Santa Clara City Zoning Code

The city council of Santa Clara, Utah, finds and declares that by controlling and standardizing signs in the city, the regulations set forth in this chapter will reduce potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians; encourage signs which, by their good design, are integrated with and harmonious to, the buildings and sites which they occupy; encourage legibility through the elimination of excessive and confusing sign displays; prevents confusion of business signs with traffic regulations; preserves and improves the appearance of the city as a place in which to live and trade; allow each individual business to clearly identify itself and the goods and services which it offers in clear and distinctive manner, safeguards and enhances property values, protects public and private investment in buildings and open space; supplements and promotes the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Santa Clara, Utah. (Ord. 2012-03)

The planning commission shall have the authority and duty to interpret the provisions of this chapter. In interpreting and applying the provisions, the sign requirements contained in this chapter are declared to be the maximum allowable for the purpose set forth unless specifically approved otherwise by the planning commission. The types of signs not specifically allowed, as set forth within this chapter, shall be prohibited unless otherwise approved by the planning commission. (Ord. 2012-03)

The application and review procedures for the installation of signs are identified as follows:

   A.   Permits: No person shall erect, alter, or relocate any permanent or temporary sign without first obtaining a sign permit, paying a permit fee, and a building permit from the city, unless the sign is exempt under this chapter.

   B.   Failure To Obtain Permit: Any person who hangs, posts, or installs a sign which requires a permit under this chapter, and who fails to obtain a permit, and pay the fee, before installing the sign, shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor, and may be fined accordingly. (Ord. 2012-03)

A "sign" means and includes every advertising message, announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia, surface, or space erected or maintained in view of the observer thereof for identification, advertisement, or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product, or service. The definition of a sign shall also include the sign structure, supports, lighting system, and any attachments, or other features used to draw attention of observers. (Ord. 2012-03)

Abandoned, dangerous, or defective signs

Awnings and canopies

Banners

Construction signs

Directional or guide signs

Entrance/exit signs

Freestanding signs

Historic site signs

Monument signs

Prohibited signs

Project development signs

Public necessity signs

Residential signs

Signs not otherwise identified

Temporary or short term signs

Wall signs

Window signs (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definitions:

   AWNING: A covered structure of fabric or other material placed so as to extend outward from a building providing a protective shield for doors, windows, and other openings, supported by the building only.

   CANOPY: A roofed structure constructed of fabric or other material placed so as to extend outward from a building providing a protective shield for doors, windows, and other openings, supported by the building and supports extended to the ground directly under the canopy or cantilever from the building, or freestanding supported from the ground.

   B.   Where Allowed: Awnings and canopies are permitted as signs in commercial, planned commercial and the Santa Clara Drive commercial and the mixed use corridor provided that they blend with the architecture and do not obscure the details of the building design, but should not be the dominant architectural features.

      1.   Awnings must be located in a traditional manner above doors, windows, or walkways, provided that walkways lead to a bona fide entrance.

      2.   All other locations for awnings are prohibited. Canopies may be attached to a building or may be freestanding, adjacent to the building.

   C.   Maximum Allowed:

      1.   Awnings and canopies are counted as signs to the extent that a part of the awning or canopy is used for advertising purposes. The square footage of the advertising portion of an awning or canopy shall be no greater than ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the front wall of the building.

      2.   Lighting shall be indirect only. No flashing on and off lighting is allowed. Lights shall be installed in such a manner as to prevent rays of light to penetrate beyond the property on which such lights are located.

      3.   All awnings and canopies shall conform to all provisions of the building code. An awning or canopy shall maintain a minimum of eight feet (8') of clearance above any sidewalk and shall have no additional signs affixed to the awning or canopy or its support, apart from the building structure, that is not a part of the awning or canopy.

      4.   No awning or canopy may extend over public property. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: A sign made of fabric or other nonrigid material with no enclosing framework and securely attached at each end to posts or to some rigid structure, or hung flush against the building wall. Banners also include pennants made out of a flexible, colored material, and inflatable materials, i.e., balloons.

