Legislative Version Ordinance - 4/27/2023
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LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE 1
No. _____ of 2023 2
3
(An ordinance amending various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code 4
pertaining to Nonconforming Signs) 5
6
An ordinance amending various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code pursuant 7
to Petition No. PLNPCM2022-00984 pertaining to nonconforming signs. 8
WHEREAS, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission (“Planning Commission”) held a 9
public hearing on March 29, 2023 to consider a petition submitted by Mayor Erin Mendenhall 10
(“Applicant”) (Petition No. PLNPCM2022-0984) to amend various sections of Chapter 21A.46 11
(Zoning: Signs) of the Salt Lake City Code to modify regulations pertaining to nonconforming 12
signs; and 13
WHEREAS, at its March 29, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission voted in favor of 14
transmitting a positive recommendation to the Salt Lake City Council (“City Council”) on said 15
petition; and 16
WHEREAS, after a public hearing on this matter the City Council has determined that 17
adopting this ordinance is in the city’s best interests. 18
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah: 19
20
SECTION 1. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.46.020. That 21
Section 21A.46.020 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Definitions) shall be, and hereby 22
is amended as follows: 23
a. Section 21A.46.020 is amended to delete the definition of “ALTERATION, 24
SIGN”: 25
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ALTERATION, SIGN: “Sign alteration” means a change or rearrangement of the parts or 26
design of a sign, whether by extending on a side, by increasing in area or height, or the 27
moving from one location or position to another, or adding or deleting words from the copy, 28
or changing the size of the letters or figures comprising the copy. Alterations shall not be 29
interpreted to include changing the text or copy on outdoor advertising signs, theater signs, 30
outdoor bulletin or other similar signs which are designed to accommodate changeable copy. 31
b. Section 21A.46.020 is amended to modify the definition of “ANIMATED SIGN” 32
to read as follows: 33
ANIMATED SIGN: A sign, excluding an electronic changeable copy sign, which involves 34
motion or rotation of any part by mechanical or artificial means or which displays flashing or 35
intermittent lights. 36
37
c. Section 21A.46.020 is amended to modify the definition of “ELECTRONIC 38
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN” to read as follows: 39
ELECTRONIC CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A The copy of a sign containing a computer 40
an electronically generated message such as a public service, time, temperature and date, or a 41
message center or reader board, where different copy changes of a public service or 42
commercial nature are shown on the same lamp bank or message facility. The term 43
“electronic changeable copy sign” shall not be defined as a type of “animated sign” if the 44
message displayed is fully readable within three (3) seconds. Electronic changeable copy 45
shall be considered, for the intents of this chapter, a sign face type rather than a sign type. 46
SECTION 2. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Subsection 21A.46.030.A. 47
That Subsection 21A.46.030.A of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: General Sign Permit 48
Requirements: Sign Permit Required) shall be, and hereby is amended to read as follows: 49
A. Sign Permit Required: Except where exempted by the provisions of this chapter, it is 50
unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, locate or modify alter any sign or 51
change the text of any on or off premises sign within the Ccity contrary to any provisions 52
of this chapter without first obtaining a sign permit from the building official. No sign 53
shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, located or modified altered until the site plan 54
for such sign has been approved and a sign permit issued by the building official. Such 55
permits shall be issued only to State of Utah licensed contractors unless specifically 56
exempted by the State of Utah. 57
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SECTION 3. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.46.070. That 58
Section 21A.46.070 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: General Standards) shall be, and 59
hereby is amended to read as follows: 60
21A.46.070: GENERAL STANDARDS 61
A. Construction Standards: 62
1. Applicable Regulations: All signs erected in the Ccity after April 12, 1995, shall 63
comply with the current standards of the National Electrical Code, and adopted 64
Bbuilding Ccode, all provisions of this chapter and any other applicable provisions of 65
this title or other applicable regulations. 66
2. Engineering Required: All sign permit applications for freestanding signs shall be 67
engineered to conform with the applicable provisions of the adopted Bbuilding Ccode 68
and, where required by the building official, shall be accompanied by an engineering 69
drawing stamped and signed by a structural engineer licensed by the State attesting to 70
