This chapter is adopted to:

1. Promote the health, safety and general welfare of visitors, and citizens of Vernal and preserve and enhance property values.
2. Encourage positive business atmosphere.
3. Promote aesthetically pleasing and compatible signage which implements the urban design goals and policies of Vernal.
4. Provide for consistent and fair application and enforcement of the regulations pertaining to signs.

(PZSC § 03-13-001)
(Ord. 2000-01, Amended, 07/27/2000)

1. The area of a sign shall be considered to be the total area of one individual sign face when the sign has two (2) or less faces. If a sign has more than two (2) faces, the combined total area of the faces of the proposed sign shall not exceed the maximum allowable area multiplied by two (2).
2. All signs placed along a state or federal highway, or designed to be read or comprehended from any state-maintained roadways, shall comply with all state and federal regulations and requirements.
3. All signs must comply with section 16.24.170 of this code in the case of all public rights-of-way, easements, driveways and other accesses.
4. Signs shall be maintained and kept in good repair by the owner of the property upon which the sign is placed. All wiring and similar components shall be concealed.
5. The average adjacent grade of a sign shall be calculated by finding the average elevation of the area directly beneath the sign and extending out five (5) feet in all directions.

(Ord. 2010-02, Add, 03/17/2010)

The following signs shall be permitted in the MH, RA-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and MX zones;

1. A single property identification sign containing only the address of the property and a personal name.
   1. The sign may not exceed four (4) feet in height or six (6) feet in width.
   2. The sign may not advertise a business or commercial activity.
2. Nameplates or signs indicating the existence of a home occupation.
   1. Signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.
3. Temporary signs as specified in section 16.28.080.
4. Monument and wall signs shall be permitted only in the R-3 and R-4 zones.
   1. A conditional use permit shall be required for each sign, and;
   2. Only one monument and one wall sign shall be permitted on each parcel, and;
   3. Monument and wall signs shall only be used to identify apartments or professional office buildings.
5. Residential development entrance signs. A sign may be placed at the entrance of a residential subdivision , planned residential urban development or manufactured home park advertising the name of the development or subdivision.
   1. The sign must be within the boundary of the development that is named on the sign.
   2. The parcel on which the sign is placed must be owned by the homeowners association of the subdivision or the manufactured home park.
   3. The development or subdivision must contain fifty (50) or more dwelling units.
   4. A maximum of two entrances may have signs placed at them.
   5. Signs must be set back ten (10) feet from any property line or public right-of-way.
   6. Signs proposed to exceed (5) feet in height and ten (10) feet in width shall require a conditional use permit in accordance with the following provisions:
      1. The proposed sign shall not unduly obscure the view of surrounding natural features from adjacent properties.
      2. The party responsible for ongoing maintenance of the sign and its associated features shall be declared at the time of application.
      3. If mechanical or landscaping features shall be included as a part of the sign or its associated site, an escrow account shall be established in an amount to be determined by the planning commission. The escrow account shall be in a sufficient amount to restore the site of the sign to an undeveloped condition should the sign be abandoned or the conditions of the conditional use permit be violated.
      4. A site plan shall accompany the application for a conditional use permit showing all property dimensions and setbacks, any utilities or mechanical systems associated with the sign site, a landscaping plan, all surrounding structures within three hundred (300) feet and side elevations of the proposed sign.
6. School signs (public, private and charter). The following signs shall be permitted on active school sites maintaining an enrollment of one hundred (100) or more students:
   1. One (1) pole signs. Signs shall be placed in accordance with Section 16.28.060 of this section, except:
      1. The maximum height shall be twenty (20) feet.
      2. The sign shall be set back a minimum of six (6) feet from outer property boundaries.
      3. The maximum size of the sign shall be one hundred (100) square feet.
   2. Two (2) monument signs. Signs shall be placed in accordance with Section 16.28.065 of this section.
   3. Flat or wall signs. Signs shall be placed in accordance with Section 16.28.070, except:
      1. The maximum size of the sign shall be two hundred (200) square feet and limited to one per façade or building face.
   4. One (1) electronic changeable copy sign. The sign may only be illuminated between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The sign shall be placed in accordance with Section 16.28.055 of this section.