Banners are intended to be of a temporary nature and not a permanent installation.

   B.   Banners Over Public Property:

      1.   Banners may be hung over public property for holidays, and community celebrations, to inform the community of an upcoming community event, or other special occasions that may be approved by the city. A "community event" shall be defined as a public event which is of interest to the city of Santa Clara as a whole.

      2.   Banners over public property shall require a sign permit, but may be hung without a sign permit fee being charged if approved by the city. Banners shall be hung by, or under the direction of, the city of Santa Clara, and in locations approved by the city.

      3.   Banners may be approved by the city staff to be hung for up to thirty (30) calendar days, depending on the event being advertised, and shall be removed within five (5) working days following the conclusion of the event.

      4.   Reservation of dates for a banner site may be made to the city up to three (3) months prior to the date of display. Sites will generally be given preference to annual events, or those tied to a specific date, holiday, or season.

      5.   All materials for hanging a banner shall be provided by the applicant.

      6.   A fee shall be payable to the city for the display of a banner unless otherwise set aside by the city council. Such fees shall be set from time to time by resolution of the city council.

      7.   Banners, and other temporary signs, may be used in connection with school activities on school property without a permit fee, and for periods of time approved by school officials, but shall be guided by the requirements of subsection B3 of this section.

   C.   Banners Over Private Property:

      1.   Banner signs for new businesses may be installed between poles or flush against the building wall on the property on the premises of a new business in order to announce the opening of such new business provided that such signs may only be erected for thirty (30) days prior to the business opening, and may remain for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of the opening.

      2.   Banners for special sales events may be installed for the advertised period of the sales event, and such events shall be separated by a minimum of a thirty (30) day period of time unless otherwise extended by approval of the city staff.

      3.   A permit shall be issued by the city staff, and a fee paid, for any banner request. The banner location shall be approved by the city staff.

      4.   Banners may be approved to be installed flush against the building wall, not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the wall surface of the building upon which it is placed.

      5.   No more than one banner per street front may be displayed at any one time on any business property.

      6.   Pennants and inflatable signs may be used under the same condition as banners, and for the same period of time as for banners, for new businesses or special sales events.

      7.   Banners, and other temporary type signs, may be used in connection with school activities on school property without a permit fee, for periods of time approved by school officials, but guided by the requirements of subsection C2 of this section.

      8.   Banners may be used temporarily in residential zones for such purposes as, "Welcome Home", "It's A Boy", "It's A Girl", "Congratulations", or other similar purposes. No permit is required but such banners should be removed within five (5) to ten (10) days following the event for which the banner is being displayed unless extended for cause by approval of the city staff. Any other use, without prior city approval is not permitted. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: A sign which is supported by one or more uprights, or braces which are fastened to, or embedded in the ground, or in a foundation in the ground. A freestanding sign is self- supporting and stands in place without support from any other source.

   B.   Where Allowed: Freestanding signs are permitted in the commercial zone located in the commercial corridor located along Santa Clara Drive lying east of the historic district/mixed use zone along Santa Clara Drive.

   C.   Maximum Allowed:

      1.   Freestanding signs shall not exceed twenty feet (20') in height. The bottom of a freestanding sign shall be a minimum of seven feet (7') above ground level. No portion of a freestanding sign shall be permitted to extend over public property or to impair the line of sight of a motor vehicle when located on private property.

      2.   Freestanding signs are limited to a maximum width of sixteen feet (16'), a sign height of thirteen feet (13'), which is twenty feet (20') minus seven feet (7'), and a sign area of two hundred eight (208) square feet, unless otherwise approved by the planning commission.

      3.   Business, projects, or parcels are limited to one freestanding sign, except that properties with more than five hundred feet (500') of continuous frontage, or five hundred feet (500') of frontage on more than one street, may, with staff approval, install two (2) freestanding signs.

      4.   Freestanding signs shall be located on the property so that no portion of the sign structure is any closer than four feet (4') from any property line.

