The purpose of this chapter is to regulate and to authorize the use of signs that are compatible with their surroundings, are legible under the circumstances in which they are seen, are effective in indexing the environment, are conducive to promoting traffic safety, and for the convenience and enjoyment of public travel by preventing visual distraction, protecting pedestrians, preserving and enhancing property values, establishing first class business and commercial districts, and eliminating fire hazards.

It is also the purpose of this chapter to promote short and long term civic beauty and order by establishing standards and regulations for sign design, location, size, type, compatibility, and aesthetics. By doing so, this chapter will help to create streetscapes that are functional and attractive to both residents of Clearfield City and visitors. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

The intent of this chapter is to regulate the design and placement of residential, commercial and governmental identification/communication devices and structures that are built specifically to identify, inform, and direct patrons to a particular merchant, store, establishment, or service. It is not the intent of this chapter to regulate the content of public speech. The requirements of this chapter are intended to apply to both on premises and off premises signs, but do not apply to handheld placards and other similar devices traditionally used for public protest and the exercise of free speech. Any noncommercial message may be substituted for any commercial message permitted under this chapter. Any sign not expressly allowed by this chapter is prohibited. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, the sign regulations contained herein are declared to be the maximum allowable for the purposes set forth. If the zoning administrator determines that an application needs further interpretation, he may request planning commission review of the proposal.

If the applicant wishes to propose or retain a sign that exceeds ordinance standards, he may apply to the planning commission for a variance or special exception as outlined in section 11-15-5 of this chapter. (Ord. 2014-30, 12-9-2014)

The planning and zoning administrator or designee shall enforce all rules and regulations necessary to the operation and enforcement of this chapter. The planning and zoning administrator or designee shall be empowered and directed to:

   A.   Issue Permits: Issue permits to construct, alter, or repair signs that conform to the provisions of this title. The expiration date for such permits shall be one hundred eighty (180) days from the time the permit is issued.

   B.   Determine Conformance: Ensure that all signs are constructed in conformance with this title. Clearfield City will perform:

      1.   Initial Inspection After Construction: The planning and zoning administrator or designee may make an initial inspection upon the completion of construction, erection, reerection, or remodeling of any sign for which a permit has been issued and an inspection request is made. This shall also include the inspection of temporary electrical signs.

      2.   Reinspection (When Necessary): The planning and zoning administrator or designee may make a reinspection of any sign for which a permit was issued but which upon primary inspection was not built in conformance with the regulations of this title.

   C.   Legal Action: The planning and zoning administrator or designee shall institute any appropriate action or proceeding in any case where any sign is illegally erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted, or maintained, or in any case where any sign is used in violation of any city ordinance including, but not limited to, the provisions of this title by:

      1.   Issuing Notices Of Violations And Citations: The planning and zoning administrator or designee may issue a written notice of violation to the person having charge or control or benefit of any sign found to be unsafe or dangerous or in violation of this code, particularly when the city is contemplating removal of said sign. Such official may also issue civil citations and swear to information against violators.

      2.   Abating And Removing Unsafe Or Dangerous Sign: If an unsafe or dangerous sign is not repaired or made safe within five (5) working days, after giving said notice, the city may at once abate and remove said sign and the person having charge, control, or benefit of any such sign shall pay to Clearfield City, within thirty (30) calendar days, after written notice is mailed to such person, the costs incurred in such removal.

      3.   Abating And Removing Illegal Signs:

         a.   Permanent signs installed on private property in violation of this chapter shall be brought into conformance within thirty (30) calendar days of written notice by the city, either through removal of the sign or by obtaining a sign permit. Any sign not brought into compliance within the time period given in the notice may at once be abated and removed by the planning and zoning administrator or designee. The person responsible for any such illegal sign shall be liable for the cost incurred in the removal thereof, and the city is authorized to effect the collection of said cost.

         b.   Temporary signs installed on private property in violation of this chapter shall be brought into conformance within twenty four (24) hours of written notice by the city, either through removal of the temporary sign or by obtaining a temporary sign permit. Any sign not brought into compliance within the time period given in the notice may at once be abated and removed by the planning and zoning administrator or designee. The person responsible for any such illegal sign shall be liable for the cost incurred in the removal thereof, and the city is authorized to effect the collection of said cost.

         c.   Any sign posted upon public property may be removed by the city without notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the sign, though removed, shall not be destroyed in a period less than thirty (30) calendar days, unless said sign is of the nature that it will have no value after the date of removal.

      4.   Abating And Removing Nonmaintained, Abandoned, Or Sign Identifying Discontinued Use: The planning and zoning administrator or designee shall require each nonmaintained, abandoned, or sign identifying a discontinued use 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 sign within forty five (45) calendar days after written notice has been given to the owner, person having control, or person receiving benefit of such structure.

