search icon

Gillette City Zoning Code

SECTION 10

SIGN REGULATIONS

a. Purpose and Scope of Regulations

The purpose of this ordinance is to permit signs that will not, by their reason, size, location, construction or manner of display, endanger the public safety of individuals, confuse, mislead or obstruct the vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger the public health and safety. Moreover, this ordinance is intended to permit signs that will support and complement the land use objectives contained in this ordinance and in the duly-adopted Comprehensive Plan and to permit only those signs which will preserve and maintain property values within the corporate limits of the City of Gillette.

This ordinance shall apply to signs erected, altered and maintained by and for permitted uses in all districts. Signs governed by several regulations shall comply with all such regulations. If State regulations for signs along highways are in conflict with this ordinance, the more restrictive rules shall apply.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

b. General Requirements

  1. 61 Signs controlled by this section shall be erected only after the approval of the Zoning Administrator of a permit therefore. An application for such approval shall contain a sketch or drawing to scale of the proposed sign and a notation as to its height, size and location on the structure or zone lot. All Free-standing Pole Signs over 30’ in height shall have the proposed location of the sign approved by City Engineering and City Utilities in addition to the Zoning Administrator in order to avoid endangering the public or community utility infrastructure. It shall also fully describe any existing signage on the premises. An application for a free-standing sign shall also contain engineering specifications which delineate the wind and snow loads that the sign can sustain.
  2. 61 Signs shall be maintained in a good state of repair. Free-standing Pole Signs over thirty (30’) feet in height shall have the sign, all connection points and support structure inspected at least every five (5) years to confirm and re-certify the structural integrity of the Free-standing Pole Sign. Such inspections shall be completed by a Wyoming licensed structural engineer and copies of the inspection report filed with the City. Broken signs, signs unreadable because of deterioration, and signs on vacant buildings may be ordered repaired or removed by the Zoning Administrator.
  3. Illuminated, non-flashing signs shall be permitted only in those districts listed in Subsection (e); and where the sign is illuminated by a light or lights reflected upon it, direct rays of light shall not beam upon any residential building, into any residential building or into any street.
  4. Flashing signs shall be permitted only in the districts listed in Subsection (3) of this ordinance and upon approval of the Zoning Administrator, providing it is determined that the location and colors will in no way create confusion with traffic lights and with lights on emergency vehicles; and the direct rays of the sign are not directed into any residential district, or upon any residential building.
  5. Proposed signs, not specifically listed in the "permitted use section" of this ordinance and not prohibited by this ordinance, may be approved by the Zoning Administrator, provided the proposed sign is compatible with the purpose and scope of this ordinance and complies with all other applicable provisions of this ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

c. Exemptions

The following types of signs shall be deemed to be outside the scope of this ordinance and shall not require a permit:

  1. signs required by law or authorized for a public purpose;
  2. one (1) sign showing only name and/or address of the occupant, not exceeding two (2) square feet and mounted flat against the wall;
  3. cornerstones and historical markers;
  4. decorations of a temporary nature;
  5. window displays of actual merchandise;
  6. real estate "For Sale", rental or lease signs, not exceeding six (6) square feet in area;
  7. signs whose primary function is to be informational or directional, providing their location is approved by the Zoning Administrator;
  8. danger or warning signs of a cautionary nature;
  9. traffic signs;
  10. religious symbols;
  11. identifying signs and lettering on business doors, exterior or interior;
  12. window signs in commercial districts; and
  13. "For Sale" and temporary construction signs without electric service are exempted from any permits; however, they must comply with all other provisions of this ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

d. Prohibited Signs

  1. No "revolving beacon", "fountain" or "flashing" signs which are of such intensity or so located that it could detract a motorist's vision from normal, safe driving shall be permitted in any district.
  2. No sign in any district shall conflict in any manner with the purpose or operation of public devices controlling public traffic.
  3. Except for those traffic control and directional devices erected and approved by a public agency having jurisdiction, overhanging or free-standing signs shall be permitted to extend over a public right-of-way only in the C-2 District.
  4. No person shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or public property, or on private property, so as to be visible from the public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises.
  5. Sandwich signs shall be prohibited in all districts.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

e. Permitted Signs 5, 16, 21

The following signs may be erected and maintained in the zoning districts enumerated:

