North Salt Lake City Zoning Code

The regulations contained in this chapter shall be known and may be cited as the SIGN REGULATIONS OF THE CITY OF NORTH SALT LAKE CITY and its land use management and development code. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004)

   A.   The purpose of sign regulations set forth in this title shall be to coordinate the type, placement and physical dimensions of signs within the city; to recognize the various commercial communication requirements of all sectors of the business community; to encourage the innovative use of design; to promote both renovation and proper maintenance; to allow for special circumstances; and to guarantee equal treatment under the law through accurate recordkeeping and consistent enforcement. These objectives shall be accomplished by regulation of display, erection, use and maintenance of signs. The use and location of signs are regulated according to zoning district. The placement and physical dimensions of signs are regulated primarily by type. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004)

   B.   Further purposes of sign regulations are to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the City residents and businesses by regulating the design, materials, size, construction, installation, location and maintenance of signs and sign structures in a content neutral manner that does not favor any type of speech over another. These sign regulations minimize potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians; to encourage signs which, by their design, are integrated with and harmonious to the buildings and sites which they occupy; to encourage sign legibility through the elimination of excessive and confusing sign displays; to reduce driver inattention; to preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place in which to live and to work and as an attraction to nonresidents who come to visit or trade; to safeguard and enhance property values; to limit or forbid signs which interfere with solar access of adjacent properties; to protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces; and to supplement and be a part of the regulations imposed under the zoning authority of the city. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. 2012 Code; Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

These regulations shall not relate to building design, nor shall this chapter regulate official traffic or government signs; the copy and message of signs; signs not intended to be viewed from a public right of way; window displays; product dispensers and point of purchase displays; scoreboards on athletic fields; flags of any nation, government or noncommercial organization; gravestones; barber's poles; religious symbols; holiday decorations; commemorative plaques; the display of street numbers; or any display or construction not defined in this title as a "sign". (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004)

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this title, the sign regulations contained herein are declared to be the minimum standards allowable for the purpose set forth. The types of signs allowed by this title shall be plenary and sign types not specifically allowed as set forth within this title shall be prohibited. It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with nor abrogate nor annul any easement, covenant or other agreement between private parties existing at the effective date hereof; provided, however, that where this title imposes a greater restriction upon signs, and the location thereof requires or imposes other conditions than those required or imposed by other laws, ordinances or restrictions, the provisions of this title shall control. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004)

The following words and phrases as used in this sign code shall have the following meaning:

ANIMATED SIGN: A sign employing actual motion, the illusion of motion or light and/or color changes achieved through mechanical, electrical or electronic means, a balloon or inflatable sign, a lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon tethered to a fixed location, a banner sign, a sign made of fabric or other non-rigid material with no enclosing framework, feather flag sign, a changeable copy sign, a sign or a portion thereof on which the copy or symbols change either automatically through electrical or electronic means (for example, time and temperature units), or manually through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on a track system.

WINDOW SIGN: Any sign viewable through or affixed in any manner to a window or exterior glass door such that it is viewable from the exterior, including signs located inside a building but visible primarily from the outside of the building. (Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

   A.   Compliance Required: Except as provided in this title, no sign shall be erected, raised, moved, placed, reconstructed, extended, enlarged or altered, or have the text of the sign changed, except in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the use district in which it is located. No permit is required for the maintenance of a sign or for a change of copy on painted, printed or changeable copy signs. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004)

   B.   Code And Licensing Compliance: All signs hereafter erected in the city shall comply with the current standards of the national electrical code, the international building code, and all other ordinances of the city. No sign shall be placed on public property or within a public right of way except when expressly licensed by the city council or state department of transportation. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. 2012 Code)

   C.   Maintenance Of Signs: All signs shall be maintained in good condition. Exposed parts of signs shall be painted or treated chemically in such a manner as to preserve the condition, aesthetics and life of such signs; moving parts shall be maintained in operable condition; and signs designed to be lighted shall be maintained with a full complement of the lighting facilities required by the design of each such sign.

   D.   Removal Upon Discontinuance Of Use: All signs identifying a discontinued use on the property shall be removed by the sign owner from the property within thirty (30) calendar days of the time the use was discontinued.