the adequacy of the proposed construction of the sign and its supports. 71
B. Ownership Shown Oon Signs: The name of the sign owner and sign erector of all signs 72
shall be in plain and public view. Signs not carrying such an imprint will be presumed to 73
be owned by the owner of the property on which the sign is located. 74
C. Clearance Between Sign Aand Ground: A minimum clearance of ten feet (10’) shall be 75
provided between the ground and the bottom of any pole, projecting sign or flag. 76
D. Signs Not Tto Constitute Aa Traffic Hazard: No sign shall be erected along any streets in 77
such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where by reason of 78
its position, shape, color or words, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be 79
confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device or block visibility for driveway 80
ingress or egress. (See also sSubsection 21A.46.060.B of this chapter.) 81
E. Repair Oof Building Facades: A building facade damaged as the result of the removal, 82
repair, replacement or installation of any signs shall be repaired by the property owner 83
within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the damage. 84
F. Maintenance Oof Signs: Every sign shall be kept in good maintenance and repair. The 85
ground space within a radius of ten feet (10’) from the base of any freestanding sign shall 86
be kept free and clear of all weeds, rubbish and flammable material. The building official 87
shall inspect and enforce this section pursuant to the provisions of sSection 21A.46.150 88
of this chapter. 89
G. Sign Removal: Signs The sign face identifying a discontinued use on the property shall 90
be removed from the property when the use is discontinued. within thirty (30) calendar 91
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days of the time the use was discontinued. The removal of nonconforming signs shall be 92
regulated by Section 21A.46.140. 93
H. Moving To New Location: No sign erected before April 12, 1995, shall be moved or 94
enlarged or replaced unless it be made to comply with provisions of this chapter. 95
HI. Lights Aand Lighted Signs: No spotlight, floodlight or lighted sign shall be installed in 96
any way which will permit the rays of such sign’s light to penetrate beyond the property 97
on which such light or lighted sign is located in such a manner as to constitute a nuisance. 98
Signs alleged to be a nuisance, by reason of light, by the neighboring property owners or 99
tenants shall be subject to the zoning administrator’s review to consider the validity of the 100
nuisance complaint. If the sign is determined to be a nuisance, by reason of light, by the 101
zoning administrator, the owner of the sign shall be required by the zoning administrator 102
to take the appropriate corrective action. 103
IJ. Height Aand Elevation Oof Building Signs: The height and elevation of building signs 104
shall conform with the following provisions: 105
1. Awning Signs: Awning signs shall not be located above the second floor level of the 106
building. 107
2. Flat Signs: Flat signs may extend a maximum of two feet (2’) above the roofline or 108
parapet wall of the building on which they are located. 109
3. Marquee Aand Canopy Signs: Marquee and canopy signs shall not be located above 110
the main entry level of the premises. 111
4. Nameplates: Nameplates shall not be located above the first floor level of the 112
building. 113
5. Projecting Building Signs: A projecting building sign shall not exceed the top of the 114
vertical building wall on which it is located. 115
6. Projecting Business Storefront Signs: A projecting business storefront sign shall be 116
located at the main pedestrian entry level of the building. 117
7. Projecting Parking Entry Signs: A projecting parking entry sign shall be located at the 118
parking entry level of the building. 119
8. Roof Signs: The height of the sign face of roof signs shall not exceed twenty percent 120
(20%) of the height of the building or ten feet (10’), whichever is less. 121
9. Wall Signs: Wall signs may extend to the top of the vertical building wall. 122
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10. Window Signs: In the RB, RO, R-MU, CN and CB districts only, window signs shall 123
not be located above the first floor. In other districts where window signs are allowed, 124
they may be located on all floors. 125
11. Outdoor Television Monitor: Shall not be located above the second floor of the 126
building. 127
JK. Signs Oon Public Property: Except for portable signs authorized pursuant to sSection 128
21A.46.055 of this chapter, no sign shall be located on publicly owned land or inside 129
street rights of way, except signs erected by permission of an authorized public agency. 130
KL. Extension Oof Building Signs: The following building signs shall be allowed to extend 131
beyond the face of buildings or structures in conformance with the following provisions: 132
1. Flat Signs: A flat sign, with no copy visible from the sides, may extend a maximum 133
of two feet (2’) from the face of the building, even when the extension extends over 134
the public right of way, subject to the city’s right of way encroachment policy. 135
2. Projecting Building Signs: Projecting building signs may extend a maximum of six 136
