The following provisions shall apply to all signs:
(1) 
Minimum Side Yard Setback. Signs shall not be constructed in or project into any required side yard in any zone. Where no side yard is required, signs shall not be located closer than five feet from the property line unless otherwise stated herein.
(2) 
Maintenance. Signs, sign structures, and the areas around sign bases shall be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe and attractive condition. This includes the replacement of defective parts, repainting, cleaning and other acts for proper maintenance. The ground space within a radius of five feet from the base of any sign shall be kept free and clear of all weeds, trash and flammable material. "Sign maintenance" does not mean altering a sign in any way without a sign permit.
(3) 
Repair of Building Facade. Any building facade from which a sign is removed or on which a sign is repaired, changed or replaced shall be repaired, if damaged, within 30 calendar days of removing the sign from the building.
(4) 
Highway Frontage. Limited access highway frontage shall not be considered frontage for purposes of this chapter.
(5) 
Clear Vision Zone. Any sign located in a clear vision area shall maintain required clearances as specified in this section. For traffic safety, signs exceeding three feet in height shall not be located within the triangular area formed by street curb lines (or where curb lines would exist) and a line connecting them at points 40 feet from intersection of street curb lines (or where curb lines would exist). A sign shall not be erected within 10 feet of any drive aisle or point of access to a street.
(6) 
Minimum Clearance of Signs. Where pedestrian traffic is anticipated near a sign, minimum clearance of not less than 10 feet shall be maintained from the bottom edge of a projecting sign, suspended sign, pole sign, billboard or any similar sign to the final grade beneath the sign. The minimum clearance for signs near driveways or parking areas shall be 14 feet. Signs shall be located not less than six feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors. The term "overhead conductors" as used in this subsection means any electrical conductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the ground, except such conductors as are enclosed in iron pipe or other material covering of equal strength.
(7) 
Construction. All signs shall be constructed of durable, low-maintenance materials. The area around all freestanding signs shall be landscaped. All wiring and similar components shall be concealed.
(8) 
Illumination. External or internal lighting or backlighting shall be allowed for illuminated signs.
(9) 
Urban Design Standards. All signs shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following guidelines:
(a) 
Signs shall be designed to incorporate colors, materials, and architectural design that are compatible with the development that they serve. The supports or base of signs shall complement the overall design scheme or shall be enclosed with architectural coverings;
(b) 
Sign locations should be integrated with other elements on the site and the adjacent streetscape:
(i) 
Signs shall not be located so as to obscure signs on adjacent sites;
(ii) 
Signs shall not be placed in an area that can confuse motorists and pedestrians and cause potential safety hazards;
(iii) 
Traffic directional signs should be placed to promote safe and efficient traffic flow; and
(iv) 
Signs should be oriented to promote readability and serve their intended function; and
(c) 
Although landscaping may not initially appear to obscure a sign, it may significantly reduce or eliminate the sign's effectiveness unless taken into account in the planning stage. Signs should be placed so they are not obscured by landscaping when it has reached full maturity.
(Code 1997 § 12-322-101; Ord. 08-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 12-04 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 16-08 § 1 (Exh. A))
(1) 
Signs permitted are designated with a "P"; signs permitted by conditional use only are designated with a "C." A sign which shows no designation is not permitted within the applicable zoning district. In this subsection (1), an "*" denotes nonresidential uses only.
Sign Type
Zoning District
A-Frame Sign
Animated Sign
Awning Sign
Bench Sign
Changeable Copy Sign
Directional Sign
Directory Sign
Electronic/LED
Freeway-Oriented Sign
Historic Marker
Inflated Display Sign
Kiosk Sign
Monument Sign
Nameplate Sign
Neighborhood Entryway Monument Sign
Neighborhood Entryway Sign
Off-Premises Development Sign
Pole Sign
Pylon Sign, Minor
Pylon Sign, Major
Sculptured Sign
Suspended Sign
Temporary Promotional Sign
Wall Sign
A Zones
P
C*
P
C*
P
C
P*
C
R-1 Zone
P
C*
P
C*
P
C
P
C
P*
RR-22 Zone
P
C*
P
C*
P
C
P
P
P*
R-2 Zone
P
C*
P
C*
P
C
P
C
P*
R-3 Zone
P
P
C*
P
C*
P
C
P
C
P*
R-4 Zone
P
P
C*
P
C*
P
C
P
C
P*
RM-6 Zone
P
P
C*
P
C
P
C
P
C
P
RM-8 Zone
P
P
C*
P
C
P
C
P
C
P
RM-12 Zone
P
P
C*
P
C
P
C
P
C
P
RM-18 Zone
P
P
C*
P
C
P
C
P
C
P
C-N Zone
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
P
C-PO Zone
P
C
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
C
P*
P
C-G Zone
P
C
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
P
P
C-D Zone
P
C
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
P
P
C-R Zone
P
C
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
P
P
PCC Zone
P
C
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
P
P
M Zone
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
P
P-OS Zone
C
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
(2) 
Sign Standards.
