HomeMy Public PortalAboutORD-CC-2000-03CITY OF MOAB ORDINANCE NO.2000-03
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15.44 OF THE MOAB
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
SIGN CODE
Whereas the City of Moab possesses the power to regulate the construction and maintenance of signs
pursuant to Section 10-8-26 of the Utah Code, as amended; and
Whereas the public interest demands uniform and clear application of the sign code to local businesses.
THEREFORE, the City of Moab Municipal Code shall be amended to read as follows:
Chapter 15.44 SIGN CODE
15.44.010 Purpose.
15.44.020 Scope.
15.44.030 General provisions.
15.44.040 Size and height limitations.
15.44.050 Projecting and suspended signs.
15.44.060 Roof signs.
15.44.070 Intermittent Light, Flashing or Moving Lights Prohibited.
15.44.080 Signs in residential zones.
15.44.090 Public and religious signs in residential zones.
15.44.100 Flags.
15.44.110 Computations.
15.44.120 Height --Computation.
15.44.130 Area of individual signs --Computation.
15.44.140 Area of multifaced signs --Computation.
15.44.150 Number of freestanding signs per lot --Computation.
15.44.160 Setbacks --Computation.
15.44.170 Shopping centers/office building complexes --Sign allowance.
15.44.180 Off -premises signs.
15.44.190 Prohibited signs.
15.44.200 Temporary signs.
15.44.210 Exempt signs.
15.44.220 Design, construction, maintenance and liability.
15.44.230 Abandoned signs.
15.44.240 Permit procedures and enforcement.
15.44.250 Permit --Required.
15.44.260 Applications.
15.44.270 Fees.
15.44.280 Action on application.
15.44.290 Inspections.
15.44.300 Renewal of sign permits.
15.44.310 Lapse of sign permit.
15.44.320 Registration of existing signs.
15.44.330 Nonconforming sign.
15.44.340 Violation --Penalty.
15.44.350 Notice, Enforcement, and Penalties.
15.44.360 Unsafe, illegal and non -maintained signs.
15.44.370 Removal of signs.
15.44.380 Right of Appeal/Variance.
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15.44.390 Definitions.
15.44.010 Purpose.
A. Signs are an important issue for the City of Moab, its business
owners and local residents. When abused, signs can create a visual blight which detracts from the
quality of the environment and the experience of visitors to Moab. When signs are unduly
restricted, however, it may create a hardship for merchants who rely on effective signage to
identify their establishments and thus be successful in their business venture. All signs and
lighting impact the economics, aesthetic value and character of a community. It is thus in the
city's best interest to adopt a sign code which protects the public health, safety and welfare of its
citizens and business community. It is the intent of the City of Moab to create an atmosphere of
partnership with the business community in order to achieve economic stability of Moab while at
the same time protecting residential areas and resources that draw visitors to Moab.
B. It is the purpose of the sign ordinance to:
1. Promote traffic and pedestrian safety;
2. Reduce visual clutter;
3. Increase the readability and effectiveness of signs;
4. Encourage individuality and creativity;
5. Promote city beautification;
6. Encourage fair business representation through signage; and
7. Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign provisions. (Ord. 92-02
§1, 1992)
15.44.020 Scope.
This chapter shall govern and control the erection, remodeling, enlarging, moving, alteration,
operation and maintenance of all signs within all zones. It also provides penalties for violations of
this code. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed a waiver or variance of the provisions
of any other articles or sections in this code applicable to signs. Signs located in areas governed by
several sections of this code shall comply with all such sections. In the case of contradicting
requirements or provisions, the more restrictive shall apply. (Ord. 92-02 §2, 1992)
15.44.030 General provisions.
A sign permit shall be required for the placement, construction, and/or alterations of all signs,
unless a sign qualifies as an exempt sign or an identified temporary sign. The provisions in Sections
15.44.040 through 15.44.100 are required before a permit shall be granted. (Ord. 92-02 §3, 1992)
15.44.040 Size and height limitations.
A. On Highway.
1. Height Limitations. There shall be a twenty-eight foot height limitation for all
signs that front on a highway (includes freestanding, wall and roof signs).
2. Size Limitations. The size limitations for signs fronting a highway are as follows:
a. 256 square feet maximum square footage per lot.
b. 160 square feet per individual sign face.