Permitted Signs 32, 65
(P) Permitted  (X)Prohibited
 AR-R, R-S, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, M-H, E-MH, E-MH R-SC-PC-1, C-3C-2C-OI-1, I-2
Billboards(P)(X)(X)(P)4(X)(P)4(P)
Building Sign(P)(X)(P)(P)(P)(P)1(P)
Free-Standing(P)(X)(P)(P)2(P)2(P)1(P)
Center Identification(X)(X)(P)(P)(P)(P)3(P)
Projecting(X)(X)(X)(P)5(P)5(X)(X)
Residential Development (P)     
Bulletin(P)(P)(P)(P)(P)(P)(X)
For Sale(P)(P)(P)(P)(P)(P)(P)
Temporary Business(P)(X)(P)(P)(P)(X)(P)
Temporary Construction(P)(P)(P)(P)(P)(P)(P)
Off-Premise(P)(X)(X)(P)(P)(P)(P)
Inflatable56(X)(X)(X)(P)(X)(X)(X)
*Illuminated Non-Flashing(P)(X)(P)(P)(P)(P)(P)
*Flashing(X)(X)(X)(P)(P)(X)(P)

Effective on: 5/29/2019

f. Regulations on Sign Usage

  1. Billboard
    1. The owner shall agree, at the time of issuance of the permit, to place and maintain on such billboard the name of the person owning or in control of the billboard. The nameplate shall also include a 24-hour emergency contact phone number for the individual or entity responsible for daily maintenance and operations of the billboard.86
    2. No billboard shall be erected, altered, constructed, reconstructed or moved until an application and plans have been filed with the Zoning Administrator and shall have been approved by the Zoning Administrator as to size, location and construction. Billboard structures shall be designed and certified by a licensed Wyoming Professional Engineer to ensure the foundation, structure, sign face(s) and other connections meet minimum design loads and all aspects of the City’s adopted building codes. All relevant building permits, to be issued by the City of Gillette Building Division, are required for all billboard structures.86
    3. Billboards shall not exceed thirty feet (30') in height above the ground.
    4. The owner, lessee or manager of such billboard and the owner of the sign shall maintain and keep the ground area around the sign free and clean of weeds and debris.
    5. Plans for billboards within fire limits shall be referred to the Fire Chief for review and recommendation.
    6. No billboards shall project beyond the front, side or rear building line established for the zoning district in which the billboard is located.
    7. No billboard shall exceed six hundred eighty (680) square feet in area (on a single face) and shall not be erected closer than one hundred fifty feet (150') from another billboard on the same side of the street.
      1. See Section 10.f.(1).(m) for Tri-Face Billboard measurement limits and 10.g for further billboard measurement guidance.90
    8. It shall be unlawful to construct or maintain, or cause to be constructed or maintained, any billboard, in such a manner as to:
      1. obstruct the view of street crossings or railroad crossings;
      2. be unable to stand a pressure of at least thirty (30) pounds per square foot of advertising surface;
      3. be dangerous to the public by falling or blowing down;
      4. increase the danger of loss by fire or to increase fire insurance rates; and
      5. be nearer than five feet (5') from any building, unless attached to the building.
    9. Billboards supported by the ground shall have all posts set in concrete.
    10. 30a In addition to billboards permitted in the A, I-1, and I-2 Districts, there shall be a special zone established within two-hundred-fifty feet (250') of the I-90 right-of-way which allows billboards in the C-1, C-3 and C-O Districts.
    11. No billboard shall be erected within two-hundred-fifty feet (250') of the boundary of any residential zone.
    12. 86Billboards with Electronic Graphic Display Signs shall comply with the following, additional requirements:
      1. Message Display. No electronic graphic display sign shall utilize colors or displays which create confusion with traffic lights and with lights on emergency vehicles. There shall be no multi-frame messages or effects of movement, blinking, animation, scrolling, flashing, or similar effects in individual images. Animated transitions between messages are prohibited. Grayscale or full color may be used.
      2. Dwell Time. All electronic graphic display signs shall be programmed so that the message or image on the sign changes no more frequently than once every six (6) seconds.
      3. Separation. A minimum distance of two thousand (2,000) feet, in all directions, shall be required between each billboard with electronic graphic display sign(s). This distance shall apply in all cases, regardless of any jurisdictional boundaries between billboards.