   E.   Prohibited signs: The following signs and any sign not otherwise authorized under the terms of this code, are prohibited in the city:

      1.   Abandoned Signs.

      2.   Animated Signs.

      3.   Balloon Signs.

      4.   Snipe Signs.

      5.   Signs on vehicles or trailers if the vehicle or trailer is parked off premises, outside of designated parking stalls, or in other locations not normally expected of such vehicles and for the primary purpose of advertising a product, service, business or other activity. This section is not intended to apply to standard business logos or identification on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes which are otherwise legally parked.

      6.   Signs located on trees, utility poles, public benches or any other form of public property or within any public right-of-way.

   F.   Illumination Restrictions: Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, all signs may be illuminated. However, no sign may utilize:

      1.   An exposed incandescent lamp with an external reflector without a sun screen or comparable diffusion;

      2.   Any exposed incandescent lamp in excess of fifteen (15) watts unless a screen is attached;

      3.   Any revolving beacon light.

   G.   Changeable Copy: Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, any sign herein allowed may use manual or automatic changeable copy.

   H.   License Required; Indemnification; Insurance: No person may engage in the business of erecting, altering, relocating, constructing or maintaining signs without a valid state contractor's license and valid city business license. All persons involved in the maintenance, installation or relocation of signs near or upon the public right of way or property shall agree to hold harmless and indemnify the city, its officers, agents and employees, against any and all claims of negligence resulting from such work insofar as this title has not specifically directed the placement of a sign. Such persons shall also maintain insurance to indemnify the city against any form of liability to a minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00).

   I.   Nonregulated Signs: Signs not regulated by this chapter:

      1.   On premises advertising signs that are attached to windows or walls and are clearly of a temporary nature, and which promote specific sales or events for short periods of time and not to exceed fifteen percent (15%) of street facing wall and/or windows.

      2.   Signs which are associated with school or church events and functions which are clearly of a temporary nature for short periods of time.

      3.   Interior signs.

      4.   Real estate company "for sale" signs and owner placed "for sale" or "for rent" signs advertising specific property for sale or rent and are erected temporarily on that specific property.

      5.   Temporary election campaign signs, yard sale signs, night crawlers for sale signs, snipe signs, etc.

      6.   Directional signs (i.e., BLM, DWR, etc.). Church nameplate signs, etc.

      7.   Nameplate signs less than one hundred fifty (150) square inches in size.

      8.   Construction signs for each street of frontage of a construction project, not to exceed forty five feet (45') in area. Such signs may be erected ten (10) days prior to beginning of construction and shall be removed one day following completion of construction.

      9.   Identification signs designed as a necessary part of a project approved in a conditional use permit.

   J.   Temporary off premises residential development, directional and freeway oriented signs. All temporary off premises residential development, directional and freeway oriented signs are only for developments or master planned communities within the boundaries of the city.

      1.   A maximum of three (3) temporary off premises signs announcing a residential development may be permitted for each development. Such signs will only be allowed by in any S-2 or S-3 overlay zoning district under the provisions of sections 10-4-12 and 10-4-13 of this chapter.

      2.   In addition to the temporary off premises residential development signs, each development may be permitted two (2) temporary off premises directional signs. Such signs will only be allowed by in any S-2 or S-3 overlay zoning district under provisions of sections 10-4-11, 10-4-12 and 10-4-13 of this chapter.

      3.   In addition to the temporary off premises residential development and directional signs, a master planned community exceeding three hundred (300) lots may be permitted one temporary freeway oriented residential development sign. Said sign will only be allowed in the S-2 and S-3 sign overlay zoning districts under provisions of sections 10-4-11, 10-4-12 and 10-4-13 of this chapter.

      4.   Temporary off premises residential development shall be permitted upon the main entrances to the residential development in any zone, with a maximum of one (1) sign per road frontage.

      5.   Temporary off premises residential development directional signs may be permitted as a conditional use in zones other than the sign overlay zones upon approval by the Planning Commission limited to a maximum duration of two (2) years from the date of the approval of the conditional use permit or within thirty (30) days of completion of the final dwelling unit construction. Upon request, a time extension of one (1) year may be granted by the Planning Commission. Said temporary signs shall not be permitted within the public right of way, nor shall they impede safe vehicular traffic, or violate any clear area of an intersection and must be located upon private property. Signs shall be kept in good repair and will be subject to removal within thirty (30) days of notice of disrepair.

