Chapter 8. Signs
8.1 Scope
The Town of Rockville recognizes that signing is an important design element of the physical environment. Therefore, this Code is intended to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan, particularly with regard to developing a town that is visually attractive while preserving the safety and improving the aesthetics of the Town's buildings, streets, highways and pedestrian circulation systems.
8.2 Intent
A. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to abrogate any easement, covenant, condition or other existing agreements which may be more restrictive than the provisions of this Chapter; and
B. Whenever the application of this chapter is uncertain the question shall be referred to the Planning Commission for determination; and
C. If any section, subsection sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this chapter is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of proper jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed separate from the remaining portions of this chapter.
8.3 Objectives
The objectives and conditions for sign regulations contained in this chapter are designed to maximize public convenience with a rational system of signing further enhancing the Town's aesthetic and economic components. Maximum standards are provided and are in no way designed to discourage creativity or investment. The objectives are as follows:
A. To provide a rational system of controls for signs.
B. To direct persons to various places of business and special activities, in order to provide for the maximum public convenience.
C. To enhance the economic value of the community and each specific area thereof through. the regulation of such things as size, number, height, location, design and illumination of signs.
D. To encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship, and spacing.
E. To encourage signs which are compatible with adjacent land uses.
F. To encourage signs which are compatible with on-site uses.
G. To protect the general public health, safety and welfare of the community.
H. To maintain the rural atmosphere of the neighborhoods.
8.4 Application
Application for a business sign permit shall he made upon a form provided by the Town, and shall contain such information as may be required to assure compliance with this chapter.
8.5 Method of Review
After receipt of a sign application, the Planning Commission shall render a decision to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the sign request at their next regularly scheduled meeting provided the application is received fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the meeting. Such review will ensure that any sign proposal is in conformance with this chapter and is consistent with the Town's objectives.
8.6 Permit Issuance
Upon approval by the Planning Commission the Town delegate shall issue permits for the placing, erecting, moving or reconstruction of business signs within Town when:
A. proper application has been made;
B. the sign complies with all Town ordinances; and
C. the fees for such permit have been paid.
8.7 Fees
The application fee for business sign permits shall be fixed from time to time by Town Board resolution. The fee may be doubled when the installation of a sign is commenced before obtaining a sign permit.
8.8 Variance
Application for variance from terms of this title shall be reviewed by the Board of Adjustment according to variance procedures.
8.9 Prohibited Signs
8.9.1 General Prohibition
Billboards, rotating, moving, flashing, reflecting, revolving, blinking, or neon signs; signs placed on vehicles or trailers; signs resembling official traffic or government signs; and signs portraying obscene, indecent, or immoral matter are prohibited.
8.9.2 Public Right-of-way
If a sign is on public property or in the public right-of-way of any sidewalk, street, alley, or highway such sign is prohibited unless otherwise stipulated in this Chapter.
8.9.3 Visibility
When the location, size, height, or shape of any sign unreasonably interferes with traffic and or pedestrian visibility such sign is prohibited.
8.9.4 Illumination, Use of (i.e. Reflectors, Floodlights or Spotlights)
It is unlawful to illuminate any sign by reflector, floodlight or spotlight when any portion of such illumination may be a menace to traffic or a nuisance to adjacent properties, or which does not meet Uniform Building Code regulations.
8.9.5 Traffic Device, Resemblance to
No person shall place, maintain or display upon, or in view of, any street or highway an unofficial sign, signal, or device which purports to be or is an imitation of, or resembles, an official traffic control device.
8.10 Special Provisions
8.10.1 Emblems and Flags
Emblems or flags of political, civic, philanthropic, educational, and religious organizations shall be permitted on the premises occupied by such organizations. Flags or emblems advertising the sale of particular goods or services are not permitted. Flags attracting attention to the sale of new tract homes, or attracting attention to new business or offices shall be permitted by the provisions hereunder:
A. A maximum number of six (6) flags may be used.
B. Flags shall be displayed no higher than fifteen feet (15’) above grade.
C. In no case shall a flag be allowed in the public right-of-way.
D. In all cases, each flag or emblem shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area.
8.10.2 Off-Site Directional Signs
All off-site directional signs, as defined herein, shall be permitted by conditional use permit. The following standards apply:
A. Such signs shall not contain the brand name of a product.
B. No part of any sign shall exceed seven feet (7’) in height.
C. Signs for public uses, schools, churches, businesses or offices may be permitted on private property, only if the use being identified by said signage is located within the Rockville Town limits. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet per sign fade; double face signs are acceptable.