   D.   Failure To Remove Or Abate Any Illegal Sign: In no case shall failure to remove or abate any illegal sign constitute approval by the city of such sign. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

   A.   Regulation, Containment, And Elimination: In order to minimize confusion and unfair competitive disadvantage to those businesses that are required to satisfy the standards of this chapter, the city shall apply firm regulation of existing nonconforming signs with a view to their eventual elimination. This goal shall be achieved by strictly enforcing limits on change, expansion, alteration, abandonment, and restoration. Excluding normal maintenance and repair, a nonconforming sign shall not be moved, altered (excluding face changes) or enlarged unless it is brought into complete compliance with this chapter. The following alterations are exempt from this provision:

      1.   Face changes in nonconforming multi-tenant signs; and

      2.   Copy changes in nonconforming permanent signs that were originally approved by the City with a changeable copy feature.

   B.   Abandonment: Any sign that is abandoned shall be removed or brought into compliance by the property owner in accordance with section 11-15-4 of this chapter. If removal does not occur, Clearfield City may have the entire nonconforming sign (both face and structure) removed. The person responsible for any such abandoned sign shall be liable for the cost incurred in the removal thereof, and the City is authorized to effect the collection of said cost. An abandoned sign may not regain any legal nonconforming status later, even if the original business reoccupies the property. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

   A.   Enumerated: The following signs are prohibited in any zone in Clearfield City. Any sign not specifically allowed by this chapter shall also be prohibited:

      1.   Balloons or other inflatable objects, except as specifically allowed by this chapter.

      2.   Any sign that flashes, blinks, uses chaser lights, etc., or moves in any way, animate or inanimate. (Commercial signs may be approved with time/temperature or electronic message center capability.) Subtle lighting changes of low intensity are allowed.

      3.   Roof signs.

      4.   Signs placed over other signs.

      5.   Temporary signs, except those provided for in this chapter.

      6.   Any truck, trailer, or other vehicle conspicuously or regularly parked on or off premises with an advertising message or logo displayed to attract attention to a business, product or promotion, unless such vehicle is used on a daily basis for personal or business transportation. The Planning and Zoning Administrator or designee may require the removal of such vehicle if in his opinion such vehicle is being utilized for advertising purposes.

      7.   Strobe lights.

      8.   Graffiti.

      9.   Spotlights directed into the night sky except as part of an approved promotional period for temporary signs.

      10.   Off premises signs, except as allowed by this chapter. (Ord. 2010-12, 6-22-2010)

      11.   Flags shall not be allowed for advertising purposes except as allowed by this chapter. (Ord. 2017-13, 7-25-2017)

   B.   Handbills, Signs; Public Places And Objects:

      1.   No person shall paint, mark or write on, or post or otherwise affix, any handbill or sign to or upon any public property, including, but not limited to, any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, curbstone, park strip, street lamppost, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, railroad trestle, electric light or power or telephone or telegraph pole, or wire appurtenance thereof or upon any lighting system, public bridge, drinking fountain, life saving equipment, street sign or traffic sign.

      2.   Any handbill or sign found posted upon any public property contrary to the provisions of this section may be removed by any City official without further notice. The person responsible for any such illegal posting shall be liable for the cost incurred in the removal thereof and the City is authorized to effect the collection of said cost.

      3.   Nothing in this section shall apply to the installation of a metal plaque or plate or individual letters or figures in a sidewalk commemorating a historical, cultural, or artistic event, location, or personality for which the Public Works Department has granted a written permit.

      4.   Nothing in this section shall apply to the painting of house numbers upon curbs.

      5.   Nothing in this section shall apply to signs owned or installed by the City or any other authorized public entity. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

   A.   Allowed In Any Zone: The following signs are allowed in any zone (except on public property) without a sign permit:

      1.   Directional Or Instructional Signs: Signs which provide direction or instruction and are located entirely on premises and which do not in any way advertise a business shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area or four feet (4') in height. These signs may identify restrooms, public telephones, and walkways; or shall provide direction such as parking lot entrance and exit signs and those of a similar nature.

      2.   No Trespassing Or No Dumping Signs: "No trespassing" or "no dumping" signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area for a single sign or four (4) signs at four (4) square feet for each lot unless the Planning and Zoning Administrator finds more signs are required to prevent violation.

      3.   Plaques: Plaques or nameplate signs not more than two (2) square feet that are fastened directly to the building.

      4.   Symbols Or Insignia: Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies, provided that no such sign shall exceed eight (8) square feet in area; and provided further that all such signs be placed flat against the building.

      5.   Residential Neighborhood Identification Signs: In any zone, a sign, masonry wall, landscaping and other similar materials or features may be combined to form a display for neighborhood identification, provided that the legend of such sign or display shall consist of only the neighborhood name and/or address.

      6.   Institutional Uses: Churches, public schools, public utility companies, libraries, governmental buildings, parks, public golf courses, etc., are allowed one monument sign of thirty two (32) square feet. If the institution has more than one frontage and is located on an arterial street, then an additional sign of the same size is allowed. Wall signs for institutional uses shall be regulated as per subsection 11-15-8E of this chapter.

      7.   Flags: The flags, emblems, or insignia of any nation or political subdivision. Corporation flags may not exceed twelve (12) square feet and may be flown in tandem with the State or national flag. Large flags flown in high wind may cause a noise nuisance and are subject to removal upon investigation.