(PZSC § 03-13-002) (Ord. No. 96-18, Amended, 07-17-96)
(Ord. 2014-36, Amended, 11/19/2014; Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010; Ord. 2000-01, Amended, 07/27/2000)

1. No lighting associated with a sign shall be installed which will permit direct rays of such light to penetrate onto any adjoining property having a residential use in such a way as could constitute a nuisance. Lighted signs shall not be permitted in any residential zone. A photometric study may be required by the Building Official for any lighted sign proposed within two hundred (200) feet of a residential zone or use.
2. With the exception of menu signs, no sign with a sound emitting device shall be permitted.

(PZSC § 03-13-004)
(Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010)

Off-premises signs shall be considered a conditional use in the industrial and commercial zones and not permitted in residential zones. Yard sale signs and political signs in residential zones will not be considered off-premise signs. Off-premise signs for sexually oriented business shall not be allowed.

1. Requirements for industrial zone off-premises signs:
   1. All off-premises advertising signs must have a minimum distance of five hundred (500) feet between such signs.
   2. Signs on property abutting a State highway shall also be approved by UDOT, if required.
   3. Maximum height of forty (40) feet.
   4. Maximum sign area is two hundred (200) square feet.
   5. Minimum separation between off-premises and on-premises pole signs is seventy-five (75) feet.
   6. Minimum sign height is ten (10) feet.
2. Requirements for Commercial zone off-premises signs:
   1. Maximum sign area is two hundred (200) square feet.
   2. Maximum sign height is forty (40) feet.
   3. Minimum distance between any off-premises sign is five hundred (500) feet.
   4. Minimum separation between off-premises and on-premises pole signs is seventy-five (75) feet.
   5. Sign must be within five hundred (500) feet of advertising business.
   6. Property that the sign is on must be owned by the business.
   7. Minimum sign height is ten (10) feet.

(PZSC § 03-13-005) (Ord. No. 98-18, Amended, 12/24/98)
(Ord. 2004-25, Amended, 11/17/2004; Ord. 2003-35, Amended, 12/17/2003; Ord. 2003-15, Amended, 07/02/2003; Ord. 2000-01, Amended, 07/27/2000)

Off-premises signs shall be considered a conditional use in the industrial and commercial zones and not permitted in residential zones. Yard sale signs and political signs in residential zones will not be considered off-premise signs. Off-premise signs for sexually oriented business shall not be allowed.

1. Requirements for industrial zone off-premises signs:
   1. All off-premises advertising signs must have a minimum distance of five hundred (500) feet between such signs.
   2. Signs on property abutting a State highway shall also be approved by UDOT, if required.
   3. Maximum height of forty (40) feet.
   4. Maximum sign area is two hundred (200) square feet.
   5. Minimum separation between off-premises and on-premises pole signs is seventy-five (75) feet.
   6. Minimum sign height is ten (10) feet.
2. Requirements for Commercial zone off-premises signs:
   1. Maximum sign area is two hundred (200) square feet.
   2. Maximum sign height is forty (40) feet.
   3. Minimum distance between any off-premises sign is five hundred (500) feet.
   4. Minimum separation between off-premises and on-premises pole signs is seventy-five (75) feet.
   5. Sign must be within five hundred (500) feet of advertising business.
   6. Property that the sign is on must be owned by the business.
   7. Minimum sign height is ten (10) feet.

