Sign Regulations in Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah has specific sign regulations covering 37 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Fronting Highway), Wall Sign (Fronting Off-Highway), Freestanding Sign (Fronting Highway). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: October 29, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Moab, Utah
Sample Sign Requirements in Moab
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Fronting Highway) | 28 ft (for signs fronting a highway) | Per lot: 256 sq ft; Per sign face: 160 sq ft | Set back from public streets at least the building setback required in the applicable zone; maintain clear view triangle (under 2.5 ft tall or >8 ft clearance to bottom within 25-ft triangle at corners). |
| Wall Sign (Fronting Off-Highway) | 20 ft (for signs not fronting a highway) | Per lot: 160 sq ft; Per sign face: 160 sq ft | Set back at least the building setback for the zone; maintain clear view triangle. |
| Freestanding Sign (Fronting Highway) | 28 ft | Per sign face: 160 sq ft | Set back at least the building setback for the zone (see zone-specific chapters); maintain clear view triangle (under 2.5 ft tall or >8 ft to bottom within 25-ft triangle). |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MoabFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
37
- Wall Sign (Fronting Highway)
- Wall Sign (Fronting Off-Highway)
- Freestanding Sign (Fronting Highway)
- Freestanding Sign (Fronting Off-Highway)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Moab
Other Cities in Utah
Frequently Asked Questions
In Moab, wall signs can be up to 28 ft (for signs fronting a highway) and monument signs are limited to 28 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Moab, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Moab, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Fronting Highway), Wall Sign (Fronting Off-Highway), Freestanding Sign (Fronting Highway), Freestanding Sign (Fronting Off-Highway), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Moab, monument signs typically require a Set back at least the building setback for the zone (see zone-specific chapters); maintain clear view triangle (under 2.5 ft tall or >8 ft to bottom within 25-ft triangle). setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Moab are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Moab has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Moab, Utah Sign Rules at a Glance
Moab, Utah regulates 37 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Fronting Highway)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 28 ft tall and Per sign face: 160 sq ft, with a Set back at least the building setback for the zone (see zone-specific chapters); maintain clear view triangle (under 2.5 ft tall or >8 ft to bottom within 25-ft triangle). setback (Sec. MMC 17.93.040(A); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.110–.140; 17.93.150; 17.93.160; 17.93.250). Most commercial signs in Moab require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Moab, Utah
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Moab (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 28 ft (for signs fronting a highway) | Per lot: 256 sq ft; Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — |
| Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RA-1, MH/RV-1) | 10 | Freestanding signs: max 5 ft high (residential freestanding limit) | 50 sq ft per frontage | — |
| Commercial Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, RC, SAR) | 14 | Flag poles that display government flags shall not exceed 35 ft in height in commercial zones | Per lot: 256 sq ft; Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — |
| General Commercial Zone (C-4) | 6 | 28 ft | Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Moab(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Fronting Highway) | 28 ft (for signs fronting a highway) | Per lot: 256 sq ft; Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — | Set back from public streets at least the building setback required in the applicable zone; maintain clear view triangle (under 2.5 ft tall or >8 ft clearance to bottom within 25-ft triangle at corners). | — | Fronts on a highway (on-premises signs unless otherwise permitted by zone) | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(A)(1)-(2); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.110–17.93.140; 17.93.180; 17.93.250 |
| Wall Sign (Fronting Off-Highway) | 20 ft (for signs not fronting a highway) | Per lot: 160 sq ft; Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — | Set back at least the building setback for the zone; maintain clear view triangle. | — | Does not front on a highway | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(B)(1)-(2); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.110–17.93.140; 17.93.250 |