      8.   Public Necessity Signs: Signs installed by a unit of the government for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes; including street signs, danger and warning signs, railroad crossing signs, hospital signs, directional or warning signs for public service companies, utilities or institutions, or signs erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his public duty.

      9.   Memorial Signs: Memorial signs or tablets with the names of buildings and date of erection cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building.

      10.   Notice Bulletin Boards: Notice bulletin boards not over thirty two (32) square feet in area for medical, public, charitable or religious institutions. Such signs shall be located on the premises of such institutions and be oriented solely to the interior of the property and not used to direct exterior pedestrian or vehicular attention to any product or service of the institution.

      11.   Holiday Decorations: Noncommercial signs of a primarily decorative nature, clearly incidental, customary and commonly associated with any national, local, or religious holiday. Such signs may be of any type, number, area, and shall be contained entirely within the boundaries of the lot or premises on which they are erected and should be placed so as to avoid confusion with authorized traffic lights and signals and shall conform to traffic safety standards. They shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the holiday.

      12.   Changing Copy: The changing of the message on a permitted sign that has an approved marquee, reader board, electronic message center, or other replaceable copy area. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

      13.   Municipal Field Signs: Interior signs shall be allowed at approved playing fields located at Steed Park and Fisher Park. A Municipal field sign located at Steed Park or Fisher Park shall be intended for those attending or participating in the activity occurring within the Municipal field the sign is located on within the park. If a Municipal field sign located within Steed Park or Fisher Park is visible to those not attending or participating in the activity taking place at the Municipal field, such visibility must be ancillary to the sign's intent, as determined by the City.

      14.   Political Or Campaign Signs: In addition to signage otherwise authorized by this chapter, political or campaign signs on behalf of candidates for public office or measures on election ballots are allowed as follows:

         a.   Political or campaign signs shall not be erected earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the mailing of ballots for a primary election, or in such cases where no primary election is held, no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the mailing of ballots for the general election. All political or campaign signs shall be removed by the Monday following a general election. Candidates who lose a primary election shall remove signs by the Monday following the primary election. Signs relating to elections on special issues may be installed and must be removed on the same basis.

         b.   Any one political or campaign sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in aggregate area and, if freestanding, shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height. Such sign shall not be erected in a manner as to constitute a roof sign. Signs may not be placed on public property, in a public right-of-way, or in any place that would impede traffic visibility or safety. Signs along unimproved roadways may not be placed closer than ten feet (10') to the edge of the travel surface.

         c.   Political or campaign signs shall not be placed closer than one hundred fifty feet (150') to a building where any official voting station is located. (Ord. 2017-13, 7-25-2017)

   B.   Allowed In Residential Zones: The following signs shall be allowed in residential zones without a permit as prescribed herein:

      1.   On Premises Development Identification Signs:

         a.   Individual Lots: One sign announcing the name of the construction/development company is allowed. The area of the sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet or six feet (6') in height. The sign shall not be erected more than five (5) days prior to the beginning of construction for which a valid building permit has been issued. It shall be removed before final occupancy.

         b.   Subdivisions: One development promotional sign may be placed on the premises at each entrance of a development having five (5) or more lots or approved unit sites in any residential zone. The size allowed for the sign depends on the number of lots to be developed:

 

 

Such signs shall be removed within five (5) years of the issuance of the first building permit in the project; or, if the lots are sold out before five (5) years, the sign shall be removed immediately upon sale of the last lot.

One balloon shall also be allowed for each subdivision or residential development having five (5) or more lots or approved unit sites in any residential zone. The balloon shall not exceed two hundred feet (200') in height, and shall only be displayed during daylight hours.

      2.   On Premises Real Estate Signs:

         a.   Signs advertising the sale, rent, or lease of property shall be limited to one real estate sign on each lot. Each such sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in size and six feet (6') in height.

         b.   One real estate sign per street frontage is allowed for any multiuse residential or professional office building or lot intended for such. Each sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area or eight feet (8') in height. If the parcel is over two (2) acres in size, the sign shall not exceed sixty four (64) square feet in area or ten feet (10') in height.

         c.   Model home signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area or six feet (6') in height, and shall be placed entirely upon the premises of the model.

      3.   Open House Real Estate Signs: Up to six (6) open house real estate signs shall be allowed for each open house. Open house signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area and four feet (4') in height, and shall only be placed on private property. Open house real estate signs shall be displayed only during those hours and day(s) that the house is open for actual inspection.

      4.   On Premises Signs For Home Occupations: Home occupations with a valid business license from the City shall be permitted to display one nonilluminated, flat wall sign no greater than three (3) square feet in area that identifies the name of the business.

      5.   Special Event Signs: Signage for noncommercial special events, such as a birth, anniversary, or homecoming, may be displayed on premises for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.

