or rotating messages
or operate as outdoor television monitors.
4. An advertising face on a freestanding sign with electronic changeable copy
that is not oriented to a public street may be operated to allow full motion
video display. Displays oriented to a public street must not allow animation,
may change no more frequently than every 8 seconds and must complete each
transition within 1 second.
5. Private directional sign may include electronic changeable copy within the
sign area.
6. To be located on the horizontal plane of a roof surface, primarily viewable
from planes and surrounding buildings located above the arena.
7. Advertising or corporate logos are limited to on premises advertising of sports
arena events and sponsors only.
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SECTION 6. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Subsection 21A.46.120.E.4.b.
That Subsection 21A.46.120.E.4.b of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Sign Regulations
for Special Purpose Districts: Sign Regulations for the UI, PL, PL-2, I, UI, OS and NOS
Districts: Sign Type, Size and Height Standards for the PL, PL-2 and I Districts: Standards for
the Ballpark Located on the Southeast Corner of 1300 South and West Temple) shall be, and
hereby is amended to read as follows:
b. Standards for the Ballpark Located on the Southeast Corner of 1300 South and
West Temple: Flat signs, construction signs, political signs, real estate signs, new
development signs, window signs, public safety signs, and nameplates shall
comply with the table for standards for the PL, PL-2 and I Districts.
Types of
Signs
Permitted
Maximum
Area per
Sign Face
Maximum
Height of
Freestanding
Signs1
Minimum
Setback2
Number of
Signs
Permitted
Awning
signs
1 square foot
per linear
foot of
awning
See note 1 May extend
6 feet from
face of
building, 2
feet from
back of curb
face5
1 per first
floor
door/window
and not to
extend beyond
1 foot on each
side of the
door or
window width
Monument
signs3,4
60 square
feet of total
sign face
area
including a
base. The
base shall be
25% of the
sign height
8 feet 10 feet 1 per building
frontage
Pole signs
(triangle
frame
structure)
180 square
feet per gross
sign face.
540 square
feet for the
structure
30 feet No sign
projection
over the
property line
1 pole sign
which allows
4 sign panels
per sign face,
1 of which
may contain
electronic
12
changeable
copy4 and 1
logo sign (12
total signs for
the triangular
pole sign)
Private
direction
signs3
8 square feet
of total sign
face area
including a
base. The
base shall be
25% of the
sign height
4 feet 2 feet behind
property
lines
2 per
driveway
approach and
as necessary
for pedestrian
direction
Notes:
1. For limits on the height of building signs, see Subsection 21A.46.070.J of this
chapter.
2. Not applicable to temporary signs mounted as flat signs.
3. Modified from the standards for the PL, PL-2 and I Districts and required for
the Ballpark Overlay District.
4. Electronic changeable copy shall only be permitted on arterial street frontages.
Electronic changeable copy panels shall not exceed 50 square feet.
5. Public property lease and insurance required for projection over property line.
SECTION 7. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.46.140. That
Section 21A.46.140 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Nonconforming Signs) shall be,
and hereby is amended to read as follows:
21A.46.140: NONCONFORMING SIGNS
A. Applicability: The regulations in this section shall apply to all nonconforming signs with
the following exceptions:
1. Vintage signs shall be regulated by Section 21A.46.125 of this chapter.
2. Billboards shall be regulated by Section 21A.46.160 of this chapter.
B. Modifications: A sign permit may be issued for modifications to a nonconforming sign
provided the modifications do not increase the level of nonconformity of such sign. This
includes changes to dimensional standards, location, or the replacement of any part of the
sign structure. This provision does not apply in the case of:
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1. Any modification that is necessary due to a government action that results in the
relocation or alteration of a sign, including signs that would become nonconforming
due to the government action, are permitted.
C. Maintenance: Nonconforming signs shall be maintained as defined in Section
21A.46.020, including the temporary removal of the sign for repairs and other routine
maintenance. The sign shall be reinstalled in the same location and in the same manner or
relocated to a location that increases the level of conformity.
D. Sign Removal:
1. The sign face identifying a discontinued use on the property shall be removed from
the property when the use is discontinued.
2. Nonconforming sign structures may remain on the property but shall be re-used to
advertise on-site goods or services within one year or will be considered abandoned.
An abandoned sign shall be removed in accordance with Subsection 21A.46.150.E
with the following exception:
a. The zoning administrator may extend the one-year period if the property owner
provides evidence that the property was marketed for occupancy at least once
every calendar year.
E. Restoration of Signs:
1. Voluntarily Removed Signs: Unless authorized by Subsections 21A.46.140.B or
21A.46.140.C above, a nonconforming sign voluntarily removed from the property by
the property owner or property owner’s representative shall not be restored unless it is
restored to conform with the regulations of this title.
2. Involuntarily Destroyed Signs: If a nonconforming sign is involuntarily destroyed in
whole or in part due to fire or other calamity, the sign may be restored to its original
condition with respect to size, setback, height, and other nonconforming dimensional
standards of the zoning district in which the sign is located, provided such work is
started within one year, unless a longer time frame is approved by the building
official, after such calamity.
