Sign Regulations in South Salt Lake City, Utah
South Salt Lake City, Utah has specific sign regulations covering 40 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Off‑Premise Business Directional Sign (special exception), Wall Sign, Nameplate Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for South Salt Lake City, Utah
Sample Sign Requirements in South Salt Lake City
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marquee and Marquee Signs (business/industrial districts) | Marquee face thickness ≤ 6 ft; combined marquee + sign vertical dimension ≤ 10 ft; sign letters ≤ 4 ft tall | — | — |
| Electric Awning Sign | Minimum clearance 8 ft above grade | — | — |
| Temporary Sign (business/industrial districts) | No specific maximum set by ordinance | No specific maximum set by ordinance | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for South Salt Lake CityFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
40
- Off‑Premise Business Directional Sign (special exception)
- Wall Sign
- Nameplate Sign
- Painted Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for South Salt Lake City
Other Cities in Utah
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in South Salt Lake City vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in South Salt Lake City, 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 South Salt Lake City, regulated sign types include Off‑Premise Business Directional Sign (special exception), Wall Sign, Nameplate Sign, Painted Wall Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in South Salt Lake City vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in South Salt Lake City are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. South Salt Lake City has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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South Salt Lake City, Utah Sign Rules at a Glance
South Salt Lake City, Utah regulates 40 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Detached On‑Premise Sign (Pole or Ground)s in the Commercial and Industrial Districts; Commercial Corridor (CC) district; Commercial General (CG) district; Light Industrial (LI) district zoning district are capped at 35 ft maximum (pole/ground signs) tall and 200 sq ft maximum per sign (except as modified for Freeway‑oriented; and subject to adjacent‑to‑residential limits), with a 5 ft plus 1 additional ft for each ft of height over 25 ft; must meet clear view requirements setback (Sec. 17.08.330(C)(1)-(3); 17.08.150; 17.08.350(B); 17.08.410(A)-(D)). Most commercial signs in South Salt Lake City require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for South Salt Lake City, Utah
Sign Rules by Zoning District in South Salt Lake City (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | Minimum clearance 8 ft above grade | 32 sq ft maximum | — |
| Residential Districts | 5 | 6 ft maximum (unless otherwise specifically allowed) | 16 sq ft maximum | — |
| Commercial and Industrial Districts; Commercial Corridor (CC) district; Commercial General (CG) district; Light Industrial (LI) district | 9 | 35 ft maximum (pole/ground signs) | Along freeways: ≤675 sq ft (≤60 ft W x ≤20 ft H) exclusive of embellishments; other locations: ≤300 sq ft (≤25 ft W x ≤15 ft H) exclusive of embellishments | — |
| Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) district | 3 | 6 ft maximum | Per applicable attached sign standards (e.g., 3 sq ft/ft building frontage) as applied by PC | — |
| Historic and Landmark (HL) district | 1 | — | — | — |
| DT - Downtown Mixed Use Subdistricts, Retail Subdistricts | 11 | 35 feet | 300 square feet | — |
| DT - Downtown - Station Area Subdistrict | 10 | 10 feet minimum clearance to ground plane | 150 square feet | — |
| Crossing MPMU district | 2 | — | — | — |
| Riverfront MPMU district | 2 | Per applicable low‑profile/monument standards (generally 6 ft unless otherwise approved) | Per Chapter 17.08 attached sign standards (e.g., 3 sq ft/ft building frontage; 150 sq ft per sign) | — |
| Localized Alternative Sign District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in South Salt Lake City(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
Commercial and Industrial Districts; Commercial Corridor (CC) district; Commercial General (CG) district; Light Industrial (LI) district
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached On‑Premise Sign (Pole or Ground) | 35 ft maximum (pole/ground signs) | 200 sq ft maximum per sign (except as modified for Freeway‑oriented; and subject to adjacent‑to‑residential limits) | — | Minimum 5 ft from any property line; frontage setbacks: 5 ft plus 1 additional ft for each ft of height over 25 ft; must meet clear view requirements | Any number, provided total area does not exceed formula maximums | Anywhere on the parcel, subject to setbacks and clear view requirements; detached signs must be in a landscaped area. | — | Unlock | 17.08.330(C)(1)-(3); 17.08.150; 17.08.350(B); 17.08.410(A)-(D) |