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c. Formula for maximum square footage is two square feet for each linear foot
of frontage along a public right-of-way.
d. The total square footage on a lot with two tenants must be divided between
the tenants with proportions decided by the tenants and/or landlord(s).
B. Off Highway.
1. Height Limitations. There shall be a twenty -foot height limitation for all signs that
front off of a highway (includes freestanding, wall and roof signs).
2. Size Limitations. The size limitations for signs that do not front a highway are as
follows:
a. One hundred sixty square feet maximum square footage per lot.
b. Formula for maximum square footage is one square foot for each linear
foot of frontage along a public right-of-way.
c. The total square footage on a lot with two tenants must be divided between
the tenants with proportions decided by the tenants and/or landlord(s). (Ord. 92-02 §§3.01--3.04,
1992)
15.44.050 Projecting and suspended signs.
A. Projecting and suspended signs shall have a height limit maximum of twenty-eight feet or
the height of the wall of the building, whichever is lower.
B. They shall have an eight -foot minimum vertical clearance above sidewalks, walking
areas, or rights -of -way and thirty-six square feet maximum size per sign face.
C. Owners of projecting signs that project over public rights -of -way must furnish proof of
liability insurance for such signs before being issued a permit. (Ord. 92-02 §3.05, 1992)
15.44.060 Roof signs.
A. No roof sign shall exceed four feet above the wall line or top of the exterior wall;
however, if the peak of the roof is over four feet above the wall line, roof signs cannot exceed the
height of the peak.
B. All roof signs must adhere to a twenty -eight -foot overall height limitation. (Ord. 92-02
§3.06, 1992)
15.44.070 Intermittent Light, Flashing or Moving Lights Prohibited.
A. Lighted signs that flash, blink, create the appearance of movement, have moving light
elements, or which otherwise change brightness, color, or lighting intensity, including
intermittent display, lampbanks that change electronically, including time and temperature signs,
are strictly prohibited. Christmas lights that are displayed during the month of December are
exempt from this provision.
B. Electronic Variable Message Signs, (EVMS), including time and temperature signs,
and electric, electronic or computer changeable text or image signs are prohibited.
C. Real Time Video projected on outdoor display screens, outdoor video projection
screens, and outdoor LED screens or outdoor display screens of any type are prohibited for use
as signs, including in windows.
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D. Lighted signs on property near a residential area shall be subdued and shall not be
allowed to penetrate beyond the property in such a manner as to annoy or interfere with nearby
residential properties.
15.44.080 Signs in residential zones.
A. No advertising signs of any kind shall be allowed in any residential zone, except signs
pertaining to the sale or lease of residential property, name plates, institutional signs, or signs
indicating the existence of an office of a professional person, a home occupation, guest apartment
and/or bed and breakfast establishment.
B. Lighted signs in residential zones must be indirect and no more than twenty-five watts
total.
C. Residential signs, except for apartments and public and religious institutional signs, shall
not exceed four square feet.
D. Apartments and guest apartments may be allowed up to sixteen square feet of signage if
they have more than four units; four-plexes, tri-plexes and duplexes may be allowed up to eight
square feet of signage. (See Sections 15.44.200 and 15.44.210 for exceptions to the four square feet
rule). (Ord. 92-02 §3.09, 1992)
E. Political signs in residential zones may not exceed four square feet, and are
subject to all other restrictions as listed in Section 15.44.200 Part E.
F. Freestanding signs in residential zones may not exceed five feet in height measured
from grade.
15.44.090 Public and religious signs in residential zones.
A. Public, public educational or religious institutional signs shall be located entirely upon
the premises of that institution, shall not exceed an area of fifty square feet per frontage and shall
require indirect lighting if lighted.
B. If mounted on a building, these signs shall be flat wall signs and shall not project above
the roof line; if ground mounted, the top shall be no more than five feet above ground level.
C. Non-profit, charitable and private institutional signs in residential zones shall not exceed
four square feet. (Ord. 92-02 § 3.10, 1992)
15.44.100 Flags.
Flags other than government flags, i.e., country and state, shall be added towards the
maximum allowable signage. Flag poles that display government flags shall not exceed thirty-five
feet in height in commercial zones. (Ord. 92-02 §3.11, 1992)
15.44.110 Computations.
The following principles set out in Sections 15.44.120 through 15.44.180 shall control the
computation of signs. (Ord. 92-02 §4, (part), 1992)
15.44.120 Height --Computation.
The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the highest attached component
of the sign to the nearest sidewalk, curb, or street crown, whichever is highest. (Ord. 92-02 §4.01,
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1992)
15.44.130 Area of individual signs --Computation.
The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one
face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination
thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other
display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display
or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not
including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall
otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself. (Ord.