| Freestanding Sign (Fronting Highway) | 28 ft | Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — | Set back at least the building setback for the zone (see zone-specific chapters); maintain clear view triangle (under 2.5 ft tall or >8 ft to bottom within 25-ft triangle). | Primary frontage: 1 per lot; +1 additional if frontage >200 ft (second sign ≤50% of allowed height; 100 ft separation). Secondary frontage: 1 freestanding sign allowed per additional frontage (≤50% of allowed height; 100 ft separation). | Fronts on a highway; on private property (not in public ROW) | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(A); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.110–.140; 17.93.150; 17.93.160; 17.93.250 |
| Freestanding Sign (Fronting Off-Highway) | 20 ft | Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — | At least the building setback for the zone; maintain clear view triangle. | Primary frontage: 1 per lot; +1 additional if frontage >200 ft (second sign ≤50% height; 100 ft separation). Secondary frontage: 1 per additional frontage (≤50% height; 100 ft separation). | Does not front on a highway; on private property | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(B); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.110–.140; 17.93.150; 17.93.160; 17.93.250 |
| Roof Sign (Fronting Highway) | May not exceed 4 ft above the wall line/top of exterior wall; if roof peak is over 4 ft above wall line, roof sign may not exceed the peak; overall height also limited to 28 ft for highway-fronting signs (per height computation). | Per sign face: 160 sq ft (also subject to lot maximums) | — | Sign structure must comply with zone building setbacks if classified as freestanding; otherwise mounted to building. | — | Mounted on or above roof; fronting a highway | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(A); 17.93.060(A)-(C); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.110–.120; 17.93.150; 17.93.250 |
| Roof Sign (Fronting Off-Highway) | May not exceed 4 ft above the wall line/top of exterior wall; if roof peak is over 4 ft above wall line, roof sign may not exceed the peak; overall height also limited to 20 ft for off-highway signs (per height computation). | Per sign face: 160 sq ft (also subject to lot maximums) | — | If classified as freestanding, must meet freestanding setbacks. | — | Mounted on or above roof; not fronting a highway | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(B); 17.93.060(A)-(C); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.110–.120; 17.93.150; 17.93.250 |
| Projecting Sign | Max 28 ft or the height of the wall of the building, whichever is lower | 36 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | Affixed to building, projecting from wall; may project over public ROW only with insurance | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.050(A)-(C); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Suspended Sign | Max 28 ft or height of wall, whichever is lower | 36 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | Suspended from underside of a horizontal plane surface | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.050(A)-(B); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.250; 17.93.390(B)(23) |
Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RA-1, MH/RV-1)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate | — | 4 sq ft (residential signs generally limited to 4 sq ft) | — | Set back at least the building setback for the zone; maintain clear view triangle. | — | On the residence/property | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.080(A)-(C); 17.93.210(E); 17.93.250 |
| Property Sign (For Sale/Lease of Residential Property) | — | 4 sq ft | — | At least the building setback for the zone; maintain clear view triangle. | — | On the property offered for sale/lease; not in public ROW | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.080(A)-(C); 17.93.250 |
| Apartment/Guest Apartment Sign (More than 4 units) | Freestanding signs: max 5 ft high (residential freestanding limit) | Up to 16 sq ft of signage | — | At least the building setback; maintain clear view triangle. | — | On the premises; freestanding or wall-mounted as applicable | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.080(D), (F); 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Apartment/Guest Apartment Sign (Two-household, Triplex, Four-plex) | Freestanding signs: max 5 ft high | Up to 8 sq ft of signage | — | At least the building setback; maintain clear view triangle. | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.080(D), (F); 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Residential Sign (General cap for single-household and most residential signs) | Freestanding: 5 ft max height | 4 sq ft (apartments/public/religious institutional signs have higher allowances per code) | — | At least the building setback; maintain clear view triangle. | — | On the premises; not in public ROW | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.080(B)-(F); 17.93.250 |