   C.   Allowed In Commercial And Manufacturing Zones: The following signs shall be allowed in Commercial and Manufacturing Zones without a permit as prescribed herein:

      1.   On Premises Development Identification Signs: One sign announcing or identifying the future development of nonresidential property shall be allowed along each public or private street frontage for the parcel(s) to be developed. The sign(s) shall not be erected before the proposed development has received site plan approval, and shall be removed before final inspection of the building or before permanent signs are installed. Each sign shall not exceed sixty four (64) square feet in area or fifteen feet (15') in height.

      2.   On Premises Real Estate Signs: One on premises real estate sign per street frontage shall be allowed for any commercial or manufacturing building or lot intended for such. Each sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area or eight feet (8') in height, except on parcels larger than two (2) acres, for which each sign may be up to sixty four (64) square feet in size.

      3.   Window Signs: Window signs shall be allowed, provided that no more than thirty percent (30%) of any window or group of windows is occupied by a sign or combination of signs.

      4.   Menu Boards: Menu boards for restaurants shall be allowed. The location of menu boards for drive-in restaurants shall be subject to review by the Planning Commission through the site plan process. The following standards shall apply:

         a.   Only two (2) menu boards are allowed per site. Each sign shall be located behind the front landscaped setback area.

         b.   No menu board shall exceed thirty five (35) square feet in area or six feet (6') in height. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

   A.   Permit Required: Except as otherwise provided in this title, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, relocate, direct, or order a person to erect, alter, or relocate any of the following signs within the City without first obtaining a permit or permits from the City. A fee for the permit shall be paid by the applicant in accordance with the City's current fee schedule. (Ord. 2016-06, 9-27-2016)

   B.   Sign Theme Required: All multi-tenant centers/buildings shall adhere to a consistent theme and utilize similar materials for all project signage. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

   C.   On Premises Freestanding Signs: Freestanding signs shall be allowed as follows:

      1.   Commercial or manufacturing parcels or centers less than ten (10) acres in size: No freestanding signs shall be allowed.

      2.   Commercial or manufacturing parcels or centers ten (10) acres or larger in size: One freestanding sign shall be allowed per three hundred feet (300') of street frontage. Sign area shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet, and sign height shall not exceed thirty five feet (35'). Signs shall comply with the clear vision regulations found in section 11-13-10 of this title.

      3.   For centers with more than one sign, there shall be a minimum separation of two hundred fifty (250) lineal feet between each sign.

      4.   Reader boards, changeable copy areas and electronic message centers: No such device shall exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total copy area of the freestanding sign.

      5.   Signs must be integrated into the development with a common theme or integrated architecturally with the buildings.

      6.   Signs shall have at least a one foot (1') pedestal that is constructed of materials such as stone, brick, or rock with landscaping around the base of each sign. (Ord. 2019-06, 2-26-2019)

   D.   Monument Signs: Monument signs shall be allowed for commercial or manufacturing uses. The following standards shall apply:

      1.   Sign Area: No monument sign shall exceed sixty four (64) square feet in area.

      2.   Minimum Street Frontage: There shall be a minimum street frontage of fifty feet (50') per monument sign. In no case shall there be more than two (2) monument signs per street frontage for any freestanding building on its own lot or for any planned commercial or manufacturing center.

      3.   Minimum Distance: No monument sign shall be located within one hundred feet (100') of another monument or freestanding sign on the same side of the street, whether on the same parcel or on an adjacent parcel.

      4.   Sign Height: Monument signs shall have at least a one foot (1') pedestal, and the illuminated cabinet shall not exceed five feet (5') for a total of six feet (6') except along 1700 South, SR-126 and SR-193 where monument signs shall have at least a one foot (1') pedestal, and the illuminated cabinet shall not exceed eight feet (8') or a total of nine feet (9'). The height to the top of the sign as measured from the street curb may vary depending upon landscaping, but the combined height of the sign and berming/landscaping shall not exceed nine feet (9'). The sign base shall be landscaped.

      5.   Reader Boards: Reader boards (changeable copy areas) and electronic message centers shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total monument sign area.

      6.   Freestanding Monument Signs: A monument sign allowed by this section may be substituted with a freestanding monument sign.

   E.   Wall Signs: Wall signs shall be allowed as follows:

      1.   One wall sign shall be permitted per business. Businesses with multiple exposures (such as a single tenant in a freestanding building or a tenant occupying a corner space in a multi-tenant building) shall be allowed one wall sign per front and side building elevations. Each wall sign shall be limited in size to fifteen percent (15%) or six hundred (600) square feet, whichever is less, of the flat wall area.

      2.   Wall signs in a multi-tenant building may be used to advertise a single tenant or multiple tenants.

      3.   No part of any wall sign or of the sign structure shall project above or below the highest or lowest part of the wall upon which the sign is mounted or painted.

      4.   No wall sign, including any light box or structural part thereof, shall project more than eighteen inches (18") from the face of the building to which it is attached.

