Council adopts broad update to sign code, reinstates small A‑frame signs in downtown

Springville City Council approved an updated sign ordinance that expands permitted sign types downtown and across commercial districts while setting size, placement and lighting limits.

Staff told the council the update was prompted in part by requests from developers and local businesses (including a recent package from Wavetronix for Hobble Creek Square) and that the changes were designed to allow historically inspired signage and increase pedestrian interest without creating visual clutter. Key elements adopted include permission for one attended A‑frame portable sign per ground‑level business (with size limits, a six‑foot pedestrian clearance and restrictions to on‑premise messages), a new vertical blade/projecting‑sign category with limits on projection and clearances, and guidelines for projecting storefront signs, including static (non‑animated) lighting that must be shielded and directed only onto the sign.

Council members pressed staff to clarify frontage language for A‑frames (how ‘fronting a public street’ is defined) and to set a workable proximity threshold for businesses whose primary door is not immediately street‑facing. Staff and council agreed to strike a narrower paragraph and adopt a proximity‑based standard (100 feet in the amended language) to accommodate setback storefronts while still protecting pedestrian circulation and the public right‑of‑way.

A small maximum cabinet depth (cited at about 6 inches) and a prohibition on electronic/changeable message signs for projecting signs were also included. Staff said hangings or projecting signs over right‑of‑way will require a hold‑harmless agreement with the city.

The council moved to approve the ordinance as amended (Ordinance 07‑2022); after a roll‑call vote the measure passed. Staff will return a cleaned‑up ordinance that incorporates the council’s in‑meeting edits for final codification.