RICHFIELD CITY ZONING ORDINANCE

A LAND USE ORDINANCE OF RICHFIELD CITY

CHAPTER 20

SIGNS

Section 2001—Purpose and Scope:

The City Council of the City of Richfield finds and declares that the provisions set forth in this Chapter shall:

1.      Reduce potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians.

2.      Encourage sign owners to integrate signs with buildings and sites.

3.      Reduce driver inattention through the elimination of excessive and confusing sign displays.

4.      Preserve and improve the appearance of the City as a place in which to live and work.

5.      Allow each business to clearly identify itself and the goods and services which it offers.

6.      Safeguard and enhance property values.

7.      Protect public and private investment in buildings and open space.

8.      Preserve freedom of speech.

9.      Promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the Citizens of the City of Richfield.

Section 2002—Interpretation:

1.      The provisions of this Chapter shall be plenary.  Signs not specifically allowed herein shall be prohibited.

2.      Nothing contained in this Chapter shall prevent the erection, location, or construction of signs on private property where such erection, location, or construction of signs is required by law.

3.      Nothing in this chapter shall prevent anyone from engaging in noncommercial speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Section 2003—General Provisions:

1.      No sign shall be erected, moved, reconstructed, enlarged, or structurally altered except in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.

3.      No sign shall be erected, moved, reconstructed, enlarged, or structurally altered unless and until a valid Sign Permit has been reviewed and approved by the applicable Land Use Authority, as identified by this Chapter, and a valid Building Permit has been issued by the Building Official, as applicable.

4.      No part of any sign shall be permitted within three (3) feet any road or street right-of way or utility easement and all signs must maintain necessary clearances from underground or overhead power transmission lines, as required by the electrical power provider.

5.      No sign, or part thereof, shall be permitted in a manner that any portion of its surface or support(s) will interfere with the free use of fire protection appliances including hydrants, standpipes, automatic fire sprinkler connections, and similar fire protection and suppression equipment. No sign or sign structure shall obstruct any fire lane.

6.      No sign shall be permitted in any clear view area, as defined herein, and no sign shall be permitted that creates any traffic or pedestrian hazard.

7.      A sign is authorized and valid only for the approved location.

Section 2004—Building Permit Required:

1.      In compliance with the Building Code, as adopted by the City, and as applicable,no sign shall be erected, moved, reconstructed, enlarged, or structurally altered unless and until a valid Building Permit application has been reviewed and approved by the Building Official. All signs for which a Building Permit is required, including necessary footings, structural permits, or electrical permits, shall comply with the requirements of the Building Code, as adopted,and shall be subject to inspection, as applicable.

2.      The requirement for a Building Permit shall apply to all new signs and existing signs that are proposed to be erected, moved, reconstructed, enlarged, or structurally altered, unless allowed as a Temporary Sign.

3.      The Building Official, or designee, shall inspect, or re-inspect, any sign for which a Building Permit has been issued and for which an inspection is required. Such inspections shall ensure that all signs erected, moved,reconstructed, enlarged, or structurally altered occur in conformance with the City’s Land Use Ordinances and Building Code, as adopted, and as required by a valid Building Permit.

4.      The expiration date for all Building Permits required for signs shall be as provided by the Building Code, as adopted.

Section 2005—Valid Business License Required:

All businesses and services advertised on any sign located within the City shall maintain necessary valid licenses and permits, asmay be required by State of Utah, and Richfield City, including necessary business licenses, as applicable.

1.      All signs shall comply with the Building Code, as adopted, and as applicable.

2.      No sign involving any electrical components, wiring or connections shall be erected or installed,except by a licensed and bonded electrical contractor or sign contractor.

3.      All power sources for signs shall be concealed underground or located within the structure of the sign, and complying with all provisions of the Building Code, as adopted. 

4.      All Sign Permit applications shall demonstrate conformance with the applicable provisions of the Building Code, as adopted and as applicable, and if required by the Building Official,shall be accompanied by a drawing stamped by an appropriate licensed engineer,attesting to the adequacy of the proposed construction of the sign and its supports.

Section 2007—Maintenance:

All signs shall be kept in good repair, maintained in a safe and attractive condition by the owner, and displayed so as to conform to the conditions required by the sign permit.  Signs in disrepair which have not been repaired for sixty (60) consecutive days shall be removed from the building or premises by the owner, the person having control of the premises, or the person receiving benefit of such sign. 

Section2008—Type of Sign Application Required:

The type of Sign Application required to erect, reconstruct, enlarge, or structurally alter a sign associated with a proposed new or existing use or activity, shall be a Temporary (T-1),Permitted (P-1 or P-2), or Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Use Sign Application,dependent upon the associated Use, available from the Zoning Administrator. A property owner may present a Sign Application for review and decision by the Land Use Authority, as identified by this Chapter. An agent of the property owner, or a lessee of the property, may present a Sign Application for review and decision, provided such Sign Application is accompanied by a property owner affidavit of authorization.

