Business signs, identification and information signs, and specialty signs are considered as major sign types for the purpose of this chapter. All signs will be classified as belonging to one of the major sign types for regulatory measures.

(Ord. 702, 5-6-2008)

A.

Conformity and Safety: If a sign installed after May 6, 2008, does not conform with the requirements of this chapter or if the construction, design, manner of use, or method of anchoring or supporting any sign makes such sign unsafe, the community development director shall proceed in any manner he deems necessary to cause the removal of the sign or the rebuilding of the sign to conform with the requirements of this chapter or to remedy the defects herein. All signs must meet the requirements of the international building code for wind loads, seismic loads and working stresses and safety regulations of the city.

B.

Clearance: There shall be a minimum clearance of ten feet (10') between the ground or sidewalk and any part of a projecting sign, with the exception of public necessity signs and nameplates.

C.

Copy Area: Copy area of building facade signs or multiple copy signs shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the background facing to which it is applied.

D.

Height of Signs: No sign shall exceed the height limitations established for each zone as set forth in section10-16-8 of this chapter.

E.

Lighting of Signs: Signs may be illuminated the following ways: internally, floodlights (except pole/pylon signs), luminous tubes, cathode ray, light emitting diode (LED) display and plasma screen, liquid crystal display (LCD), fiber optic. No lighting shall be installed in any way which will permit direct rays of such light to penetrate onto any adjoining property used for residential purposes, or in any manner constituting a nuisance. Animated signs are prohibited.

F.

Location of Signs: No part of any sign shall be permitted to extend across any property line nor be located in any required front or side yard except as follows:

1.

Business and identification signs attached to a building may project into a required front or side yard not more than two feet (2') and not less than ten feet (10') above the ground or sidewalk.

2.

Ground business (monument) and pole (pylon) signs, including all portable type signs for conforming uses only, shall not be located closer than one foot (1') to a front or side property line.

Ground signs shall not be placed in such a way that it may obstruct a vehicle operator's visibility.

Ground business signs for new developments shall be placed in landscaped or decorative hardscaped areas.

G.

Maintenance of Signs: Signs regulated by this chapter shall be maintained in good visual appearance and structural conditions at all times. The city, its community development director, and its other agents, shall in no way be liable for negligence or failure of the owner, or the person responsible for maintaining any sign, to keep such sign in good condition, or be responsible for any damage caused by defective conditions.

H.

Types of Prohibited Signs: No signs shall be erected or maintained, or be permitted to remain publicly displayed, which are misleading, fraudulent, obscene, immoral, indecent or of unsightly character, including sniper signs. "Sniper sign" means a sign for which approval for placement of a sign has not been granted by Riverdale City which is attached to a public utility pole, service pole, supports for another sign, fences, trees or place in a landscaped or parking area. These signs are typically used for off premises advertising of a sale, service or event.

I.

Noise Prohibited: It shall be unlawful to use in connection with any sign or to use for advertising purposes any radio, phonograph, whistle, bell or any other sound or noisemaking or transmitting device or instrument for the purpose of commercial advertising.

J.

Pasting or Gluing Prohibited: No sign shall be pasted or glued directly on any wall or roof or affixed directly on any wall or roof by means of any similar adhesive substance.

K.

Permit Required: It shall be unlawful to erect or remodel any sign upon or over public or private property within the city until a sign permit with respect to such sign has been obtained from the community development director. The community development director may, at his discretion, request the planning commission to review a sign application.

L.

Refusal of Owner to Remove Dangerous Signs; Removal by Community Development Director: Where immediate action is deemed necessary to protect limb, life or property and where the owner of a sign or the owner of the property on which the sign is erected fails to remove such sign pursuant to notice from the community development director within a specified time fixed in such notice, the community development director may proceed in any manner deemed necessary to cause the immediate removal of such sign. The community development director shall certify a statement of the expenses incurred in such removal to the city treasurer who in turn shall assess and charge the same against the real estate upon which the sign was erected, and unless said assessment is paid within ninety (90) days after and from the date of notice thereof, the same shall, when recorded in the offices of the county clerk and city recorder, become a lien upon the real estate whereon the sign is erected and collectible in the same manner as general taxes.