8.10.3 Temporary Signs
Temporary signs, including devices of new ownership shall be allowed only by permit approved by the Planning Commission. Such application shall be submitted on the same form provided for permanent signs. Conditions shall be stipulated upon receipt of this form. The Planning Commission shall review the request and may issue a temporary sign permit consistent with the following regulations:
A. Limited to grand openings, Town-recognized holidays, Town-recognized functions, or charitable events.
B. Signs for new businesses shall be issued for a maximum of seventy-five (75) days only upon the initial opening of business. Size, height, color, copy, and location shall be approved by the Planning Commission.
C. Signs for special events sponsored by community groups or civic clubs for public events or public celebrations may be permitted. Such signs shall be approved on an individual basis by the Planning Commission as to size, height, color, location, safety, and period of display. Such signs shall be permitted over the public right-of-way provided they are approved by the Utah Department of Transportation and/or Town utilities providers as to materials, method of attachment and safety to the public. Tethered hot air balloons and other inflatable objects, larger than three feet (3’) in height and banners larger than eighty (80) square feet are not permitted under the provisions of this Chapter.
D. Approved exceptions, not requiring a permit, shall include only unlighted temporary signs for family functions and/or yard/garage sales (such signs shall be displayed far a maximum of seventy-two [72] hours per event); home garden and farm perishable produce sales (such signs shall be displayed only for the normal season of such produce). Such signs shall conform to all other provisions of this Chapter.
8.10.4 Vehicular Signs
Vehicular signs are restricted. It is unlawful for any person or business to maintain a vehicle on private or public property, for the primary purpose of serving as a non-moving sign display. Commercial and business vehicles actively used to transport goods, livestock or persons shall be exempt.
8.11 Signs and Conditions
The conditions in this Chapter are designed to be uniform and consistent and to set relatively flexible standards allowing for a maximum of creative expression by the occupant as well as enhancing economic possibilities throughout Town. The number and area of signs outlined are intended to be maximum standards.
8.11.1 Permitted Signs and Conditions
A. One construction/development sign per project during project construction only, not to exceed eight (8) square feet in area and eight feet (8’) in height. Such sign must be removed fifteen (15) days after completion of a project.
B. One real estate sign not to exceed eight (8) square feet of sign area. Such sign must be removed fifteen (15) days after the close of escrow. Corner lots may be allowed a maximum of two (2) signs.
C. Subject to all other provisions of this Code, each business, conditional use, or home occupation permitted shall be allowed one (1) identification sign comprised of any one of the following sign types and corresponding sizes:
1) One (1) wall sign, monument sign, or free-standing pole sign with a maximum sign area not to exceed fifteen (15) sq. ft. nor the width or length be greater than ten feet (10’). No sign or sign structure shall exceed seven feet (7’) in height. Supporting structures shall not exceed ten (10) sq. ft. of visual surface interruption.
D. Personal address or residential identification signs shall be permitted identifying address and occupant.
1) The sign(s) may be of a free-standing pole or monument sign style or attached to home or fence.
2) In the case of free-standing pole signs, the signs shall be no more than four (4) sq. ft. in area, may be no more than seven feet (7’) in height. The supporting pole(s) or post(s) must be designed in proportion to the sign face and shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the area below the sign face.
3) In the case of a monument style sign, the sign inclusive of the monument structure, shall be no more than fifteen (15) sq. ft. in total area, be no more than seven feet (7’) in height.
E. Personal property entrance signs are allowed:
1) The letters shall be no more than ten inches (10”) in height.
2) The sign, or its supports, shall not create a safety hazard.
F. Political signs per parcel not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet total sign area. Such signs shall not be erected earlier than seventy-five (75) days prior to the election and shall be removed no later than ten (10) days following the election.
G. Directional/informational/warning sign(s) per lot as required or authorized by law.
H. Temporary signs for special events may be permitted; provided that the erection of such signs shall be approved by the Planning Commission on an individual basis as to size, height, location, safety1 and period of display. Such signs may be permitted over the public right-of-way provided that they are approved as to materials, method of attachment and safety to the public. Tethered hot air balloons, and other inflatable objects larger than three feet (3’) in height and banners larger than eighty (80) square feet, are not permitted under this Chapter.