Section2009—Sign Approval Authority:

1.      Sign Applications for Sign(s) associated with a Temporary (T-1) and Seasonal(S-1) Use:

 1.1.   The Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve, approve with requirements necessary for compliance with all applicable Land Use Ordinance provisions, or deny a Sign Application to erect or modify any sign associated with a proposed or existing Temporary (T-1) Use or Seasonal(S-1) Use.

1.1.1.     A Sign Application approval to erect or modify any sign associated with a Temporary (T-1) Use shall be limited to a maximum of period of forty-five(45) calendar days, such sign being removed after the expiration of forty-five(45) calendar days, from date of approval by the Zoning Administrator.

1.1.2.     No permit is required for Holiday signs or signs for community-hosted events.

1.1.2.1.     Holiday signs or signs for community-hosted events shall:

A.     Only be used with a national, state, or local holiday, or community-hosted events; and

B.     Be removed within ten (10) days of the season or holiday or community-hosted event.

1.1.3.   A Sign Application approval to erect or modify any sign associated with a Seasonal (S-1) Use shall be limited to  maximum of period of ninety (90) calendar days, such sign being removed after the expiration of ninety (90) calendar days, from date of approval by the Zoning Administrator.

2.      Sign Applications for Sign(s) associated with a Permitted (P-1 or P-2) Use:

 2.1.   The Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve, approve with requirements necessary for compliance with all applicable Land Use Ordinance provisions, or deny a Sign Application to erect, move, reconstruct, enlarge, or structurally alter any sign associated with a proposed or existing Permitted (P-1) Use.

2.2.   The Commission is authorized to approve,approve with requirements necessary for compliance with all applicable Land Use Ordinance provisions, or deny a Sign Application to erect, move, reconstruct, enlarge, or structurally alter any sign associated with a proposed or existing Permitted (P-2) Use.

3.      Sign Applications for Sign(s) associated with a Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Use:

3.1.   The Commission is authorized to approve,approve with conditions necessary for compliance with all applicable Land Use Ordinance provisions, or deny a Sign Application to erect, move, reconstruct, enlarge, or structurally alter any sign associated with a proposed or existing Conditional (C-1) Use.

3.2.   The Council is authorized to approve, approve with conditions necessary for compliance with all applicable Land Use Ordinance provisions, or deny a Sign Application to erect, move,reconstruct, enlarge, or structurally alter any sign associated with a proposed or existing Conditional (C-2) Use.

Section 2010—Sign Application Processing:

1.      A Sign Application to erect, move, reconstruct, enlarge,or structurally alter a sign may beconsidered concurrently with another required Temporary (T-1), Permitted (P-1or P-2), or Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Land Use Application.

2.      A Sign Application to erect, move, reconstruct, enlarge,or structurally alter a sign may beconsidered separately and independently from another required Temporary (T-1),Permitted (P-1 or P-2), or Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Land Use Application.

Section2011—Application Initiation and Completeness:

2.      A property owner may present a Temporary(T-1), Permitted (P-1 or P-2), or Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Sign Application for review and decision to erect, move, reconstruct, enlarge, or structurally alter a sign. An agent of the property owner, or a lessee of the property,may present a Sign Application for review and decision, provided such application is accompanied by a property owner affidavit of authorization.

3.      A Temporary (T-1), Permitted (P-1 or P-2),or Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Sign Application to erect, move, reconstruct, enlarge, or structurally alter a sign shall be determined complete by the Zoning Administrator, as provided by Chapter 12 herein. For a Temporary (T-1), Permitted (P-1 or P-2),or Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Sign Application determined to be incomplete; the Zoning Administrator shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 12, herein.

Section 2012—Temporary (T-1) Sign Application Requirements:

A Temporary (T-1) Sign Application to erect, move, reconstruct, enlarge,or structurally alter a signassociated with a Temporary (T-1) Use shall comply with the requirements of all Land Use Ordinances and shall provide the following information:

1.      A complete Temporary (T-1) Sign Application.

2.      Two (2)  copies of a site plan, drawn at a scale of 1inch = 40 feet, or as required by the Zoning Administrator, identifying the following;

2.1.   The location and dimension of the property and showing all proposed uses, buildings or structures, all existing uses, buildings or structures, and the location(s) of all existing and proposed signs.

         2.2.   All existing uses, buildings and structures located within one-hundred (100) feet of the property. Existing property lines and existing fence lines shall be shown.

         2.3.   The location, dimensions, colors, and materials of the proposed Temporary (T-1) Sign(s) shall be shown.

3.      Proof of a current Richfield City business license.

4.      Any other maps, drawings, plans,illustrations, or other materials determined necessary by the Zoning Administrator to adequately and accurately identify and describe the location,size, height, and other characteristics of the proposed sign(s) and location(s).