feet (6’) from the face of the building but shall not extend over a public right of way, 137
except in the D-1 and D-4 zones as allowed in sSection 21A.46.110 of this chapter. 138
3. Awning/Canopy Aand Marquee Signs: As authorized in other sections of this chapter. 139
LM. Roof Signs: Roof signs shall conform to the following standards: 140
1. The height of the sign face of roof signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the 141
height of the building or ten feet (10’), whichever is less; 142
2. No guywires, braces or secondary supports visible from the ground shall be used; 143
3. Roof signs shall be designed to appear as extensions of the exterior building wall as 144
shown in fFigure 21A.46.020 of this chapter or be located on the elevator/mechanical 145
penthouse or, on buildings taller than one hundred feet (100’), may be located on 146
blank walls at the highest inhabitable level; and 147
4. Roof signs shall not exceed the maximum permitted height for the zoning district in 148
which it is located. 149
MN. Marquees: Marquees designed to project over public property shall: 150
1. Frontage Requirement: Extend across a major portion of the building entrance. 151
2. Height Limitation: Be located on the main entry level of the premises. 152
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3. Thickness: Have a vertical face height or cross section dimension not exceeding three 153
feet (3’). 154
4. Clearance: Have a clearance of at least ten feet (10’) above the sidewalk. 155
5. Projection: Extend a maximum of twelve feet (12’) from the face of the building but 156
must not project closer than two feet (2’) to the back of the curb. 157
6. Location: Be so located as not to interfere with the operation of any exterior standpipe 158
or to obstruct the clear passage of stairways or exits from the building. 159
7. Shelter: In order to provide pedestrian shelter, a marquee shall have its first six feet 160
(6’) of projection form a rectangle with the sides ninety degrees (90°) to the building 161
face and the plane at least six feet (6’) from the building parallel with the front 162
property line. The remaining projection of the marquee can assume a configuration 163
compatible with the architecture of the building. 164
NO. Marquee Signs: Signs attached to an approved marquee, as specified in sSubsection N 165
of this section, may extend over public property a maximum of twelve inches (12”) from 166
the face of the marquee. Copy is allowed on the sides of the marquee. Signs placed within 167
or below the ceiling of a marquee shall not extend beyond the marquee face and shall be 168
placed within the vertical plane of the marquee. Within a commercial or downtown 169
district, a permanent sign or letters may be attached to the top of, or fascia of, or within or 170
below the ceiling of an approved marquee, subject to the following standards: 171
1. Vertical Dimension: Overall vertical dimensions of the combined sign and marquee 172
shall not exceed five feet (5’). 173
2. Height Oof Sign: The height of the sign or letters shall not exceed two feet (2’). 174
3. No Side Copy: Signs attached to marquees shall have no copy on the side portion of 175
the sign. 176
4. Clearance: Signs attached to marquees shall maintain the minimum ten foot (10’) 177
clearance required for the marquee. 178
OP. New Development Sign: New development signs shall be permitted during construction 179
through initial occupancy of ninety five percent (95%) of floor space for a nonresidential 180
development and through ninety five percent (95%) initial unit occupancy for a 181
residential development. New development signs shall be removed upon two (2) years of 182
use, regardless of the level of occupancy. See sSections 21A.46.080 through 21A.46.120 183
of this chapter for zoning district limitations on size, height and location of new 184
development signs. 185
PQ. Temporary Signs: Temporary signs shall comply with the following standards: 186
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1. Required Setback: All temporary signs shall be set back five feet (5’) from all 187
property lines, except where displayed as building signs on buildings set back less 188
than five feet (5’) or where the sign setback is otherwise specified in this title. 189
2. Display Period Aand Removal: Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance 190
with the standards set forth below for display period and removal, unless specified 191
otherwise in this title: 192
Sign Type1 Display Period Removal Required 3 Days
After
Construction impact
area mitigation sign
Per Ccity guidelines2 Per Ccity 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 Ccity guidelines Per Ccity guidelines
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: 193
1. See sSections 21A.46.080 through 21A.46.120 of this chapter for zoning district 194
limitations on the size, height and location of temporary signs. 195
2. See sSection 21A.46.180, “Construction Impact Area Mitigation Signs”, of this 196
chapter. 197
QR. Flags Oof Fraternal, Religious Oor Civic Organizations: Flags of fraternal, religious and 198
civic organizations are permitted as on premises signs, but shall not exceed thirty (30) 199
square feet in area. 200
