Parowan planning commission kicks off repeal-and-replace of commercial sign code

City Manager Dan Jessen told the commission the current commercial sign code (Section 1550) lacks clear definitions, an administrative permit process, setback and right-of-way rules, and standards for modern signs such as electronic reader boards and animated displays. He proposed initiating a full repeal-and-replace effort and sketched a framework that would include a purpose statement, clear definitions, exempt signs, general standards, separate residential and commercial standards, temporary sign provisions, electronic sign rules (for example, auto-dimming and minimum display intervals), nonconforming sign provisions, and an administrative permit approach.

Jessen asked commissioners to review sign codes from comparable rural, historic, highway-oriented and tourism-focused Utah communities ahead of the next meeting and noted that the city attorney will need to confirm compliance with recent state changes to political sign law. He framed the policy questions commissioners should consider, including whether to prefer monument signs over pole signs and how to balance pro-business objectives with Parowan’s rural historic character.