      5.   No flashing on and off lighting is permitted. Message boards of most kinds may be approved by the city staff, or at their decision, the planning commission.

      6.   Buildings or clusters of buildings having more than one tenant or use shall provide a sign plan for the entire structure or project. This plan shall be approved by the city staff, or at their decision, the planning commission.

      7.   Snipe, or multiple smaller signs, shall not be attached to the signpost holding up a freestanding sign.

      8.   Projects using freestanding signs may also submit a plan for wall signs to the city staff for approval in connection with a freestanding sign.

      9.   Real estate for sale or lease or "Coming Soon" signs are permitted in the commercial zone. Signs may not be larger than four feet by eight feet (4' x 8') or a total of thirty two (32) square feet, and shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height. A sign permit for real estate signs shall not be required. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of sale, lease, or expiration of listing taking place. "Coming Soon" signs shall be approved by the city staff for an agreed upon period of time and may be extended by the city staff for cause, and shall be the same size as commercial real estate signs. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: Signs with messages or copy erected parallel and attached to or painted on the outside wall of a building and extending not more than ten inches (10") from the wall. A wall includes all window and wall area of a building in one plane of elevation.

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

Wall signs may be placed upon any side of a building in a commercial zone in the eastern entrance to the city on Santa Clara Drive, east of the city office. Wall signs may be allowed in a planned development commercial zone subject to planning commission approval as part of the planned development zone approval.

   C.   Maximum Allowed: The area of a wall sign regardless of where on the building it is placed shall be no greater than ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the wall on which the wall sign is placed.

      1.   Signs on a mansard roof will be considered to be a part of the wall sign, and calculated as a part of the total square footage allowed.

      2.   Wall murals which are purely decorative in nature and content, and do not include advertising by picture or verbal message may be approved by the city staff, or may be referred to the planning commission for approval.

      3.   A plan for a wall sign may, with city staff approval, be approved in connection with a freestanding sign in areas where freestanding signs are approved, and may be approved in addition to a freestanding sign. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: Any sign placed in a window or door of a commercial business or professional office for the purpose of advertising any product or service offered inside the business.

   B.   Where Allowed: In any window of a commercial business or professional office space approved in this chapter.

   C.   Maximum Allowed: Window signs are not intended to be displayed for long periods of time, but rather for a short sale period not to exceed thirty (30) days.

      1.   Merchants, or professionals, may advertise special sales with signs on the inside of the windows, provided that they do not cover the complete window in which they are placed.

      2.   Window signs under this subsection C, do not require a permit from the city.

      3.   One permanent "open or closed" sign may be located in any window or door of a commercial business or professional office. Hours of operation signs may also be permanently placed on any window or door. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: A sign located at a drive-in or drive-up window restaurant.

   B.   Maximum Allowed:

      1.   Menu board signs in commercial zones:

         a.   Two (2) freestanding or wall mounted menu board signs are allowed per business.

         b.   The maximum sign area shall be twenty-four (24) square feet per sign.

         c.   The maximum sign height shall be eight feet (8') for freestanding signs.

         d.   A menu board sign must be located on site in a location to not impair traffic visibility. (Ord. 2023-03)

   A.   Definition: "Residential signs" are signs that are allowed to be used on individual residential properties.

   B.   Where Allowed: These signs are allowed in all residential zones in connection with the existence of a residential dwelling being located on the residential lot.

   C.   Maximum Allowed: Only one identification sign is permitted on each parcel of property in all residential zones of the city and may be attached to the face of the dwelling, or located in the front yard area. Such sign shall be in the form of a nameplate not to exceed twelve inches by twenty four inches (12" x 24") in size.

      1.   In addition, each residential dwelling shall display house numbers attached to the dwelling not less than three inches (3") in height and two inches (2") wide, and shall be placed in an unobstructed location on the primary structure on the property, clearly visible from the street. The numbering required shall be in place not later than the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the city.