M.

Removal of Conforming Signs: Any person occupying a building or portion of a building who owns or maintains a sign in connection therewith shall, upon vacating the premises, or discontinuing the business advertised, cause the sign to be removed. Any person who owns and maintains a sign which is maintained for the benefit of another person who occupies a building or part of a building whereon the sign is located shall cause the sign to be removed if the person for whom the sign is maintained vacates the premises. Failure of the owner of the sign or of the person responsible for maintaining the same to remove the sign within thirty (30) days after notice from the community development director shall be considered as a violation of this chapter and shall subject the owner of the sign and the owner of the property to the penalties herein specified.

N.

Removal of Nonconforming Signs:

1.

Any sign not in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and which was erected or installed without a permit shall be removed within thirty (30) days upon notification from the community development director.

2.

Signs for which permits were previously issued and which are made nonconforming by the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to remain in accordance with this title. Under no circumstances shall such nonconforming signs be remodeled or replaced. The provisions of this section shall apply to such nonconforming signs.

3.

Any existing sign conforming to the provisions of this chapter relative to size and location, but nonconforming as to structural requirements and considered a danger to persons or property shall be removed or replaced upon written notice from the city.

O.

Sign Inspection: The community development director shall inspect each sign for which a permit has been issued and shall require the proper maintenance of all signs subject to the provisions of this chapter. No sign or other advertising structure measuring less than ten feet (10') to the bottom of the sign face, as regulated by this chapter, shall be located on a corner lot at the intersection of any streets within a triangular area formed by the street property lines and a line connecting them at points forty feet (40') from the intersection of the street line.

P.

Sign Not to Cover Windows, Doors or Similar Openings: No sign shall cover a window, doorway or other opening providing light, ventilation or exit facilities which are required by the building code or which are deemed by the fire department to be necessary to give the fire department access to the building, or to afford fire protection in the event of a fire.

Q.

Signs on Private Property: It shall be unlawful for any person to fasten or attach, paint or place any "sign", as defined in this title, upon any private wall, window, door, gate, fence or sign, or upon any other personal property, without the consent of the owner or lessee, or someone authorized to act on behalf of such owner or lessee.

R.

Signs on Public Property: It shall be unlawful for any person to fasten or attach, paint or place any sign, handbill, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind or sort, whether political or otherwise, or to cause the same to be done in or upon the curbstone, lamppost, telephone pole, electric light or power pole, hydrant, bridge or tree, or in or upon any portion of any sidewalk or street. It shall be unlawful to paste, place, paint or attach any "sign", as defined in this title, on any building, street or property of the city. No sign shall be erected on or project over public property.

S.

Signs Over Streets Prohibited: It shall be unlawful to erect and/or maintain any sign over any street or alley, except as herein expressly provided.

T.

Sign Setback: For the purposes of this chapter, the entire sign must comply with the specified setback regulations.

U.

Zones Permitted and Controls: It is unlawful for any person to erect or otherwise install a sign having a size or height greater than allowed in this chapter. It is unlawful for any person to erect or otherwise install a sign located on a site or in a zone in violation of the regulations specified in this title.

V.

Intersections; Location: No light, sign or other advertising structure as regulated by this title shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device or which makes use of the words "stop", "look", "drive-in", "danger", or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. Any revolving or flashing light that mimics an emergency vehicle to attract attention to a business is prohibited.

W.

Tethered Devices: The use of tethered devices such as balloons, banners, flags, windsocks or other items that are affected by wind or weather, and are tethered in such a manner that allows the device to cross property lines or to come into contact with power lines or telephone lines, light poles, fences, signs, buildings, vehicles or people are prohibited. Inflated ground figure displays that exceed ten feet (10') in height are regulated in the same manner as above and may be used temporarily not to exceed two (2) consecutive weeks and not more than ten (10) times per year.

