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Salt Lake City Overview
Salt Lake City, UT Code of Ordinances
CITY CODE of SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
ORDINANCES PENDING REVIEW FOR CODIFICATION
TITLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
TITLE 2 ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
TITLE 3 REVENUE AND FINANCE
TITLE 4 RESERVED
TITLE 5 BUSINESS TAXES, LICENSES AND REGULATIONS
TITLE 6 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES1
TITLE 7 RESERVED
TITLE 8 ANIMALS
TITLE 9 HEALTH AND SAFETY
TITLE 10 HUMAN RIGHTS
TITLE 11 PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
TITLE 12 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
TITLE 13 RESERVED
TITLE 14 STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES
TITLE 15 PARKS AND RECREATION
TITLE 16 AIRPORTS
TITLE 17 PUBLIC SERVICES
TITLE 18 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
TITLE 19 GENERAL PLANS
TITLE 20 SUBDIVISIONS
TITLE 21A ZONING
PART I. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
PART II. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
PART III. SPECIFIC DISTRICT REGULATIONS
PART IV. REGULATIONS OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY
CHAPTER 21A.36 GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 21A.37 DESIGN STANDARDS
CHAPTER 21A.38 NONCONFORMING USES AND NONCOMPLYING STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 21A.40 ACCESSORY USES, BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 21A.42 TEMPORARY USES
CHAPTER 21A.44 OFF STREET PARKING, MOBILITY AND LOADING
CHAPTER 21A.46 SIGNS
21A.46.010: PURPOSE STATEMENT:
21A.46.020: DEFINITIONS:
21A.46.030: GENERAL SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:
21A.46.040: EXEMPT SIGNS:
21A.46.050: SIGNS EXEMPT FROM PERMITS AND PERMIT FEES:
21A.46.052: SIGNS EXEMPT FROM SPECIFIC CRITERIA EXCEPT FEES AND PERMITS:
21A.46.055: TEMPORARY PORTABLE SIGNS:
21A.46.060: SIGNS SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS:
21A.46.070: GENERAL STANDARDS:
21A.46.075: NEON PUBLIC PARKING SIGNS:
21A.46.080: SIGN REGULATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS:
21A.46.090: SIGN REGULATIONS FOR MIXED USE AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS:
21A.46.095: SIGN REGULATIONS FOR TRANSIT STATION AREA DISTRICT:
21A.46.096: SIGN REGULATIONS FOR THE FORM BASED AND FORM BASED MIXED USE DISTRICTS:
21A.46.100: SIGN REGULATIONS FOR MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS:
21A.46.110: SIGN REGULATIONS FOR DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS:
21A.46.115: SIGN REGULATIONS FOR GATEWAY DISTRICTS:
21A.46.120: SIGN REGULATIONS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS:
21A.46.125: VINTAGE SIGNS:
21A.46.130: LOCALIZED ALTERNATIVE SIGN OVERLAY DISTRICT:
21A.46.140: NONCONFORMING SIGNS:
21A.46.150: PERMITS, INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT:
21A.46.160: BILLBOARDS:
21A.46.170: STREET BANNERS ON UTILITY POLES IN THE PUBLIC WAY:
21A.46.180: CONSTRUCTION IMPACT AREA MITIGATION SIGNS:
CHAPTER 21A.48 LANDSCAPING AND BUFFERS
PART V. AMENDMENTS AND SPECIAL APPROVALS
PART VI. GENERAL TERMS
TITLE 22 LOCAL EMERGENCIES
APPENDICES SPECIAL ORDINANCES
Salt Lake City, UT Policies and Procedures Manual
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STANDARDS FOR THE SPORTS ARENA AND CONVENTION CENTER
Types of Signs Permitted7, 8, 9
Maximum Area per Sign Face
Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs
Minimum Setback2
Number of Signs Permitted per Sign Type
Types of Signs Permitted7, 8, 9
Maximum Area per Sign Face
Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs
Minimum Setback2
Number of Signs Permitted per Sign Type
Awning/ canopy signs
5 square feet per linear foot of canopy length (sign area only)
Shall not be located above the second floor level of the building for both awning and canopy signs
May extend 6 feet from face of building but not within 2 feet from back of curb
1 per first floor window/door, may be combined with adjacent doors/ windows
Flat sign (general building orientation)
5 square feet per linear foot of building face
 
n/a
1 per building face
Flat sign (storefront orientation)
Flat sign (storefront orientation)
 
n/a
3 per business storefront
Flat sign display, electronic changeable copy3
No larger than 1,400 square feet per sign
 
n/a
5 per city block
Freestanding sign, electronic changeable copy4
Not more than 1,600 square feet per sign, which may be located in a continuous round display
45 feet
n/a
2 per city block
Monument sign
3 square feet per linear foot of street frontage
20 feet
None
5 per street frontage
Private directional sign5
100 square feet
20 feet
No setback
No limit
Roof sign
5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage
20 feet above the roof line or parapet wall
n/a
1 per building
Roof surface sign
30,000 square feet6
n/a
n/a
1 per roof surface
Special event light pole sign
10 square feet
20 feet
n/a
2 per light pole
Special event sign
Sign may cover up to 60% of total building face7
May not exceed the height of building
n/a
1 per street frontage
Window sign
90% of total frontage window area (interior or exterior) for sports arena events, not to exceed 6 months in duration for each calendar year unless otherwise allowed by the zoning administrator.