RS. Official Flags: Official flags shall not project over a property line, except within the D-1 201
and D-4 Zoning Districts, where official flags are allowed to project up to eight feet (8’) 202
across the property line, but not within two feet (2’) of the curb line. The pole support 203
must be attached directly to the building and located so that all portions of the flag clear 204
the pedestrian level of the building. Flags shall not interfere with street trees, light poles, 205
utility lines, etc., and shall maintain a ten foot (10’) clearance from the sidewalk. 206
ST. Freeway Height Exception: The height of on premises pole signs located on properties 207
adjacent to I-15, I-80, I-215 and the 2100 South Expressway (State Route 201) may be 208
increased to a height of twenty five feet (25’) above the pavement grade of the adjacent 209
freeway if the sign is freeway oriented and located within three hundred feet (300’) of the 210
freeway. 211
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TU. Freeway Frontage: Freeways shall be considered street frontage for signage purposes, 212
except for monument signs. Pole signs approved on freeway frontage shall be limited to 213
seventy five percent (75%) of the maximum size allowed for the zone. Reduced size pole 214
signs shall be interchangeable with other pole signs on the same site. 215
UV. Historic District Signs: The historic landmark commission may authorize, as a minor 216
alteration modification to an existing sign or the size or placement of a new sign in a 217
historic district or on a landmark site, including placement of a sign type not allowed in 218
the underlying zone, if the applicant can demonstrate that the location, size and/or design 219
of the proposed sign is compatible with the design period or theme of the historic 220
structure or district and/or will cause less physical damage to the historically significant 221
structure. If a sign in a local historic district or on a landmark site has been designated a 222
vintage sign as per sSection 21A.46.125 of this chapter, the modifications allowed in that 223
section may be authorized by the historic landmark commission subject to the appropriate 224
standards of sSection 21A.34.020 of this title. 225
VW. Sign Area Determination: Sign face area square footage shall be determined as follows: 226
1. Flat Signs (Excluding Letter Signs Aand Backlit Awnings) Aand Wall Signs: The 227
entire surface of the sign face shall be measured. 228
2. Backlit Awnings Aand Letter Signs: A polygon, not to exceed eight (8) sides, shall be 229
drawn around the copy area to enclose as nearly as possible the space covered by the 230
copy. 231
3. All Signs: Words, symbols, letters, images, logos and all other designs that are 232
intended to convey a message shall be included in calculating the sign face area. 233
Colors, stripes and other designs that are not intended to convey a message shall not 234
be included. 235
236
SECTION 4. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Subsection 21A.46.080.A.4. 237
That Subsection 21A.46.080.A.4 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Sign Regulations 238
for Residential Districts: Sign Regulations for Single-Family and Two-Family Residential 239
Districts: Supplementary Regulations) shall be, and hereby is amended to read as follows: 240
4. Supplementary Regulations: 241
a. Signs Ffor Nonconforming Business Uses: Signs for permitted nonconforming 242
business uses shall conform to sSubsection 21A.46.090.A.4 of this chapter, sign 243
regulations for the CN district, but shall not be internally illuminated. 244
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LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
b. Illumination: Signs for residential uses shall not be internally illuminated, except 245
for new development signs and development entry signs. 246
247
SECTION 5. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Subsection 21A.46.110.A.3.b. 248
That Subsection 21A.46.110.A.3.b of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Sign Regulations 249
for Downtown Districts: Sign Regulations for the D-1 and D-4 Downtown Districts: Sign Type, 250
Size and Height Standards: Sports Arena Located on the Block between South Temple and 100 251
South Between 300 and 400 West Streets) shall be, and hereby is amended to read as follows: 252
b. Sports Arena Located Oon Tthe Block Between South Temple Aand 100 South 253
Between 300 Aand 400 West Streets: 254
STANDARDS FOR THE SPORTS ARENA LOCATED ON THE BLOCK 255
BETWEEN SOUTH TEMPLE AND 100 SOUTH BETWEEN 300 AND 400 256
WEST STREETS 257
Types Oof
Signs
Permitted7
Maximum
Area Pper
Sign Face
Maximum
Height
Oof
Freestanding
Signs1
Minimum
Setback2
Number Oof
Signs
Permitted
Pper 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
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Flat sign
display,
electronic
changeable
copy3
No larger than
1,400 square
feet per sign
See note 1 n/a 5 per Ccity
block
Freestanding
sign, electronic
changeable
copy sign4
Not more than
1,600 square
feet per sign,
which may be
located in a
continuous
round display
45 feet n/a 2 per Ccity
block
Monument sign 3 square feet
per linear foot
of street
frontage
20 feet None 5 per street
frontage
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
Zzoning
Aadministrator.