(PZSC § 03-13-005) (Ord. No. 98-18, Amended, 12/24/98)
(Ord. 2004-25, Amended, 11/17/2004; Ord. 2003-35, Amended, 12/17/2003; Ord. 2003-15, Amended, 07/02/2003; Ord. 2000-01, Amended, 07/27/2000)

1. Zoning. Pole signs including identification, advertising and business signs which are supported by pole(s) or support(s) having a height greater than fourteen (14) feet and which are mounted in the ground are permitted in the CC-1, C-2, CP-2, CCP-1 and I-1 zones.
2. Placement. Pole signs may only be placed within three hundred-fifty (350) feet of the edge of the right-of-way of Highway 40 or North Vernal Avenue. Pole signs placed within one hundred and fifty (150) feet of an existing residential use or zone shall require a conditional use permit.
3. Height. The maximum sign height shall not exceed forty (40) feet from the average adjacent grade to the top of the sign. 
   1. In the CC-1 zone, when a sign projects over an area designated for automotive use, no portion of the body of the sign shall be lower than fourteen (14) feet.
   2. In all other zones, when a sign projects over an area designated for pedestrians, no portion of the body of the sign shall be lower than ten (10) feet. When a sign projects over an area designated for pedestrians or automotive use, no portion of the body of the sign shall be lower than fourteen (14) feet.
4. Area. The maximum area expressed in square feet for a sign shall be calculated by multiplying the frontage of the parcel on which the sign will be placed by two (2). However, no sign shall have more area than one hundred fifty (150) square feet.
5. Density. One pole sign per parcel .
6. Separation. A minimum separation of one hundred ( 100 ) feet shall be maintained between all other pole signs, multi-tenant commercial signs and off premise s signs unless the entire body of the proposed sign is at a different elevation from the bodies of all adjacent pole signs, multi-tenant commercial signs and off premises signs. In no case shall the separation between said signs be less than fifty (50) feet. Pole signs shall be located as near to the middle point of the lot frontage as is reasonable.
7. Setbacks. No part of the pole sign may extend over any public right-of-way or easement or across any adjoining property lines. In no case shall the placement of the sign violate the clear vision triangle as defined in Vernal City code.
8. Design. The pole or support structure of the sign may be equal to the width and depth of the sign, but may not exceed it. Except for the address of the property, no copy or text may be attached to the pole or support structure less than six (6) feet from the adjacent grade.

(PZSC § 03-13-006)
(Ord. 2016-09, Amended, 08/03/2016; Ord. 2016-02, Amended, 02/17/2016; Ord. 2012-19, Amended, 05/16/2012; Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010; Ord. 2009-29, Amended, 12/16/2009; Ord. 2007-22, Amended, 09/19/2007; Ord. 2000-01, Amended, 07/27/2000)

1. Zoning. Multi-tenant commercial signs including identification, advertising and business signs which are supported by pole(s) or support(s) having a height greater than fourteen (14) and which are mounted in the ground are permitted in the CC-1, C-2, CP-2, CCP-1 and I-1 zones.
2. Placement. Multi-tenant commercial signs may only be placed within three hundred- fifty (350) feet of the edge of the right-of-way of Highway 40 or North Vernal Avenue. Multi-tenant commercial signs placed within one-hundred and fifty (150) feet of an existing residential use or zone shall require a conditional use permit.
3. Height. The maximum sign height shall not exceed forty (40) feet from the average adjacent grade to the top of the sign. When a sign projects over an area designated for pedestrians or automotive use, no portion of the body of the sign shall be lower than fourteen (14) feet.
4. Area. The maximum area expressed in square feet for a sign shall be calculated by multiplying the frontage of the parcel on which the sign will be placed by two (2). However, no sign shall have more area than three hundred (300) square feet.
5. Density. One multi-tenant commercial sign per business complex.
6. Separation. A minimum separation of one hundred (100) feet shall be maintained between all other pole signs, multi-tenant commercial signs and off premises signs unless the entire body of the proposed sign is at a different elevation from the bodies of all adjacent pole signs, multi-tenant commercial signs and off premises signs. In no case shall the separation between said signs be less than fifty (50) feet.
7. Setbacks. No part of the multi-tenant commercial sign may extend over any public right-of-way or easement or across any adjoining property lines. In no case shall the placement of the sign violate the clear vision triangle as defined in Vernal City code.
8. Additional restrictions. Multi-tenant commercial signs shall be located within the business complex for which they advertise and only tenants of that business complex may advertise on the sign. Any business advertising on a multi-tenant commercial sign may not have a pole sign on its property located within the associated business complex.