92-02 §4.02, 1992)
15.44.140 Area of multifaced signs --Computation.
The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the
area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces are placed
back-to-back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such
sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than forty-two inches apart, the sign
area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces. (Ord. 92-02 §4.03, 1992)
15.44.150 Number of freestanding signs per lot --Computation.
A. Primary Frontage: One freestanding sign per lot, one additional freestanding sign is
permitted if property has more than two hundred feet of frontage (for exceptions, see Section
15.44.170). Two freestanding signs on one property must be separated by one hundred feet and the
second sign shall not be higher than fifty percent of the
allowed height.
B. Secondary Frontage: One freestanding sign is allowed on each additional frontage and
shall not be higher than fifty percent of the allowed height. Two freestanding signs on one property
must be separated by one hundred feet, and the second sign shall not be higher than the fifty percent
of the allowed height. (Ord. 92-02 §4.04, 1992)
15.44.160 Setbacks --Computation.
Signs may not block traffic visibility. If a sign is located at an intersection, the following
rules apply:
A. Signs located within a twenty-five foot triangle (measured twenty-five feet from the street
corner both ways) must be under two and one-half feet tall, or should have over eight feet of
clearance to the bottom of the sign. This triangle shall be maintained in an open manner so as to
provide proper clear view area.
B. All advertising signs shall be set back from public streets a distance at least equal to the
distance that buildings are required to be set back within the zone in which the signs are located.
Signs in C-4 zones have a twenty-five foot setback with the exception of monument signs, which
shall be set back at least two feet from the City right-of-way. (Ord. 92-02 §4.05, 1992)
15.44.170 Shopping centers/office building complexes --Sign allowance.
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Only one freestanding sign is allowed for shopping centers and office building complexes
which lease to three or more businesses on one lot of record. The group freestanding sign
identifying the shopping center/office building complexes and its businesses may use all sign area
allowed for that lot. In addition, individual businesses may have one square foot of signage for each
front line of building up to a maximum of one hundred twenty-eight square feet per business to
identify their building. (Ord. 92-02 §4.06, 1992)
15.44.180 Off -premises signs.
Off -premises signs shall be regulated the same as on -premises signs. The total allowable
square footage of signage per lot for both off -premises and on -premises signs is determined
according to the total linear street frontage of the lot upon which the sign is located.(Ord. 92-02
§4.07, 1992)
15.44.190 Prohibited signs.
Signs which are erected after the adoption of this code and do not comply with the provisions
of this chapter are prohibited. Other prohibited signs include the following:
A. Parked Vehicle Signs. Parked vehicles with a sign painted or placed on them and
parked for the expressed intent of directing attention to a business are prohibited. This provision
does not include vehicles used regularly in the course of conducting daily business activities.
B. Signs On Public Rights -of -way. No private sign shall be placed on public rights -of -way.
C. Signs Attached to Public Property. No private sign shall be attached to
public property or public utility poles. (Ord. 92-02 §5--5.03, 1992)
D. Signs are not permitted on benches or other public service fixtures except bicycle
racks. Signs on bicycle racks may not exceed one square foot in size.
15.44.200 Temporary signs.
A. General Provisions.
1. Temporary signs shall be figured in the total square footage allowed per lot.
2. Sign owners must designate areas where temporary signs will be displayed.
3. Temporary signs displayed outside of designated areas require a permit.
4. Temporary signs must be maintained and in good condition while being displayed.
5. Signs less than six square feet in size and associated with an event do not require a
permit.
B. Mobile Changeable Copy Signs. Mobile changeable copy signs shall not exceed
thirty-two square feet and shall not be displayed for more than thirty consecutive days.
C. Balloon Signs. Balloon signs are allowed to be displayed for up to thirty days per lot per
year.
D. Construction Signs.
1. No more than one construction sign identifying a project to be built and the project
participants shall be allowed per lot.
2. Construction signs in residential zones shall not exceed six square feet in area and
five feet in height. In commercial zones the sign area shall not exceed fifty square feet and shall not
exceed eight feet in height.