No Limit n/a No Limit
Notes: 258
1. For height limits on building signs, see sSubsection 21A.46.070.J of this 259
chapter. 260
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LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2. Public property lease and insurance required for projection over property line. 261
3. Flat sign, electronic changeable copy may display static or rotating messages 262
or operate as outdoor television monitors. 263
4. An advertising face on an freestanding sign with electronic changeable copy 264
sign that is not oriented to a public street may be operated to allow full motion 265
video display. Displays oriented to a public street must not allow animation, 266
may change no more frequently than every 8 seconds and must complete each 267
transition within 1 second. 268
5. Private directional sign may include an electronic changeable copy sign within 269
the sign area. 270
6. To be located on the horizontal plane of a roof surface, primarily viewable 271
from planes and surrounding buildings located above the arena. 272
7. Advertising and/or corporate logos are limited to on premises advertising of 273
sports arena events and sponsors only. 274
275
SECTION 6. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Subsection 21A.46.120.E.4.b. 276
That Subsection 21A.46.120.E.4.b of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Sign Regulations 277
for Special Purpose Districts: Sign Regulations for the UI, PL, PL-2, I, UI, OS and NOS 278
Districts: Sign Type, Size and Height Standards for the PL, PL-2 and I Districts: Standards for 279
the Ballpark Located on the Southeast Corner of 1300 South and West Temple) shall be, and 280
hereby is amended to read as follows: 281
b. Standards Ffor Tthe Ballpark Located Oon Tthe Southeast Corner Oof 1300 282
South Aand West Temple: Flat signs, construction signs, political signs, real 283
estate signs, new development signs, window signs, public safety signs, and 284
nameplates shall comply with the table for standards for the PL, PL-2 and I 285
Districts. 286
Types of
Signs
Permitted
Maximum
Area Pper
Sign Face
Maximum
Height Oof
Freestanding
Signs1
Minimum
Setback2
Number Oof
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
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LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
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 be an
contain
electronic
changeable
copy sign4 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: 287
1. For limits on the height of building signs, see sSubsection 21A.46.070.J of 288
this chapter. 289
2. Not applicable to temporary signs mounted as flat signs. 290
3. Modified from the standards for the PL, PL-2 and I Districts and required for 291
the Ballpark Overlay District. 292
4. Electronic changeable copy signs shall only be permitted on arterial street 293
frontages. Electronic changeable copy signs/panels shall not exceed 50 square 294
feet. 295
5. Public property lease and insurance required for projection over property line. 296
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SECTION 7. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.46.140. That 297
Section 21A.46.140 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Nonconforming Signs) shall be, 298
and hereby is amended to read as follows: 299
21A.46.140: NONCONFORMING SIGNS 300
A. Moving, Extensions Or Alterations: A nonconforming sign shall not be reconstructed, 301
raised, moved, replaced, extended, altered, or enlarged unless the sign is changed so as to 302
conform to all provisions of this chapter. A nonconforming sign may be temporarily 303
removed for routine maintenance and reinstalled in the same location and manner. 304
Alterations shall also mean the changing of the text or message of the sign as a result of a 305
change in use of the property. Alterations shall not be interpreted to include changing the 306
text or copy on outdoor advertising signs, theater signs, outdoor bulletins or other similar 307
signs which are designed to accommodate changeable copy. Specific modifications may 308
be permitted to nonconforming signs designated as vintage signs as per section 309
21A.46.125 of this chapter. 310
B. Unsafe Signs: See subsection 21A.46.150F of this chapter. 311
C. Restoration Conditions: Nonconforming signs which have been allowed to deteriorate or 312
which have been damaged by fire, explosion, act of God or act of a public enemy, or 313
damaged by any other cause, to the extent of more than sixty percent (60%) of their 314
replacement value shall, if repaired or rebuilt, be repaired or rebuilt in conformity with 315
the regulations of this chapter, or shall be removed. 316
A. Applicability: The regulations in this section shall apply to all nonconforming signs with 317
the following exceptions: 318
1. Vintage signs shall be regulated by Section 21A.46.125 of this chapter. 319
2. Billboards shall be regulated by Section 21A.46.160 of this chapter. 320
B. Modifications: A sign permit may be issued for modifications to a nonconforming sign 321
provided the modifications do not increase the level of nonconformity of such sign. This 322
includes changes to dimensional standards, location, or the replacement of any part of the 323
sign structure. This provision does not apply in the case of: 324
1. Any modification that is necessary due to a government action that results in the 325