| Freeway‑Oriented Detached Sign (Conditional Use) | May be allowed greater heights up to 25 ft above the grade of the adjacent freeway or barrier wall | Up to 300 sq ft (if PC finds conditions warrant) | — | Same as pole/ground signs (≥5 ft; plus 1 ft per ft over 25 ft on frontage) | — | On‑premise; within 300 ft of freeway corridor | — | Unlock | 17.08.330(D)(1)-(4); 17.08.350(C); 17.08.410(A)-(B) |
| Low‑Profile Sign (Monument) | 6 ft maximum | — | — | Minimum 1 ft from property line | — | Must be incorporated into a landscaped area; cannot cross property line; must meet clear view requirements | — | Unlock | 17.08.330(I)(1)-(5); 17.08.150; 17.08.350(D) |
| Attached On‑Premise Signs (Wall/Projecting/Awning/Window, etc.) | Must comply with attached sign height rules (e.g., flat signs ≤2 ft above roof/parapet; awnings not above 2nd floor; projecting not above top of vertical wall; window signs not above 2nd floor) | Any one sign ≤ 150 sq ft (larger by special exception only) | — | — | Multiple permitted within total area limit | On building facades | — | Unlock | 17.08.330(E)(1)-(3); 17.08.350(G) |
| Roof Sign (Special Exception) | Sign face height ≤ 20% of building height or 10 ft (whichever less); not to exceed district maximum height | — | — | — | — | On roof/parapet subject to special exception | — | Unlock | 17.08.330(J)(1)-(7) |
| Menu Board (Drive‑in/Drive‑through) | — | — | — | ≥20 ft from street property line | Max 2 per business | Must be located ≥20 ft from street property line | — | Unlock | 17.08.330(K) |
| Billboard (CC, CG, LI only) | ≤35 ft above existing grade; if within 100 ft of freeway and grades differ, may be ≤25 ft above freeway pavement/barrier wall at that location | Along freeways: ≤675 sq ft (≤60 ft W x ≤20 ft H) exclusive of embellishments; other locations: ≤300 sq ft (≤25 ft W x ≤15 ft H) exclusive of embellishments | — | Min 5 ft from all property lines; frontage setback 5 ft + 1 ft per foot over 25 ft height | — | Allowed only in CC, CG, LI; prohibited in specified areas (e.g., within 150 ft of any residential use; within 150 ft of I‑15/I‑80 interchange box; within 500 ft of specified interchanges; east of 200 E; within TOD except specified relocation corridors). | — | Unlock | 17.08.540(A)-(B); 17.08.550(A)-(G); 17.08.530; 17.08.350(B), 17.08.360(C); 17.08.520 |
| Off‑Premise Business Directional Sign (special exception) | 4 ft (unless on shared pole) | 32 sq ft maximum | — | ≥5 ft behind ROW | — | On private property ≥5 ft behind ROW | — | Unlock | 17.08.470(A) |
DT - Downtown Mixed Use Subdistricts, Retail Subdistricts
| 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 | 3 feet maximum letter or element height | 150 square feet per sign | — | — | 1 per building frontage | Permitted on all facades facing a public ROW | — | Unlock | 9.3 Table 9.3 (1) |
| Nameplate Sign | 3 feet maximum letter or element height | 3 square feet maximum per use | — | — | Per use | Permitted on all facades facing a public ROW | — | Unlock | 9.3.2 (4) |
| Projecting Marquee Sign | 10 feet minimum clearance to ground plane | No maximum area | — | — | 1 per lot | Front and corner side facades only | — | Unlock | 9.5 Table 9.5 (1) |
| Canopy-Mounted Sign | 2 feet maximum letter or element height; Cannot project more than 2 feet above roof line of canopy | 150 square feet | — | — | 1 per tenant per public street and S-Line frontage; 1 per tenant per side or rear on parking lot | Permitted on all facades | — | Unlock | 9.7 Table 9.7 (1) |
| Roof Sign | 3 feet 6 inches maximum height of letters and elements; Cannot project more than 4 feet above roof line or parapet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | Above parapet or eave of roof on any building | — | Unlock | 9.8 Table 9.8 (1) |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 50 square feet | — | 10 feet from driveways and side property line; 3 feet from front and corner property lines; If <5 feet from front/corner, meet clear view requirements | 1 per public frontage; Up to 2 for multiple tenants on wide lots | Front or side yard | — | Unlock | 9.10 Table 9.10 (1) |
| Pedestrian Scale Pole-Mounted Sign | 8 feet maximum for single pole mount or hanging; 5 feet for double pole mount; Poles maximum 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches | 8 square feet per sign face | — | 2 feet from front and corner property lines; Cannot overhang property lines | 1 per lot | Front or corner yards | — | Unlock | 9.11 Table 9.11 (1) |
| Development Oriented Sign | 35 feet | 300 square feet | — | 2 feet from front and corner property lines | 1 per development | Front or corner yards | — | Unlock | 9.12 Table 9.12 (1) |
DT - Downtown - Station Area Subdistrict
| 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 | 3 feet maximum letter or element height | — | — | — | 1 per building frontage | Permitted on all facades facing a public ROW | — | Unlock | 9.3 Table 9.3 (1) |
