The purpose of the sign regulations set forth in this chapter is intended to:

(1) Eliminate potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians by requiring that signs are designed, constructed, installed and maintained in a manner that promotes the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Grantsville;

(2) Encourage signs which, by their design, are integrated with and harmonious to the buildings and sites, including landscaping, which they occupy;

(3) Preserve the appearance of the City as a place in which to live and to work, and create an attraction to nonresidents to come to visit or trade;

(4) Allow each individual business to clearly identify itself and the nature of its business in such a manner as to become the hallmark of the business which will create a distinctive appearance and also enhance the City character.

(5) Safeguard and enhance property values, and protect public and private investment in buildings and open space.

Notwithstanding other definitions found in the code, the following words and phrases whenever used in this chapter shall be construed as defined in this section:. If there is a conflict between the different portions of the Code, the definitions and provisions in this Section shall govern. Words not defined shall have the meanings found in accepted reference manuals, published online in reasonable acceptable websites, or in industry-standard publications or materials. Further references and definitions can be found in the Sign Research Foundation's Sign Glossary as in industry standard if additional clarification is needed.

1. A-FRAME SIGN: Any sign or structure composed of two (2) sign faces mounted or attached back to back in such a manner as to form a basically triangular vertical cross section through the faces.
2. ANIMATED SIGN: Any sign which is designed and constructed to give its message through the flashing of or rotation of lights or figures.
3. APPURTENANT SIGN: See definition of On Premises Sign.
4. BANNER: A flexible sign characteristically supported by two (2) or more points. It is generally made of fabric or other nonrigid materials with no enclosing frame. Flags supported by one point are considered banners.
5. BILLBOARD: A freestanding ground sign, regardless of size, located on real property that is designed and intended to direct attention to a business, product, service or message that is not sold, offered or existing on the property, nor specific to the property where the property sign is located.
6. BUILDING FACE: The visible outer surface (façade) of an exterior wall of a building. The area of the face of the building shall be the total area such surface, including the solid walls (including parapet or projecting walls), roof, doors, and windows.
7. CANOPY: See definition of Marquee.
8. DISREPAIR: A sign shall be considered in disrepair when it fails to be in the same in form, style, shape, or structure as originally constructed, or when it fails to perform its intended function of conveying a message or when it reaches the point of a reduced value of over 50% of the value of the replacement cost. Conditions shall include, but not be limited to:
   1. Structural pole or support failure.
   2. Signs not being held vertically or as originally constructed.
   3. Borders falling off or already removed.
   4. Panels missing or falling off.
   5. Message falling off or in disrepair such that it cannot be interpreted by the motoring public.
   6. Signs that are overgrown by trees or other vegetation.
9. ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER (EMC): A sign with changeable copy that is controlled electronically via a remote programming device.
10. ENTRY FEATURE SIGN: A sign that is placed at the entrance of a subdivision or other residential or commercial project as part of a distinct architectural or landscape feature that identifies the project and displays the project name. Entry feature signs are permanent, decorative elements, as distinct from other directional, real estate, or informational signs which are designed to be temporary in nature and which will eventually be removed.
11. ERECT: To build, construct, place, relocate, enlarge, substantially alter, attach, suspend, paint, post or display. Normal maintenance, including refinishing, not to exceed 50% of the value of the si is not included in this definition, provided the location, character, style, materials, construction, size, or use of the sign is not changed or altered.
12. FLOATING SIGN: Any inflatable or floating sign or advertising device that is affixed to or displayed at a place of business. Examples are blimps, hot air balloons, and inflatable figures.
13. FREESTANDING SIGN: Any sign that is standing on or erected into the ground. Such signs are usually, but not necessarily, supported from the ground by one or more poles or posts or similar uprights, with or without braces. Any sign which is mounted into the ground, but has the supports to any portion of the roof of a building or structure, shall be considered to be a roof sign.