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3. Construction signs must not exceed the time period of construction and/or the day
the business opens, whichever comes first, and shall be counted into the square footage of the total
footage allowed for the lot.
4. An additional thirty-two square feet is allowed in commercial zones for artist
renditions of the project.
5. Proposed development signs may be allowed for ninety days prior to ground
breaking.
E. Political Campaign Signs.
1. Political campaign signs require a fifteen dollar permit, shall pertain to a specific
election and shall be displayed not earlier than forty-five calendar days prior to that election.
2. Political campaign signs shall not be located closer than one hundred fifty feet to
any designated polling place.
3. Political campaign signs shall not exceed thirty-two square feet in commercial
zones and four square feet in residential zones.
4. Political campaign signs shall be removed within one day after the election
day. The candidate or persons responsible for the placement of a political campaign sign shall be
responsible for its removal.
F. Real Estate Signs.
1. In residential zones, real estate signs shall not exceed six square feet and shall not
exceed five feet in height.
2. In commercial zones, real estate signs shall not exceed thirty-two square feet.
3. Real estate signs must be placed on the premises of the property being sold.
4. Only one real estate sign per street frontage, per real estate company is allowed.
(Ord. 92-02 §§6--6.05, 1992)
15.44.210 Exempt signs.
Sign permits are not required for the following signs unless the limitations and requirements
of this section cannot be met. In such cases a sign permit is required.
A. Public Signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature, erected by, or on the order of, a public
officer in the performance of his duty, such as, but not limited to safety signs, danger signs,
trespassing signs, traffic signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical interest, informational signs and
the like.
B. Integral Signs. Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations,
commemorative tablets and the like when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of
metal or other permanent -type construction and made an integral part of the structure.
C. Private Traffic Direction Signs. Signs directing traffic movement into a premises or
within a premises not exceeding two square feet in area for each sign. Horizontal directional signs
on paved areas and flush with paved areas are exempt from these standards. Only one exempt
directional sign is allowed per frontage, per lot.
D. Service Sign. A sign that is incidental to a use lawfully occupying the property upon
which the sign is located, and which sign is necessary to provide information to the public, such as
direction to parking lots, location of rest rooms, entrance and exits, etc. These signs shall not exceed
two square feet in size.
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E. Name Plates. A name plate shall contain only the name and address of a resident.
F. Temporary Decorations. Temporary decorations or displays clearly incidental and
associated with national or local holiday celebrations for a period not to exceed ninety days per year,
per lot.
G. Nonbusiness Temporary Signs. Temporary signs not associated with businesses may be
displayed not more than thirty days per year or exceed six square feet in size. Examples include
garage sale signs, puppies for sale signs, agricultural produce sales, etc.
H. Rear Entrance Signs. Rear entrance signs, when associated with pedestrian walk-through
buildings. These signs shall not exceed sixteen square feet in area and shall be flush -mounted,
identifying only the name of the establishment and containing directional information.
I. Menu Signs. Menu signs at drive-in restaurants which are not readable from the nearest
public right-of-way; and signs not visible beyond the boundaries
of the lot or parcel upon which they are located or from any public right-of-way.
J. Private Warning or Instructional Signs. Private warning or instructional signs such as "No
Soliciting," "No Trespassing," "Beware of Dog," or other similar types of signs not exceeding two
square feet per sign.
K. Murals. Murals must be painted or attached to the walls of buildings and are exempt
from this chapter except for the lettering and logo portion of the mural.
L. Pennants, Window Dressings and Window Banners. Pennants, window dressings and
window banners are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance. (Ord. 92-02 §7--7.12, 1992)
15.44.220 Design, construction, maintenance and liability.
A. All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to comply with applicable
provisions of the Uniform Building Code, electrical code and all other codes of the city.
B. All signs shall be maintained and in good structural condition.
C. Sign owners are liable for their signs.
D. The city, the official and other agents of the city shall in no way be liable for damages
caused by signs. (Ord. 92-02 § 8, 1992)
15.44.230 Abandoned signs.
A sign which meets the following criteria shall be considered an abandoned sign:
A. A sign which identifies an establishment, service(s), goods, or product(s) which are no
longer provided on the premises where the sign is located. A sign which remains in such condition
for a period of one month and which sign is otherwise conforming, shall have its copy vacated within
thirty days from when the stated circumstances commenced. If the copy remains vacant for a period
of six months or more from the date the stated circumstances commenced, the sign structure shall be
removed by the sign owner. Removal shall be within five working days following the expiration of
the six-month period.
