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Bluff commission conditionally approves retroactive sign permit for Hoyt storage units, flags enforcement gap
Summary
The commission approved a sign permit for a newly installed storage‑unit sign, contingent on payment and with a notation that the application was submitted after installation. Commissioners noted the sign met size limits but raised concerns about recurring after‑the‑fact permits and enforcement options.
The Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve a sign permit for a storage facility owned by Mr. Hoyt — but only after conditioning the approval on receipt of the required permit payment and recording that the application was filed after the sign was installed.
Commissioners said the installed sign measures about 10 square feet, which is under the residential zone maximum of 12 square feet. At the same time, the parcel’s history prompted questions about whether the site should be treated as commercial or residential for sign‑height rules. The commission examined the zoning map and tabled the height question for staff follow‑up.
Chair Amanda Podmore summarized the pragmatic approach recommended by town counsel: “If the application is correct, we can still approve it, but that we need to address this long term with an ordinance change or something. ... write on the application received after the sign was put up, but the sign was found to be in compliance.”
Commissioners debated remedies for after‑the‑fact permits, noting the town’s remedy section allows civil penalties if a permit is not issued and work is noncompliant. One commissioner said the town should research practices used by nearby towns (Blanding, Moab, Monticello) and the county to reduce repeat occurrences.
The commission’s formal motion approved the sign permit contingent on payment and an administrative note that the application was untimely; the motion was seconded and passed with five ayes. Chair Amanda Podmore said she would email Ivy (the applicant’s representative) to notify her of the decision and next steps.
What the commission asked staff to do: verify payment was received before issuing the permit, confirm whether the parcel’s commercial designation alters sign‑height rules, and consult with the town attorney and neighboring towns about an ordinance change to prevent repeated after‑the‑fact submissions.