(Ord. 702, 5-6-2008; Ord. 812, 8-21-2012; Ord. 815, 9-25-2012)

A.

Blanketing: To prevent blanketing, no wall or marquee type sign shall be erected to project more than eighteen inches (18"). Projection shall be measured from the facing of the building and/or structure to which the sign is attached. All sign placement shall be reviewed by the community development department to endeavor the prevention of obscuring signs.

B.

Cloth or Banner Signs: These types of signs are considered temporary and may not be used as a permanent advertising. Approval may be granted by the community development director. The public works director may permit signs to be hung over public streets or walks after review and consideration of any potential safety concerns. Approvals pursuant to this subsection may be granted without charge of any fee, but shall specify a period of time during which such signs shall be permitted to be used.

C.

Electric Signs: All signs which utilize or are illuminated by electricity shall comply with the adopted electrical code and fire prevention code of the city.

D.

Political or Campaign Signs:

1.

Political or campaign signs are permitted in accordance with the following provisions; provided, that any such sign shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after such final election, campaign or event.

2.

No political or campaign sign shall be placed within one hundred fifty feet (150') from a public polling place. "Polling place" shall mean the physical public location in a community where multiple ballots and absentee ballots are cast or deposited.

3.

No political or campaign sign may be placed in such a manner as to create a safety hazard or constitute a public nuisance of any kind or nature whatsoever. The community development director, public works director or police chief shall determine whether the placement of a political or campaign sign constitutes a safety hazard or public nuisance, and upon such determination shall remove said sign so that the safety hazard or public nuisance no longer exists.

4.

Political signs cannot be placed: a) on public Riverdale City property, or b) on private property without the property owner's permission.

E.

Shopping Center Signs: In shopping centers, frontage for each separate store shall be based on the width of the front of each business, and signs for such businesses shall be attached to the front of each store. One detached or attached sign for each street frontage may be used to designate the name of the shopping center and names of individual businesses in the center. Shopping center signs may be approved as depicted on the approved site plan when accompanied with a developer's agreement.

F.

Time Limitation for Construction Project or Land Development Signs: No construction project or land development sign shall be erected more than thirty (30) days prior to construction and shall be removed not more than thirty (30) days after completion.

(Ord. 812, 8-21-2012; Ord. 871, 9-1-2015)

The following signs shall be exempt from zoning regulations:

A.

Memorial tablets, or tablets containing the names of buildings and date of the erection and use of the building, when built into the walls of the building and constructed of bronze, brass, marble, stone or other noncombustible material.

B.

Nameplates not to exceed two (2) square feet.

C.

Nonilluminated and nonfloodlighted flat signs, wall signs and freestanding signs having an area not in excess of thirty-six (36) square feet, announcing the enterprise to be located in a building under construction or announcing the name and address of the architect or contractor of the building, or the owner thereof; provided, that no more than one such sign shall be erected on each street frontage; and also provided, that said signs are not erected more than thirty (30) days prior to construction and are removed not more than thirty (30) days after completion.

D.

Interior illuminated and nonfloodlighted religious, charitable and educational ground signs having an area not in excess of fifty (50) square feet, except those located in a commercial area.

E.

Interior illuminated and nonfloodlighted signs having an area not in excess of twenty (20) square feet that advertise the place of business of a doctor, dentist or other profession, except those located in a commercial area.

F.

Traffic and other municipal signs, house numbers, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, and danger signs and warning signs.

G.

Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure, or the changing of the advertising copy of the message thereon shall not be considered erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made thereto, except signs painted on a building shall be reviewed by the Riverdale City design review committee.

(Ord. 702, 5-6-2008)

All design standards shall be in accordance with the adopted sections of the international building code.