B. A sign which identifies a time, event, or purpose which has passed or no longer applies.
Such sign shall be removed by the sign owner within three working days from time the event or
purpose has passed or no longer applies.
C. An off -premises advertising sign which is vacant of copy or which advertises an
establishment, service(s) goods, or product(s) which no longer exist. Such sign which remains in the
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defined condition for a period of one month, shall be removed by the sign owner within five working
days of the end of the one -month period.
D. When building -mounted and painted wall signs or murals are removed, the face of the
structure shall be treated to conform to surrounding building conditions. Such removal shall not
leave any evidence of the sign's existence. (Ord. 92-02 §9, 1992)
15.44.240 Permit procedures and enforcement.
The following procedures set out in Sections 15.44.250 through 15.44.330 are required to
obtain a sign permit in the City. (Ord. 92-02 § 10 (part), 1992)
15.44.250 Permit --Required.
If a sign requiring a permit under the provisions of this chapter is to be placed, constructed,
erected, or altered on a lot, the sign owner shall secure a sign permit from the official prior to the
construction, placement, erection, or alteration of such a sign. (Ord. 92-02 § 10.01, 1992)
15.44.260 Applications.
A. All applications for sign permits of any kind and for approval shall be submitted to the
official.
B. One application and permit may include multiple signs on the same lot.
C. An application for construction, creation, or installation of a new sign or for the structural
alteration of an existing sign shall be accompanied by detailed drawings to scale of all existing and
proposed signs on a lot and must show:
1. The height of all signs on a lot;
2. The square footage of all individual signs on a lot;
3. The total combined square footage of all signs on a lot;
4. A site plan indicating length of street frontage, location of buildings, parking lots,
driveways, landscaped areas and all existing and proposed signs on the site -includes wall signs,
projecting signs, suspended signs, roof signs, freestanding signs, window signs, murals, flags, etc.;
5. The overall dimensions, design, structure, materials, proposed copy and
illumination specifications of all signs requiring a permit on a lot; and
6. Photograph(s) of the lot. (Ord. 92-02 § 10.02, 1992)
15.44.270 Fees.
A. Each application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by the applicable fee, which shall
be established by resolution by the city council.
B. Fee: Up to thirty square feet is fifteen dollars plus twenty-five cents for each additional
square foot above thirty square feet. (Ord. 92-02 § 10.03, 1992)
15.44.280 Action on application.
Within five days of the date of submittal of an application the official shall review it for
completeness and compliance. If the applicant complies to all the sign ordinance regulations, the
official shall issue a permit to erect or alter said sign according to specifications in the application
within fifteen days upon receipt of a completed application. If the official finds the application
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incomplete, the official shall send to the applicant a written notice of the application's deficiencies,
with appropriate corrections or references to the applicable section of this chapter. (Ord. 92-02
§ 10.04, 1992)
15.44.290 Inspections.
The official shall cause an inspection for each permit issued for the erection of new signs and
the structural alteration of existing signs. If the signs do not comply, the official shall issue the
applicant written notice of the deficiencies and shall allow thirty days from the date of notice for the
deficiencies to be corrected. If the deficiencies are not corrected by such date, the permit shall lapse.
If sign(s) comply upon final inspection, the official shall sign a Final Inspection Notice and the
permit becomes binding until changes are made to the permitted sign or ownership of the sign
changes. The official may also periodically inspect lots to see that sign owners comply to the
provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 92-02 § 10.05, 1992)
15.44.300 Renewal of sign permits.
It is the intent of this chapter for the renewal sign permitting process to be tied in with yearly
business license renewal. If sign owners comply to the provisions of this chapter and make no
structural alterations or changes to their existing registered and permitted signs, the city shall
automatically renew sign permits every year by June 30th. The renewal sign permit fee shall be
waived if the sign owner has not constructed, placed, erected, or structurally altered existing
registered signage to a lot. A new application must be processed and an applicable fee shall be
charged for signs constructed, placed, erected, or structurally altered to existing registered signage to
a lot. (Ord. 92-02 § 10.06, 1992)
15.44.310 Lapse of sign permit.
A. A sign permit shall lapse automatically if the permit is not renewed or if the business
license for the premises lapses or is revoked.