No Limit
n/a
No Limit
 
Notes:
   1.   Reserved.
   2.   Public property lease and insurance required for projection over property line.
   3.   Flat sign, electronic changeable copy may display static or rotating messages or operate as outdoor television monitors.
   4.   An advertising face on a freestanding sign with electronic changeable copy that is not oriented to a public street may be operated to allow full motion video display.
   5.   Private directional sign may include electronic changeable copy within the sign area.
   6.   To be located on the horizontal plane of a roof surface, primarily viewable from planes and surrounding buildings located above the arena.
   7.   Advertising or corporate logos are limited to on premises advertising of sports arena events and sponsors only.
   8.   Dwell and Twirl time: Text, images, or graphics on an electronic message center shall not change more than once every eight (8) seconds. Twirl time between subsequent static text, images, or graphics shall not exceed one-fourth (0.25) second. Outdoor television monitors are exempt.
   9.   Brightness: No electronic message center shall exceed a brightness level of three-tenths (0.3) foot-candle as measured at a pre-set distance. The measurement distance shall be determined based on the area of the electronic message center using the following formula: the square root of (the electronic message center area times 100). Fractions shall be rounded to the nearest foot.
         c.   Live Performance Theater and Ancillary Uses Located in the Interior of the Block between State and Main Streets, between 100 and 200 South Streets:
STANDARDS FOR THE LIVE PERFORMANCE THEATRE AND ANCILLARY USES LOCATED IN THE INTERIOR OF THE BLOCK BETWEEN
STATE AND MAIN STREETS, BETWEEN 100 AND 200 SOUTH STREETS
Types Of Signs Permitted
Maximum Area Per Sign Face
Maximum Height Of Freestandi ng Signs1
Minimum Setback2
Number Of Signs Permitted Per Sign Type
Limit On Combined Number Of Signs3
Types Of Signs Permitted
Maximum Area Per Sign Face
Maximum Height Of Freestandi ng Signs1
Minimum Setback2
Number Of Signs Permitted Per Sign Type
Limit On Combined Number Of Signs3
Awning signs
1 square foot per linear foot of storefront (sign area only)
See note 1
May extend 6 feet from face of building but not within 2 feet of the back of curb6
1 per first floor door/wind ow
None
Canopy, drive- through
40% of canopy face if signage is on 2 faces; 20% of canopy face if signs are on 4 faces
See note 1
n/a
1 per canopy face
None
Canopy signs
1 square foot per linear foot of storefront (sign area only); 20 square feet maximum per canopy
See note 1
May extend from face of building but not within 2 feet of the back of curb6
1 per first floor building entry
None
Constructi on sign
64 square feet
12 feet
5 feet
1 per storefront
None
Corporate flag
32 square feet
See Subsection 21A.46.11 0.A.4.c
8 feet from face of building but not within 2 feet of the back of curb6
1 per 50 feet of street frontage, 50 foot minimum street frontage required
2 per street frontage
Flat sign (general building orientation )
4 square feet per linear foot of building face5
See note 1
n/a
2 per building face
None
Flat sign (storefront orientation )4
2 square feet per linear foot of each store frontage5
See note 1
n/a
1 per business storefront
None
Marquee sign
Subject only to Subsection 21A.46.07 0.O
See Subsection 21A.46.07 0.O
See Subsection 21A.46.07 0.O
1 per storefront
None
Monument sign
1 square foot per linear foot of street frontage
20 feet
None
1 per street frontage
1 sign per street frontage
Nameplate , building
3 square feet
8 square feet
None
1 per building
None
New developme nt sign
200 square feet
12 feet
5 feet
1 per street frontage
None
Pole sign
1 square foot per linear foot of street frontage; 200 square feet maximum for a single business, 300 square feet maximum for multiple businesses
45 feet
None, but shall not extend across a property line
1 per street frontage
None
Pole sign, parking garage access
1 square foot per linear foot of street frontage; 165 square feet maximum for a single business
