Parowan commission opens overhaul of sign code; considers brightness limits and setback standards

Commissioners spent a substantial portion of the June 17 meeting laying policy objectives for a rewrite of Parowan's commercial sign code. City Manager Dan Jessen summarized the goals as helping businesses succeed, guiding visitors, and preserving the city's rural character while maintaining safety. Sign-industry representative Candace Horne (YesCo) recommended using foot-candles as a measurable standard for electronic sign brightness and the commission favored an auto-dimming requirement tied to ambient light at dusk.

The panel agreed not to ban specific sign types outright but to regulate by size, height, setback and zone. Commissioners discussed allowing more flexibility in Highway Service zones (noting visibility needs along the corridor) while progressively tightening standards toward the city center. On temporary signs they discussed standard definitions and a commonly used 60-day timeframe; nonconforming signs would be grandfathered only until they are substantially altered, and staff-level permits would handle routine permanent signs while larger or atypical signs would require a CUP or variance.