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Parowan staff begins comprehensive rewrite of city sign code; commission opts for 'shallow' initial review
Summary
Staff presented comparative sign‑code research and a draft framework (informed by examples from other Utah cities and AI research) for maximum heights, areas, setbacks, number of signs, and special downtown rules; commissioners asked staff to circulate a concise 'shallow' memo for study before the next meeting.
Parowan staff told the Planning & Zoning Commission on Aug. 5 that they had prepared a comparative review of sign codes from several Utah cities and a preliminary framework for a new local sign ordinance.
Staff said the review examined different approaches to sign height, face area, number of freestanding signs per frontage, and setbacks, and presented options for downtown projecting/wall signs versus highway/interchange signs. Staff noted examples including La Verkin, Moab, Cedar City, Washington City and St. George and proposed that highway service zones could accommodate substantially greater height and area than downtown pedestrian areas. “Based on everything that we know…here's an idea on heights for the different zones, area per sign, number of freestanding signs,” staff said, describing a draft table that will be populated with recommended numbers.
Commissioners asked staff to send a condensed 'shallow' summary and the comparative tables for review rather than a lengthy deep dive. Staff also disclosed they used AI as a research aid to collect examples and summarize common practices; commissioners agreed to review the materials and do an exercise at the next meeting comparing existing local signs to the draft rules. The commission will not finalize the ordinance tonight; staff will circulate the draft tables and proposed language for further study and eventual public hearing.