relocation or alteration of a sign, including signs that would become nonconforming 326
due to the government action, are permitted. 327
C. Maintenance: Nonconforming signs shall be maintained as defined in Section 328
21A.46.020, including the temporary removal of the sign for repairs and other routine 329
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LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
maintenance. The sign shall be reinstalled in the same location and in the same manner or 330
relocated to a location that increases the level of conformity. 331
D. Sign Removal: 332
1. The sign face identifying a discontinued use on the property shall be removed from 333
the property when the use is discontinued. 334
2. Nonconforming sign structures may remain on the property but shall be re-used to 335
advertise on-site goods or services within one year or will be considered abandoned. 336
An abandoned sign shall be removed in accordance with Subsection 21A.46.150.E 337
with the following exception: 338
a. The zoning administrator may extend the one-year period if the property owner 339
provides evidence that the property was marketed for occupancy at least once 340
every calendar year. 341
E. Restoration of Signs: 342
1. Voluntarily Removed Signs: Unless authorized by Subsections 21A.46.140.B or 343
21A.46.140.C above, a nonconforming sign voluntarily removed from the property by 344
the property owner or property owner’s representative shall not be restored unless it is 345
restored to conform with the regulations of this title. 346
2. Involuntarily Destroyed Signs: If a nonconforming sign is involuntarily destroyed in 347
whole or in part due to fire or other calamity, the sign may be restored to its original 348
condition with respect to size, setback, height, and other nonconforming dimensional 349
standards of the zoning district in which the sign is located, provided such work is 350
started within one year, unless a longer time frame is approved by the building 351
official, after such calamity. 352
353
SECTION 8. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.46.150. That 354
Section 21A.46.150 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: Signs: Permits, Inspection and 355
Enforcement) shall be, and hereby is amended to read as follows: 356
21A.46.150: PERMITS, INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT: 357
A. Enforcement Bby Building Official: The building official shall have the authority to 358
enforce these sign regulations. In the performance of that duty, the building official may: 359
1. Issue Permits: Issue permits to construct, modify alter or repair signs which conform 360
to the provisions of this chapter; 361
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2. Determine Conformance: Ascertain that all signs, construction, and all reconstruction 362
or modifications of existing signs are built or constructed or modified in conformance 363
with the provisions of these sign regulations and all other regulations incorporated 364
herein by reference; 365
3. Require Inspection Tags: Require that each sign located in the Ccity requiring a sign 366
permit have affixed to the sign or its supports a current inspection tag visible from the 367
sidewalk or nearest convenient location. This inspection tag shall be issued pursuant 368
to the procedures for sign inspections, set forth in sSubsection B of this section; 369
4. Issue Citations Aand Complaints: Issue citations and/or file complaints against 370
violators of these sign regulations; 371
5. Confiscate Signs: Confiscate signs located on public property in accordance with the 372
provisions of sSubsection H of this section. 373
B. Inspection Requirements: The building official shall have the authority to inspect signs as 374
follows: 375
1. Initial Inspection After Construction: The building official shall make an initial 376
inspection prior to footings being poured on a freestanding sign, and upon the 377
completion of construction, erection, re-erection or remodeling of any sign for which 378
a permit has been issued and an inspection request is made. 379
2. Issuance Oof Inspection Tag: Upon completion of the sign inspection, the building 380
official shall issue the appropriate inspection tag to the owner or sign contractor if the 381
sign is found to conform to the provisions of this chapter. The presence of a current 382
inspection tag shall serve as certification that the sign to which it is affixed conforms 383
to the provisions of this chapter at the time of its erection and tagging. 384
3. Tag Data: Each sign inspection tag shall include the permit number and shall be 385
recorded in the office of the building official as to the sign type, size, cost of 386
construction, date of sign permit, and owner’s and sign contractor’s name and 387
address. 388
4. Tag Installation: The inspection tag shall be installed by the sign owner, or sign 389
contractor taking out the permit. 390
5. Inspection: The building official shall conduct an inspection of signs. If the building 391
official finds any sign which has no visible inspection tag, has a visible inspection tag 392
but is in need of repair, or violates any provision of this chapter, the building official 393
may take the necessary legal action as specified in sSubsections D through I of this 394