(Ord. 702, 5-6-2008)

Portable, illuminated specialty signs are prohibited in the city. All other temporary portable signs, A-frame signs and wind signs are prohibited unless they are securely anchored and five feet (5') back from the property line. Specialty signs shall not exceed a maximum of twelve (12) square feet of display area on each side and shall not exceed one sign per one hundred (100) linear feet on each street facing each business. Portable signs that are carried and used for soliciting are not permitted in the "road right-of-way" meaning: street, curb, gutter, sidewalk and any additional property that is part of the right-of-way. This form of soliciting shall not obstruct or impede traffic or in any way be a nuisance and may be performed only on the property where the business exists.

(Ord. 812, 8-21-2012)

A.

Definitions:

OFF PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGN, BILLBOARD: A detached or attached sign designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product, service, event or attraction, that is not sold, offered, or existing on the property where the sign is located. A form of an off premises sign.

OFF PREMISES RIVERDALE CITY BUSINESS SIGN: A sign for Riverdale City businesses which is placed on property directly adjacent to the business location and advertises only for that business. A form of an off premises sign.

B.

Off Premises Advertising Sign Regulations: The installation of additional off premises advertising signs is prohibited. Existing off premises advertising signs may continue as a conditional use as long as they are maintained in good repair and are free from damage per applicable Utah state codes, specifically as found in the Utah outdoor advertising act.

1.

Existing off premises advertising signs are allowed to have routine maintenance and advertising copy changes including the repair or replacement of the advertising imagery, but shall only be allowed to increase the height, size, or the location thereof per Utah Code Annotated 10-9a-513 and in compliance with regulations found within the Utah outdoor advertising act.

2.

Existing off premises advertising signs may be allowed to be converted to digital display advertising signs and shall be required to comply with all of the applicable provisions of this code (specifically as found under section 10-16-10, "Electronic Signs", of this chapter) and applicable Utah state codes, specifically as found in the Utah outdoor advertising act.

3.

Only existing off premises advertising signs located adjacent to a Utah department of transportation controlled route may be allowed to be converted to digital display advertising signs. An existing off premises advertising sign that is oriented toward and located within two hundred feet (200') of any residential dwelling may not be converted to a digital display advertising sign.

4.

Any enlargement, modification, upgrade, or conversion of an existing off premises advertising sign shall require approval as a conditional use.

C.

Off Premises Riverdale City Business Sign Regulations: Off premises Riverdale City business signs shall require approval as a conditional use. Permitted off premises Riverdale City business signs shall be counted as allowable sign area for the applying business, and may be installed upon recommendation and approval by the planning commission and the city council.

(Ord. 864, 3-3-2015)

A.

Residential Districts: In residential districts RE-20, RE-15, A-1, R-1-4.5, R-1-10, R-1-8, R-1-6, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and RMH-1, the following regulations apply:

1.

Nameplates: One nameplate for each dwelling unit, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, indicating the name of the occupant and/or a permitted home occupation.

2.

Identification and Information Signs: One sign, not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area, for conforming buildings or conforming uses other than schools, churches, dwellings, boarding houses or lodging houses.

3.

Development Signs:

a.

One or more signs not exceeding eight (8) square feet in combined total area for each street frontage of the lot. In addition, one or more signs of a temporary nature for each approved subdivision under development and located on said subdivision property; providing, that no more than one such sign be located at each major approach to the subdivision, but not closer than ten feet (10') to the street property lines. Signs on corner lots shall comply with subsection 10-16-20 of this chapter. Said signs shall not exceed in combined total area two hundred (200) square feet for any one subdivision and no one sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. The period for display of such temporary signs shall be limited to one year; provided, that at the expiration of this time, the community development director may grant an appropriate extension of time for periods not to exceed one year, provided not more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the project has been developed.

b.

Application for said extension shall be made at least thirty (30) days before expiration of the original permit. In addition, one or more signs of a temporary nature for main buildings or uses under development other than dwellings, provided such signs shall not exceed in combined total area one hundred (100) square feet.