B. Sign permits shall lapse for abandoned signs.
C. Once a sign permit lapses, a new sign permit is required with the appropriate fees. (Ord.
92-02 § 10.07, 1992)
15.44.320 Registration of existing signs.
A. After the ordinance codified in this chapter is approved, all signs (including previously
permitted signs) must be registered with the city by the sign owner within a two year period.
B. Sign owners that have not received a previous permit for their sign(s) must obtain a sign
permit.
C. Existing nonconforming signs that do not comply with the ordinance shall be kept on
record with the City. (Ord. 92-02 § 10.08, 1992)
15.44.330 Nonconforming sign.
A nonconforming sign may not be moved to a new location, structurally altered, enlarged, or
replaced unless it is made to comply with the provisions of this chapter. If a nonconforming sign
changes ownership, the sign(s) must comply with the provisions of this chapter within six months of
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close of purchase. (Ord. 92-02 §10.09, 1992)
15.44.340 Violations.
A. The following constitute violations of this Chapter:
1. The installation, maintenance, operation, or alteration of any sign which is
not in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter or the Municipal Code.
2. The installation, maintenance, operation, or alteration of any sign in a
manner contrary to any plan or permit issued by the City.
3. The installation, operation, maintenance, or alteration of any sign
requiring a permit without first obtaining a permit or after a permit has been revoked.
4. Failure to remove a sign that is installed, operated, maintained, or altered
in violation of this Chapter or the Municipal Code.
5. Failure to renew a sign permit upon expiration.
15.44.350 Notice, Enforcement, and Penalties.
A. For purposes of enforcement, each day that a sign is maintained or operated in
violation of this Chapter or the Municipal Code shall constitute a separate offense, punishable as
provided under Section 15.44.350.
B. Prior to any enforcement action, the City code enforcement officer shall issue a
written notice of violation to any person, firm, or entity owning or operating a sign in violation of
this Chapter or the provisions of the Municipal Code, which notice shall allow the sign owner or
operator 30 calendar days in which to correct or abate any violation.
C. Any violation which is not corrected within 30 calendars days of written notice
from the City shall be subject, at the option of the City, to administrative, civil, and criminal
enforcement as provided in this Chapter.
D. The City may commence a civil action to enjoin or abate any ongoing or continuing
violation of this Chapter or the Municipal Code. In any civil action an injunction may issue upon
proof of a violation of this Chapter or the Municipal Code and without further showing of irreparable
harm. Violations of this Chapter constitute a Class B Misdemeanor, as defined under the Utah
Code, as amended, and as such, the Court may attach a fine up to $1000.00 for each violation. (Ord.
92-02 §10.11, 1992). Additionally, the City is entitled to recover its reasonable attorney fees and
court costs in any civil action where a violation is established.
E. In addition to all other remedies for violations, any business that fails or refuses to
abate or correct any sign violation under this Chapter or the Municipal Code following the
issuance of a written notice of violation shall be subject to a business license revocation, as
provided under Title Five, Chapter Four of the Municipal Code.
F. City Code enforcement personnel shall have no authority to issue or renew
a sign permit for a sign which is not in conformity with the provisions of this Chapter or the
Municipal Code. The official may suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this
chapter if it is discovered that the permit was issued in error as a result of incorrect, incomplete,
or inaccurate information supplied by the applicant or its agent, or where the permit is otherwise
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found to have been wrongfully issued as a result of misrepresentation by the permittee. A permit
issued in violation of law or under a mistake of fact made by the permittee shall not confer any
vested property right upon the applicant. Prior to revocation under this section, the official shall
deliver written notice to the applicant explaining the basis for the revocation.
G. Upon final inspection by Code Enforcement personnel, the issued permit is binding
until such time changes are made to the permitted sign or ownership of the sign changes.
