Sign Regulations: Commercial and Industrial

This page contains basic information about the City of Sandy's sign code and is intended to serve as a quick reference guide for our local commercial and non-profit organizations. 

For specific questions pertaining to sign code (i.e. sign specifications, zone requirements, etc.), we strongly recommend contacting the following City staff for additional clarification:

• Building Division at: building@cityofsandy.com or by calling (503) 489-2173 

Permanent Signs - Permits Required

All wall, projecting, freestanding, integrated business center, panel changes and A-frame signs within the City Limits are regulated through Chapter 15.32 of the Sandy Municipal Code and require a permit. Limitations on types of signs are based on zoning districts, sizes, location, and quantities permitted.

Materials to be submitted:

1. completed sign permit application form 
2. two sets – plot plan, elevation drawings with measurements, materials, attaching hardware information 
3. wall measurements if signs will be wall-mounted
4. written approval from property owner

Design Standards

All new freestanding signs related to buildings that require conformance with the Sandy Style Design Standards of Chapter 17.90 shall comply with the following design standards:

1. A sign's base must extend at least 36 inches above the adjacent finished grade and wrap around all sides of the sign structure. The base shall consist of natural stone (e.g., basalt, granite, river stone), split face rusticated concrete block, or brick. Cultured stone is allowed if it has a stone texture and is similar in appearance to natural stone.

2. Rectangular-shaped signs shall provide a metal or wood (or material having the appearance of metal or wood) frame a minimum of two inches wide around all sides of the sign face.

3. Exception: New freestanding signs in the C-1 district and located within the Downtown Exception areas (as identified in Chapter 17.90.10(F)) are exempt from these design standards and shall complement the architectural design of the primary building on the site.

Temporary Signs - Self-Issuing Permit

All temporary signs in commercial or industrial zones in the City of Sandy must have a sign permit. Temporary signs include all signs that do not have a permanent sign permit. When applying for a temporary sign permit, you do not need to wait for confirmation to display your sign; this is a self-issuing permit.

One freestanding or on-building temporary sign is allowed per business, except that integrated business centers are allowed one freestanding temporary sign for each permanent freestanding sign that exists on the property.

The maximum height of a freestanding temporary sign is 6 feet.

The maximum area of a temporary sign is 32 square feet.

Duration: A temporary sign may only be displayed for 180 consecutive days in any calendar year for each business.

Signs may not be located on or above public rights-of-way.

Attention attracting devices, flags, balloons, windsocks, pennants, streamers, valances, spinners, spirals, and other wind activated devices, including propellors are not allowed.

Prohibited Signs

1. Signs that obstruct the vision clearance area, as defined by Section 17.74.30. of the Sandy Municipal Code, of a street or alley intersection.

2. Signs that obstruct ingress or egress through any door, window, fire escape, standpipe, or like facility, required or designated for safety or emergency use.

3. Signs that may be confused with public traffic signs or highway identification signs, or graphically appear similar to these types of signs, or signs that may mislead or confuse vehicle operators.

4. Signs that rotate, reflect, flash, blink, fluctuate, or have chaser effects (a "rotating signs" has sign faces or portions of a sign face which revolve around a central axis).

5. Except for an approved food cart sign, signs placed on, affixed to, or painted on any motor vehicle, trailer, or other mobile structure, that are not registered, licensed, and insured for use on public highways and/or parked with the primary purpose of providing a sign not otherwise allowed by this chapter.

6. Signs on benches.

7. Signs located on or above public rights-of-way without written consent of the applicable jurisdiction. This includes, but is not limited to, posters or notices on utility poles, signs in planter strips, etc.

8. Roof signs (signs erected upon, against or directly above a roof, or on the top of or above the parapet of a building), including on food carts.

9. Attention attracting devices, including but not limited to flags not in compliance with Section 15.32.050, feather signs, balloons, windsocks, pennants, streamers, valances, spinners, spirals and other wind-activated devices including propellers.

For more information, please contact the Building Division at building@cityofsandy.com.