   F.   Billboards: No new billboards shall be permitted after the effective date hereof. Existing billboards shall comply with the following regulations:

      1.   Location: Billboards shall be allowed only on commercial parcels adjacent to the Interstate I-15 right of way and Legend Hills Drive. Billboards shall be oriented for freeway viewing and shall be located within one hundred fifty feet (150') of the nearest freeway lane.

      2.   Size, Height And Spacing: Billboards shall be regulated as follows:

         a.   Size: Maximum area of one face of a sign (whether single or double faced) shall be six hundred seventy five (675) square feet.

         b.   Height: Maximum height of billboards shall be forty five feet (45') above the grade of the traveled way of the interstate.

         c.   Spacing: No billboard shall be erected within five hundred feet (500') of another billboard on the same side of the street, or of an Interstate I-15 interchange.

      3.   Sign Construction: All billboards shall be of a monopole construction.

      4.   Conditional Use Permit: Billboards shall require a conditional use permit, to be obtained in accordance with the provisions of chapter 4 of this title.

   G.   Suspended Signs: Suspended signs may be used in place of wall signs if the architecture of the building or planned center lends itself to that design. The following standards shall apply:

      1.   The maximum size of a suspended sign shall be twenty (20) square feet.

      2.   Suspended signs shall not extend beyond five feet (5') of the building facade to which they are attached.

      3.   Suspended signs shall have at least an eight foot (8') clearance above the sidewalk or seven feet (7') above any landscaped area.

      4.   There shall be a minimum horizontal distance of fifteen feet (15') between suspended signs.

   H.   Awning Signs: Awning signs shall be allowed as follows:

      1.   The planning and zoning administrator shall approve any application for an awning sign that fully complies with these standards.

      2.   Awning signs in planned centers shall be designed to conform to an approved sign theme.

      3.   No awning signs shall be allowed on multi-tenant buildings or in planned centers unless the building or center has consistent treatment.

      4.   Awning signs shall be limited to single-story buildings or to the first level only of multi-story buildings.

      5.   Awning signs shall function as true awnings by being placed over a doorway, window, or walkway to protect such from the elements.

      6.   Awning signs shall not be allowed on or above sloping or mansard roofs.

      7.   The area of awning signs shall be a maximum of fifteen percent (15%) of the primary wall upon which the sign is mounted. Awning signs for secondary walls are limited to five percent (5%) of the wall area.

      8.   Area of copy/logo on awnings shall be limited to forty percent (40%) of the awning. Illuminated signs on other sides shall be permitted.

      9.   Awning signs shall conform to all provisions of the currently adopted building code governing such structures.

      10.   Illuminated (backlit), translucent, vinyl awnings shall not be permitted. Translucent letters or accents sewn into opaque canvas or acrylic awnings shall be permitted.

      11.   Awning signs shall not project out from the wall more than eight feet (8') or less than two feet (2'). In the case of entrance canopies the awning may project out from the building over a walkway and shall lead to a bona fide business entrance. Such canopies shall be permitted if they are compatible with the architecture of the building.

      12.   Awning signs shall not project above the "roofline", defined as the highest part of the vertical wall.

      13.   Awning signs shall maintain a minimum clearance of seven feet (7') to the bottom of the valance and eight feet (8') to the frame above the sidewalk and comply with all other clearance requirements.

      14.   Awning signs shall be maintained in a clean, safe and attractive condition. Failure to do so shall result in revocation of the sign permit.

   I.   Gas Station Canopy Signs: Signs for canopies over gas islands are regulated as follows:

      1.   Sign copy, corporate logos, etc., may be a maximum of fifteen percent (15%) of one face of the canopy.

      2.   Up to three (3) sides of the canopy may be used for signs.

      3.   The height to the top of the canopy shall not exceed twenty feet (20') from grade and no canopy fascia shall exceed four feet (4') in height.

      4.   Individual letters, logos, or symbols shall not exceed four feet (4') in height or project out from the surface of the canopy more than eighteen inches (18") or project above or below the canopy face.

      5.   Gas price signs shall be allowed on a monument sign or below the canopy over the pumps. One double faced sign for each type of fuel sold is allowed per gas island with a maximum of four (4) sets per station. Area of said sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet each.

   J.   Temporary Signs: Permits for temporary signs shall be required in accordance with section 11-15-9 of this chapter. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009; amd. Ord. 2024-11, 6-25-2024)

   A.   Standards For Temporary Signs: Temporary signs shall not be placed in or over a public right of way, may not flash, blink, spin, rotate, block traffic visibility, constitute a vehicular or pedestrian traffic hazard, or cause a public nuisance of any kind. They shall not be attached to telephone poles, fences, or trees. They shall be firmly secured to the building or ground. Temporary signs may be attached to existing permanent signs only for a grand opening period. Temporary signs may cover or obscure an existing permanent sign only if the business has changed hands or changed names. No off premises temporary signs are allowed. All temporary signs shall require a permit, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. No temporary signage shall be allowed for home occupations.