15.44.360 Unsafe, illegal and non -maintained signs.
The official shall issue written notice of violation to the sign owner found in violation to this
code or any sign found unsafe, illegal or not maintained. (Ord. 92-02 § 10.12, 1992)
15.44.370 Removal of signs.
If any unsafe sign is not repaired or made safe within five days after giving said written
notice, the official shall remove said sign. If any sign is found in violation of this code, illegal, or not
maintained and is not made conforming to this code within
thirty days after given written notice, the official may remove said sign(s). The sign owner shall pay
the city within thirty days after written notice the cost incurred to remove such sign(s). (Ord. 92-02
§ 10.13, 1992)
15.44.380 Right of Appeal/Variance.
A. Any person who is issued a written notice of violation, or any person who is
denied a sign permit, or who objects to the conditions attached to a sign permit, or any
interpretation of this Chapter or the Municipal Code by the code enforcement officer may appeal
that decision or seek a variance before the Board of Adjustment by filing a written notice of
application within 30 calendar days of any adverse decision, notice, or order. Failure to appeal or
apply for a variance within the time provided shall render the decision final and result in waiver
of any further rights to contest or review the decision.
1. Hearings before the Board of Adjustment shall be conducted informally.
The Board shall be empowered to hear all relevant testimony and review all documents and items
of physical evidence in reaching its decision. The Board of Adjustments in Utah has jurisdiction
only in variances for minor departures from the regulation. Persons seeking a variance are
entitled to see the By -Laws of the Board of Adjustment, Land Use Development and
Management Act,Title 10 Chapter 9, Cities and Towns which outlines procedures for a
Variance.)
2. The Board's authority to render decisions is limited to the following:
a. Appeals of staff decisions concerning the application or interpretation of the
Chapter or the Municipal Code to a sign permit, permit application, or written
notice of violation.
b. Variances to the strict application of this Chapter or the Municipal Code
where an applicant can show extreme or unreasonable hardship, special
circumstances due to site constraints or surrounding land uses, or where a
variance is essential to the enjoyment of a substantial property right associated
Ordinance #2000-03
12
with the parcel.
c. The applicant bears the burden of proof in showing an error of interpretation
of the Code by the staff, and in showing entitlement to a variance. Variances
shall be permitted only where consistent with the spirit of the Municipal Code.
A variance cannot substantially affect the general plan nor be contrary to
public interest. In no case shall the Board issue a variance resulting in the
expansion in scope of a non -conforming use.
3. The Board may attach conditions to any variance to mitigate the
harmful effects of the variance, address concerns of neighboring property owners, or otherwise
promote the policies contained in this Chapter and the Municipal Code.
A sign variance shall run with the property to which it attaches for so long as the sign shall
remain in use. An interruption in use for a period of six consecutive months or more shall result
in the lapse of the variance.
4. The Board of Adjustments shall have 30 calendar days to hear and render their
binding decision. The decision of the Board of Adjustments can be contested and/or appealed
only through the judicial system per Utah State Law.
15.44.390 Definitions.
A. General Definitions.
1. "Alteration" means a change or rearrangement in the structural part of design
whether by extending on a side, by increasing in area or height, or by relocating or change in
position. Alterations shall include changes to all support and frame members including panels.
Alterations shall not be interpreted to include changing outdoor bulletin or other similar signs which
are designed to accommodate changeable copy.
2. "Building, front line of means the line of that face of the building or structure
nearest the front line of the lot. This face includes sun parlors, bay windows, covered and/or
uncovered porches whether enclosed or unenclosed, but does not include uncovered steps less than
four feet above grade and eaves overhanging less than two feet.
3. "Clear view area" means a triangular area formed by the intersection of lines
extended from the front facet of the curb and a line connecting them at points twenty-five feet from
the intersection of the lines.
4. "Frontage" means the distance for which a lot line of a zone lot adjoins a public
street, from one lot line intersecting said street to the furthest distant lot line intersecting the same
street.
5. "Illegal sign" means any sign erected or altered after the effective date of the
ordinance codified in this chapter governing signs from which this chapter was derived, not
complying with the provisions thereof, unless such provision was expressly waived or granted a
variance, is an illegal sign.
6. "Lot" means any piece or parcel of land, the boundaries of which have been
established by some legal instrument of record, that is recognized and intended as a unit for the
purpose of transfer of ownership.
7. "Nonconforming sign or sign structure" means a sign or sign structure or portion
thereof lawfully existing at the time of its construction which does not conform to all height, area,
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13
yard spacing, animation, lighting or other regulations prescribed in the zone in which it is located.
8. "Official" means the city's designated official to enforce this chapter.
9. "Shopping center" means any group of three or more businesses on one lot of
record.
10. "Sign" means any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form,
graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the
purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.
11. "Sign face" means one continuous surface with no visual breaks separated from
any other sign face by at least six inches.