      6.   All temporary off premises residential development, directional and freeway oriented signs shall be removed within three (3) years from the date when the conditional use permit was granted. Upon request, a time extension not to exceed two (2) additional years may be granted by the planning commission.

      7.   Prior to approval and installation of any temporary off premises residential development, directional or freeway oriented signs, the applicant must first provide the city with written authorization from the legal property owner, or its representative, granting permission for the sign location and duration of the sign posting.

      8.   Temporary off premises residential development, directional and freeway oriented signs are to identify the development or the developer only. They are not intended for builders or contractors within the development. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

The Community Development Department shall have the following duties with regard to sign inspections:

   A.   Initial Inspection: The Building Official shall make an initial inspection of any sign upon the completion, erection, reconstruction or remodeling of the same and notification of said completion, erection, reconstruction or remodeling. This inspection shall be made to assure compliance with the provisions of these regulations, other ordinances of the city and conditions precedent to the issuance of a conditional use permit, if applicable.

   B.   Complaint Of Noncompliance: In accordance with Title 12 for Administrative Code Enforcement, the designated enforcement official shall inspect each sign for which a complaint of noncompliance with local ordinances is made in writing to the City.

   C.   Routine Spot Checks: To make routine spot checks of all signs to assure compliance with these regulations, and other ordinances of the city and conditions precedent to the issuance of a conditional use permit, if applicable. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

The Community Development Department of the City of North Salt Lake City is hereby vested with the duty of enforcing the sign regulations of this title and in the performance of such duty is empowered and directed to:

   A.   Issue Permits: Issue permits to construct, alter or repair signs which conform to the regulations of the city.

   B.   Ascertain Conformance: Ascertain that all signs, including construction of, or maintenance of any signs, are in conformance with regulations of the city and the conditions imposed precedent to the issuance of a conditional use permit, if applicable.

   C.   Issue Notice Of Violation: Issue a notice of violation to the person having charge or control or benefit of any sign found by the Community Development Department to be unsafe or dangerous, or in violation of the ordinances of the city.

   D.   Institute Proceedings: Institute any appropriate action or proceedings in any case where any sign is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted or maintained, or in any case where any sign is used in violation of any ordinance of the city, including, but not limited to, this title, to accomplish the following purposes:

      1.   To prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use; and

      2.   To restrain, correct or abate such violation.

   E.   Unsafe, Dangerous Sign Removal:

      1.   Abate and remove any unsafe or dangerous sign which is not repaired or made safe within five (5) working days after giving appropriate notice to the person having charge, control or benefit of any such sign. In such an event, the person having charge, control or benefit of such sign shall pay to the city the costs incurred in such removal within thirty (30) calendar days after written notice is mailed to such person.

      2.   Upon failure to pay the costs incurred in abating an unsafe or dangerous sign, the city may, by action of its city council, place a lien against the property owned by the person having charge, control or benefit of such sign to assure compliance with this provision. This provision for abatement and removal shall not apply to any sign for which a notice of violation is presently being appealed under the provisions of Title 12 of this Code.

   F.   Illegal Sign Removal: Abate and remove any illegal sign other than unsafe or dangerous signs which is not made conforming within sixty (60) working days after giving appropriate notice to the person having charge, control or benefit of any such sign. In such event, the person having charge, control or benefit of such sign shall pay to the city the costs incurred in such removal within thirty (30) calendar days after written notice is mailed to such person. Upon failure to pay the costs incurred in abating and removing an illegal sign, the city may, by action of its governing body, place a lien against property owned by the person having charge, control or benefit of such sign to assure compliance with this provision. This provision is for abatement and removal and shall not apply to any sign for which a notice of violation is presently being appealed under the provisions of Title 12 of this Code.