14. FRONTAGE: The length of the sides along the street or any other principal public thoroughfare, but not including such length along an alley, watercourse, railroad, street or thoroughfare with no permitted access.
15. LOGO SIGNS: Any sign whose single feature is a reproduction of the common recognized logo of the company and/or product.
16. MARQUEE: Any permanent roof like structure projection beyond a building or wall, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.
17. MONUMENT SIGN: Any on premises sign which is mounted directly to the ground having a foundation or pedestal that is at least sixty percent (60%) of the width of the actual sign structure and meeting the standards for height set for monument signs.
18. MOVABLE, FREESTANDING SIGN: Any sign not affixed to or erected into the ground.
19. OFF PREMISES SIGN OR NONAPPURTENANT SIGN: Any sign which advertises products, development projects, services, or business establishments which are not located, conducted, manufactured or sold upon the same premises upon which the sign is erected.
20. ON PREMISES SIGN OR APPURTENANT SIGN: Any sign which advertises products, services, development projects, or business establishments which are located, conducted, manufactured or sold upon the same premises on which the sign is erected.
21. OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN: See definition of On Premises Sign Or Appurtenant Sign.
22. PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign attached to a building or structural wall and extending horizontally outward from such wall more than eighteen inches (18").
23. PUBLIC EVENT BANNER: A banner pertaining to festivals or events which is installed as a temporary sign. Installation of banners across SR-138 and SR-112 are generally not permitted without special permission of UDOT and the Grantsville City Council.
24. PUBLIC INFORMATION SIGN: Signs presenting travel information and signs concerning historic and scenic sites, public recreation facilities, miscellaneous instructions and warnings.
25. READER BOARD: A sign with manually changeable copy such as gas station prices, school events, etc.
26. REAL PROPERTY: Land or real estate, with or without structures; not goods or services.
27. RESIDENTIAL ZONE OR DISTRICT: Any zone that is zoned as residential under Utah State law and the Grantsville City Land Use management and Development Code.
28. ROOF SIGN: Any sign which is erected upon or over the roof or over a parapet of any building or structure.
29. SCENIC BYWAY: A road that possesses outstanding scenic, recreational, historical, educational, scientific or cultural values or features. The designation can be made by federal or state agencies.
30. 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, association, corporation, profession, business or service, whether placed on the ground, rocks, trees, stumps, or other natural objects, or on a building, wall, roof, frame, support, fence or other manmade structure, which are visible from any public street, public highway or public road right of way. For the purpose of this chapter, the word "sign" does not include any official notice issued by any court, public body or officer, or non-commercial directional, warning or informational sign or structure required or authorized by law.
31. SIGN AREA: The area of a sign that is used for display purposes, excluding the minimum frame and supports. In computing sign area, only one side of a double faced sign covering the same subject shall be computed. For signs that do not have a frame or a separate background, sign area shall be computed on the basis of the least rectangle, triangle or circle large enough to frame the display on one face. An electronic message center will be included in calculation of overall sign area.
32. SNIPE SIGN: Snipe signs, also known as bandit signs, are temporary, off-premises signs affixed to poles or by wire stakes to the ground in the public right-of-way or private property, and are used to advertise services, events, or businesses. This definition does not include political or candidate signs used during elections.
33. TEMPORARY: A period not to exceed six (6) months.
34. TIME AND TEMPERATURE DEVICE: Any mechanism that displays the time and/or temperature, but does not display any commercial advertising or identification.
35. WALL SIGNS: Any sign posted, or painted upon, suspended from, or otherwise affixed to a wall, fascia, canopy, or marquee of a building located on the site to which the sign pertains.
36. WIND SIGNS: Any propeller, whirligig or similar commercial device which is designed to flutter, rotate or display other movement under the influence of wind. This definition shall not include pennants, flags or banners.