| Institutional Wall Sign (Public/Educational/Religious) | Shall not project above the roof line | 50 sq ft per frontage | — | Mounted to building; otherwise general setbacks apply. | — | Entirely upon the premises of the institution | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.090(A)-(B); 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Institutional Ground Sign (Public/Educational/Religious) | Top no more than 5 ft above ground level | 50 sq ft per frontage | — | At least the building setback; maintain clear view triangle. | — | Entirely upon the premises of the institution | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.090(A)-(B); 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Institutional Sign (Nonprofit/Charitable/Private) in Residential | Freestanding signs: 5 ft max height | 4 sq ft | — | At least the building setback; maintain clear view triangle. | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.090(C); 17.93.080(B), (F); 17.93.250 |
Commercial Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, RC, SAR)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Fronting Highway) | 28 ft | Per lot: 256 sq ft; Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — | Set back per zone building setback; see C-4 special setbacks in C-4 zone entry. | — | Fronting a highway | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(A); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Wall Sign (Fronting Off-Highway) | 20 ft | Per lot: 160 sq ft; Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — | Set back per zone building setback. | — | Not fronting a highway | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(B); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Freestanding Sign (Fronting Highway) | 28 ft | Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — | Set back per zone building setback; maintain clear view triangle. | Primary frontage: 1 per lot; +1 if frontage >200 ft (second ≤50% height; 100 ft separation). Secondary frontage: 1 per additional frontage (≤50% height; 100 ft separation). | Fronting a highway; on private property | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(A); 17.93.150; 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Freestanding Sign (Fronting Off-Highway) | 20 ft | Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — | Set back per zone building setback; maintain clear view triangle. | Primary frontage: 1 per lot; +1 if frontage >200 ft (second ≤50% height; 100 ft separation). Secondary frontage: 1 per additional frontage (≤50% height; 100 ft separation). | Not fronting a highway | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.040(B); 17.93.150; 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Roof Sign (Commercial - General) | No more than 4 ft above wall line/top of exterior wall; not above roof peak; overall height cap: 28 ft (highway) or 20 ft (off-highway), per location | Per sign face: 160 sq ft | — | If classified as freestanding, must meet freestanding setbacks. | — | Mounted on/above roof | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.060(A)-(C); 17.93.040; 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.150; 17.93.250 |
| Projecting Sign (Commercial) | Max 28 ft or wall height, whichever is lower | 36 sq ft per face | — | — | — | Affixed to building; may project over public ROW only with insurance | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.050(A)-(C); 17.93.070; 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Suspended Sign (Commercial) | Max 28 ft or wall height, whichever is lower | 36 sq ft per face | — | — | — | Suspended under horizontal plane | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.050(A)-(B); 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
| Shopping Center/Office Complex Group Freestanding Sign | Per applicable frontage height limit (28 ft highway; 20 ft off-highway) | Up to total lot allowance | — | Set back per zone building setback; maintain clear view triangle. | 1 group freestanding sign per center/complex per lot | On the lot of record containing the shopping center/office complex | — | Unlock | MMC 17.93.170; 17.93.040; 17.93.150; 17.93.075; 17.93.250 |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Moab — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Moab — start freeProhibited Signs in Moab
- Lighted signs that flash, blink, create the appearance of movement, have moving light elements, or otherwise change brightness, color, or lighting intensity (including time/temperature signs) are prohibited.
- Electronic variable message signs (EVMS) and electronic/digital display technologies (LED, LCD, etc.) used as signs are prohibited.
- Real-time video projected on outdoor display screens, outdoor video projection screens, and outdoor LED or other display screens used as signs, including in windows, are prohibited.
- Parked vehicles with signs used primarily to direct attention to a business are prohibited (vehicles used regularly in daily business operations are excluded).
- No private sign may be placed on public rights-of-way.
- No private sign may be attached to public property or public utility poles.
- Signs are not permitted on benches or other public service fixtures, except bicycle racks; signs on bicycle racks may not exceed 1 square foot.
- Feather-type signs are prohibited unless secured to a permitted display apparatus.
- Signs may not block traffic visibility.