Sign may be located off premises to indicate garage access point, as deemed appropriat e by zoning administrat or
45 feet
None, but shall not extend across a property line
1 per street frontage
1
Political sign
32 square feet
8 feet
5 feet
No limit
None
Private directional sign
8 square feet
4 feet
5 feet
No limit
None
Projecting building sign7,8
165 square feet per side; 330 square feet total
See note 1
May extend 6 feet from face of building but not within 2 feet of the back of curb6
2 per street frontage
None
Projecting business storefront sign7,8
9 square feet per side; 18 square feet total
See note 1. Sign face limited to 4 feet in height
May extend 7 feet from face of building but not within 2 feet of the back of curb6
1 per public business entry
None
Projecting parking entry sign7,8
40 square feet; 80 square feet total
See note 1. Sign face limited to 4 feet in height
May extend 10 feet from face of building but not within 2 feet of the back of curb6
1 per driveway or parking lot entry
None
Public safety sign
8 square feet
6 square feet
None
No limit
None
Real estate sign
32 square feet
8 feet
None
1 per street frontage
None
Roof signs
4 square feet per linear foot of building face or 6 square feet per linear foot of building face on buildings taller than 100 feet
See note 1
n/a
1 per street frontage
None
Window sign
25% of total frontage window area per use
No limit
n/a
No limit
None
 
Notes:
   1.   For height limits on building signs, see Subsection 21A.46.070.I of this chapter.
   2.   Not applicable to temporary signs mounted as flat signs.
   3.   The total number of signs permitted from the sign types combined.
   4.   Storefront flat signs limited to locations on the lower 2 floors.
   5.   A single-tenant building may combine the square footage total of both the storefront orientation and the general building orientation flat signs to construct 1 larger sign.
   6.   Projection over a public right of way must comply with the city's encroachment policy.
   7.   This applies only to signs not placed on the street frontages of State Street, Main Streets, 100 South Street and 200 South Street. All signs of this type intended for these street frontages are to be governed by Subsection 21A.46.110.A.3.a.
   8.   These sign types may have animated elements as defined in Subsection 21A.46.020.B of this chapter, restricted to the non-mechanical animation of lights and lighting.
      4.   Supplementary Regulations:
         a.   Sign Setbacks: All freestanding signs shall be set back not less than five feet (5') from the front or corner side lot line. In the case of pole signs, this setback requirement shall be applied to the sign support structure, allowing the sign itself to extend to the front lot line if adequate ground clearance is provided as required in this title.
         b.   Projecting Building Signs: Projecting building signs are allowed for the following uses only:
            (1)   Theaters (live or cinematic theaters with business frontage and direct access to the street) and ancillary uses;
            (2)   Anchor retail (large retailers with over 35,000 square feet of usable floor area) or shopping centers or malls (containing multiple stores with a combined commercial/retail floor area of over 100,000 square feet);
            (3)   Historic buildings as outlined in subsection 21A.46.070V of this chapter.
Businesses using projecting building signs may not also use projecting business storefront signs. The content of a projecting building sign is limited to the building, business or shopping center name and logo.
         c.   Corporate Flags: The pole support must be attached directly to the building and located so that all portions of the flag clear the pedestrian level of the building. Flags shall not interfere with street trees, light poles, utility lines, etc., and shall maintain a ten foot (10') clearance from the sidewalk. Corporate flags may be additionally anchored at the bottom with a cable, chain, rope or other nonrigid device, to prevent excessive movement. However, if more than one structural support is provided, the flag shall be considered a fabric "projecting sign".