12. "Sign owner" means the owner, user, property owner, applicant, or person having
charge or control of a sign.
13. "Sign setback" means the minimum distance that any portion of a sign or sign
structure shall be from any street right-of-way line.
14. "Sign structure" means anything constructed or erected supporting a sign which
requires locations on or below the ground or attached to something having locations on or below
ground.
B. The following are individual sign definitions which are specific types of signs included
within the general definitions above.
1. "Animated sign" means a sign which involves motion or rotation of any part,
created by artificial means, or which displays flashing, revolving or intermittent lights, including
EVMS or other electric, electronic or computer changeable signs, including time and temperature
signs.
2. "Balloon sign" means advertisement supported by a balloon anchored to the
premises where the advertised use is conducted, product or commodity sold, service performed, or
business name is located.
3. "Banner sign" means any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material. National,
state or municipal flags are not considered banners.
4. "Beacon" means any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere
or directed at one or more points not on the same zone lot as the light source; also, any light with one
or more beams that rotate or move.
5. "Changeable copy sign" means a sign, or portion thereof, on which copy is
changed manually in the field; e.g., readerboards with changeable letters.
6. "Construction sign" means a sign identifying an existing or proposed
development
project which may contain the name of the project, name and address of construction firms,
architects, engineers, developers, etc.
7. "Electronic Variable Message Sign (EVMS)" means any lighted electric,
electronic or computer changeable copy or changeable image sign, including time and temperature
signs.
8. "Flag" means any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns,
or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision or other entity.
9. "Flashing sign" means a sign which has or appears to have motion or
rotation of the lighting elements, or displays flashing or intermittent light including EVMS and time
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and temperature signs.
10. "Free-standing Sign" means a permanent sign supported by structures
or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building
or other structure.
11. "Illuminated sign" means a sign in which a source of light is used in order to
make the message readable. This definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs.
12. "Monument sign" means a sign less than six feet in height above the curb. It is to
be flush to the ground or a gap less than twelve inches from the ground permanently affixed, and is
to be incorporated into the landscape or architectural design scheme and has to display the name of
the building, occupants, and/or business.
13. "Name plate" means a sign indicating the name and/or address of a person legally
occupying the premises.
14. "Off -premises sign" means an advertising sign which directs attention to a use,
product, commodity, or service not related to the premises on which the sign is located.
15. "On -premises sign" means a sign directing attention to a use conducted, product,
commodity sold, service performed or business name upon the premises on which it is located.
16. "Pennant sign" means any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether
or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series,
designated to move in the wind.
17. "Portable sign" means a sign not permanently attached to the ground or other
permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs
designed to be transported by means of wheels, signs converted to sidewalk signs, balloons used as
signs and umbrellas used for advertising.
18. "Projecting sign" means a sign which is affixed to an exterior wall or building or
structure solely supported by and projecting away from the building.
19. "Property sign" means a sign related to the property upon which it is located and
offering such information as address, name of occupancy for residential uses, sale or lease of the
property, warning against trespassing,
any hazard, or other danger on the property.
20. "Proposed development sign" means a sign announcing intent to
construct a new development project.
21. "Real Time Video" or "video players" means projection of real
time video footage, or any video footage, to an LED or any other display screen.
22. "Roof sign" means a sign which is erected partly or wholly on the roof of the
building. This includes any sign mounted to a building which extends above the highest portion of
the roof structure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a sign structure having main supports embedded
in the ground shall not be considered to be a roof sign even if the sign's supports pass through a roof,
canopy, or parapet of a building.
23. "Suspended sign" means a sign that is suspended from the underside of a
horizontal plane surface and is supported by such surface.
24. "Temporary sign" means any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising
display constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials,
with or without frames, intended to be displayed outdoors for a limited period of time.
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25. "Wall sign" means a sign that is either painted on a wall or its facing; or a sign
which is affixed to an extension wall or building or structure and which does not project more than
eighteen inches from the building or structure wall.
26. "Window sign" means any sign, picture, symbol, or combination thereof,
designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service,
that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of
the window. (Ord. 92-02 § 12, 1992)
This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage.
Passed and adopted by action of the Governing body of the City of Moab in open session this 9t day
of May, 2000.
ti
adt)›.-�
Rachel Ellison, City Recorder
City Recorder
Ordinance #2000-03
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CITY OF MOAB
ayor Karla R. l`ancock