      4. Residential Buffer. All billboards with electronic graphic display signs must be setback a minimum of 500 feet (measured on all sides) from any residential zoning district.
      5. Intersection Buffer. Billboards with electronic graphic display signs shall not be located within the sight triangle, or fifty (50) feet of the driving surface of a signalized intersection, whichever is greater. The fifty-foot buffer shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of driving surface of the signalized intersection.
      6. Brightness. All electronic graphic display signs shall utilize technologies which automatically reduce light levels at night and under cloudy or other darkened conditions. Electronic graphic display signs may not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or otherwise impair the vision of a driver, or result in a nuisance to the driver. Electronic graphic display signs shall not increase the amount of ambient lighting during nighttime viewing by no more than 0.3 foot candles when measured by a foot candle meter at 100 feet.
      7. Audio. Audio speakers in any form are prohibited on billboards with electronic graphic display signs.
      8. Malfunction. All electronic graphic display signs shall contain a default design that will freeze the device and message in one position if a malfunction occurs. Any electronic graphic display sign that malfunctions, fails, or ceases to operate in its usual or normal programmed manner shall be restored to its normal operation within twenty-four (24) hours or set to a blank or static display until repairs can be accomplished.
      9. Replacement. Traditional billboards utilizing painted faces or posters on existing faces can be replaced with an electronic graphic display sign, provided all requirements of this ordinance are met. Traditional billboard structures replaced with electronic graphic display signs will be evaluated and certified by a Wyoming Professional Engineer to ensure the foundation, structure, and other connections are capable of handling the increased loads and meet all aspects of the City’s adopted building codes.
      10. Size. Electronic graphic display sign panels installed on billboards will not exceed three hundred forty (340) square feet in area as measured as the total face. Billboard structures are limited to no more than one electronic graphic display panel if installed individually, or two panels if installed back-to-back.
      11. Building Permit Required. All relevant building permits, to be issued by the City of Gillette Building Division, are required for all billboards with electronic graphic display signs.
      12. Electrical Service. Electrical services to all electronic graphic display signs shall be provided by an underground service lateral. In no case shall overhead wires be attached. The applicant agrees to accept electrical service from the City’s electrical system for all electronic graphic display signs.
      13. Application Fee and Annual License Fee. All electronic graphic display signs will require an application fee of $2,500 and an annual license fee of $250, which will expire on December 31st of each year. Nonpayment will result in disconnection from the City’s electrical supply.
      14. Emergency Notification. The applicant will enter into a separate agreement with the City to provide access for local emergency dispatch agencies to utilize electronic graphic display sign(s) to broadcast emergency notifications and other, critical public service warning messages. Per this agreement, the applicant will provide access to display emergency notifications, critical public service warning messages and other public notices within a reasonable time upon notice from the City and its local emergency dispatch agencies. The applicant agrees to provide access for this public service free of charge to the City and its local dispatch agencies and shall reserve a minimum of 8% of its annual sign lease time for this service.86
    13. 90 Tri-Face Billboards: Tri-Face Billboards shall be permitted with the same placement requirements as all other billboards as listed in Section 10 except that they shall maintain a minimum distance of two thousand (2,000) feet, in all directions between each tri-face billboard.  This distance shall apply in all cases, regardless of any jurisdictional boundaries between billboards.  The total advertising area of a Tri-face Billboard shall not exceed 900 square feet.  Per Section 10.f.(1).(l).(10), one (1) Electronic Graphic Display (maximum of 340 square feet of advertising space) shall be allowed as part of a tri-face billboard's advertising area.
  2. Building Sign