   B.   Sign Regulations For The D-2 District:
      1.   Purpose: Sign regulations for the D-2 District are intended to respond to the existing diversity in signage characteristics within this district. The D-2 District is supportive of the D-1 District and reflects a similar purpose as the center for business and culture for the region.
      2.   Applicability: Regulations in Subsection B.3 of this section shall apply to all uses within the D-2 District.
      3.   Sign Type, Size and Height Standards:
STANDARDS FOR THE D-2 DISTRICT
Types Of Signs Permitted
Maximum Area Per Sign Face
Maximum Height Of Freestanding Signs1
Minimum Setback2
Number Of Signs Permitted Per Sign Type
Limit On Combined Number Of Signs3
Types Of Signs Permitted
Maximum Area Per Sign Face
Maximum Height Of Freestanding Signs1
Minimum Setback2
Number Of Signs Permitted Per Sign Type
Limit On Combined Number Of Signs3
Awning/canopy sign
1 square foot per linear foot of storefront (sign area only)
See note 1
May extend 6 feet from face of building 2 feet from back of curb7
1 per first floor door/window
None
Canopy, drive- through
40% of canopy face if signage is on 2 faces; 20% of canopy face if signs are on 4 faces
See note 1
n/a
1 per canopy face
None
Construction sign
64 square feet
12 feet
5 feet
1 per street frontage
None
Flat sign (storefront orientation)4
2 square feet per linear foot of each store frontage5
See note 1
n/a
1 per business or storefront
None
Monument sign6
1 square foot per linear foot of street frontage
20 feet
None
1 per street frontage
1 sign per street frontage
Nameplate, building
3 square feet
8 square feet
None
1 per building
None
New development sign
200 square feet
12 feet
5 feet
1 per street frontage
None
Pole sign6
1 square foot per linear foot of street frontage; 200 square feet maximum for a single business, 300 square feet maximum for multiple businesses
45 feet
None, but shall not extend across a property line
1 per street frontage
1 sign per street frontage
Political sign
32 square feet
8 feet
5 feet
No limit
None
Private directional sign
8 square feet
4 feet
5 feet
No limit
None
Projecting building sign
0.5 square foot per linear foot of street frontage; not to exceed 40 square feet
See note 1
May extend 6 feet from face of building, but shall not cross a property line
1 per street frontage
None
Projecting business storefront sign
6 square feet per sign side; total of 12 square feet
n/a
May extend 4 feet from face of the building but no closer than 2 feet to the back of the curb. Minimum height of 8 feet above sidewalk.7
1 per leasable space or entry
None
Public safety sign
8 square feet
6 feet
5 feet
No limit
None
Real estate sign
64 square feet
12 feet
5 feet
1 per street frontage
None
Wall sign or flat sign (general building orientation)
4 square feet per linear foot of building face5
See note 1
n/a
1 per building face
None
Window sign
25% of total frontage window area per use
See note 1
n/a
No limit
n/a
 
Notes:
   1.   For height limits on building signs, see Subsection 21A.46.070.I of this chapter.
   2.   Not applicable to temporary signs mounted as flat signs.
   3.   The total number of signs permitted from the sign types combined.
   4.   Storefront flat signs limited to locations on the lower 2 floors.
   5.   A single-tenant building may combine the square footage total of both the storefront orientation and the general building orientation flat signs to construct 1 larger sign.
   6.   See Subsection 21A.46.110.B.4.a.
   7.   Projection over a public right of way must comply with the city's encroachment policy.
      4.   Supplementary Regulations:
         a.   Lot Frontage Requirements: A minimum lot frontage of one hundred feet (100') shall be required for pole signs or monument signs.
   C.   Sign Regulations For The D-3 Downtown Residential/Warehouse District:
      1.   Purpose: Signage in the D-3 District should respond to the special character of the area resulting from the presence of existing warehouse buildings, some of which are historically significant, and the mix of residential and commercial uses allowed in the district. Consistent with the intent of the district to preserve the existing buildings while promoting new uses within them, signage within the district should contribute to the vitality of the area without detracting from the significance of the architecture. The sign regulations for this district are designed to allow for the identification of uses within the district but to restrain the size and location of signs in order to complement the architectural characteristics of buildings.