4.

Public Necessity Signs: One or more public necessity signs; provided that no sign shall exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area.

5.

Business Signs: One or more signs not exceeding in total area two (2) square feet for each one linear foot of frontage occupied by a nonconforming commercial or industrial use, but in no case shall the total area of all signs exceed one hundred (100) square feet. Uses not occupying frontage may each have one or more signs not exceeding forty (40) square feet.

6.

Reader Board: One changeable letter reader board sign not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in area for a governmental facility, church or school for the purpose of displaying the name and character of services or activities conducted therein. The height of the sign shall not exceed twenty-five feet (25') and, if illuminated, it shall be by internal lighting.

7.

Projecting Signs: No signs that project onto or into adjacent property or public right-of-way are permitted.

8.

Yard and Height Regulations:

a.

Front Yard Regulations: Business and identification signs shall be located flat against the building. Nameplates may be located anywhere on the property.

b.

Side Yard Regulations: Business and identification signs shall be located anywhere on the property.

c.

Rear Yard Regulations: Business and identification signs shall be located flat against the building. Nameplates may be located anywhere on the property.

d.

Height Regulations: No sign shall be erected to a height greater than ten feet (10') or project above the height of the building to which it is attached.

9.

A-1 Zones: In an A-1 zone, ground or pole signs advertising the sale of livestock, produce, or in conjunction with a home occupation, are permitted as a conditional use. The property on which such signs are placed must meet minimum width requirements for the A-1 zone.

B.

Commercial and Manufacturing Districts: In commercial districts C-1, C-2, C-3, and CP-1, CP-2, CP-3, and manufacturing districts M-1, M-2, MP-1 and MP-2, the following regulations apply:

1.

Development Signs: One or more signs of a temporary nature for main buildings or uses under development provided such signs shall not exceed in combined total area one hundred (100) square feet.

2.

Public Necessity Signs: These signs are informational and not advertising in nature. One or more public necessity signs are allowed, provided that no such sign shall exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area.

3.

Business Signs: One or more business signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in combined total area for each linear foot of occupied frontage (building width facing street), except that the maximum size of any single business sign shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet in area and the total area of all commercial or industrial uses shall be six hundred (600) square feet, if the linear building width is sufficient to allow this size of sign. Each commercial or industrial use backing onto a freeway shall be permitted not more than one business sign on the freeway side. New car sales automobile dealerships that have multiple manufacturer makes of vehicles are permitted three hundred (300) square feet of sign area for each new car line.

4.

Pole/Pylon Signs Height Regulations: No pole/pylon sign shall be erected to a height exceeding forty feet (40') above the ground, without the approval and issuance of a conditional use permit from the City. A pole/pylon sign located along a UDOT designated interstate/freeway may be erected to a height not to exceed sixty feet (60') above the ground, upon approval and issuance of a conditional use permit from the City. All pole/pylon type signs shall be positioned on the site in a landscaped area. All pole/pylon signs shall be internally illuminated.

5.

Existing Signs: Any lawful sign completely constructed, in existence, and lawfully installed in the city at the time of the passage hereof, shall be allowed to exist at its present height. At such time that the existing sign structure or location is changed, in any manner whatsoever, then said sign must come into compliance with the height limitation, as set forth in subsection B4 of this section.

C.

Temporary Signs:

1.

Temporary signs, other than cloth/banner signs, when ten feet (10') or more above the ground, may project not more than six inches (6") beyond the building line.

2.

Temporary signs may remain in place for a period determined by the department of community development but not longer than forty-five (45) days.

3.

Temporary cloth/banner signs may extend over public property. Such signs when extending over a public street shall maintain a clearance as determined by the department of public works. Cloth/banner signs may extend across a public street only by permission of the city council and shall be subject to all related laws and ordinances.

D.

O-1 Zone: Sign proposals are reviewed by the design review committee.

E.