Section2013—Permitted (P-1 or P-2) Sign Application Requirements:

1.      P-1 applications shall require two (2)copies and P-2 applications shall require ten (10) copies of a site plan, 11inch x 17 inch of the site plan identifying the following;

1.1.   The location and dimension of the property and showing all proposed uses, buildings or structures, all existing uses, buildings or structures, and the location(s) of all existing and proposed signs.

1.2.   The location, dimensions, colors, and materials of all proposed Permitted (P-1 or P-2) Signs shall be shown.

2.      Accurate scaled colored plan and elevation drawings, or other illustration materials, sufficient to identify the dimensions, colors, materials, shape, design, height, and construction details of all proposed signs.

3.      An accurate lighting plan which identifies the type of all proposed sign illumination devices, including the type of fixtures, lamps, bulb type, supports, intensity of light, color of light,installation and electrical details of all proposed sign lighting.

4.      Details of proposed sign foundation and support structure(s).

5.      Calculations identifying the proposed maximum total sign area for the site and individual buildings, and identifying separate individual calculations for the total sign area for each proposed sign including freestanding pole, freestanding monument, wall canopy, awning, or temporary signs.

6.      Proof of a current Richfield City business license.

7.      Any other maps, drawings, plans,illustrations, or other materials determined necessary by the Zoning Administrator, or Commission, as applicable, to adequately and accurately identify and describe the location, size, height, and other characteristics of the proposed sign(s) and locations.

Section 2014—Conditional (C-1 or C-2)Sign Application Requirements:

A Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Sign Application to erect, move, reconstruct, enlarge,or structurally alter a sign associated with a Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Use shall comply with the requirements of all Land Use Ordinances and shall provide the following information:

1.      C-1 applications shall require ten (10)and C-2 applications shall require twenty (20) copies of a site plan identifying the following:

1.1.   The location and dimension of the property and showing all proposed uses, buildings or structures, all existing uses, buildings or structures, and the location(s) of all existing and proposed signs.

1.2.   The location, dimensions, colors, and materials of all proposed Conditional (C-1 or C-2) signs shall be shown.

 

2.      Accurate scaled colored plan and elevation drawings, or other illustration materials, sufficient to identify the dimensions, colors, materials, shape, design, height, and construction details of all proposed signs.

3.      An accurate lighting plan which identifies the type of all proposed sign illumination devices, including the type of fixtures, lamps, bulb type, supports, intensity of light, color of light,installation and electrical details of all proposed sign lighting.

4.      Details of proposed sign foundation and support structure(s).

5.      Calculations identifying the proposed maximum total sign area for the site and individual buildings, and identifying separate individual calculations for the total sign area for each proposed sign including freestanding pole, freestanding monument, wall, canopy, awning, or temporary signs.

6.      Proof of a current Richfield City business license.

7.      Any other maps, drawings, plans,illustrations, or other materials determined necessary by the Commission, or Council, as applicable, to adequately and accurately identify and describe the location, size, height, and other characteristics of the proposed signs and locations.

Section 2015—Seasonal  (S-1) Sign Application Review Procedures and Approval Standards:

The procedures for the review of a Seasonal (S-1) Sign Application are identified by Figure 20-1, herein. The Zoning Administrator shall review the application and determine:

1.      The Seasonal (S-1) Sign Application complies with all requirements of the Zoning District in which the sign is proposed to be located.

2.      The proposed sign complies with all requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance.

3.      The sign is proposed for a maximum period of ninety calendar (90) days, such sign being removed after the expiration of ninety calendar (90) days.

4.      Upon a finding by the Zoning Administrator that the proposed sign complies with all requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance, the Seasonal (S-1) Sign Application shall be approved, with or without requirements.

5.      Upon a finding by the Zoning Administrator that the proposed sign does not comply with all requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance, the Seasonal (S-1) Sign Application shall be denied.

Section 2016—Permitted (P-1 or P-2) Sign Application Review Procedures and Approval Standards:

The procedures for the review of a Permitted (P-1 or P-2) Sign Application are identified by Figure 20-2 and Figure 20-3 respectively herein.The Zoning Administrator for P-1 Sign Applications, and the Commission for P-2 Sign Applications, shall review the application and determine:

1.      The Permitted (P-1 or P-2) Sign Application complies with all requirements of the Zoning District in which the sign is proposed to be located.

2.      The proposed sign complies with all requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance.

3.      Upon a finding by the Zoning Administrator that the proposed Permitted (P-1) Sign Application, or the Commission for a Permitted (P-2) Sign Application, complies with all requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance, a Permitted (P-1) Sign Application or Permitted (P-2)Sign Application shall be approved, with or without requirements.

4.      Upon a finding by the Zoning Administrator that the proposed Permitted (P-1) Sign Application, or the Commission for a Permitted (P-2) Sign Application, does not comply with all requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance, the Permitted (P-1) Sign Application or the Permitted(P-2) Sign Application shall be denied.