   G.   Nonmaintained Or Abandoned Sign Removal: Abate and remove any nonmaintained or abandoned sign which is not repaired or put into use within ten (10) working days after giving appropriate notice to the person having charge, control or benefit of any such sign. In such an event, the person having charge, control or benefit of such sign shall pay to the city the costs incurred in such removal within thirty (30) calendar days after written notice is mailed to such person. Upon failure to pay the costs incurred in abating and removing a nonmaintained or abandoned sign, the 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. This provision for abatement and removal shall not apply to any sign for which a notice of violation is presently being appealed under the provisions of Title 12 of this Code. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

Notification by the city to persons having charge, or control or benefit of any sign found to be unsafe or dangerous or in violation of this title or other ordinances of the city, and where the city is contemplating removal of said sign, shall be accomplished by the city utilizing written notice as provided in Title 12 of this Code. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

All signs hereafter erected within the city shall be erected, reconstructed or remodeled only in accord with the authority authorized by the sign permit issued by the city. Application for a sign permit shall be made to the Community Development Department and shall be accompanied by an administrative fee to defray the expenses to the city incurred in the administration of this chapter. Such fee shall be established by resolution of the city council. Large signs which require a building permit for structural or electrical elements shall be assessed a permit fee in accordance with valuation as provided by Building Code. A sign permit shall be issued if the proposed sign is found to be in compliance with the provisions of this title and other ordinances of the city. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

In the event that a notice of violation is issued, a reinspection fee shall be charged to defray the costs of reinspection. Said reinspection fee shall be charged for each inspection required until applicable regulations of the city are complied with. The amount of the fee shall be established by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

There are hereby created three (3) overlay zoning districts (S-1, S-2 and S-3) to regulate the sign type, sign effects and copy content, sign dimensions, number of signs, and sign location in the city. Refer to special zoning map for description of districts. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

In the following section, the sign type, sign effects and copy content, sign dimensions, number of signs, and sign location which are allowed in the various districts are shown as "permitted" indicated by a "P" in the appropriate column (headed by the overlay zoning district designation), or as "conditional uses", indicated by a "C" in the appropriate column. If a regulation applies in a given district, it is indicated in the appropriate column by a numeral to show the linear or square feet required. If the regulation does not apply, or if it is not allowed in a given district, it is indicated in the appropriate column by an "NA" Not Applicable or "N" Not Permitted. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

 

(Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

   A.   Location:

      1.   Billboards may only be erected along a highway which is an interstate. No billboard may be erected more than one hundred feet (100') on the perpendicular from the edge of the right of way of an interstate highway, except where a railroad right of way runs contiguous and adjacent to the edge of the interstate. The one hundred foot (100') corridor shall then be measured from a point on the perpendicular not to exceed two hundred feet (200') from the edge of the right of way of the interstate highway. In no case may the outer edge of the corridor exceed three hundred fifty feet (350') from the interstate right of way.

      2.   No billboard may be erected closer than five hundred feet (500') from an interstate highway interchange.

      3.   No billboard may be erected within one thousand five hundred feet (1,500') of another billboard.

      4.   Billboards subject to relocation provided within State Code or interstate highway expansion may be located in locations closer than one thousand five hundred feet (1,500') only by agreement and as approved by the City Council.

      5.   Billboard signs may not extend over any street right of way and shall be setback a minimum of five feet (5') from the right of way line.

      6.   Billboard signs shall have a minimum separation distance of ten feet (10') from any structure or building.

   B.   Height:

      1.   The maximum height of a billboard shall be forty-five feet (45') above existing grade. If the interstate, which is within one hundred feet (100') of the billboard measured from the interstate at the point at which the billboard is perpendicular to said interstate, is on a different grade than the billboard, then the highest point of the billboard may be twenty-five feet (25') above the pavement elevation or any barrier wall at that location of the interstate.

   C.   Size:

      1.   Maximum sign area for a billboard shall be six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet in area, sixty feet (60') in width or twenty feet (20') in height.

   D.   Lighting: Lighting shall be confined to the sign face of a billboard and not illuminate the night sky. Electronic signs shall conform to the provisions provide in Section 10-4-17. (Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

   A.   On premise interstate signs shall be permitted within the S-3 overlay zoning district on properties with a minimum of four hundred (400) linear feet of frontage along Interstate Highways 15 or 215.shall be permitted to construct one (1) on premises interstate sign.

   B.   The maximum sign area shall not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet.

   C.   No on premise interstate sign may be located greater than fifty feet (50') from the interstate right of way line and no closer than five feet (5') of the interstate right of way line.

