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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLNZAD2026-00324 - 765 S 400 WMay 14, 2026 ADMINISTRATIVE INTERPRETATION DECISION AND FINDINGS PLNZAD2026-00324 REQUEST: This is a request for an administrative interpretation regarding whether the proposed sign at approximately 765 S 400 W (15-12-130-041-0000) qualifies as a vintage sign pursuant to the provisions of 21A.46.125. The applicant applied for a sign permit, BLD2026-01381, to install a roof sign, however, per 21A.46.090.A.6, roof signs are not permitted in the Mixed Use 11 (MU-11) District. However, the proposed sign in question was historically present at the site prior to its removal and has since been restored and modified. DECISION: The Zoning Administrator finds that the proposed sign meets the requirements to be designated as a vintage sign. This finding is based on the sign complying with the following standards outlined in 21A.46.125.B.2: a. The proposed sign has not been placed as part of a Localized Alternative Signage Overlay District and has not been granted flexibility from the base zoning through a Planned Development agreement or by the Historic Landmark Commission; b. The proposed sign is not a billboard as defined in section 21A.46.020; c. The proposed sign retains its original design character; and, d. The proposed sign meets the following five criteria: (1) The proposed sign was specifically designed for a business, institution, or other establishment on the subject site; (2) The proposed sign bears a unique emblem, logo, or another graphic specific to the city, or region; (3) The proposed sign exhibits specific characteristics that enhance the streetscape or identity of a neighborhood; (4) The proposed sign is characteristic of a specific historic period; and (5) The proposed sign is integral to the identity of the site where it is located. FINDINGS: Section 21A.44.125.B.2 outlines the standards by which the Zoning Administrator shall designate a vintage sign. Per 21A.46.125.B.2.a: [The sign was] not placed as part of a Localized Alternative Signage Overlay District and has not been granted flexibility from the base zoning through a planned development agreement or by the historic landmark commission; The site of the proposed sign, 741 S 400 W, is not located within or subject to a Lo calized Alternative Signage Overlay District. Additionally, the proposed sign is not included as part of any active or past Planned Development agreements. Finally, the proposed sign is not part of a designated local landmark site nor is it located within a local historic district, so no modificatio ns by the Historic Landmark Commission are available. The proposed sign complies with this standard. Per 21A.46.125.B.2.b: [The sign is] not a billboard as defined in section 21A.46.020 of this chapter; “Billboard” is defined in 21A.46.020 as: BILLBOARD (OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN): A form of an off premises sign. A freestanding ground sign located on industrial, commercial or residential property if the sign is designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product or service that is not sold, offered or existing on the property where the sign is located. However, the proposed sign more closely matches the definition of “roof sign”: ROOF SIGN: A sign erected on the roof of a building and constructed so as to appear as an extension of the building facade. The proposed sign then does not match the definition of “billboard”; the proposed sign complies with this standard. Per 21A.46.125.B.2.c: [The sign] retains its original design character, or that character will be reestablished or restored, based on historic evidence such as drawings or photographs; and, The proposed sign consists of the original sign following refurbishment. The applicant has provided both historic and contemporary photographic evidence that the sign substantially retains its original character; the proposed sign complies with this standard. Per 21A.46.125.B.2.d: Meets at least four (4) of the following criteria: (1) The sign was specifically designed for a business, institution, or other establishment on the subject site; (2) The sign bears a unique emblem, logo, or another graphic specific to the city, or region; (3) The sign exhibits specific characteristics that enhance the streetscape or identity of a neighborhood; (4) The sign is or was characteristic of a specific historic period; (5) The sign is or was integral to the design or identity of the site or building where the sign is located; or (6) The sign represents an example of craftsmanship in the application of lighting technique, use of materials, or design. The proposed sign was specifically designed for the Utah Pickle Company, which previously operated within a former building on the subject site. The proposed sign meets the first criterion. The “Arrow Brand” and “Utah Pickle Co.” lettering on the proposed sign are iconic elements specific to the Granary District. The proposed sign meets the second criterion. The proposed sign’s longstanding presence in the Granary District, dating back to at least 1936, reflects the historic 20th century industrial character ingrained in the area. The proposed sign’s historic character is unique to a specific period of history, which serves to enhance the identity of the neighborhood by retaining elements of its past. The proposed sign meets the third, fourth, and fifth criteria. Finally, the proposed sign does not utilize exemplary craftsmanship in lighting technique, use of materials, or design. In fact, the sign is minimalist in design. The proposed sign does not meet the sixth criterion. As the sign meets at least four of the criteria, the proposed sign meets standard 21A.46.125.B.2.d. Based on the above findings, the proposed sign meets the necessary standards outlined in 21A.46.125.B.2 to be designated as a vintage sign. If you have any questions regarding this interpretation, you may contact Noah Elmore at noah.elmore@slc.gov or (801) 535-7971. APPEAL PROCESS: An applicant or any other person or entity adversely affected by a decision administering or interpreting this Title may appeal to the Appeals Hearing Officer. Notice of appeal shall be filed within ten (10) days of the administrative decision. The appeal shall be filed with the Planning Division and shall specify the decision appealed and the reasons the appellant claims the decision to be in error. Applications for appeals are located on the Planning Division website at https://www.slc.gov/planning/applications/ along with information about how to apply and processing fees. Noah Elmore, AICP Principal Planner CC: Nick Norris, Planning Director Daniel Echeverria, Zoning Administrator Casey Stewart, Planning Manager and Development Review Supervisor Posted to Web ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Proposed Vintage Sign Attachment 1: Proposed Vintage Sign