Section2017—Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Sign Application Review Procedures and Approval Standards:

The procedures for the review of a Conditional (C-1 orC-2) Sign Application are identified by Figure 20-4 and Figure 20-5respectively herein. The Commission for C-1 Sign Applications, and the Council for C-2 Sign Applications, shall review the application and determine:

1.      The Conditional (C-1 or C-2) Sign Application complies with all requirements of the Zoning District in which the sign is proposed to be located.

2.      The proposed sign complies with all requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance.

3.      Upon a finding by the Commission that the proposed Conditional (C-1) Sign Application, or the Council for a Conditional(C-2) Sign Application, complies with all requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance, a Conditional (C-1) Sign Application or Conditional (C-2) Sign Application shall be approved, with or without conditions.

4.      Upon a finding by the Commission that the proposed Conditional (C-1) Sign Application, or the Council for a Conditional (C-2) Sign Application, does not comply with all requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance, the Conditional(C-1) Sign Application or the Conditional (C-2) Sign Application shall be denied.

Section2018—Allowed Signs:

All signs allowed within the City are identified in Table 20-1,Table of Allowed Signs, and all signs shall comply with the requirementscontained therein. The signs allowed within the City include, as defined inTable 20-1, are limited to:

1.      Freestanding Pole.

2.      Freestanding Monument.

3.      Wall.

4.      Canopy.

5.      Awning.

6.      Temporary

7.      Seasonal

Section 2019--Prohibited Sign Locations:

No person shall erect or maintain a sign on or overhanging public property or a public right-of-way, nor shall any sign extend over an adjoining property line; provided, however, that governmental signs, and signs erected by a public utility company and approved by the City which are necessary for public safety are exempt from this section.  The City may erect banners which overhang public property or a public right-of-way. No person shall erect any sign so as to interfere with or restrict access to windows, fire escapes, or required exits.  No person shall erect any sign which constitutes a safety hazard as determined by the City.

Section2020—Prohibited Signs:

All signs allowed within the City are identified in Table 20-1,Table of Allowed Signs, or Table 20-2, Table of Exempt Signs. All other signs are hereby declared to be prohibited signs including, but not limited to, the following sign types:

1.      All off-premise signs located on any industrial, commercial, or residential property if the sign is designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product, or service that is not sold, offered, or existing on the property where the sign is located, including all billboards.

2.      All signs erected, moved, reconstructed, enlarged, or structurally altered without receiving the necessary approval(s).

3.      Signs placed on private property without the approval of the owner.

4.      All signs having pulsating, animated, or moving parts, rotating or simulating movement by any means of fluttering,spinning or reflection devices, or that emits sound.

5.      Signs or lights that contain pulsating or flashing light sources. 

6.      All signs that project an image or message onto a wall or other surface.

7.      Any text or shape that obstructs the view of motor vehicle operators, bicyclists and pedestrians entering a public roadway from any parking area, driveway, alley, or other thoroughfare.

8.      All signs that obstruct free ingress to or egress from required door, window, fire escape, or other required exit.

9.      Signs attached to any fences, utility poles, trees, shrubs, rocks, or other natural objects, unless specifically included in the design, unless specifically provided for by law including no trespassing and no hunting, with the exception of sports fields.

10.    All signs constituting a hazard to public health, welfare, or safety.

11.    All roof-mounted signs.

12.    All signs painted on or attached to vehicles that are parked on the public right-of-way or on private premises for the purpose of advertising.

13.    All signs providing a lighting source that is exposed or directly visible from any public right-of-way or adjacent property.

14.    All neon, rope lights, string lights, exposed bulbs or tubes, or other directly visible light source designed specifically to outline any building roof line or building wall with the exception of seasonal holiday lighting.

15.    Any sign, statement, symbol or picture of an obscene nature.

16.    Flashing signs are prohibited. 

17.    Rotating signs are prohibited. 

Section2021—Unused and Abandoned Signs:

A sign shall be considered unused or abandoned and shall be removed after the use, activity, product, business, or service, which it advertised,has ceased or has vacated the building, structure, lot, or parcel for a period not less than one hundred eighty (180) days. All unused or abandoned signs shall be removed by the property owner,upon written notice by the Zoning Administrator, or other City Staff, and shall be subject to removal by the City, if not removed by the property owner within thirty (30) calendar days of notice by the Zoning Administrator, or other City Staff, or other remedies that may be available to the City.

Section 2022--Unsafe or Dangerous Signs:

If an unsafe or dangerous sign as determined by the Chief Building Official is not repaired or made safe within five working days after the City has given written notice by registered mail to repair or make the sign safe, the Chief Building Official shall at once abate the sign according to the procedures in the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.

Section 2023--Definitions and Regulations:

1.      Construction of terms

Words in the present tense include the future and the future includes the present; the singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.  The words “lot,” “plot,” “tract,” and “parcel”shall be considered synonymous when the context so requires.  The term “erect” means “construct,” “alter,”“move,” “repair,” “reconstruct,” “convert,” or “maintain.”  The words “shall” and “must” are always mandatory.  The term “City” shall mean the City of Richfield.  The term “City attorney” shall mean the City Attorney of the City of Richfield.  Words not included herein but which are defined in Chapter 2 of the Richfield City Zoning Code shall be construed as defined herein. 