| Nameplate Sign | 3 feet maximum letter or element height | 3 square feet maximum per use | — | — | Per use | Permitted on all facades facing a public ROW | — | Unlock | 9.3.2 (4) |
| Painted Wall Sign | 3 feet maximum letter or element height | — | — | — | 1 per building frontage | Permitted on all facades facing a public ROW | — | Unlock | 9.3.2 (3) |
| Projecting Marquee Sign | 10 feet minimum clearance to ground plane | No maximum area | — | — | 1 per lot | Front and corner side facades only | — | Unlock | 9.5 Table 9.5 (1) |
| Canopy-Mounted Sign | 2 feet maximum letter or element height; Cannot project more than 2 feet above roof line of canopy | 150 square feet | — | — | 1 per tenant per public street and S-Line frontage; 1 per tenant per side or rear on parking lot | Permitted on all facades | — | Unlock | 9.7 Table 9.7 (1) |
| Roof Sign | 3 feet 6 inches maximum height of letters and elements; Cannot project more than 4 feet above roof line or parapet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | Above parapet or eave of roof on any building | — | Unlock | 9.8 Table 9.8 (1) |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 50 square feet | — | 10 feet from driveways and side property line; 3 feet from front and corner property lines; If <5 feet from front/corner, meet clear view requirements | 1 per public frontage; Up to 2 for multiple tenants on wide lots | Front or side yard | — | Unlock | 9.10 Table 9.10 (1) |
| Pedestrian Scale Pole-Mounted Sign | 8 feet maximum for single pole mount or hanging; 5 feet for double pole mount; Poles maximum 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches | 8 square feet per sign face | — | 2 feet from front and corner property lines; Cannot overhang property lines | 1 per lot | Front or corner yards | — | Unlock | 9.11 Table 9.11 (1) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in South Salt Lake City — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for South Salt Lake City — start freeProhibited Signs in South Salt Lake City
- No sign may be erected, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, located, moved, or altered except in conformity with Chapter 17.08.
- Signs that obstruct clear vision, interfere with or are confused with traffic control devices, block driveway ingress/egress visibility, impede pedestrian or vehicular movement, or otherwise create safety hazards are prohibited.
- No sign may be located on or over publicly owned land or within a street right‑of‑way without authorization by the City and required insurance.
- Animated signs are prohibited, except as allowed as electronic display signs and excluding public service signs; intensely lighted signs that constitute a nuisance or traffic hazard are prohibited.
- Moving signs that rotate or repeat a pattern of motion more than eight times per 60 seconds are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited unless approved as a special exception or specifically authorized by a development agreement; public‑safety location numbers visible from airways are excepted.
- Tacked, painted, pasted, or otherwise affixed miscellaneous posters/signs visible from a public way on building walls, trees, poles, posts, fences, or similar structures are prohibited unless expressly allowed.
- Snipe signs are prohibited except when posted by a government agency.
- A‑frame, pedestal, and other portable signs are prohibited unless allowed as a limited temporary special exception.
- Portable trailer signs and flashing signs are prohibited.
- Flashing or scintillating lights on or as part of a sign are prohibited.
- Spotlights used for signs are prohibited unless approved as a special exception.
- Parking any vehicle or trailer with an attached or placed advertising sign for the basic purpose of advertising is prohibited (limited exceptions apply for business vehicles with location/parking restrictions).
- Signs or advertising devices that emit audible sound, odor, or visible substance are prohibited.
- Painted wall signs are prohibited unless approved as a special exception.
- Sign components, including frames, bracing, and supports, may not be constructed of reflective surfaces.
- For externally illuminated signs, the light source may not be directly visible from a public right‑of‑way or from any residential area within 300 feet; lighting that causes a nuisance or traffic hazard is prohibited.
- Signs may not interfere with fire escapes, exits, standpipes, or reduce required light/ventilation below code.
- No sign may project into public alleys; detached signs may not project over property lines; signs over sidewalks or public rights‑of‑way must maintain required clearances.
- Detached signs must be located within a landscaped area; detached signs not in a landscaped area are prohibited.