Applicability: The provisions of this chapter shall supersede any other provisions of this title regarding signs.

(Ord. 702, 5-6-2008; amd. Ord. 837, 6-4-2013; Ord. 926, 10-20-2020)

Any person who shall fail to comply with, or shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter, or any rules or regulations promulgated hereunder, shall be deemed guilty of a class C misdemeanor and upon conviction such person shall be punished as is provided in section 1-4-1 of this code. However, any imprisonment shall be for not more than sixty (60) days. The penalty provided herein shall be in addition to any suspension or revocation of any license or permit issued hereunder.

(Ord. 702, 5-6-2008)

A.

Definitions:

DIGITAL DISPLAY: A sign face that may display changing content that is allowed to be fully animated and is composed of electronically illuminated segments and/or a series of grid lights, including cathode ray, light emitting diode (LED) display, plasma screen, liquid crystal display (LCD), fiber optic, video boards, or other electronic media or technology. A sign is considered to be "on premises" if the sign is on the location of the business which is advertised or promoted on the sign.

ELECTRONIC SIGN: For the purpose of this section shall mean a digital display sign.

FOOT-CANDLE: A unit of light measurement equal to one lumen per square foot and may be abbreviated "fc".

B.

Zones Where Allowed: Digital display on premises signs are a conditional use in all zones that allow advertising or informational signs provided that such signs comply with all requirements of this chapter and all other applicable sections of this code. Electronic on premises signs that advertise or promote businesses, products, activities, services, or events not located on the premises where the electronic sign is located are prohibited except for the use of any on premises sign for the advertising of "not for profit", "fundraising" events or philanthropic endeavors that do not give attention to businesses that are not located in Riverdale City.

C.

Number of Signs Allowed: Only one on premises electronic sign may be located on a lot but a lot may have an electronic sign and a nonelectronic sign that are combined in one cabinet at one location (on a pole, monument, or building) provided that the total square footage of all signage on a lot complies with all aspects of this chapter.

D.

Brightness: An electronic sign shall not be excessively intense or brilliant. An electronic sign shall not display light of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or otherwise impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle on a public roadway or result in a nuisance to the driver of a motor vehicle on a public roadway or a residential dwelling unit located within two hundred feet (200') of an electronic sign. Any electronic sign that exceeds the intensity levels in subsection D1 of this section shall constitute an excessively intense or brilliant sign and such sign is prohibited.

1.

All digital displays shall be illuminated at a level no greater than 0.3 foot-candle over ambient light levels and shall employ light cutoff devices such as, but not limited to, louvers, in order to minimize light escaping above the horizontal plane. Foot-candle readings shall be measured at ground level at a distance shown in the intensity table.

INTENSITY TABLE

2.

Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection D1 of this section, under no circumstances shall the light emanation from a digital display on premises sign be greater than 0.3 foot-candle as measured from the nearest residential property line.

3.

All digital display on premises signs must be equipped with both a dimmer control and a photocell which automatically adjusts the display intensity according to natural ambient light conditions.

E.

Residential Areas: Residential areas shall not be adversely impacted by any electronic sign or any other type of sign.

F.

Sound: The use of sound is prohibited.

G.

View Obstruction: Signs may not be constructed so as to obstruct the view of drivers of motor vehicles on a public roadway or entering a public roadway.

H.

Public Property: Signs may not encroach on or project over public property or a public right-of-way.

I.

Portable Electronic Signs: Portable electronic signs are prohibited.

J.

Resemblance to Traffic Signal: No electronic sign may resemble or simulate any warning signal or any traffic lights or official traffic control signage.

K.

Sign Shutoff: The digital display shall contain a default mechanism to turn the sign off in case of malfunction or shall be manually turned off within twenty-four (24) hours of a reported malfunction.

L.

Maximum Area: This type of on premises sign shall be restricted to a maximum area of three hundred (300) square feet.

(Ord. 864, 3-3-2015)