Every sign erected or proposed to be erected within the City shall be classified in accordance with the definitions of signs contained in this chapter. Any sign which does not clearly fall within one of the classifications shall be placed in the classification which the sign, in view of its design, location and purpose, most clearly approximates by the Community Development Director, Zoning Administrator, or their designee.

The following general requirements shall apply to all signs and outdoor advertising structures which may be erected of maintained within the City.

1. Sign Approval: Except as otherwise provided, it shall be illegal to erect or maintain any sign or outdoor advertising structure in the City without first obtaining the approval of the City for said sign or advertising structure, the granting of which shall be based upon the provisions of this chapter. Approval shall not be required for temporary nonelectrical wall signs less than six (6) square feet in area.
2. Permits: The approval of the City shall be evidenced by a permit issued by the Community Development Director, Zoning Administrator, or their designee.
3. Animated Signs: No strobing, flashing, or rotating signs are permitted.
4. Sound Or Emissions: No sign shall be designed for the purpose of emitting sound, smoke, or steam.
5. Movable And Temporary Freestanding Signs: Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all signs mounted or painted upon vehicles or trailers which are parked in any location for the purpose of calling attention to or advertising a person, place or thing. "Temporary" shall be construed to mean a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. Movable A-frame signs displaying a menu or special message in front of a place of business to be displayed during open hours of the business may be approved subject to a maximum size of thirty inches by thirty six inches (30" x 48"). Such signs require a permit and must be stored inside the place of business when not in use and shall not obstruct sidewalks or streets, and must be kept within three feet (3') of the business storefront to prevent sidewalk clutter.
6. Off Premises Billboard Signs And Off Premises Outdoor Advertising Structures: Off premises billboard signs and off premises outdoor advertising structures are not permitted in any location within the City of Grantsville. This does not include traffic and directional signs.
7. Roof Signs: Roof signs may be permitted upon approval of a design by the Community Development Director, Zoning Administrator, or designee which hides all supporting members. Roof sign area will be included in the total allowed wall sign area for the wall over which the roof sign is erected. Roof signs require a permit from the Community Development Director, Zoning Administrator, or designee who may consult with building officials/inspectors to verify the safety and feasibility of any roof sign.
8. Canopy Signs: Signs painted on or affixed to canopies which are part of the building shall be considered part of the total allowed area of wall signs for the wall from which the canopy projects. Signs painted on or affixed to canopies which are freestanding shall be considered part of the total allowable area of freestanding signs for that use. Signs suspended under canopies (marquees) which project over public rights of way shall be limited to six (6) square feet. Signs with changeable copy (reader boards) located on marquees of theaters or similar public assembly uses may combine the total allowable area for all building faces as permitted by the City so long as there are no wall signs placed upon building faces other than the face to which the marquee is attached.
9. Banner Signs: Banner signs will be permitted under the following conditions:
   1. Sign must by mounted or displayed on the face of a building or affixed to supporting poles or on a permanent fence in such a manner as to prevent displacement by wind of other cause. Location of banner sign must be such that safe sight distances are maintained for pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
   2. Sign may not be larger than one hundred (100) square feet.
   3. For temporary promotions, banner signs may be displayed for sixty (60) consecutive days (only 1 such display per business location).
   4. For new businesses without permanent signs, a banner sign may be permitted for up to six 6) months. One six (6) month extension may be granted by the planning commission.
   5. For bankruptcy or going out of business promotions, banner signs may be displayed for sixty (60) days (only 0ne (1) such display per business license).
   6. For all other sales and events, banner signs may be displayed for a maximum of thirty (30) days per quarter (a three (3) month period).
   7. Banner signs which become tattered, worn, or in a state of disrepair must be immediately removed, regardless of time limits. However, a replacement banner sign with the same message may be erected for the remainder of the time limit.
10. Floating Signs: Such signs may be permitted as a temporary use for special events, sales, or similar occasions for a time period not exceeding twenty one (21) days. One such twenty one (21) day period may be approved in each three (3) month period. Floating signs must be securely anchored in such a manner that they cannot become detached from their mooring point or anchor. Floating signs may float at the end of a tether no longer than 35' in length. Floating signs are not permitted where they may interfere with roadways, powerlines, or other utilities.
11. Illumination: Lighting fixtures used to illuminate any sign shall be mounted on the top of the sign structure and shielded to prevent the emission of light beyond the sign. Further, all signage shall be constructed to comply with the standards and requirements outlined in the Dark Sky International guidelines. Generally speaking, this means that light trespass is prohibited, signage must dim to lower levels at night, light sources (other than electronic message centers (EMCs) and lighted reader boards) must be shielded to obscure the lighting source (downlighting or back lighting), and electronic message centers and lighted reader boards shall have automatic dimming features and controls. EMCs shall follow the NWSC/ISA recommended 0.3 footcandle approach to ensure these signs will not be too bright - that is, electronic message centers shall dim light output to the extent that the light output is not more than 0.3 footcandle over ambient lighting conditions when measured from one hundred feet (100') away from the sign. EMCs shall not flash light or illuminate any pixels brighter than the surrounding panel or any portion thereof, and shall have a dwell time of at least 8 seconds. No animation on EMCs is permitted.
12. Location: No sign shall be constructed or erected in such a location or manner that it obstructs or unreasonably interferes with an existing sign.

It is unlawful to erect or maintain a sign contrary to the provisions of this chapter. If a sign is erected or maintained in violation of this chapter, the City may: (1) Order the correction of the defect within ten (10) days from the date a notice is sent by the Community Development Director, Zoning Administrator, or their designee so long as the correction of the defect will bring the subject sign into compliance with the provisions of this Chapter; but

(2) If the violation cannot be brought into compliance with this Chapter, the subject sign shall be removed within ten (10) Days the date a notice is sent by the Community Development Director, Zoning Administrator, or their designee at the expense of the owner of the sign.

