Planning commission declares three roadside signs unlawful under code; staff to pursue compliance

The Box Elder Planning Commission voted Oct. 20 to declare three roadside signs along Highway 1416 unlawful under municipal code section 30-89 and instructed staff to begin the enforcement process.

Chad Tomjack, planning and zoning/building and code enforcement supervisor, reviewed a list of signs along the Highway 1416 corridor and described enforcement steps: if the commission determines a sign unlawful, staff will send a letter requiring correction or compliance within 14 days or the city will remove the sign and assess removal costs to the owner. Tomjack said property or sign ownership is sometimes unclear — several signs sit on railroad property and some signs lack current owner contact information — which may complicate cost recovery.

Tomjack identified the Creekside Storage sign, a sign that reads “God Bless USA” (owned by Ken Skyberg), and a Prairie View Rentals sign among those discussed. The senior center and a Cheyenne Pass sign had been brought into compliance or removed before the meeting. Commissioners debated whether a patriotic message such as “God Bless USA” constituted the advertising message required by the sign code; staff said the code requires an advertising message on off-premise signs, and the commission must determine whether the sign meets that definition. After discussion, a motion to declare the Creekside Storage sign, the “God Bless USA” sign, and the Prairie View Rentals sign unlawful and to have staff take next steps passed by roll call.

Staff said they would include constructive guidance in the notification letters about ways to bring the signs into compliance where possible, such as adding a leasing message or ownership plaque; the commission emphasized they prefer compliance over punitive removal when feasible.