I. One subdivision identification sign per street frontage, neighborhood, subdivision, or development, not to exceed fifteen (15) square feet in sign area.
8.12 Sign Standards
To provide sign standards which will enhance the quality of life, and economic and community standards of the Town. Therefore all new and existing business signs are subject to design review. The design standards set forth in this Chapter shall be adhered to for all signing in all zones.
8.12.1 Architectural Style
Each business sign shall be designed with a specific intent and purpose to relate to the architectural style or character of existing improvements upon lots, buildings, and other signs surrounding the site.
8.13 Non-conforming Signs
It is the intent of this Chapter to recognize the eventual elimination of signs not conforming with the provisions of this Code, and the prohibition of new signs that violate these regulations. Any sign legally existing before the effective date of adoption of this Code shall be a legal non-conforming sign. Any sign erected after the adoption of this Code which does not conform to these provisions shall be removed, altered or replaced pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter.
8.14 Notice and Removal
If the Planning Commission finds that any sign has been constructed or erected, or is being maintained in violation of the provisions set forth in this Chapter, written notification of the status of the non-conforming sign(s) and a request that such sign be removed, or brought into compliance within thirty (30) days of such written notification, shall be made to the permitee, agent or property owner by the Planning Commission.
If proper action to correct a sign's status has not been completed at the end of the thirty (30)-day period, a written notice to remove said sign within ten (10) days shall be made by the Planning Commission.
If both the thirty (30) and ten (10)-day notices and waiting periods pass without proper correction, the Planning Commission may cause a sign to be removed without further notice. Expenses related to such removal shall be paid by the permittee, agent, or property owner.
A. If a sign is removed in response to official notice and is later placed or used in an illegal location or manner; the Planning Commission may have the sign removed without notice.
B. Any sign found to be an immediate danger to persons or property shall be removed summarily and without notice by a duly appointed official. All costs associated with the removal shall be assessed against the permittee or property owner.
C. Any signs erected on public property in violation of the provisions hereof shall be removed by order of the Planning Commission.
The cost of the removal or alteration of any sign and any subsequent expense incident thereto which, by the terms of this Chapter, shall be paid by the permittee, sign owner, property owner, or any other person, shall become a debt owing the Town of Rockville for the collection of which the Town of Rockville may maintain civil action thereon in its own name.
8.15 Structural Safety
8.15.1 Prevention Codes
Every sign and all parts, portions, units and material comprising the same, together with the frame, background, supports or anchorage therefor, shall be manufactured, fabricated, assembled, constructed and erected in compliance with the building, electrical and fire prevention codes as they now exist or may hereafter be amended, or they may hereafter exist.
8.15.2 Maintenance
Every sign and all parts, portions, units, and materials composing the same, together with the frame, background, supports or anchorage therefor, shall be maintained in proper repair and state of preservation. The display surface of all signs shall be kept neatly painted and/or posted. Any sign victimized by graffiti shall be removed, repaired, or repainted within ten (10) days or be subject to removal by the Town at owner's cost.
8.15.3 Identification
Every business sign erected, altered or relocated shall have on file with the Town:
A. the date of erection, alteration or relocation;
B. the permit number (when appropriate);
C. a photograph of the sign as erected and installed; and
D. the voltage and other pertinent information (including locations for emergency electrical shutoff) regarding any electrical or other apparatus associated with the sign.
8.15.4 Illumination
Only externally illuminated signs, in accordance with Uniform Building Code regulations, are allowed and shall be placed so that no light passes into adjacent properties, public right-of-way, or night sky.
8.16 Officials
All officials and public employees of the Town of Rockville vested with the duty or authority to issue permits shall conform to the provisions of this Code and shall issue no permit, certificate, or license for uses in conflict with the provisions of this Code. It shall be the duty of the Town or their designee to enforce the provisions of this Chapter.
8.17 Unlawful Signs
Any sign erected, constructed, altered, enlarged, converted, moved or maintained contrary to the provisions of this Code shall be and the same hereby declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance and shall be subject to any Rockville Town regulations regarding public nuisances.