2.      Definitions:

A-frame sign:  Any sign composed of two (2) sign faces mounted or attached back to back or a sign structure built in such a manner as to form a basically triangular vertical cross section through the faces or structure.  The sign face shall be no larger than 4 feet H x 4 feet W.

Abandoned sign:  Any sign or structure which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner,product, or activity and has not done so for one-hundred and twenty (120)consecutive days. 

Area of Sign:  The area of a sign shall be computed by enclosing the entire area within a geometric shape of the smallest size sufficient to cover the entire area of the sign and then computing the area of the geometric shape.  Where a sign has more than two (2) faces, the area of the third face and all additional faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign.  The area of all legal signs in existence at the time of the enactment of this Chapter shall be included in the computation of the total area of signs permitted by this Chapter.

Balloon sign:  Any sign that is any lighter-than-air or gas-filled balloon attached by means of a rope or tether to a definite or fixed location.

Banner sign:  Any sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing framework.

Billboard:  Any sign erected for the purpose of advertising or promoting a product, event, person, or subject not entirely related to the premises on which the sign is located. 

Building face or wall:  All window, door,and wall area of a building in one plane or elevation.

Canopy sign:  Any sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area

Changeable copy sign:  Any sign whose informational content can be changed or altered by manual, mechanical, or electronic means.

Clear view area:  No sign shall be permitted to be located in any clear view area, as defined herein, and no signshall be permitted that creates any traffic or pedestrian hazard.  See Chapter 16. 

Commercial complex:  A group of two (2) or more businesses in one (1) or more freestanding building(s) and which is contained on one (1) parcel of record or which is approved as a part of an overall site plan, or a commercial subdivision which provides shared accesses and/or parking.  For the purposes of this Chapter, planned commercial developments and commercial condominium projects are considered commercial complexes.

Copy:  The wording on a sign surface.

Directional sign:  Any sign used to direct traffic flow into or out of a parking lot through a City approved drive approach.

Flags:  Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government,political subdivision, or charitable organization. 

Flashing sign:  Any sign which has a flashing light source, such as a reflective, strobe, or incandescent light.

Freestanding pole sign:  Any on-premise sign greater than six feet (6’) in height and which is supported by one or more uprights or braces fastened to or embedded in the ground or a foundation in the ground and not attached to any building. 

Freestanding monument sign:  Any on-premise sign which is mounted directly to the ground having a maximum height of six feet (6’).

Frontage:  The width of the parcel of land which faces upon a dedicated street.

Garage or Yard sale sign:  Any sign used to advertise an event commonly known as a “Garage or Yard sale.”

Government sign:  Any sign erected by or for the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, or the State of Utah or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

Grade(ground level):  The average elevation of the ground level at the point that a sign emerges from the ground.  For signs located on a bermed surface, grade shall mean the average elevation of the ground level at the base of the berm. 

Height of sign:  The vertical distance measured from the grade to the highest point of the sign or sign structure. 

Holiday(seasonal) sign:  Any sign such as Christmas decorations or those used for a recognized national, state or local holiday, or farmer’s markets, Christmas tree lots, or the like, and installed for a limited period of time.

 

Hospital directional sign:  Any freestanding monument sign within the hospital overlay zone which is used to direct traffic and/or pedestrians to separate uses and facilities allowed within the zone. 

Interior property line:  A property line other than one having frontage along a dedicated street or a private street.  

Incidental sign:  A sign generally informational,that has a purpose secondary to the use of the property on which it is located,such as “no parking,” “loading only,” “telephone,” “welcome home,” “happy birthday,” “it’s a girl/boy,” and other similar messages.  A sign with a commercial message shall not be considered incidental. 

Interior sign:  Any sign placed within the interior of a building and which is not intended to be visible from a public street.

Marquee:  Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather. 

Marquee sign:  Any sign attached to, in any manner, or made part of a marquee.

Motion sign:  Any outdoor advertising structure and projection facility which displays changing copy by means of motion, slide,or similar picture projection equipment.

Nameplate:  Any sign identifying the name, occupation,profession, and/or address of any occupant of the premises. 

Nonconforming sign:  Any sign which was lawfully erected but which currently fails to conform to all of the requirements of this Chapter.

Off-premise sign:  Any sign advertising merchandise,services, or businesses other than those available on the premises of the sign’s location. 

On-premise sign:  Any sign advertising merchandise,services, or businesses available on the premises of the sign’s location.

Pennant sign:  Any sign made of lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material not containing a message of any kind,suspended from rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.

Political sign:  Any sign used in behalf of candidates for public office or measures on election ballots solely for the purpose of a local, regional, or national election.

Portable reader board sign:  Any portable sign with changeable copy designed to be moved from one site to another and used for occasional promotional events.