    A business or profession shall be allowed to display aggregate building signage not to exceed 500 square feet per building up to two (2) stories in height and 2000 square feet for each building exceeding two (2) stories. Up to fifty percent (50%) of a building sign may be manual changeable copy. The following are permitted building signs:

    1. Flush or painted wall sign: for buildings less than two stories in height aggregate square footage of wall signage on any one wall or plane of the building may not exceed the lesser of three times the lineal footage of the wall to which it is attached or 250 square feet. For buildings over two stories aggregate square footage of wall signage on any one wall or plane of the building shall not exceed the lesser of 10% of the surface area of the wall to which it is attached or 1,000 square feet.
      1. Wall signage shall not project more than four inches (4") from the wall to which it is attached unless it is located at least eight feet (8') above or not adjacent to any pedestrian or vehicular traffic way. 39
    1. Roof sign: The City Engineer, or his designee, shall approve all roof signs and may require the construction and/or installation of the sign to be certified in writing by a private, independent engineering firm. The sign shall not project above the peak of the roof. In the case of a flat roof, the sign shall not project more than ten feet (10') above the roof; and the height of the sign, plus the height of the building on which the sign is attached, shall not exceed the maximum height allowed in the zoning district in which the property is located. The gross surface area (in square feet) shall not exceed three (3) times the lineal feet of the wall which the sign most nearly parallels. The sign shall not rotate.
    2. Canopy sign: a sign located on the face of the canopy shall comply with all requirements set forth for a Flush Wall Sign.
    3. Under-canopy sign: The sign shall not exceed the width of the canopy, in the case of a sign which is erected perpendicular to the building wall. In the case of a sign which parallels the building wall, the requirements for a flush wall sign shall apply. The bottom edge of the sign shall be at least eight feet (8') above any pedestrian way.
  3. Free-standing Sign 13 61

    Where allowed, one (1) free-standing sign for individual businesses conducted on a zone lot shall be allowed, not to exceed one hundred feet (100’) in height nor thirty feet (30') in width and not to exceed three hundred fifty (350) square feet in surface area. Up to fifty percent (50%) of its area may be of changeable copy.

    A second free-standing sign, not to exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in surface area, and a maximum of thirty feet (30’) in height shall be permitted where a zone lot abuts an arterial street, as designated on the duly adopted City of Gillette Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map, with the arterial having at least two hundred feet (200') of frontage on the zone lot. The second, free-standing sign shall not be used for off premise advertising.

    1. Pole, free-standing sign:26 the bottom edge of the sign shall be at least ten feet (10') above ground level. Any base or pedestal may not exceed three feet (3') in height or otherwise block a driver's view. There shall be a zero (0) setback for this type of sign.
    2. Ground, free-standing sign: The sign shall be located at least ten feet (10') from a property line and ten feet (10') from a driveway or parking area access lane(s); or, on a corner lot, shall not be located within twenty feet (20') of the point of intersection of the two (2) intersecting property lines or on curved property lines, the projected point of intersection of the two (2) property lines extended. They shall not rotate.
  4. Center Identification Sign

    Two (2) signs may be used to identify a commercial, industrial or professional center or complex. The signs may be one (1) free-standing and one (1) building sign but shall not include two (2) free-standing signs. In the case of a multi-story building, an additional directory, not to exceed nine (9) square feet, may be erected near the entrance to the upper floor(s), identifying the business(es) or profession(s) located therein.