   D.   The maximum height of an on premise interstate sign shall be forty-five feet (45') above existing grade. If the interstate within one hundred feet (100') of the sign, measured from the interstate at the point at which the sign is perpendicular to said interstate, is on a different grade than the sign, then the highest point of the sign may be twenty-five feet (25') above the pavement elevation or any barrier wall at that location of the interstate.

   E.   Only businesses located and licensed upon the premise may be advertised on an on premise interstate sign.

   F.   Lighting: Lighting shall be confined to the sign face of the sign and not illuminate the night sky. Electronic signs shall conform to the provisions provided in Section 10-4-17. (Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

The following regulations shall apply to all electronic message signs:

   A.   An electronic message sign shall only be constructed as part of a permitted freestanding (pole), wall, or monument sign.

   B.   An electronic message sign shall not be constructed in a location that interferes with a regulatory device, as determined by the city engineer.

   C.   An electronic message sign shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and must be programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions.

   D.   Additional conditions may be imposed by the planning commission including hours of sign operation or setbacks from property lines to mitigate the impacts on nearby residential properties, to protect critical viewsheds as established in the general plan, or to prevent potential traffic hazards.

   E.   Duration of each display shall be a minimum of eight (8) seconds.

   F.   Transition time between messages shall be no greater than three (3) seconds.

   G.   An electronic message sign shall only be constructed in a location and in a manner permitted by this title. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 05-10, 7-12-2005; Ord. 2016-04, 3-15-2016; Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

Signs are not permitted on public property, within the public right of way, or above the public right of way without express license from the City and state department of transportation, as applicable. Also note that signs are not permitted in the residential districts, except as expressly described in these regulations. (Ord. 04-1, 2-17-2004; amd. Ord. 05-10, 7-12-2005; Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)

   A.   Establishment: The mayor, or designee, may establish a content neutral free speech zone for any event which the establishment of a free speech zone would serve a substantial government interest such as traffic flow, crowd control or public safety on public property. All free speech zones established shall be content neutral and appropriately marked as a free speech zone. All free speech zones shall provide ample opportunity for protestors to communicate their messages and be of ample size to accommodate the number of persons reasonably anticipated that will exercise the free speech rights during the event.

   B.   Designation of Area and Duration: For each event in which a free speech zone has been designated, the City shall make available to the public at least twenty four (24) hours before the event a map and description of the location of the event, boundaries of the event, location of the free speech zone, boundaries of the free speech zone, the hours of the regulations on free speech, and any other restrictions. The free speech zone, duration of the protest regulations, and other restrictions shall be narrowly tailored to meet the legitimate government interest of crowd control, traffic control, or public safety.

   C.   Definitions:

      1.   Free Speech Zone: The area in which protesting is allowed.

      2.   Protest: Any demonstration, picketing, speechmaking, marching, vigil or religious service, and all other like forms of conduct which involve the communication or expression of views or grievances.

      3.   Unlawful Protest: Protest at an event designated with a designated free speech zone, except in the designated free speech zone or use of sound amplification devices at any event that the mayor has restricted or prohibited the use of such mechanical or sound amplification devices.

   D.   Restrictions: In any area designated as a free speech zone area, protestors may not engage in activities that obstruct or impede pedestrians or vehicles or harass bystanders with physical contact. Protestors may not tie, nail, or otherwise physically attach any banners, signs, pictures, instructional materials, symbols, or other personal property to any City property or private property.

   E.   Sound Amplification Devices: The City may restrict or prohibit the use of mechanical loudspeakers or sound amplification devices in the free speech zone, including, but not limited to, megaphones, bullhorns, and electric amplifiers, if determined that the use of sound amplification devices will substantially interfere with the event or will substantially interfere with crowd control, traffic control, or public safety and that the protestors have a reasonable opportunity to communicate their message without sound amplification.

   F.   Penalties: A person is guilty of unlawful protest for refusing to comply with the lawful order of the police to protest in the free speech zone or for refusing to comply with the lawful order of the police regarding the use of any mechanical loudspeaker or sound amplification device at an event for which such use has been restricted or prohibited. Unlawful protest is a class C misdemeanor, which offense is punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed ninety (90) days and a fine not exceeding seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) or by both the fine and the term of imprisonment, if the offense continues after a request by the police to desist. Otherwise, unlawful protest is an infraction, which offense is punishable by a fine in an amount not exceeding seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00). (Ord. 2025-06, 4-1-2025)