Portable sign:  Any sign that is 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 A-frame or T-frame; umbrellas used for advertising; signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in normal day-to-day operations; and any banner type sign not attached parallel to a building wall.

 

Projecting sign:  Any sign attached to a building structure and extending in whole or in part more than twenty-four inches (24”)beyond the wall to which it is attached. 

Real estate sign:  Any sign relating to the sale, lease, or other disposition of real property. 

Roof sign:  Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.

Rotating sign:  Any sign or portion of a sign which moves in a revolving or similar manner.

Sign:  Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses color, form, graphics, illumination, symbols, or writing to advertise, announce, identify, promote, or communicate information of any kind to the public. 

Temporary sign:  Any sign constructed for temporary use.

Wall sign:  Any sign erected parallel with and attached to or painted on an exterior wall of a building. 

Window sign:  Any sign installed upon a window for the purpose of being viewed from the outside of the premises, but not including displayed merchandise. 

Yard sale sign:  See Garage sale sign.

Youth activity sponsor sign:  Any sign attached to an athletic facility fence which identifies and advertises the sponsors of youth teams or programs. 

Zone:  Any land use regulatory zone as found in Chapter 16 of the Richfield City Code.

Section 2024—Specific Regulations by Sign Type.

All signs shall comply with the following listed requirements.

A-frame Signs:     A-Frame signs are prohibited within the public right-of-way.  On private property, A-Frame signs are allowed with one sign being allowed for each 100 linear feet of frontage. 

Abandoned Signs:  Abandoned signs are prohibited in all zones.

Balloon Signs:  Balloon signs are prohibited in all zones.

Banner Signs:

1.      Banner signs do not require a sign permit.

2.      Banner signs shall:

a.      Only be attached parallel to a wall of the main building of the business, but no more than 3 feet from the wall.

b.      Not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the wall area to which the sign is attached;

c.      Not be used on the same wall as a “wall sign” or other banner sign unless the combined area of all signs is less than twenty percent (20%) of the wall area to which the signs are attached;

d.      Not be attached to or between telephone poles, fences, fence poles, utility poles, public or private light poles, trees, vehicles, or any other apparatus other than a building wall;

e.      Not be placed on the roof of any building;

f.       Be maintained in a neat and attractive condition; and

g.      Shall be displayed for no longer than thirty (30) days.

h.      All banner signs shall comply with this chapter within 30 days of the effective date. 

Billboard Signs:  Billboard signs are prohibited in all zones.    

Canopy Signs:

1.      Canopy signs require a permit from the City.

2.      Canopy signs shall:

                  a.      Only be placed on a canopy which has been approved by the Chief Building Official or his designee;

                  b.      Not have copy which exceeds fifty (50%) of the area of the canopy; and

                  c.      Not extend beyond the outside limits of the canopy.

         Changeable Copy Signs:

         1.      Changeable Copy signs require a sign permit from the City.

         2.      Changeable Copy signs shall:

                     a.      Only be used in connection with freestanding signs, low profile signs, or wall signs;

                     b.      Not have dimensions which exceed the requirements of the ordinance for freestanding, low profile, or wall signs; and

                     c.      Copy shall not change or flash more than thirty (30) times per minute, create a strobe effect, or public nuisance.

         Directional Signs:

      1.      Directional signs require a sign permit from the City.

      2.      Only one Directional sign is allowed for each City approved drive approach.

         3.      Directional signs shall:

               a.      Not exceed three feet (3’) in height; and

               b.      Not exceed six (6) square feet in area.

         Flashing Signs:  Flashing signs are prohibited. 

         Freestanding Signs:  (Pole and Monument)

1.      Freestanding signs require a sign permit from the City.

2.      Each parcel or commercial complex may have:

a.      One (1) freestanding pole sign; however, one (1) additional freestanding pole sign is permitted where the parcel or commercial complex has more than three hundred feet (300’) of frontage No parcel or complex may have more than three (3) freestanding pole signs.

 

b.      One (1) freestanding monument sign for each separate building or building pad of a City approved commercial complex.

3.      Freestanding signs shall have a maximum allowable area of one hundred (100) square feet per sign face.

4.      Freestanding Pole signs shall:

a.      Not overhang public property or public right-of-way;

b.      Be located as near to midpoint of the lot frontage as feasibly possible;

c.      Be set back of minimum of five feet (5’) from side and rear property lines;

d.      Not be located any closer than one hundred feet (100’) from any other freestanding pole signs on the same parcel or commercial complex;

e.      Not be erected in the clear vision area of a corner lot, except for signs which maintain a free space area between grade and ten feet (10’)above the adjacent street grade.