SIGN TYPE
SIGN STANDARDS
Maximum Area (square feet)
Max. Height/Projection
Density
Spacing
Front Setback
A-frame signs*
10 s.f. per sign face with a maximum of two sign faces
Height: 4 feet
One per business
75 feet from any other sign
Signs must be within 20 feet of the primary entrance to the business
Animated signs
Integrated in the design of another approved sign and not to exceed 25% of the area of such sign
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Awning signs*
Sign: 25% of the building facade
Copy or design: 25% of the awning area
Height: 5 feet
Projection: 3 feet or less than 33% of window height
N/A
N/A
Awnings shall not project into any public R.O.W.
Changeable copy signs*
Integrated with another approved sign and not to exceed 30% of the area of such sign
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Directional signs*
6
Height: 6 feet
See spacing
50 feet from any other freestanding sign
Public use directional signs may be located within public rights-of-way
Other directional signs: 18 inches
Directory signs*
50
Height: 10 feet
One for each primary entrance into a commercial, industrial or office complex
N/A
10 feet
Electronic/LED
Integrated with another approved sign up to 50% of sign area
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Flags/blade signs
N/A
Height: Maximum 15 feet
Allowed in groups of three
25 feet from any other freestanding sign
May not extend into or over any public right-of-way or parking area
Freeway-oriented signs*, **
950
For master planned developments having 5,000 l.f. or more of frontage on a freeway, not more than one sign may be up to 1,500 s.f., including the area of any shopping center logo
Height: 50 feet
For master planned developments having 5,000 l.f. or more of frontage on a freeway, not more than one sign may be up to 72 feet in height
See spacing
One sign for each 1,000 feet of highway frontage
N/A
Historical markers*
8
Height: 6 feet
N/A
N/A
10 feet
Inflated sign display*
N/A
Height: 25 feet
One per commercial complex or one for each business not located in a commercial complex
200 feet from any other freestanding sign
In compliance with setbacks of the zone in which the sign is located.
Kiosk sign*
Overall kiosk sign: 12 feet x 4 feet 6 inches
Sign panels: 1 foot x 4 feet
Height: 12 feet
N/A
300 feet from any other kiosk sign, 50 feet from any other freestanding sign
N/A
Monument signs
50 60 for city signs on public property
Height: All monument signs shall sit on a base not less than 2 feet in height. The sign itself shall not exceed 6 feet. The cumulative height of a monument sign shall not exceed 8 feet. In the C-D zone, the maximum height shall be 6 feet, measured from the nearest sidewalk elevation.
One per eligible development. One additional sign may be obtained for eligible development with frontage on 2 or more streets. The second monument sign must be located on the secondary frontage.
Not less than 100 feet from any other freestanding sign.
On secondary side streets, a monument sign shall not be placed within 200 feet of any residential zone or use.
18 inches
Neighbor-hood entryway monument sign*
20
Height: 4 feet above grade or 6 feet above the elevation of the nearest sidewalk, whichever is greater
2 per main entrance along collector and arterial streets for each planned development and subdivision
50 feet from any other monument sign, 100 feet from any other entrance or pole sign
20 feet
Neighbor-hood entryway sign*
20
Height: incorporated into a wall to assume the approved wall height
2 per main entrance along collector and arterial streets
50 feet from any other neighborhood entryway sign, 100 feet from any other monument or pole sign
10 feet, outside of clear vision area
Off-premises develop-ment signs*
32
Height: 8 feet
One sign per 25 residential units in a development, maximum 2 signs
50 feet from any other freestanding sign or structure
18 inches
Pole signs*
80% of the street frontage of the lot upon which the sign will be located up to a maximum of 200 square feet
Height: 25 feet
One sign per nonresidential development which is developed on a site equal to or greater than 5 acres in size. One additional sign may be obtained for eligible nonresidential developments with frontage on 2 or more streets.