   B.   Allowed Purposes:

      1.   Business Grand Openings: Temporary signs announcing the initial opening of a business, or the relocation, or change of ownership of an existing business may be allowed provided that the event shall not continue for more than sixty (60) days and is declared to the city. The permit for a grand opening sign must be issued within the first year of operation. There shall be no more than two (2) grand opening signs allowed per business. The signs shall comply with general size and location standards for signage in this chapter and shall be removed at the end of the sixty (60) day period. Note: "Now Open", "Grand Opening", "New Location of", "New ownership", etc., are appropriate type messages for such signs. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

      2.   Going Out Of Business/Bankruptcy Period: A business may post a temporary sign in order to facilitate the liquidation of inventory for a failing business for a period not to exceed ninety (90) calendar days. There shall be no more than two (2) going out of business/bankruptcy signs allowed per business. Such signage shall be allowed only once for any business.

      3.   Business Special Event Signage: Temporary signs may be used to announce a special business event, such as a holiday sale, for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. There shall be no more than two (2) business special event signs allowed per business. Each business shall be limited to two (2) permits for special event signage every twelve (12) months.

      4.   Business Holiday Sale Signage: A business may advertise a special sale for the following holidays:

         a.   Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

         b.   Presidents' Day.

         c.   Valentine's Day.

         d.   Easter.

         e.   Mother's Day.

         f.   Father's Day.

         g.   Memorial Day.

         h.   Independence Day.

         i.   Pioneer Day.

         j.   Labor Day.

         k.   Halloween.

         l.   Thanksgiving.

         m.   December holidays and New Year's Day - starting December 1 and ending January 2.

It shall be a violation of this chapter to display a temporary business holiday sale sign more than seven (7) days prior to or two (2) days after the holiday with which it is associated. There shall be no more than two (2) holiday sale signs allowed per business. All holiday signs shall be clearly marked for the appropriate holiday. No permit shall be required for a temporary holiday business sale sign.

   C.   Additional Temporary Sign Regulations:

      1.   Banners: Only one banner shall be allowed per business for each purpose stated in subsection B of this section. Banners shall be mounted securely to a building and shall be kept in good repair. The maximum size for a banner shall be sixty four (64) square feet. (Ord. 2010-12, 6-22-2010)

      2.   Balloons: The allowable square footage of balloons shall be one square foot of balloon area for every linear foot of occupied frontage at the main entrance. Businesses with less than fifty (50) linear feet of occupied frontage may be allowed fifty (50) square feet of balloon. There shall be a maximum square footage of two hundred fifty (250) square feet of balloon for any property. Balloons shall be set back one foot (1') for every one foot (1') in height from any property line. Balloons shall not exceed a maximum of one hundred feet (100') in height. No tethered or fixed balloon shall be located so as to create a hazard or disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

      3.   Other Temporary Signs: All other temporary signs shall be limited to a maximum size of six (6) square feet per sign. (Ord. 2017-13, 7-25-2017)

   D.   Temporary Sign Permits: A single temporary sign permit required by this section may be permitted for more than one allowed purpose named in subsection B of this section, provided all necessary information for each purpose is included in the sign permit application. Any change to the information provided shall require a new permit. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

   E.   Maintenance: Every temporary sign shall be kept in complete operating condition. The landscaped area in which any sign is placed shall be kept free from weeds, garbage, and debris. "Maintenance" includes the replacement or repair of any temporary sign that is frayed, ripped or has been damaged. (Ord. 2017-13, 7-25-2017)

   A.   Sign Permit Required: No person shall erect, install, or paint any sign, or change the face of any sign, whether it be temporary or permanent in nature, without obtaining a sign permit from the City except as provided in this chapter. This includes new signs, signs to be added to existing buildings or uses, and existing signs that are to be enlarged, changed, or modified.

   B.   Penalty: New or existing signs installed or altered without a permit will be required to be removed, or a penalty fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) will be charged at the time application is made for a sign permit with the City. (Ord. 2016-06, 9-27-2016)

   A.   Site Plan Review: When new buildings or developments are presented for site plan review, signs proposed for the development shall be reviewed concurrently by staff. All planned centers and multi-tenant buildings shall submit a sign theme for approval by the planning commission.

   B.   Sign Design: Applicants for sign permits should give serious consideration to the following elements when submitting plans for signs:

      1.   Architectural compatibility.

      2.   Color and style.

      3.   Size, scale, proportion (balance).

      4.   Location.

      5.   Landscaping. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

   A.   Monument And Freestanding Signs:

      1.   Plot plan showing relationship of sign to other signs, buildings, property lines, and setbacks from public rights of way, intersections, easements and driveways.

      2.   Two (2) accurately dimensioned, scaled drawings showing height, color, square foot dimensions, landscaping, sign composition, type of illumination, and how the sign will appear from the street.

      3.   Details of sign construction including electrical plans and foundation scheme.

      4.   Number of acres and length of linear street frontage of property.

   B.   Wall Signs:

      1.   Two (2) scaled drawings showing square foot dimensions of both the building and the sign, sign composition, and type of illumination.

