Planning commission approves sign theme and directional signage for TransJordan transfer station

The Sandy City Planning Commission approved a sign theme for the TransJordan waste transfer station and the adjacent Sandy City public works site at 8813 South Seventh West, permitting new directional signage intended to improve on‑site circulation and safety.

Why it matters: Staff and the applicant said the signage program is intended to reduce conflicts among large commercial vehicles, public users and public‑works traffic by directing different vehicle types to separate entrances and lanes. The sign theme also replaces a non‑conforming sign on the site with a smaller, code‑compliant sign.

Planner Sarah Stringham presented the application and described revisions negotiated with the applicant. Chris Childs, representing Galloway & Company, said the sign theme focuses on safety and clarity. "The big goal with this sign theme is really safety for occupants coming to the facility," Childs said, adding the project includes a digital reader board intended to display three messages: "Commercial only" (Monday–Friday), "All traffic welcome" (Saturday), and "Closed" (Sunday and holidays).

Applicant materials show an overhead sign at the main commercial entrance from Seventh West; staff said that lane will be opened to the public on weekends to reduce traffic backups on Seventh West but will be restricted when commercial traffic is using the lane. Staff noted a non‑compliant monument/sign on the site will be replaced with a smaller sign of about 18–19 square feet and that one sign on the scale house will be larger than typical code limits but is written into the conditions.

A member of the public, Steve Van Maaren, spoke in support of clearer on‑site signs and said he was surprised there was not a larger building sign; staff responded that proposed building signs are included in the packet and generally fall within code standards.

After discussion, the commission voted to approve the sign theme based on the two findings and six conditions in the staff report; the approval included the edits staff had negotiated with the applicant. Commissioners recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

Ending: Staff will track compliance with the approved sign theme conditions; the applicant may proceed with building and sign permits consistent with the conditions approved by the commission.