5.      Freestanding Monument signs shall:

a.      Be mounted directly to the ground;

b.      Not exceed eight feet (8’) in height;

c.      Not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet, plus 1 square foot per each thirty (30) lineal feet of street frontage over eighty (80) feet, and not to exceed a maximum size of eighty-four (84) square feet.

d.      Be set back from the public right-of-way a minimum of ten feet(10’).

e.      Not be erected in the clear vision area, except for signs which do not exceed three feet (3’) in height from the adjacent street grade; and

Garage Sale Signs:

1.      No permit is required for Garage Sale signs.

2.      Garage Sale signs shall:

a.      Not exceed four (4) square feet in area;

b.      Not be posted in public right-of-ways or on utility poles;

c.      Be allowed on private property with the property owner’s permission.

d.      Not be posted more than forty-eight (48) hours before the beginning of the garage sale; and

e.      Be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after the completion of the garage sale.

3.      Failure to post or remove garage sale signs as set forth in this Chapter may result in a citation being issued for each sign violation.

Government Signs:

1.      No permit is required for Government signs.

2.      Government signs are permitted in all zones.

Holiday Signs:

1.      No permit is required for Holiday signs.

2.      Holiday signs shall:

a.      Only be used with a national, state, or local holiday; and

b.      Be removed within ten (10) days of the season or holiday.

         Incidental Signs:

         1.      No permit is required for Incidental signs.

         Interior Signs:   No permit is required for Interior signs.  (An electrical permit may be required when installing an illuminated interior sign.)

         Marquee Signs:

         1.      Marquee signs require a sign permit from the City.

         2.      Marquee signs shall:

a.      Only be placed on a marquee which has been approved by the Chief Building Official or his designee;

b.      Not have copy which exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the area of the marquee; and

c.      Not extend beyond the outside limits of the marquee.

Motion Signs:  Motion signs are prohibited in all zones in the City.

Nameplate:

1.      No permit is required for Nameplates.

2.      Nameplates shall:

a.   Not exceed three (3) square feet; and

b.   Not be used to identify a home occupation unless state law mandates the home occupation have exterior identification.

         Off-Premise Signs:  Off-Premise signs are prohibited unless expressly allowed by this chapter.

         Pennant Signs:

         1.      Pennant signs shall:

                  a.      Not be placed in such a way as to obstruct the vision of any motorist from seeing any traffic or traffic control devices.

                  b.      Not be attached to any public utility pole.

                  c.      Be maintained.  If not maintained in a pleasing manner, the sign shall be removed. 

Political Signs:

1.      No permit is required for a Political sign.

2.     Political signs shall:

a.      Not be erected more than forty-five (45)days prior to the election with which it is associated;

b.      Be removed within ten (10) days following the election; and

c.      Not be placed on public property.

Portable Reader Board Signs:

1.      Reader Board signs require a sign permit from the City.

2.      Reader Board signs shall:

a.      Not be used for a period more than thirty(30) days in any one (1) calendar year (January 1 through December 31). 

b.      Not be placed in a clear vision area; and

c.      Not be placed in such a way as to obstruct the vision of any motorist from seeing any traffic or traffic control devices. 

Portable Signs:  Portable signs are prohibited unless specifically allowed by this Chapter.

 

Projecting Signs:  Projecting signs shall project no more than twelve (12) inches from the wall surface.  No part of a projecting sign shall extend over the property line or into any road or street right-of-way or utility easement.

Real Estate Signs or Open House Signs: Any real estate sign advertising real property for sale, lease or rent within Richfield City shall meet the following requirements: 

1.      Is placed on the property that is for sale, lease, or rent, or adjacent thereto;

2.      Such signs are stationary and unlighted;

3.      Signs must be professionally prepared,neat in appearance, and well maintained;

4.      Are removed within thirty (30) days from the date of sale, lease, or rental.  No real estate sign shall exceed six (6) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height.  Each individual sign may be double sided;

5.      Shall not be located within any clear view area or placed where it creates a safety hazard;

6.      Signs placed on private property are permitted only with the permission of the property owner; and

7.      Only one (1) sign per sales property is permitted at a single location. 

Roof Signs:   Roof signs are prohibited in all zones.

Rotating Signs:  Rotating signs are prohibited in all zones. 

Wall Signs:

1.      Wall signs require a sign permit from the City.

2.     Wall signs shall:

a.      Be attached to any wall of a building;

b.      Not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the wall area to which the sign is attached;

c.      For walls less than fifty (50) lineal fee, thirty (30) square feet or ten percent (10%) of the wall area, whichever is less.  For walls longer than fifty (50) lineal feet and located immediately adjacent to a road or street, thirty (30) square feet plus one (1) square foot for each ten (10) lineal feet of wall length, or part thereof, in excess of fifty (50) lineal feet. 

Window Signs:

1.      No permit is required for a Window sign.

2.      Window signs shall not exceed fifty (50%)of the total transparent area of any window on which they are located.

3.      All window signs shall be no larger than the window with which the sign is associated.

4.      No window sign shall project beyond the exterior surface of the window. 

5.      All window sign lighting sources shall be fully shielded and no lighting source shall be exposed or visible from any road, street, or adjacent property. 