      2.   A profile drawing of how the sign will appear from the street/parking area and on the building.

      3.   Details of sign construction and attachment including electrical plan.

   C.   Temporary Signs:

      1.   Plot plan showing relationship of sign(s) to buildings, property lines, and setbacks from public rights of way, intersections, easements and driveways.

      2.   Length of period for display, type of request.

   D.   Additional Information Required:

      1.   Proof of current Clearfield City business license.

      2.   Business address and phone number.

      3.   Address of property owner and phone number.

      4.   General or electrical contractor license, phone and address. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

   A.   Standards Of Construction:

      1.   Code Compliance: All signs erected in Clearfield City shall comply with the provisions of the currently adopted building codes and the Clearfield City sign ordinance effective at the time the application is submitted.

      2.   Licensed Sign Contractor Required: No sign, fixture or device involving electrical wiring or connections shall be erected or installed in Clearfield City except by a licensed and bonded contractor.

      3.   Engineering Required: All sign permit applications shall be engineered to demonstrate conformance with the applicable provisions of the currently adopted building code; and, where required by the chief building official or designee, shall be accompanied by a drawing stamped by a structural engineer licensed by the state of Utah attesting to the adequacy of the proposed construction of the sign and its supports.

      4.   Durability: All signs must be built of durable and permanent materials.

      5.   Power Source: Permanent power sources for signs must be concealed underground away from public view.

   B.   Traffic Safety: No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected which in any manner may be confused with an official traffic sign or signal, or which bears words normally used in such signs, i.e., stop, go slow, caution, danger, warning, etc. No sign or any advertising structure shall be erected which by reason of its size, location, shape, content, coloring, or manner of illumination might be confused as a traffic control device. No sign shall have lighting that impairs the vision of anyone traveling upon a public street or distracts any driver so as to create a public nuisance. Specifically, no sign or group of signs may exceed one foot-candle in brightness as measured at the property line.

   C.   Clear View: All signs shall comply with the clear view regulations found in section 11-13-10 of this title.

   D.   Specific Clearance And Location Requirements: The following rules apply for all signs:

      1.   Freestanding signs shall not extend over any pedestrian or vehicular access area.

      2.   No part of any sign shall interfere with the use of any fire escape, exit, required stairway, door ventilator, or window.

      3.   No sign shall be erected or maintained which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communication lines and energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the laws of the state of Utah or its agencies.

      4.   No sign shall be located on publicly owned land or inside street rights of way, except signs owned and erected by permission of an authorized public agency or specifically authorized herein.

      5.   High profile (freestanding) and low profile (ground or monument) signs shall be located at least their height in distance from side property lines in order to prevent damage to adjacent land in case a sign is toppled by accident or an act of God.

      6.   Low profile (monument) signs shall be set back at least one foot (1') from the front sidewalk.

   E.   Maintenance: Every sign shall be kept in complete operating condition. The landscaped area in which any sign is placed shall be kept free from weeds, garbage, and debris. "Maintenance" includes the repair of facades where signs have been removed, the painting, cleaning, repairing of the sign. "Maintenance" does not include structural alterations, cosmetic or style changes or enlargements of face changes.

   F.   Landscaping: All freestanding or monument detached signs installed in Clearfield City shall be incorporated into a landscape design or planter box.

   G.   Pole Cover Required: All on premises freestanding signs shall have the structural supports covered or concealed with pole covers (pylon covers) at least thirty six inches (36") wide. The actual structural supports shall not be exposed, and the covers shall be architecturally and aesthetically designed to match the building.

   H.   Foundations: Sign foundations and footings shall conform to the currently adopted building code.

   I.   Pedestal Required: All monument signs shall have at least a one foot (1') opaque pedestal designed as part of the foundation that conceals any pole support. The pedestal shall run at least fifty percent (50%) of the horizontal length of the sign, and there shall not be any exposed space between the pedestal and the ground or landscaped area. Variations to this requirement may be approved by the planning and zoning administrator.

   J.   Lighting: The light from the illumination of signs shall be carefully directed so that the light is not obtrusive or a nuisance to adjacent properties, particularly in residential areas.

   K.   Building Identification: All buildings shall be identified with a numbered or lettered street address in addition to optional business identification. The letters or numbers shall be at least four inches (4") in height. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

   A.   Wall Signs: Sign copy mounted or painted on a background panel or area distinctly painted, textured or constructed, as a background for the sign copy shall be measured as that area contained within the outside dimensions of the background panel or surface. Any illuminated bands or illuminated structures which contain sign copy, corporate logos, etc., are by definition wall signs in their entirety and as such may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the wall area. However, illuminated bands on canopies covering gasoline pump islands shall be regulated per this chapter.

For sign copy mounted as individual letters and/or graphics against a wall or fascia of a building or other structure that has not been painted, textured or otherwise altered to provide a distinctive background for the sign copy, the area shall be defined as the area enclosed by the smallest six (6) sided polygon that will enclose all sign area.

For sign copy on an illuminated sign or illuminated architectural element of a building, the entire illuminated surface or illuminated architectural element that contains sign copy shall be counted as sign area.