200 feet from any other pole sign, 150 feet from any monument sign, and 50 feet from any other freestanding sign
18 inches
Pylon sign, minor
64
Height: 12 feet
Approved as an element of a sign development plan for an approved commercial development of at least 20 acres
Not less than 150 feet from any other freestanding sign within the same development
18 inches
Pylon sign, major
200
Height: 25 feet
Approved as an element of a sign development plan for an approved commercial development of at least 20 acres
200 feet from any other pylon sign or pole sign within the same development, 150 feet from any monument sign within the same development, and 75 feet from any other freestanding sign within the same development
18 inches
Sculptured signs
As approved by planning commission
Height: 8 feet above grade or 10 feet above the elevation of the nearest sidewalk, whichever is greater
N/A
N/A
10 feet
Suspended signs
4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Temporary promotional signs*
Wall banners: 30 s.f.
Freestanding signs: 50 s.f.
Wall banners: N/A
Freestanding sign height: 8 feet
Wall banners: One per business plus one additional banner for a business located in a building having a front face of 150 l.f. or more
Freestanding signs: One per business. Sign shall be securely attached to the ground.
Wall banners: N/A
Freestanding signs: 50 feet from any other freestanding sign
Wall banners shall be securely attached to the building facade.
Freestanding signs: 18 inches
Searchlights: 50 feet from the edge of any street pavement
Wall signs*
15% of facade for primary wall sign. Two secondary wall signs: up to 30 s.f. each
Height: N/A
Projection from building: not more than 18 inches
Allowed primary wall sign area may be divided into multiple signs on the same facade
N/A
N/A
Notes:
* This section is subject to exceptions and qualifications in RCC § 18.150.120.
** No more than one sign per development, with a minimum of 20 acres and 1,000 feet of contiguous frontage on a freeway, required. In addition, a minimum of 300 feet between freeway signs, and a minimum separation of 100 feet from any other freestanding sign, is required.
(Code 1997 § 12-322-102; Ord. 08-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 09-05 §§ 1 – 3; Ord. 11-08 § 1(C), (D); Ord. 12-04 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 16-08 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 18-34 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 20-01 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 20-16 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 20-17 § 1 (Exh. A))
(1) 
Awning Signs. Awning signs may be displayed, but striping shall not consist of more than one color (including black and white). The background shall not be considered design space.
(2) 
Bus Bench Signs and Bus Shelter Signs. Signs on bus benches and bus shelters are not permitted.
(3) 
Directional Signs.
(a) 
Off-premises private directional signs are permissible only in cases where, due to its unusual location, a business is not easily seen from or is not located near a street.
(b) 
Private directional signs shall contain only the name or logo of an establishment or directions such as "parking," "drive-thru," or "exit."
(4) 
Freeway-Oriented Signs. Freeway-oriented signs shall be designed with architecture and materials consistent with the approved site and structures. A minimum of the lower one-fourth of the height of the sign shall consist of masonry such as brick, or stone with color and material to match approved building architecture of the site.
(5) 
Historical Monuments and Markers. Monuments or markers designating historic sites may be constructed in all zones with planning commission approval. Historic monuments and markers shall be constructed of masonry or noncorrodible metal materials or other materials as approved by the planning commission.
(6) 
Home Occupation Signs. Home occupation nameplate signs shall be limited to one unanimated, nonilluminated wall sign for each street upon which the dwelling fronts. The sign shall not have an area greater than four square feet, except on arterial and collector streets, where signage shall not have an area greater than eight square feet. Minimal mailbox identification is permitted.
(7) 
Inflated Sign Displays.
(a) 
Display Period. Inflated signs may be displayed for no longer than 14 consecutive days per calendar quarter and no longer than 30 days during a grand opening.