(Ord. 2016-02, Amended, 02/17/2016; Ord. 2012-19, Amended, 05/16/2012; Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010; Ord. 2009-29, Amended, 12/16/2009; Ord. 2007-22, Add, 09/19/2007)

1. Zoning. Monument signs or signs which are supported by a pole or poles, a base, or other supports which are mounted in the ground are permitted only in the CC-1, C-2, CP-2, CCP-1, I-1, HC-1, P-1, MX zones and in conjunction with approved uses in the R-3 and R-4 zones and seven (7') feet in all other zoning that monument signs are allowed in the R-4 and R-3 zones.
2. Height: The maximum overall height for a monument sign including the base measured from the natural bare grade adjacent shall be five (5) feet.
3. Area. The maximum total area of a monument sign shall be fifty (50) square feet.
4. Density. Only one (1) monument sign per access with a maximum of two (2) signs per project is allowed. Additional monument signs in excess of two (2) may be approved by the Planning Commission.
5. Separation. A minimum of fifty (50) feet separation shall be maintained between all monument signs.
6. Setbacks. Monument signs shall have a minimum set back of five (5) feet from the side property line and eighteen (18) inches from the front property line or the public right-of-way or easement. In no case shall the placement of the sign violate the clear vision triangle as defined in Vernal City code.

(Ord. 2016-02, Amended, 02/17/2016; Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010; Ord. 2003-04, Amended, 02/20/2003; Ord. 2000-01, Add, 07/27/2000)

1. Zoning. Electronic changeable copy signs, or signs using a matrix of illuminated electronic elements to display text or images, shall be permitted in the CC-1, C-2, CP-2, CCP-1 and I-1 zones. Electronic changeable copy signs shall not include signs displaying the time and/or temperature with an area of changeable copy of less than ten (10) square feet.
2. Placement. Electronic changeable copy signs may only be placed upon parcels having frontage on Highway 40 or North Vernal Avenue. Electronic changeable copy signs placed within one hundred and fifty (150) feet of an existing residential use or zone shall require a conditional use permit. An electronic changeable copy sign shall only be placed as a monument, pole, multi-tenant commercial, wall or projecting sign and shall comply with all requirements and regulations for such signs.
3. Height. The maximum sign height shall not exceed forty (40) feet from the average adjacent grade to the top of the sign. No portion of the body of the sign shall be lower than fourteen (14) feet.
4. Area. The maximum area of an electronic changeable copy sign shall be fifty (50) square feet. Electronic changeable copy signs may be combined with other types of signs and their respective areas added together to calculate the maximum allowable area for the combined sign.
5. Density. Only one electronic changeable copy sign shall be permitted per parcel or business complex.
6. Separation. A minimum separation of one hundred fifty (150) feet shall be maintained between all electronic changeable copy signs.
7. Brightness. Electronic changeable copy signs may not have an illuminance level of more than three tenths (0.3) of a footcandle above the average ambient light level measured one hundred (100) feet from the face of the sign. If possible, the entire sign must be set to emit all white light when being tested for illuminance. The applicant shall have a licensed engineer certify that the sign meets this requirement at the time of the sign's installation.
8. Dimmer Control. Electronic changeable copy signs must have an automatic dimmer device installed to ensure that the brightness requirements are at no time exceeded.
9. Prohibitions. Electronic changeable copy signs shall not be programmed to flash, blink or fluctuate the intensity of lights or to operate intermittently so as to create a strobe effect. In no case shall the sign operate in any way that could cause it to be confused for any traffic safety device or public safety vehicle.