- External sign lighting that is unshielded is not allowed; sign lighting may not be directed beyond the sign face or be visible beyond property boundaries; all illuminated signs must have stationary, constant lighting and comply with permitted lighting hours.
- Internally illuminated signs may illuminate only sign text and logos; transparent or clear materials for sign text/logos are not allowed; nontext portions must be opaque.
- Illuminated window signs must be turned off when the business is closed.
- Nonconforming signs may not be moved to a new location, structurally altered, enlarged, or replaced unless brought into compliance.
Exempt Signs in Moab
- Public signs of a noncommercial nature erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of official duties (e.g., safety, danger, trespassing, traffic signs, memorial plaques, historical/informational signs).
- Integral signs (names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets, etc.) carved into stone, concrete, metal or similar permanent materials and made an integral part of the structure.
- Private traffic direction signs not exceeding 2 square feet per sign; horizontal directional signs flush with paved areas are exempt; only one exempt directional sign is allowed per frontage per lot.
- Service signs incidental to a lawful use (e.g., directions to parking, restrooms, entrances/exits) not exceeding 2 square feet.
- Name plates containing only the name and address of a resident.
- Temporary decorations or displays associated with national or local holiday celebrations for up to 90 days per year per lot.
- Nonbusiness temporary signs not more than 30 days per year and not exceeding 6 square feet (e.g., garage sale, puppies-for-sale, agricultural produce sales).
- Rear entrance signs associated with pedestrian walk-through buildings, flush-mounted, identifying only the establishment name and directional information, not exceeding 16 square feet.
- Menu signs at drive-in restaurants that are not readable from the nearest public right-of-way; signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or from any public right-of-way are exempt.
- Private warning or instructional signs (e.g., “No Soliciting,” “No Trespassing,” “Beware of Dog”) not exceeding 2 square feet per sign.
- Murals painted on or attached to building walls are exempt, except the lettering and logo portions of the mural.
- Pennants, window dressings, and window banners are exempt.
- Political campaign signs do not require a permit (subject to restrictions on display period, proximity to polling places, size limits by zone, and removal after election).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Moab
- A sign permit is required for the placement, construction, erection, or alteration of all signs unless the sign qualifies as an exempt sign or an identified temporary sign.
- Regardless of cost, no sign may be erected or placed without first obtaining a building permit, except temporary window and political posters, temporary signs pertaining to the sale of adjacent property, and nameplates for identification of an approved home occupation or professional office.
- Applications must include a comprehensive sign plan for the lot: detailed scaled drawings of all existing and proposed signs; the height of all signs; the square footage of each sign and the total combined square footage; a site plan showing street frontage, locations of buildings, parking lots, driveways, landscaped areas, and all existing and proposed signs (including wall, projecting, suspended, roof, freestanding, window signs, murals, flags, etc.); overall dimensions, design, structure, materials, proposed copy, and illumination specifications; and photographs of the lot.
- One application and permit may include multiple signs on the same lot.
- Sign owners must designate areas where temporary signs will be displayed; temporary signs displayed outside designated areas require a permit.
- Signs located within 660 feet of a federally designated highway must also conform to Utah State standards and regulations for such signs.
- Permit processing timelines: completeness review within 5 days of submittal and permit issuance within 15 days upon receipt of a complete, compliant application; inspections are required and permits become binding upon final inspection until changes are made or ownership changes.
- Renewal and registration: permits are intended to renew annually with business license renewal (automatic if no changes); all signs must be registered with the City within two years of adoption; nonconforming signs are recorded and subject to compliance limits.
- Appeal/variance: Any denial, conditions on a permit, notice of violation, or interpretation may be appealed or a variance sought before the appeal authority by filing within 30 calendar days; variances are limited to minor departures where extreme or unreasonable hardship or special site circumstances are shown, may not expand a nonconforming use, may carry conditions, run with the property, and lapse after 6 months of nonuse; the appeal authority renders a decision within 30 days.
Source: other municipal code