(3) If the owner of the sign contests the order of the City, the remedy shall be an appeal to the Grantsville Board of Adjustment.

(4) If the owner of the sign fails or refuses to remove the subject sign at the order of the City, the City may remove the sign at any time after the owner thereof exhausts their administrative remedies in relation thereto, unless otherwise ordered by a court of law. Removal by the City shall be at the expense of the owner, and the City may obtain judgment against the owner in an amount equal thereto, together with reasonable attorney fees and costs.

This chapter shall have no application to signs used exclusively for:

(1) The display of official notices used by any court or public body or official, or the point of notices by any public officer in the performance of a duty, or by any person giving legal notice.

(2) Directional, warning, or informational signs of a public or semi-public nature erected and maintained by an official body or public utility.

(3) Any official flag, pennant or insignia of any nation, state, city or other political unit.

All signs and outdoor advertising structures shall comply with the following location requirements:

1. Not Obstruct, Interfere: No sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of the sign or its support will interfere with the use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe, or obstruct any required stairway, door, ventilator or window. No sign or its support shall create a visual obstruction nor obstruct sidewalks or streets.
2. Sight Triangle: No freestanding or projecting sign shall be erected at any intersection improved for vehicular traffic within a triangular area formed by the property lines and their projections and a line connecting them at points thirty feet (30') from an intersection and eight feet (8') above the curb grade, or said sign is within an area in which a building or structure is permitted by the provisions of the respective zone.
   
   
3. Utility Clearance: 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 or rules and regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof or by electrical utility providers. No signs shall be erected or maintained on any utility pole.
4. Clearance: Public, Private Walkways: No sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of the sign or its support will extend over a public or private walkway with a minimum clearance of less than ten feet (10').

1. Monument signs are encouraged in all planned commercial and industrial zones and commercial zones located along the commercial corridor of SR-138 and SR-112. Monument signs along these roads and in other commercial centers or industrial zones shall be a maximum of six feet (6') high, unless they are multi-tenant (two or more businesses per sign) signs, in which case the sign may be up to twenty feet (20'). Monument signs shall be comparable in aesthetic theme and style to the overall commercial development in the area and complementary to other existing signs. One monument sign is allowed per two hundred (200') of frontage, where it is a single-tenant sign or multi-tenant sign.
2. Monument signs are required in all other zones including planned developments, project entrances, historical zones, and park, church, and school sites. Monument signs in these areas shall be a maximum of six feet (6') high.

   Examples of Monument Signs:

   

   

   

   *Note that the sign structure facade materials match the main structure to the left side of the image.

3. Wall signs shall be so placed as to utilize existing architectural features of a building without obscuring them. Wall signs shall be oriented toward pedestrians or vehicles within close proximity to the sign.

   The area of wall sign shall be no greater than twenty percent (20%) of the total square footage of the wall where it is located. Marquee, canopy, and roof signs shall be considered part of the twenty percent (20%) area limit being used for signage area.

   No part of any such sign shall extend above the top level of the wall upon, or in front of, which it is located.

   No such sign, including any light box or structural part, shall project more than eighteen inches (18") from the face of the part of the building to which it is attached. No copy is permitted on the sides of any such sign.

4. Freestanding signs: There may be one such sign for each two-hundred feet (200') of frontage of the property, plus one additional sign for each additional two hundred foot (200') frontage. In the case of a parcel of property having multiple occupancies with a common frontage, the frontage shall be deemed to be that of the entire commonly used parcel of property and not the frontage of individual businesses or occupancies. Such signs shall not exceed twenty feet (20') in height. No such sign shall be placed further than 5' from the public right of way. Freestanding signs shall complement the architectural character of the principal building, using materials and design motifs that reflect its style. Support structures must not rely on exposed and/or single steel poles; instead, they must be fully clad or constructed of materials consistent with those of the main structure (such as masonry, stone, stucco, or matching facades).

   

   *Note that this is a freestanding sign on two supports, with an attractive theme and style.

   

   *This is unacceptable. Although the signage at the top is attractive, the single, painted pole is exposed.

   

   *This is acceptable.
   In addition to two separate supports, the architectural details and materials are simple but complementary to the main architectural elements in the main building.