      2.   Identification signs located in the front setback area of a residence shall be approved by the city staff. If rocks or other similar material is used for the base of an identification sign, the actual printed area of the sign shall not exceed twelve inches by twenty four inches (12" x 24") unless otherwise approved by the city staff. No yard identification sign or monument shall exceed thirty inches (30") in height.

      3.   No residential identification sign may be lighted in any fashion except for backlighting of address numerals.

      4.   Short term yard signs may be used in residential areas immediately prior to and during a yard sale, garage sale, or while an open house is in progress. Such signs do not require prior city approval, but shall be removed by sundown on the day of the sale. Signs not removed in twenty four (24) hours shall be deemed to be abandoned and may be removed by the city.

      5.   Real estate property for sale or lease signs on individual lots shall be no more than two feet by three feet (2' x 3') in size and shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area. The top of the sign or supporting members shall not exceed four feet (4') in height above the ground level.

      6.   All such signs shall be a minimum of two feet (2') inside the property line.

      7.   A sign permit for real estate signs shall not be required. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the sale, lease, or the expiration of the real estate listing taking place.

      8.   Temporary banners are allowed in a residential zone subject to the requirements found in subsection 17.44.070C8 of this chapter. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: A temporary sign that does not advertise products, goods, businesses, or services and that expresses an opinion or other point of view.

   B.   Political signs must be located at least two feet (2), from the back of sidewalk, or twelve feet (12), from a travel lane (public right-of-way), whichever is nearest. A park strip is located within the public right-of-way.

   C.   Political signs may be placed on private property with the owner’s permission up to sixty (60) days before a general, local government or special election and shall be removed within thirty (30) days following election day.

   D.   Political signs may not be located within 150 feet of a building where a polling place is located.

   E.   Political signs are subject to all requirements and provisions of the Annotated Utah Code and other laws as may be applicable. Such signs are regulated as follows:

      1.   Residential Zone. Individual signs may not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area. The maximum height of such signs shall be three feet.

      2.   Non-Residential Zones. Individual signs may not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area. The maximum height of such signs shell be four feet. (Ord. 2025-05, 5-28-2025)

   A.   Definition: "Directional or guide signs" are signs which give direction to areas recognized by the City of Santa Clara to be of regional importance; may install a directional or guide sign at locations approved by the Planning Commission.

   B.   Where Allowed: At sites specifically requested by the applicant and approved by the Planning Commission.

   C.   Maximum Allowed: No sign may exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area, unless otherwise approved by the City staff. No sign may be lighted except by reflected lighting. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: "Public necessity signs" include such things as no parking signs, street name signs, bus stop signs, speed limit signs, and other similar signs as approved by the city. These signs contain no advertising of any kind.

   B.   Where Allowed: Wherever it is determined by the city that such signs are needed to provide information to residents and visitors to the city.

   C.   Maximum Allowed: These signs may be allowed by the city without specific permits being granted for specific signs. However, permission for signs included in this category requires specific approval by the city, and may require city installation. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: Signs erected for the purpose of identifying sites of historical importance. These sites shall have been placed on either the Utah state historic register or the national historic register, or shall have been identified by the city of Santa Clara as having historical significance to the city.

   B.   Where Allowed: Historic signs are allowed anywhere in the city of Santa Clara where historic sites meeting the definition of a historic site are located.

   C.   Maximum Allowed: Standard signs in the historic/mixed use district on properties listed on the state or national historic register, may display one standardized sign in addition to any other signs allowed on the property. The standardized historic sign shall be no more than two feet by three feet (2' x 3') in size, and no more than six (6) square feet in area. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: Signs allowed at the entrances to and from commercial, planned development, or mixed use property adjacent to a public street, or any way where one-way driveways have been approved by the city.

   B.   Where Allowed: Not more than one sign is allowed at the entrance driveway and one sign allowed at the exit driveway of business or professional locations. Entrance and exit signs do not apply to individual residential properties, but may be used in subdivision areas prior to the project being sold out, or in other areas subject to prior city approval.

