24-8-1 Purpose and intent

(1) The streetscape is the combination of vehicles, buildings, signs, landscaping, roads, utility poles, etc., that dominate the view of the driver or pedestrian. The streetscape tells residents and visitors how Tooele County as a whole feels about the environment, safety, aesthetics, and its sense of order, among other things. A useful, attractive, and safe streetscape is one that necessarily regulates the size, location, and design of business signs. Because a proliferation of poorly designed, oversized, and inappropriately located signs in commercial and industrial areas can be detrimental to the achievement of effective, safe and attractive streetscapes, it is important that the permanent signs in these areas receive permits. (2) Commercial and industrial uses are generally more intensive than those found in residential zones. Signs for such uses are designed by size, location, and style to attract attention and provide services to the public. Business signs of any kind in residential neighborhoods can diminish the quality of life for which those zones were specifically created. However, there may be some residential uses which merit a sign, though much smaller and subdued than in commercial or industrial zones. (3) It is the intent and purpose of this section to establish regulations and design standards for signs in commercial, industrial and residential areas that will allow the business to identify itself while allowing Tooele County to create and maintain safe and aesthetically pleasing streetscapes regardless of the zone. (4) All Permanent signs are subject to the requirements and restrictions of the applicable zoning district as stated in this chapter and the International Building Code. (Ord. 2002-13, 6/18/02)