      2.   Applicability: Regulations in subsection C3 of this section shall apply to all uses within the D-3 District.
      3.   Sign Type, Size and Height Standards:
STANDARDS FOR THE D-3 DISTRICT
Types Of Signs Permitted
Maximum Area Per Sign Face
Maximum Height Of Freestanding Signs1
Minimum Setback2
Number Of Signs Permitted Per Sign Type
Limit On Combined Number Of Signs3
Types Of Signs Permitted
Maximum Area Per Sign Face
Maximum Height Of Freestanding Signs1
Minimum Setback2
Number Of Signs Permitted Per Sign Type
Limit On Combined Number Of Signs3
Awning/canopy signs
1 square foot per linear foot of storefront (sign area only)
See note 1
May extend 6 feet from face of building 2 feet from back of curb6
1 per first floor door/window
None
Canopy, drive- through
40% of canopy face if signage is on 2 faces; 20% of canopy face if signs are on 4 faces
See note 1
n/a
1 per canopy face
None
Construction sign
64 square feet
12 feet
5 feet
2 per building
None
Flat sign (storefront orientation)4
1.5 square feet per linear foot of store frontage5
See note 1
n/a
1 per business or storefront
None
Monument sign
100 square feet
12 feet
None
1 per street frontage
1 sign per street frontage
Nameplate, building
3 square feet
8 square feet
n/a
1 per building
None
New development sign
80 square feet
12 feet
5 feet
1 per development
None
Pole sign
75 square feet for a single business; 100 square feet for multiple businesses
25 feet
None, but shall not extend across a property line
1 per street frontage
1 sign per street frontage
Political sign
32 square feet
8 feet
5 feet
No limit
None
Private directional sign
8 square feet
4 feet
5 feet
No limit
None
Projecting business storefront sign
6 square feet per sign side; total of 12 square feet
n/a
May extend 4 feet from face of the building but no closer than 2 feet to the back of curb. Minimum height of 8 feet above sidewalk.6
1 per leasable space or entry
None
Public safety sign
8 square feet
6 feet
5 feet
No limit
None
Real estate sign
64 square feet
12 feet
5 feet
1 per building
None
Wall sign or flat sign (general building orientation)
1.5 square feet per linear foot of building face5
See note 1
n/a
1 per building face
 
Window sign
25% of total frontage window area per use
See note 1
n/a
No limit
None
 
Notes:
   1.   For height limits on building signs, see Subsection 21A.46.070.I of this chapter.
   2.   Not applicable to temporary signs mounted as flat signs.
   3.   The total number of signs permitted from the sign types combined.
   4.   Storefront flat signs limited to locations on the lower 2 floors.
   5.   A single-tenant building may combine the square footage total of both the storefront orientation and the general building orientation flat signs to construct 1 larger sign.
   6.   Projection over a public right of way must comply with the city's encroachment policy.
(Ord. 64-24, 2024: Ord. 63-24, 2024: Ord. 44-23, 2023: Ord. 44-19, 2019: Ord. 63-17, 2017: Ord. 51-17, 2017: Ord. 19-11, 2011: Ord. 10-10 § 14, 2010: Ord. 62-09 § 1, 2009: Ord. 80-04 § 1 (Exh. A), 2004: Ord. 68-04 § 1, 2004: Ord. 62-03 § 2, 2003: Ord. 28-01 §§ 3, 4, 2001: Ord. 61-00 §§ 7, 8, 2000: Ord. 53-00 § 10, 2000: Ord. 35-99 § 80, 1999: Ord. 83-98 § 10, 1998: Ord. 88-95 § 1 (Exh. A), 1995)
21A.46.115: SIGN REGULATIONS FOR GATEWAY DISTRICTS:
The following regulations shall apply to signs permitted in the gateway districts. Any sign not expressly permitted by these district regulations is prohibited.
   A.   Sign Regulations For The G-MU Gateway District:
      1.   Purpose: Signage in the G-MU Gateway District should reflect the unique character of the gateway as a mixture of residential, commercial and industrial uses within an urban neighborhood atmosphere. Sign regulations for this district are intended to allow for the design of signage that complements the gateway's dynamic physical and functional characteristics.
      2.   Applicability: Regulations in subsection A3 of this section shall apply to all uses within the G-MU District.
      3.   Sign Type, Size And Height Standards:
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