    1. Free-standing sign: in addition to the provisions in Section 10.f.(3), the following shall apply: the sign shall not exceed four hundred fifty (450) square feet in area. The sign may display a directory of the businesses and/or professions located within the unified shopping center or within the shopping center complex, along with the name and address of the center or complex, provided the information displayed is an integral part of the sign. That the letters identifying the business or profession are uniform in height, and that such a sign will not be erected within fifty feet (50') of a residential district.
    2. Wall sign: in addition to the provisions in Section 10.f.(2)(a), the following shall apply: the gross surface area of the sign shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the wall to which it is attached, but not exceeding four hundred (400) square feet. The sign may display a directory of the businesses and/or professions located within the unified shopping center or within the shopping center complex, along with the name and address of the center or complex, provided the information displayed is an integral part of the sign; and that the letters identifying the business or profession are uniform in height.
  5. Projecting Sign

    A maximum of one (1) such sign may project from the wall to which it is attached a maximum of six feet (6'), except in no case closer than eighteen inches (18") from any curb line. The sign shall be located at least eight feet (8') above any pedestrian way, as measured from the lowest point of the sign. The gross surface area shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet.

  6. Residential Development Sign 60

    In a subdivision, planned mobile/manufactured home development or residential building complex, up to two (2) signs may be erected to identify the development. The sign may be free-standing or attached to the building wall or fence. The signs shall display no more than the name and location of the building complex. Together, the signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in total area.

  7. Bulletin Sign

    Bulletin boards and signs may be erected for churches and other similar public or private institutions in the designated districts, subject to the following limitations:

    1. One (1) sign or bulletin board shall be permitted on each street frontage, if located on the same site as the principal building.
    2. If the sign or bulletin board is illuminated, the lights shall be directed away from adjoining residential uses.
    3. No sign or bulletin board shall exceed twenty four (24) square feet in area.
    4. No sign shall be located closer than eight feet (8') from any side or rear property line.
    5. A sign or bulletin board located in the front yard shall be no closer to the street line than one half (½) the required front yard.
    6. A sign or bulletin board affixed to a building shall not project higher than one (1) story or ten feet (10') above the ground level, whichever is lower.
    7. Ground signs shall be permanently anchored to the ground and shall not exceed a height of six feet (6') above normal grade.
    8. Buildings constructed on the property line prior to the adoption of this regulation shall be allowed one (1) identification sign, only when said sign is a flat wall sign and permanently attached to the building.
    9. On corner lots, no sign shall be so constructed or so located that it will obstruct the view of traffic approaching the street intersection.
  8. For Sale Sign

    For sale or for rent signs not exempted from the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the following conditions:

    1. Only one (1) such sign shall be permitted for each front line of a zone lot.
    2. No sign shall exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area; except in commercial and industrial districts, no sign shall exceed sixty four (64) square feet in area.
  9. Temporary Business Sign 31
    1. Each business sign may have up to one (1) on-premise and two (2) off-premise signs or three (3) off-premise signs. Except that all inflatable signs must be on-premise and may not exceed a total of three (3).56
    2. No on-premise or off-premise sign shall be located in a public right-of-way or be located in a manner which constitutes a traffic or pedestrian hazard. The location of the sign(s) must be stated on the permit as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
    3. A business shall be permitted to display temporary signs for a maximum of ninety (90) days during a calendar year. All dates of display must be stated on the permit.
    4. In a unified shopping center on one (1) zone lot, no more than four (4) businesses shall be allowed to display on-premise signs at the same time on the zone lot. 26
    5. The sign may be illuminated, but it shall not flash, according to the definition contained elsewhere in these regulations.
    6. No temporary sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size. Inflatable signs may be larger than 32 square feet, provided their size, height and location have been reviewed and approved by the zoning administrator and all public health and safety concerns have been satisfied.56
  10. Temporary Construction Sign
    1. No more than two (2) such signs shall be allowed on any zone lot where construction or development is taking place.
    2. No sign shall exceed ten feet (10') in height.
    3. The total area for any sign shall not exceed sixty four (64) square feet.
    4. Signs may be illuminated but shall not be flashing or animated or having moving parts.
  11. Off-Premise Signs 44, 45

    Where allowed, any free-standing pole sign allowed under this ordinance may be used to advertise an off-premise business or service in Gillette subject to the following conditions:

    1. The applicant must show a demonstrable hardship exists at the location of their place of business in Gillette which permits the erection of a pole sign but which nonetheless prevents or restricts the reasonable use of a pole sign at that location.
    2. If a pole sign is used to advertise an off-premise business or service, which is a substitute for a pole sign at the place of the business or service in Gillette, the business or service using the advertising surface must acknowledge, in writing, that the use of an off-premise pole sign is a substitute for a pole sign at the place of the business or service in Gillette being advertised and must relinquish their pole sign usage at the site of their business location.
    3. If used to advertise off-premise businesses or services exclusively, the pole sign shall be used as a substitute for the allowed pole sign on the site where the pole sign is located.
    4. A pole sign can be used to advertise both on-premise and off-premise businesses or services provided that the total advertising surface does not exceed the size limits allowed for a free-standing sign and the off-premise advertiser complies with item (b) above.
    5. An off-premise sign must be of uniform style and size to other pole signs in the district.
    6. Off-premise signs may be erected on zone lots for which a permitted use has not been established provided the property owner complies with item (c) above and the applicant complies with item (b) above.
    7. Subject to these conditions, the Planning Commission shall approve or deny the request on issuance of the sign permit for an off-premise sign.

    Along with the application for a permit for an off-premise sign, the applicant shall submit a letter from the property owner where the off-premise sign will be located granting permission to erect an off-premise sign and stating that they understand and accept the restrictions that an off-premise sign may impose on their property. Prior to issuing an off-premise sign permit, the applicant shall submit verification as to the location of any pole signs that are to be relinquished as part of the conditions for issuing an off-premise sign permit.

  12. Inflatable Sign56

    Where allowed, individual businesses may use inflatable signs. Inflatable signs maybe singular or multiple, tethered or ground mounted provided that the total aggregate square footage does not exceed 350 square feet. No individual inflatable sign shall exceed 30’ in length. For the purpose of calculating total square footage of inflatable signs, the calculation shall be based on the length and width measurement of a cross-section through the center of the inflatable sign. Inflatable signs may not be used for off-premise advertising. Businesses seeking to use inflatable signs must provide design and construction details to demonstrate compliance with City wind load requirements and to demonstrate that anchoring mechanisms will not present a danger to the public. All permits for inflatable signs will provide a site plan showing all existing structures, power poles, trees, or other features that could be impacted by the inflatable sign.

    1. Tethered, inflatable sign: the maximum altitude at which a tethered inflatable sign can be flown is 30’, as measured from the ground at or immediately beneath the anchor point to the point of connection of the tether to the inflatable sign. No tethered sign can be flown or anchored in any manner that presents a safety hazard or otherwise endangers the public. No minimum setback from the property line is required for the anchor point, however no portion of the tether or the inflatable sign shall be allowed to encroach on the air space of adjoining public or private property.
    2. Ground mounted, inflatable signs: the maximum height of a ground anchored inflatable sign shall be 30’. The sign shall be located at least ten feet (10’) from a property line and ten feet (10’) from a driveway or parking area access lane. On a corner lot, the sign shall not be located within the required site triangle. All anchor wires shall be within the property lines.

Effective on: 5/29/2019

g. Sign Area Measurement (See Exhibit 10-1 and 10-2)

  1. The structure or bracing of any sign shall be omitted from measurement, unless such structure or bracing has been made an integral part of the message.
  2. Where a sign has two (2) or more display faces, the area of all faces shall be measured, unless such faces join back to back, are parallel to each other and are no more than twenty four inches (24") apart.
  3. The area of any backing or background material that is a part of the sign display shall be included in the sign area to be measured.
  4. The area of any sign shall be measured by determining the sum of the area of each square, rectangle, triangle, circle or portion or combination thereof that encompasses the outer limits of all portions of the sign, message or display.
  5. Individual letters, with no background, shall be measured by the minimum rectangular area necessary to encompass such letter or by a combination of rectangles as are necessary to encompass letters or irregular dimension.
Exhibit 10-1
Exhibit 10-2
Exhibit 10-2

Effective on: 1/1/1901