- Detached signs are prohibited in flood hazard areas unless approved as a special exception and constructed to withstand flood hazards.
- Signs identifying a discontinued use must be removed within 30 days of discontinuance.
Exempt Signs in South Salt Lake City
- On‑site directional or instructional signs (e.g., restrooms, parking entrance/exit) that do not exceed 4 square feet in area or 4 feet in height.
- Memorial signs or tablets, building names, and dates when embedded or cut into a building surface or facade.
- Official public notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties.
- Governmental signs for traffic control and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and public service company safety/aids signs.
- Real estate signs that are temporary, not attached to signs/light poles/trees/other items, not placed on roofs, and not placed on road pavement, sidewalks, gutters, or park strips.
- Flags (national/political subdivision) up to 72 square feet in size unless larger is allowed by special exception.
- Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious/historical agencies placed flat against a building or on low‑profile signs, not exceeding 4 square feet.
- Interior signs located within a building or stadium, or within an enclosed lobby/court, and signs within theater lobbies/courts/entrances.
- Temporary event signs (civic, philanthropic, educational, religious) not exceeding 64 square feet, posted only during the drive/event and removed within 15 days after.
- House numbers and building numbers; one per street address; building number sign size limited to no more than 2% of the facade on which located.
- Political and campaign signs for candidates or ballot measures, provided they are not roof signs, do not create safety/visibility problems, and are not placed on utility poles, street signs, or in public rights‑of‑way.
- Holiday decorations of a decorative nature customary to holidays, of any type/number/area/illumination, placed consistent with traffic safety standards.
- Building plaque sign: one per address, not exceeding 4 square feet.
- Building security signs: each sign face no more than 1 square foot; no more than 4 per lot.
- Gas pump signs integral to the pump.
- Public event signs and banners authorized by the City for a specific event.
- Routine sign maintenance or changing of replaceable copy/lettering or changes without electrical/structural modification.
- Private warning signs up to 6 square feet; limited to one per parcel unless a special exception is obtained.
- Incidental signs.
- Signs specifically authorized by a development agreement executed as a condition precedent to a rezone.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for South Salt Lake City
- A sign permit from the Community Development Department is required for all signs unless specifically exempt or qualifying temporary signs; permits are issued only to state‑licensed contractors, expire in 90 days if not completed, and work started before a permit incurs double fees.
- Applications for sign permits expire if inactive for 60 days (extendable up to 90 days for cause); permits and applications are non‑transferable.
- Signs on or over public property or within rights‑of‑way require Community Development Department approval and a certificate of insurance naming the City as insured (with 30‑day cancellation notice); such permits are revocable.
- All signs are subject to the City’s design review standards; landscaped areas for detached signs are also subject to design review.
- Electronic Message Centers require a Conditional Use Permit (Planning Commission approval) in all districts.
- Freeway‑oriented detached on‑premise signs require a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission.
- All signs within the Transit‑Oriented Development (TOD) district are conditional and must be approved by the Planning Commission.
- Off‑premise business directional signs may be granted by the Community Development Department as a special exception; special purpose directional signs may also be granted as a special exception by the Department; off‑premise advertising signs that are not billboards may be approved only as a Planning Commission special exception.
- Special Use Signs (neighborhood identification, construction, subdivision/development, non‑exempt on‑site directional/instructional) are approved case‑by‑case by the Community Development Department; subdivision/development signs are time‑limited and may be renewed.
- A Localized Alternative Sign District (overlay) may be established for large centers/campuses via a Planning Commission special‑exception process with a public hearing; once adopted, its sign regulations govern the area and any changes require a new application (functions like a master sign plan).
- In the Historic and Landmark district, any sign on a structure or property requires a Design Review Certificate from the Historic and Landmark Commission before a building permit or commencement of work.
- Some master‑planned mixed‑use districts include site‑specific signage standards or exhibits (e.g., Crossing Development Site Signage exhibit); within those areas, signage must comply with the adopted plan and the City code except as expressly provided.
- Billboard relocation to specified corridors and freeway‑oriented billboard heights require Planning Commission Conditional Use approval; all billboard construction, modification, or relocation requires permits and must comply with citywide billboard caps.
- Temporary signs are allowed without a permit but their display durations and other limits are set and may be adjusted by the Community Development Department.
- Appeals of administrative sign decisions (including illumination nuisance determinations) proceed as provided in Title 17 (to the Administrative Law Judge); special exceptions are reviewed by the Planning Commission under Conditional Use procedures.
Source: municode municipal code