A.

INTENT AND PURPOSE.

1.

To enhance the character of the community and protect scenic views,

2.

To recognize that signs are critical to the success of local businesses,

3.

To ensure public safety, especially along busy SR 9,

4.

To regulate the time, place and manner under which signs are permitted, and not the expression of free speech and ideas by the content of signage, with the exception of content that can be prohibited by law as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court in Miller vs. California, 413 U.S. 15, 24 (1973).

B.

APPEALS. Refer to VULU Chapter 16.6.

C.

SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. If any portion of this ordinance is found to be unconstitutional, only that portion of the ordinance may be invalid, the remaining content shall remain in effect.

A.

ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS. All signs must conform to building, structural, and electrical codes as adopted by the Town of Virgin and the State of Utah.

1.

The Planning and Zoning Commission or Zoning Administrator may request proof of professional engineering for signs requiring such.

B.

HEIGHT. Sign heights are established by zone and sign type. (See Sign Table for clarification of all sign heights.)

1.

Signs may not exceed the maximum building height established by Town ordinance.

C.

SETBACKS. Setbacks for signs are established by zone, sign type, and approximation to SR9. (See Sign Table for clarification of any sign setbacks.)

1.

Directional signs for traffic safety may be exempt from setback standards.

D.

MATERIALS. The longevity of permanent sign materials is encouraged. The use of materials which will be safe along roadways is also encouraged.

E.

COLOR. For permanent signs, brilliant, luminescent, "Day-Glo", or fluorescent colors are discouraged. (Sign colors should complement those of the building façade and surrounding area.)

F.

LIGHTING. All sign lighting shall comply with the requirements in VULU about Outdoor lighting.

G.

WORN OR ABANDONED SIGNS. Signs are required to be upkept. Signs verified as abandoned may be removed by the Town.

H.

GENERAL SIGN LOCATIONS. Signs will typically only be allowed on private property with proper approval from owners of the property.

1.

Signs posted on public property must have prior authorization from the Town.

A.

PURPOSE. This Section sets forth prohibition of "billboards" consistent with the General Plan and the designation of the SR-9 Virgin Corridor as a National and State Scenic Byway.

B.

DEFINITION.

1.

Billboard. Any freestanding sign or affixed graphic or visual representation, including any lighted or unlighted drawn, printed, painted, electric, LED, digital or mechanical representation designed or intended to advertise or direct attention to a business, product, service, organization, idea or cause which is not sold, offered, or existing on the property whereupon the sign is located. (See VULU Chapter 16.12 "Definitions")

C.

PROHIBITED. Billboards are prohibited along all roadways and streets, in all zones, and throughout the Town of Virgin and its sphere of influence.

1.

Government or authorized directional and safety signs (Trailblazer Signs, traffic/MUTCD) are not billboards. Utah Code Annotated Section 72.7.504.

D.

EXISTING BILLBOARDS. Existing Billboard (approx. 1) shall be removed at a time convenient to the owner, but may not be, hereafter, changed, altered, improved, or leased beyond any lease/agreement currently "in force"; and must be removed before becoming worn, dilapidated, or otherwise subject to the provisions in Section 16.10.1 of this Chapter.

(Adopted by Ord. 2024-06 new Section 16.52.05 on Billboards on 3/19/2024)

A.

ALLOWED SIGNS. Business use signs are allowed in each respective zone according to the Sign Table in this ordinance.

1.

Exceptions or extraordinary circumstances may be reviewed during a Conditional Use review of each business.

B.

SITE PLAN. In a case where a site plan may be required, such as a freestanding monument sign, the location of the proposed sign in relation to the property line, setbacks, and other structures on the site may be required for review by the zoning administrator.

C.

INDIVIDUAL BUSINESSES. A reasonable amount of signs for the success of the business is encouraged.

D.

BUSINESS CENTERS. The establishment of one centrally located monument or free-standing type sign in a business complex is encouraged for the advertising of multiple businesses in one location.

E.

BILLBOARDS. Prohibited.

(Amended by Ord. 2024-06 prohibiting billboards in town on 3/19/2024)

A.

ALLOWED SIGNS. Signs are allowed in each respective zone according to the Sign Table in this ordinance.

A.

AUTHORITY.

1.

The Town shall have the authority to remove or require the removal of any sign illegally erected within the Town of Virgin, including signs placed on public or private property.

2.

The Town shall also have the authority to require removal of, or remove any sign found to be in disrepair to the extent that the sign becomes dilapidated or dangerous to the public.

B.

LEGALLY NONCONFORMING.

1.

Any sign located within the town in compliance with the applicable law on the date of adoption of this ordinance, which is found to be nonconforming by reason of not being in compliance with the requirements of the "Sign Standards" of this Chapter, shall be designated as legally nonconforming, and will be regulated under VULU Chapter 16.10 (Non-conforming Uses and Structures).

2.

A legally nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legally nonconforming status if:

a.

The sign is altered structurally in a manner which makes the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this ordinance than it was before the alteration; or

b.

The sign is relocated to a position making it less in compliance with this ordinance.

Wherever this Chapter conflicts with the Virgin Uniform Land Use Ordinance, this Chapter shall prevail.

(Amended by Ord. 2024-06 prohibiting billboards in all zones on 3/19/2024)