   C.   Maximum Allowed: Each sign shall be no more than three feet (3') in height and may contain no more than six (6) square feet in area. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: Signs not otherwise identified include all of the following signs: no solicitation signs, no trespassing signs, interior signs, flags, symbols, or insignias of government entities or agencies, and ball field signs.

   B.   Where Allowed: No soliciting signs may be located at the entranceway of any commercial business in any commercial, planned development, historic/mixed use zone. No trespassing signs may be posted on doors, windows, or other property entrances, or on a fence or property line. An interior sign may be located on the interior of buildings, set back at least two feet (2') from any window. Flags, symbols or insignias of governmental entities may be located at any location in the city where appropriate. Ball field signs may be located, where approved, in any city owned or operated ball field.

   C.   Maximum Allowed: No solicitation signs may not exceed one and one-half (1.5) square feet in size. No trespassing signs may not exceed one and one-half (1.5) square feet in size. There is no limit in the size of flags, symbols, or insignias identifying a governmental entity. There are no size requirements for interior signs. Ball field signs are limited in size to no more than four feet by eight feet (4' x 8'), shall be tastefully designed and painted, shall be kept in good repair, and shall be approved by the city park and recreation director prior to installation.

   D.   Review Of All Sign Requests: The planning commission shall review all requests for any type of sign not specifically identified in this chapter, or the detail of any sign identified but for which the requirements of this chapter may not be exactly followed in the site plan submitted. The planning commission may approve modifications of signs required by this chapter if doing so does not impair the intent of this chapter, and the health, safety, and welfare of the public. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: Any sign which is applicable to any use which has been discontinued. Any sign in which the sign structure or body of advertisement is not kept safe and in good repair, or is defective in any other manner.

   B.   What Required: All signs are to be kept in good repair physically, and the content of advertising shall be kept in good, readable condition at all times.

   C.   Maximum Allowed: These signs may be found in any area of the city. A sign owner, if one can be located and identified, shall be notified of the defect found in connection with the sign, and said defect shall be corrected within thirty (30) days. If the sign is deemed by the city to be a public hazard, the city shall retain the right to remove such sign in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

   D.   Removal: If, on inspection, the city determines that a sign, or awning, permitted by this chapter is unsafe, unmaintained, or abandoned, the city may issue an order to the owner of the sign and occupant of the premises stating the nature of the violation and requiring them to repair or remove the sign within five (5) working days after receipt of a notice from the city. In an emergency, or if no owner can be identified or located, the city may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign presenting an immediate hazard to public safety. (Ord. 2012-03)

   A.   Definition: These signs include types of signs that are not allowed within the city limits of the city of Santa Clara. These signs include any sign or advertising structure that was unlawfully erected without a required permit, or which fails to conform to any requirements of this chapter, or the requirements hereof.

   B.   Where Allowed: Signs in this group are not permitted anywhere within Santa Clara City.

   C.   Type Of Signs Included In This Category:

      1.   Abandoned signs.

      2.   A-frame signs.

      3.   Billboards designed for highway advertising.

      4.   Flashing on and off signs.

      5.   Hazardous or unsafe signs.

      6.   Mobile or portable signs.

      7.   Off premises signs - unless approved by the planning commission.

      8.   Roof signs projecting above the roofline.

      9.   Signs of any type in zones where they are not permitted by this chapter.

      10.   Signs resembling traffic control signs not properly authorized.

   D.   Obstruction/Interference Prohibited: Any sign erected at the intersection of any street, or driveway, in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape, color, size, or lighting, may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with, an authorized traffic sign, signal, or device, or which makes the words "stop", "drive-in", "danger", or any other phrases, symbols or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

   E.   Removal: If an illegal sign is identified by the city, an effort shall be made to identify or locate the owner of the sign. If such owner can be located, they shall be notified of the illegal status of their sign and shall be given five (5) days to bring the sign into conformance, or to remove the sign. Following this notification period, the city retains the right to remove any sign that is in violation of this chapter or that is not approved in some manner by the sign ordinance. (Ord. 2012-03)