(Ord. 2010-02, Add, 03/17/2010)

1. Zoning. Flat or wall signs on the outside of any structure include identification, advertising, and business signs which are mounted on a wall or building facade and are permitted only in the CC-1, C-2, CCP-1, CP-2, I-1, HC-1, MX and R-4 and R-3 zones. For purposes of this regulation, signs mounted on the roofs of buildings that do not extend higher than the peak of the roof shall be considered flat or wall signs.
2. Area. The combined area of wall, awning and projecting signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the building facade or wall on which the sign(s) are to be placed.
3. A sign placed on the roof of a structure shall not be more than five (5) feet higher than the highest point of the structure's roof or facade and shall be included in the total square footage of all wall or roof signage allowed which is no more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the largest wall of the structure.

(PZSC § 03-13-007)
(Ord. 2016-09, Amended, 08/03/2016; Ord. 2016-02, Amended, 02/17/2016; Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010; Ord. 2000-01, Amended, 07/27/2000)

1. Zoning. Flat or wall signs on the outside of any structure include identification, advertising, and business signs which are mounted on a wall or building facade and are permitted only in the CC-1, C-2, CCP-1, CP-2, I-1, HC-1, MX and R-4 and R-3 zones. For purposes of this regulation, signs mounted on the roofs of buildings that do not extend higher than the peak of the roof shall be considered flat or wall signs.
2. Area. The combined area of wall, awning and projecting signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the building facade or wall on which the sign(s) are to be placed.
3. A sign placed on the roof of a structure shall not be more than five (5) feet higher than the highest point of the structure's roof or facade and shall be included in the total square footage of all wall or roof signage allowed which is no more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the largest wall of the structure.

(PZSC § 03-13-007)
(Ord. 2016-09, Amended, 08/03/2016; Ord. 2016-02, Amended, 02/17/2016; Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010; Ord. 2000-01, Amended, 07/27/2000)

1. Zoning. Flat or wall signs on the outside of any structure include identification, advertising, and business signs which are mounted on a wall or building facade and are permitted only in the CC-1, C-2, CCP-1, CP-2, I-1, HC-1, MX and R-4 and R-3 zones. For purposes of this regulation, signs mounted on the roofs of buildings that do not extend higher than the peak of the roof shall be considered flat or wall signs.
2. Area. The combined area of wall, awning and projecting signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the building facade or wall on which the sign(s) are to be placed.
3. A sign placed on the roof of a structure shall not be more than five (5) feet higher than the highest point of the structure's roof or facade and shall be included in the total square footage of all wall or roof signage allowed which is no more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the largest wall of the structure.

(PZSC § 03-13-007)
(Ord. 2016-09, Amended, 08/03/2016; Ord. 2016-02, Amended, 02/17/2016; Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010; Ord. 2000-01, Amended, 07/27/2000)

1. Zoning. An inflatable sign is any object used for advertising purposes that is enlarged or inflated using air or another gas and/or is activated by air or moving gas which floats, is tethered in the air, or is located on the ground or on a building with or without copy or other graphic. These signs are permitted only in the MX, CC-1, C-2, CCP-1, CP-2 and I-1 zones.
2. Time limit. An inflatable sign may be permitted and placed on a parcel only twice in a calendar year. The maximum duration for these permits shall be twenty-one (21) days. This limit does not apply if the sign does not occupy any required parking.
3. Size. Inflatable signs shall be limited to twenty five (25) feet in height.
4. Placement. Inflatable signs must be set back at least ten (10) feet from any property line or public right-of-way. In no case shall the placement of the sign violate the clear vision triangle as defined in Vernal City Code.
5. Design. In all cases inflatable signs must be secured in a fashion that prevents wind or any other natural force from moving them from the property for which they are permitted.
6. Density. Inflatable signs shall not occupy more than five (5) required parking spaces or thirty (30%) percent of the required parking spaces on the site for which they are permitted.