(b) 
Safety. Inflated signs shall be placed upon and securely tethered to the ground, and shall be located in a manner that they shall not obstruct the use of public rights-of-way or otherwise constitute a safety hazard. Flammable gases shall not be utilized for inflated signs. Use of flammable gases shall constitute a hazard, subject to the immediate removal provisions of Article V of this chapter.
(8) 
Monument Signs.
(a) 
Height. The height of a monument sign may vary depending on the grading of landscaping upon which the sign is located. However, the combined height of the sign plus any landscape berming shall not exceed eight feet above the elevation of the nearest sidewalk. In order for this result to occur, the entire frontage of the site which the sign serves, not just the sign location, must have berming incorporated into the landscape design.
(b) 
Construction. A monument sign shall be constructed of brick or masonry materials which match the buildings identified by the monument sign, and shall be designed to be harmonious with the building architecture.
(c) 
Fencing. Where a monument sign is permitted, signage can be incorporated into existing or proposed masonry fencing, provided the following requirements are met, as approved by Riverton City in a sign permit application:
(i) 
The sign area and height, including the height of the fence, are compliant with the requirements of this title. An allowed exception to this is proximity to property line, provided the signage does not extend over or beyond the property line.
(ii) 
Signage is limited to a single instance on the fencing, and constitutes the permitted monument signage for a site.
(iii) 
Signage incorporated into fencing shall be consistent with subsection (8)(b) of this section. Signage must be incorporated into the fence or otherwise permanently attached in compliance with the International Building Code and other applicable standards, and the signage may not include exposed electrical wiring or systems.
(iv) 
Signage must be completely removed prior to issuance of any other monument sign permits for the site.
(v) 
Fencing incorporating signage must be compliant with Chapter 18.155 RCC.
(9) 
Off-Premises Development Signs.
(a) 
Sign Density Interpretation. The density standard of one sign per 25 residential units shall mean the following: One sign is allowed for a development with up to 25 residential units, an additional sign is allowed for a development with between 26 and 50 residential units, and so forth, with a maximum of three signs.
(b) 
Illumination. Off-premises construction or development signs shall not be illuminated.
(c) 
Display Period. Signs must be removed within one year from the date of issuance of the last building permit within a development. Signs may not be modified to advertise other developments, or general advertising for a developer.
(10) 
Pole Signs. Notwithstanding the density standards for pole signs listed in RCC § 18.150.110, the owner or lessee of a pad site contained within a nonresidential development for which a sign development plan has been approved shall not be permitted to have a pole sign upon the pad site solely by reason of the frontage, unless the pole sign was approved as part of the sign development plan. Pole signs shall be located as close to the midpoint of a lot or development as possible.
(11) 
Temporary Signs.
(a) 
All temporary signs shall be securely attached to a building or to the ground.
(b) 
There shall be no specific spacing requirement between freestanding temporary signs and other temporary or permanent signs. However, signs shall be placed as far apart as possible in order to provide equal visibility for all signs.
(c) 
Except for the signs permitted by subsection (13) of this section, no sign shall be located within a street right-of-way or within clear vision areas at intersections of streets or intersections of streets and driveways.
(12) 
Promotional Signs.
(a) 
Promotional signs include banners, pennants, streamers, flags, and searchlights, but do not include portable signs.
(b) 
Display Period. A temporary sign permit may be issued for promotional signage and is valid for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive calendar days; however, no such permit may be issued for the same property or business more than four times during any calendar year or for longer than 90 total days. A minimum of 14 days shall elapse between each display period.
(c) 
Annual Permit. Each business shall, upon payment of fees as established by the Riverton City council, be allowed to purchase at the time of business license receipt/renewal an annual license for display of one promotional sign as defined herein. Under the annual permit, there are no limitations on duration of display or display periods for the promotional sign. However, such signage must comply with all other applicable standards regarding size, location, method of display, and property ownership, and must meet all safety requirements. Violation of these standards may result in revocation of the annual permit, which may then be renewed with the business license. Businesses who do not apply for an annual permit may display promotional signs based on the standards contained herein.
(d) 
Searchlights. Searchlights shall be directed upward at an angle of at least 45 degrees and operated only between dusk and 11:59 p.m.
(e) 
Temporary Promotional Signs in P-O Zones. The use of a temporary promotional sign in P-O zones shall be limited to one temporary promotional sign at any given time regardless of the number of businesses occupying the building(s) on the individual parcel.