SECTION 8. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.46.150. That
Section 21A.46.150 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Permits, Inspection and
Enforcement) shall be, and hereby is amended to read as follows:
21A.46.150: PERMITS, INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT:
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A. Enforcement by Building Official: The building official shall have the authority to
enforce these sign regulations. In the performance of that duty, the building official may:
1. Issue Permits: Issue permits to construct, modify or repair signs which conform to the
provisions of this chapter;
2. Determine Conformance: Ascertain that all signs, construction, and all reconstruction
or modifications of existing signs are built or constructed or modified in conformance
with the provisions of these sign regulations and all other regulations incorporated
herein by reference;
3. Require Inspection Tags: Require that each sign located in the city requiring a sign
permit have affixed to the sign or its supports a current inspection tag visible from the
sidewalk or nearest convenient location. This inspection tag shall be issued pursuant
to the procedures for sign inspections, set forth in Subsection B of this section;
4. Issue Citations and Complaints: Issue citations and/or file complaints against
violators of these sign regulations;
5. Confiscate Signs: Confiscate signs located on public property in accordance with the
provisions of Subsection H of this section.
B. Inspection Requirements: The building official shall have the authority to inspect signs as
follows:
1. Initial Inspection After Construction: The building official shall make an initial
inspection prior to footings being poured on a freestanding sign, and upon the
completion of construction, erection, re-erection or remodeling of any sign for which
a permit has been issued and an inspection request is made.
2. Issuance of Inspection Tag: Upon completion of the sign inspection, the building
official shall issue the appropriate inspection tag to the owner or sign contractor if the
sign is found to conform to the provisions of this chapter. The presence of a current
inspection tag shall serve as certification that the sign to which it is affixed conforms
to the provisions of this chapter at the time of its erection and tagging.
3. Tag Data: Each sign inspection tag shall include the permit number and shall be
recorded in the office of the building official as to the sign type, size, cost of
construction, date of sign permit, and owner’s and sign contractor’s name and
address.
4. Tag Installation: The inspection tag shall be installed by the sign owner, or sign
contractor taking out the permit.
5. Inspection: The building official shall conduct an inspection of signs. If the building
official finds any sign which has no visible inspection tag, has a visible inspection tag
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but is in need of repair, or violates any provision of this chapter, the building official
may take the necessary legal action as specified in Subsections D through I of this
section.
C. Legal Actions Authorized: The building official may take any appropriate action or
institute any proceeding in any case where any sign is erected, constructed, reconstructed,
modified, repaired, converted or maintained, or in any case where any sign is used in
violation of these sign regulations or any other city ordinance, in order to accomplish the
following purposes:
1. To prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, modification, repair,
conversion, maintenance or use of a sign; and
2. To restrain, to correct, or to abate such violation.
D. Notice of Violation: The building official may provide written notice of violation by
registered mail to the owner of the property where the sign is located or person having
charge or control or benefit of any sign found by the building official to be unsafe or
dangerous, or in violation of these sign regulations or of any other city ordinance.
E. Nonmaintained or Abandoned Signs: The building official may require each
nonmaintained or abandoned sign to be removed from the building or premises when
such sign has not been repaired or put into use by the owner, person having control or
person receiving benefit of such structure within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of
nonmaintenance or abandonment is given to the owner, person having control or person
receiving the benefit of such structure.
F. Unsafe or Dangerous Signs: If an unsafe or dangerous sign is not repaired or made safe
within five (5) working days after the building official gives notice pursuant to
Subsection D of this section, the building inspector may abate and remove the sign, and
the person having charge, control or benefit of any such sign shall pay to the city the
costs incurred in such removal within thirty (30) calendar days after written notice is
mailed to such person.
G. Illegal Signs: If an illegal sign is not brought into compliance with the provisions of these
sign regulations within thirty (30) working days after the building official gives notice
pursuant to Subsection D of this section, the building inspector may abate and remove the
sign, and the owner, person having charge, control or benefit of any such sign shall pay to
the city the costs incurred in such removal within thirty (30) calendar days after written
notice is mailed to such person.
H. Confiscation of Signs: The building official shall immediately confiscate any sign located
on public property in violation of these sign regulations or any other city ordinances.
Confiscated signs shall be stored at a location determined by the building official for a
period of thirty (30) days, during which time the owner or person having charge, control
or benefit of the confiscated sign may redeem the sign after payment of fifty dollars
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($50.00) and any applicable civil fines established pursuant to Chapter 21A.20 of this
title. The city shall not be liable for damages incurred to signs as a result of their
confiscation. In addition to civil penalties sign owners and persons having charge, control
or benefit of any sign erected in violation of this chapter shall be liable for any damages
caused to public property, public facilities or public utilities by reason of the placement,
attachment and/or removal of such unlawful signs. Signs not redeemed within thirty (30)
days shall be destroyed.
I. Violation/Penalty: Any person whether acting as owner or occupant of the premises
involved, or contractor, or otherwise, who violates or refuses to comply with any of the
provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be
punished as provided in Section 1.12.050 of this code. A separate offense shall be
deemed to be committed on each day an offense occurs or continues.
SECTION 9. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.60.020. That
Section 21A.60.020 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: List of Terms: List of Defined Terms)
shall be, and hereby is amended as follows:
a. Section 21A.60.020 is amended to delete the term “Alteration, sign”.
b. Section 21A.60.020 is amended to modify the term “Electronic changeable copy
sign” to read as follows:
Electronic changeable copy. See Chapter 21A.46 of this title.
SECTION 10. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective on the date of its
first publication.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this ___ day of ____________, 2023.
______________________________
CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST AND COUNTERSIGN:
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________.
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Mayor’s Action: _______Approved. _______Vetoed.
______________________________
MAYOR
______________________________
CITY RECORDER
(SEAL)
Bill No. ________ of 2023.
Published: ______________.
Ordinance regulating nonconforming signs (final)
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office
Date:___________________________
By: ___________________________________
Paul C. Nielson, Senior City Attorney
April 7, 2023