6.      No window sign shall be allowed in any residential zone. 

Youth Activity Sponsor Sign:  Permission must be obtained from the Recreation Director to display a Youth Activity Sponsor sign.

 

Section 2025--Nonconforming Signs.

1.      Continuation of Legal Nonconforming Signs.  Legal nonconforming signs may continue to be used provided they meet the requirements of this Section.

2.      Alterations.

2.1.   A legal nonconforming sign shall not be materially modified, including the changing of a permanent sign face for a new business or changed message.  Nor shall such sign be reconstructed, raised, moved, placed, extended, or enlarged unless the sign is modified to conform with all of the provisions of this Chapter. 

2.2    Minor repairs and maintenance may be made to a nonconforming sign; however, in the event such sign has deteriorated or is hereafter damaged by whatever means, including an act of God, and such damage exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the reproduction value of the sign, according to appraisal thereof by competent appraisers, the sign may be restored,reconstructed, altered or repaired only to conform with this Chapter. 

3.      Abandoned Signs.  Any legal nonconforming sign applicable to a use which has been discontinued for a period of six (6) months shall be deemed to have lost its legal nonconforming status, and shall be removed within ten (10) days following receipt of written notice from the City requiring such removal. 

Section 2026—Enforcement:

Any sign determined to be a hazard to the public health or safety, or determined to be a nuisance because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or be a Land Use Ordinance or Building Code violation shall be remedied and corrected upon notice by the Zoning Administrator, or Building Official. Any sign not remedied or corrected within thirty (30) days written notice by the Zoning Administrator or Building Official shall be subject to removal by the City, or other remedies that may be available to the City under the law.

TABLE 20-1

TABLE OF ALLOWED SIGNS

Notes - Table 20-1, Table of Allowed Signs:

Maximum Sign Structure Height. The height of the permanent,freestanding supporting structure providing the location for a sign. The Maximum Sign Structure Height shall be the vertical distance from the highest point of the structure to the lowest point of the finished grade, immediately adjacent to the structure. No ground shall be bermed, or other earthwork provided, that would have the effect to exceed the maximum allowed sign structure height.

Maximum Sign Face Height. The highest point of any text, insignia,logo, advertising, or other site or building identification materials or other message.

Maximum Sign Structure Area, The maximum area of the sign structure calculated by multiplying the highest point of the sign structure by the longest length of the sign structure.

Maximum Sign Area. The area of all sign copy enclosed by a square,circle, triangle, rectangle, or combination thereof that encompasses the extreme limits of all text, representation, insignia, logo, or other advertising materials. The total of all text, insignia, logo, or other advertising or identification materials shall be included in the calculation to determine maximum sign area.

Section 2019—Sign Lighting Requirements:

In addition to the sign requirements provided in Table 20-1, Table of Allowed Signs, the following sign lighting requirements are provided to achieve the purposes of this Chapter and this Ordinance.

1.     Externally illuminated signs are permitted as follows:

a.     All externally lit signs shall be illuminated only with steady,stationary, fully shielded light sources aimed directly onto the sign. Light bulbs or lighting tubes used for illuminating a sign shall not be visible from any location.

b.     The intensity of sign lighting shall not exceed that necessary to illuminate and make legible a sign from the closest adjacent public right-of-way.

c.     The fixtures used to illuminate signs shall not be directed toward any adjacent properties.

d.     All light sources shall be fully shielded or hooded.

2.     Internally illuminated signs are permitted as follows:

a.     Individual back-lit letters that are silhouetted against an illuminated wall.

b.     Individual letters with translucent faces, containing soft lighting elements inside each letter.

c.     Metal-faced box signs with cutout letters and soft-glow fluorescent tubes.

 

d.     Changeable Copy Signs and Electronic Message Centers may be installed as a part of a Free – Standing Pole, Free – Standing Monument or Wall Sign and shall be included within the allowed Maximum Sign Face Area of a Free – Standing Pole, Free – Standing Monument or Wall Sign, but shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the Sign Face Area.  No changeable or copy sign should create a public nuisance.  Copy shall not change more often than two (2) seconds.  If complaints are received, the interval will have to be lengthened.

e.     The intensity of sign lighting shall not exceed that necessary to illuminate and make legible a sign from the closest adjacent public right-of-way.

Section 2020—Exempt Signs:

The signs identified in Table 20-2, Table of Exempt Signs, are exempt from the requirements of this Chapter and this Ordinance, provided such signs are not determined to be a prohibited sign, as provided by Section 2021 herein.

TABLE 20-2

TABLE OF EXEMPT SIGNS

Section 2022—Noncomplying Signs:

All signs permitted within the City shall comply with Table 20-1, Table of Allowed Signs,or Table 20-2, Table of Exempt Signs unless such signs are determined to be a legal noncomplying structure. A legal noncomplying structure shall be determined to be a sign existing on the date of the adoption of this Chapter,and for which a valid approval has been issued. All legal noncomplying sign may continue, subject to the requirements of Chapter 21 herein.