(Ord. 2016-02, Add, 02/17/2016)

1. Public necessity signs such as safety/instructional, for public facilities and parks, warnings, informational kiosks at trail heads, bus stop, no parking and street name signs installed by or with the permission of Vernal City are exempt from permit requirements. Approval of the Superintendent of Streets is required for all signs in or adjacent to the public right-of-way to ensure safe placement, ensure compliance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and prevent unsightly or distracting sign placement.

(Ord. 2016-02, Amended, 02/17/2016; Ord. 2014-38, Amended, 11/19/2014; Ord. 2010-02, Add, 03/17/2010)

1. Menu signs, or signs designed to advertise the menu of a restaurant to customers in the drive through lane of that same restaurant.
   1. Zoning. Menu signs are permitted only in the commercial CC-1, C-2, CP-2, CCP-1 industrial I-1 zones, and MX zone.
   2. Height. The maximum height for a menu sign is eight (8) feet.
   3. Area. The maximum area of a menu sign shall be sixty (60) square feet.
   4. Density. Only four (4) menu signs per parcel shall be allowed.
   5. Set backs. Menu signs shall have a minimum set back of five (5) feet from any property line or public right-of-way.
2. Directional signs, or signs other than public necessity signs, designed to facilitate traffic and pedestrian movement at a commercial, multi-family residential, industrial, medical or institutional development or at a public facility.
   1. Zoning. Directional signs are permitted only in the CC-1, C-2, CP-2, CCP-1, I-1, HC-1, P-1, MX and R-4 zones.
   2. Height. The maximum height for a directional sign is six (6) feet.
   3. If an architectural projection exists on the main structure under which there will be vehicular movement, cautionary signage shall indicate a maximum height of vehicles including any projection from the vehicle, to be (6) six inches below the lowest portion of the architectural projection.
   4. Area. The maximum area of a directional sign shall be twenty-five (25) square feet.
   5. Set backs. Directional signs shall have a minimum set back of eighteen (18) inches from any property line or public right-of-way.

(Ord. 2016-09, Amended, 08/03/2016; Ord. 2010-02, Add, 03/17/2010)

If a sign not legally in existence at the time this chapter is adopted does not conform with the requirements of this chapter, or if the construction, design, manner or use, or method of anchoring or supporting any sign makes such sign unsafe,Vernal City shall give written notification to the owner of the property on which the sign is placed of the violation and the pending action of the City to correct the violation. Unless there is an immediate threat to the health, safety or welfare of the general public, Vernal City shall give the property owner thirty (30) days to correct the violation before proceeding to cause the removal of the sign or the rebuilding of the sign to conform with the requirements of this chapter, the building code adopted by Vernal City and any other applicable laws. The owner of the parcel upon which the sign is placed shall reimburse Vernal City for the full cost incurred in the removal of the sign or in bringing the sign into compliance.

(PZSC § 03-13-009)
(Ord. 2016-02, Amended, 02/17/2016; Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010)

1. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property upon which an abandoned sign is located to either:
   1. cause the removal of such sign within one hundred twenty (120) days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in this title. Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire sign including the sign face, supporting structure, structural trim and the safe termination of any associated utilities, or;
   2. cause the sign to return to conformance with the requirements of Vernal City code within one hundred twenty (120) days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in this title.
2. If the owner of the property on which an abandoned sign is located fails to comply with the above requirements, the City may remove such sign. Any expense incurred in the removal of such sign may be charged to the owner of the property. Should the owner fail to pay, the City may file liens for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated with the removal of the sign.
   

Regardless of the value or cost of a sign, no sign shall be erected or placed within Vernal City without first making application for and obtaining a permit for said sign, except window, political posters, temporary signs, nameplates or identification signs indicating the existence of an approved home occupation, property identification signs and yard sale signs. Any permit herein required by these regulations shall be in addition to any other building permit required . Construction or placement of a sign shall not be commenced until all required approvals and permits have been obtained.

(PZSC § 03-13-010)
(Ord. 2017-02, Amended, 03/01/2017; Ord. 2016-02, Amended, 02/17/2016; Ord. 2010-02, Amended, 03/17/2010)