(f) 
Grand Opening Signage. Businesses shall be allowed display of temporary promotional signage for a period of 45 days beginning no more than 10 days prior to the projected opening date. Businesses are allowed one banner sign and up to three other promotional signs, in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(13) 
Use of Temporary Signs during Periods of Major Street Construction.
(a) 
Portable signs may be placed in the public right-of-way to mark points of ingress and egress. Such signs may include the message "Business Access Only," an arrow directing patrons to a driveway and the name or logo of the business.
(b) 
The maximum display period for temporary signs used during periods of major street construction shall only be for the duration of the construction period. Such signs shall be removed within 10 business days after construction in front of the affected business is completed.
(c) 
Businesses may qualify for these exceptions only if major construction is materially impairing the primary access to the business.
(14) 
Wall Signs in Professional Office Zones. Wall signs in professional office zones shall consist only of the name of the occupant of the building.
(15) 
Neighborhood Entryway Signs.
(a) 
If neighborhood entryway signs are utilized, the maximum number of signs on each side of an entry point shall be one sign.
(b) 
All neighborhood entryway signs shall be architecturally compatible with on-site signs, structures and streetscape walls.
(c) 
Changeable copy, illumination, pan channel letters, cabinet, and painted signs are prohibited.
(Code 1997 § 12-322-103; Ord. 08-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 11-08 § 1(B); Ord. 12-04 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 16-08 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 20-17 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 21-27 § 1 (Exh. A))
All signage along major streets shall be of a similar type and appearance to create an impression that is consistent with the visual character of Riverton City.
(Code 1997 § 12-322-104; Ord. 08-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 12-04 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 16-08 § 1 (Exh. A))
The following signs are prohibited:
(1) 
Portable Signs. Movable or portable signs and signs not permanently installed in the ground or on a pole or building, except as specifically allowed by this chapter.
(2) 
Signs on Public Property. Signs located on public property; within street rights-of-way, including sidewalks; or those attached to any structure or appurtenance on public property; however, the following signs may be displayed on public property subject to the provisions of this chapter:
(a) 
Public necessity signs, traffic regulatory signs, and directional signs related to public uses and facilities installed by a governmental agency;
(b) 
Temporary signs, placed during major street construction as described in RCC § 18.150.120(13); and
(c) 
Handheld signs, no larger than six square feet in size, displayed by individuals on traditional public fora, including public sidewalks, in such a way that the sign does not unreasonably impede or inhibit pedestrian and other traffic on or over the public property; impede or inhibit ingress or egress to buildings or other areas which must be accessed from or over the public property; or, subject to constitutionally protected rights, create a hazard, or which unreasonably restricts the lawful use of the public property by others.
(3) 
Bus Bench/Shelter Signs. Bus benches and bus shelters signs.
(4) 
Home Occupation Signs. Home occupation signs except for nameplate signs.
(5) 
Signs Which Distract. Signs which simulate or imitate in size, coloring, lettering or design any traffic sign or signal, or use the words "STOP," "YIELD," "DANGER," or any other words, phrases, symbols or characters in such a way as to interfere with, mislead or confuse drivers.
(6) 
Portable reader signs.
(7) 
Obsolete or Abandoned Signs. Obsolete or abandoned signs or messages which identify services no longer provided on the premises. Conforming sign structures may remain on a site but all sign copy shall be removed and the sign shall be covered with a durable opaque material to prevent deterioration during the period in which the sign structure is unused.
(8) 
Flashing Signs. Signs with flashing or strobe-like lighting effects.
(9) 
Signs with Sound-Emitting Devices. Any sign equipped with any device which creates or amplifies sound.
(10) 
Extending Signs. Signs that project more than 24 inches from a wall.
(11) 
Signs in Clear Vision Zone. Signs located within the clear vision zone.
(12) 
Snipe signs.
(13) 
Vehicle signs.
(14) 
Roof Signs. Any sign mounted on the top of, or roof of, any building or structure.
(15) 
Any other sign not complying with the provisions of this chapter or any prior ordinance.
(Code 1997 § 12-322-105; Ord. 08-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 12-04 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 16-08 § 1 (Exh. A))