   

   *This is unacceptable. While there are two steel poles as supports, the steel supports are exposed.
   If this sign were lowered to a height of six feet (6'), perhaps by removing the steel poles completely, it would be acceptable.

5. New buildings or clusters of buildings having more than one tenant or use shall provide a sign plan for the entire structure or project. The sign plan must be designated so that it establishes a common theme or design, uses similar construction methods, has compatible colors, lettering, lettering styles, scale, symbols, and size of signs and backgrounds. Only one freestanding sign may be allowed, if permitted by this chapter, for clusters of buildings. Individual businesses may be identified on the same sign. The Planning Commission may approve a sign in excess of the maximum size permitted by this chapter when considering the overall sign plan.

Signs permitted in these zones can be found in Table 1, Chapter 14 Land Use Sign Table.

LAND USE SIGN TABLE 1 , CHAPTER 14

Signs permitted in these zones can be found in Table 2, Chapter 15 Land Use Sign Table.

Land Use Sign Table 2, Chapter 15

Signs permitted in these zones can be found in Table 3, Chapter 16 Land Use Sign Table.

Land Use Sign Table 3, Chapter 16

1. On Premises Signs: All on premises or appurtenant signs which have been made nonconforming by adoption of provisions contained within this chapter shall be subject to the following regulations:
   1. Unsafe Signs: Any sign or portion thereof declared unsafe by a proper public authority must be restored to a safe condition or removed within thirty (30) days of mailing or otherwise given notice of the unsafe condition.
   2. Alterations: A nonconforming sign shall not be reconstructed, raised, moved, placed, extended or enlarged or other alteration made unless said sign is changed so as to conform to all provisions of this chapter. "Alterations" shall also mean that changing of the text or message on the sign from one use of the premises to another use of the premises and the changing of the ownership of the sign when that ownership necessitates a change in the text or message of the sign. "Alterations" shall not be interpreted to include changing the text or copy on off premises Advertising signs, theater signs, outdoor bulletins or other similar signs which are designed to accommodate changeable copy.
   3. Restoration: Nonconforming signs which have been allowed to deteriorate or which have been damaged by fire, explosion, act of God, act of a public enemy, or damaged by any other cause, to the extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of its assessed value shall, if repaired or rebuilt, be repaired or rebuilt in conformity with the regulations of this chapter or shall be removed.
2. Off Premises Signs: All off premises signs which are made nonconforming uses by the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to the provisions of 20.12.

If a sign is erected or maintained in violation of this chapter, it shall be deemed a class C misdemeanor.

The Community Development Director, Zoning Administrator, Code Enforcement Officer, or designee is hereby vested with the duty of enforcing the sign regulations of this Chapter and in the performance of such duty is empowered and directed to:

1. Inspect and ascertain that all signs, construction of, or maintenance of any sign is in conformance with this Chapter;
2. Issue a notice of violation to the person having charge, control or benefit of any sign found to be in violation of this Chapter;
3. Institute any appropriate action or proceedings where any sign is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted, or maintained, or where any sign is used in violation of this Chapter and other applicable Ordinances to accomplish the following purposes: To prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use, and to restrain, correct or abate such violation;
4. Abate and remove any unsafe or dangerous sign which is not repaired or made safe immediately or at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator or designee may elect to abate or remove within five (5) working days after giving appropriate notice to the person having charge, control, or benefit of any such sign;
5. Abate and remove any illegal sign other than unsafe or dangerous signs which is not made conforming within sixty (60) days after giving appropriate notice to the person having charge, control, or benefit of any such sign;
6. Abate and remove immediately any Snipe/Bandit Sign; and
7. Abate and remove any non-maintained or abandoned sign which is not repaired or put into use within sixty (60) days after giving appropriate notice to the person having charge, control, or benefit of any such sign. In the event that a sign is removed by the City, the person having charge, control, or benefit of such sign shall pay to Grantsville City the costs incurred in such removal within thirty (30) days after written notice is mailed to such person. Upon failure to pay the costs incurred in abating and removing an unsafe, dangerous, illegal, non-maintained or abandoned sign (use for which the sign is advertising has been abandon), Grantsville City may, by action of its City Council place a lien against property owned by the person having charge, control or benefit of such sign to assure compliance with this provision.
8. All employees of the City are authorized to, upon becoming aware of a violation of this sign ordinance, remove illegal signs. Such signs shall be kept by the City for 14 calendar days, after which they may be disposed of, or if they are picked up by the sign owner, shall be relinquished back.