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 Department 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. Strong base material such as natural stone (e.g., basalt, granite, river stone), split face rusticated concrete block or brick. Cultured stone may be allowed if it has a stone texture and is similar in appearance and durability to natural stone. A sign’s base must extend at least 36 inches above the adjacent finished grade and wrap around all sides of the sign base.
2. Rectangular-shaped signs shall provide a metal or wood (or material having the appearance of metal or wood) frame a minimum of three inches wide around all sides of the sign area.
3. Exception: New freestanding signs in the C-1 Zoning 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 building from which the sign is related.

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. A banner may only be displayed for 60 consecutive days out of 90 consecutive days.

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 of a street or driveway 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;
4. Signs or sign structures determined by the building official to constitute a hazard to public safety;
5. Signs that rotate, reflect, flash, blink, fluctuate, or have chaser effects;
6. Signs placed on, affixed to, or painted on any motor vehicle, trailer or other mobile structure not registered, licensed and insured for use on public highways;
7. Benches with a commercially available space for advertising;
8. Signs located on or above public rights-of-way without written consent from applicable jurisdiction;
9. Roof signs (signs erected upon, against or directly above a roof or parapet of a building); and,
10. Attention attracting devices, flags, balloons, windsocks, pennants, and other wind-activated devices.

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