   B.   Monument Signs: The regulated area of a monument sign shall include all parts of the sign or structure that contains identification (words or symbols) and information.

   C.   Multiple Face Signs (Including, But Not Limited To, Freestanding Or Monument Signs):

      1.   Single Panel: Measure the area of the single face only.

      2.   Double Panel: If the interior angle between the top two (2) faces is forty five degrees (45°) or less, the area to be measured will be the area of one face only. If the angle between the two (2) sign faces is greater than forty five degrees (45°), the sign area to be measured will be the sum of the areas of the two (2) faces.

      3.   Three Or More: The sign area shall be the sum of the areas of the three (3) or more faces.

   D.   Freestanding Signs: The regulated area of a freestanding sign shall include all parts of the sign or structure that contains identification (words or symbols) and information.

   E.   Nonplaner Signs: For spherical, freeform, sculptural, or other nonplaner signs, the sign area shall be the sum of the areas of the four (4) vertical sides of the smallest polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and terms shall be defined as set forth herein:

AWNING SIGN: Any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area.

BALLOON: Any inflated object. Inflatable entertainment structures shall also be considered balloons.

BILLBOARD: A freestanding, off premises sign located on commercial property adjacent to the Interstate I-15 corridor, designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product, or service as may be allowed under Utah State law.

BUS BENCH/BUS SHELTER SIGN: Any sign placed or erected on a bus bench or bus shelter.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN: A sign designed to provide direction to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD: A sign or portion of a sign face which uses an electronic display for advertising or informational purposes.

FLAG BANNER: A vertical, portable temporary sign that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff driven into the ground for support or is supported by means of an individual stand and has a maximum height of twelve feet (12'). Feather flags are limited to the following associated references: tear drop flags, blade flags, shark fin flags and concave flags.

FREESTANDING MONUMENT SIGN: A freestanding sign with a height less than six feet (6').

FREESTANDING SIGN: A sign mounted on a freestanding pole or similar support, as opposed to on a solid base, with a height greater than six feet (6').

HANDBILL: A flier, leaflet, or other loose printed sheet used for advertising or informational purposes.

MONUMENT SIGN: A permanent sign which is supported by and integrated with a solid base, as opposed to poles, posts, or other such supports.

MUNICIPAL FIELD SIGNS: Located on the interior of the fencing of the playing fields at Steed Park and Fisher Park.

OFF PREMISES SIGN: Any sign advertising merchandise, services, or businesses other than those available on the premises of the sign's location.

ON PREMISES SIGN: Any sign advertising merchandise, services, or businesses available on the premises of the sign's location.

PLANNED COMMERCIAL OR MANUFACTURING CENTER: A commercial or manufacturing site where multiple tenants are located, whether in a single building or in multiple buildings.

POLE SIGN: See definition of freestanding sign.

POLITICAL OR CAMPAIGN SIGN: A sign urging the election or defeat of any candidate seeking any political office, or urging the passage or defeat of any ballot measure, but does not mean or include any billboard owned or maintained by a commercial firm or advertising company.

READER BOARD: A sign or portion of a sign face designed for changeable copy.

REAL ESTATE SIGN: A sign announcing the sale or availability for lease of a building or lot.

ROOF SIGN: Any sign placed upon the roof of a building or structure.

SIGN: Any words, lettering, parts of letters, figures, numerals, phrases, sentences, devices, designs, pictures, trade names or trademarks by which anything is made known, such as are used to designate a firm, an association, a corporation, a profession, a business, a service or commodity, a product, or any type of publicity or propaganda, whether placed on the ground, rocks, trees, stumps or other natural objects, or on a building, wall, roof, frame, support, fence or other manmade object, which are visible from any street, public highway or public road right-of- way. For purpose of this title, the term "sign" does not include the flag, pennant, or insignia of any nation, state, city or other political unit, or of a nonprofit organization. It shall not include any official notice issued by any court or public body, or officer, or directional, warning or information sign, or structure required or authorized as a nonprofit organization.

SIGN AREA: See section 11-15-14 of this chapter.

SIGN HEIGHT: The vertical distance measured from the average grade at the base of the sign to the highest point of said sign.

SUSPENDED SIGN: A sign that hangs from a building or structure without being connected to a base on the ground.

TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign, banner, pennant, valance, balloon, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, cardboard, wallboard, plastic or other light materials with or without frame where the sign is not permanently affixed to the ground or structure. Spotlights shall also be considered a temporary sign.

WALL SIGN: A sign attached, affixed, or painted on the exterior wall surface of a building or structure. Suspended signs in front of and parallel to a wall surface shall also be considered wall signs.

WINDOW SIGN: A sign that is painted on or temporarily affixed to a window surface. Window signs shall not be permitted to block clear view of exits or entrances or to create a safety hazard. Any sign located directly in front of or behind a window shall be considered a window sign, regardless of the sign type or manner of construction. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009; amd. Ord. 2017-13, 7-25-2017)

All appeals to the provisions of this chapter shall be made in accordance with section 11-1-12 of this title. (Ord. 2009-45, 11-24-2009)