section. 395
C. Legal Actions Authorized: The building official may take any appropriate action or 396
institute any proceeding in any case where any sign is erected, constructed, reconstructed, 397
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modified altered, repaired, converted or maintained, or in any case where any sign is used 398
in violation of these sign regulations or any other city ordinance, in order to accomplish 399
the following purposes: 400
1. To prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, modification 401
alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use of a sign; and 402
2. To restrain, to correct, or to abate such violation. 403
D. Notice Oof Violation: The building official may provide written notice of violation by 404
registered mail to the owner of the property where the sign is located or person having 405
charge or control or benefit of any sign found by the building official to be unsafe or 406
dangerous, or in violation of these sign regulations or of any other city ordinance. 407
E. Nonmaintained Oor Abandoned Signs: The building official may require each 408
nonmaintained or abandoned sign to be removed from the building or premises when 409
such sign has not been repaired or put into use by the owner, person having control or 410
person receiving benefit of such structure within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of 411
nonmaintenance or abandonment is given to the owner, person having control or person 412
receiving the benefit of such structure. 413
F. Unsafe Oor Dangerous Signs: If an unsafe or dangerous sign is not repaired or made safe 414
within five (5) working days after the building official gives notice pursuant to 415
sSubsection D of this section, the building inspector may abate and remove the sign, and 416
the person having charge, control or benefit of any such sign shall pay to the city the 417
costs incurred in such removal within thirty (30) calendar days after written notice is 418
mailed to such person. 419
G. Illegal Signs: If an illegal sign is not brought into compliance with the provisions of these 420
sign regulations within thirty (30) working days after the building official gives notice 421
pursuant to sSubsection D of this section, the building inspector may abate and remove 422
the sign, and the owner, person having charge, control or benefit of any such sign shall 423
pay to the city the costs incurred in such removal within thirty (30) calendar days after 424
written notice is mailed to such person. 425
H. Confiscation Oof Signs: The building official shall immediately confiscate any sign 426
located on public property in violation of these sign regulations or any other city 427
ordinances. Confiscated signs shall be stored at a location determined by the building 428
official for a period of thirty (30) days, during which time the owner or person having 429
charge, control or benefit of the confiscated sign may redeem the sign after payment of 430
fifty dollars ($50.00) and any applicable civil fines established pursuant to cChapter 431
21A.20 of this title. The city shall not be liable for damages incurred to signs as a result 432
of their confiscation. In addition to civil penalties sign owners and persons having charge, 433
control or benefit of any sign erected in violation of this chapter shall be liable for any 434
damages caused to public property, public facilities or public utilities by reason of the 435
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placement, attachment and/or removal of such unlawful signs. Signs not redeemed within 436
thirty (30) days shall be destroyed. 437
I. Violation/Penalty: Any person whether acting as owner or occupant of the premises 438
involved, or contractor, or otherwise, who violates or refuses to comply with any of the 439
provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be 440
punished as provided in sSection 1.12.050 of this code. A separate offense shall be 441
deemed to be committed on each day an offense occurs or continues. 442
443
SECTION 9. Amending the Text of Salt Lake City Code Section 21A.60.020. That 444
Section 21A.60.020 of the Salt Lake City Code (Zoning: List of Terms: List of Defined Terms) 445
shall be, and hereby is amended as follows: 446
a. Section 21A.60.020 is amended to delete the term “Alteration, sign”: 447
Alteration, sign. See chapter 21A.46 of this title. 448
449
b. Section 21A.60.020 is amended to modify the term “Electronic changeable copy 450
sign” to read as follows: 451
Electronic changeable copy sign. See cChapter 21A.46 of this title. 452
453
SECTION 10. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective on the date of its 454
first publication. 455
456
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this ___ day of ____________, 2023. 457
______________________________ 458
CHAIRPERSON 459
ATTEST AND COUNTERSIGN: 460
461
______________________________ 462
CITY RECORDER 463
464
Transmitted to Mayor on _______________________. 465
466
467
Mayor’s Action: _______Approved. _______Vetoed. 468
469
______________________________ 470
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MAYOR 471
______________________________ 472
CITY RECORDER 473
(SEAL) 474
475
Bill No. ________ of 2023. 476
Published: ______________. 477
Ordinance regulating nonconforming signs 478
479
480
481