How Salt Lake City Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide
Salt Lake City maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Salt Lake City falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Garage Sale Signs
Garage sale signs are allowed on the sale property but prohibited in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, and on traffic signs.
Key details: Fact: Signs allowed on sale property without permit. Fact: No signs on utility poles or public right-of-way. Fact: Private property signs require owner permission. Fact: Remove within 24 hours of sale end. Fact: Illegal signs removed by city.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Holiday Displays
Temporary holiday decorations and displays on residential property are generally allowed without a permit as long as they do not create traffic hazards or excessive light spillover.
Key details: Fact: No permit for residential holiday displays. Fact: Light trespass into neighbor windows discouraged. Fact: Cannot block sidewalks or driveways. Fact: Inflatables must be secured against wind. Fact: Commercial displays may need temporary use permit.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Salt Lake City gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.
Political Signs
Temporary political signs are allowed on private property without a permit, subject to size limits and removal requirements after the election.
Key details: Fact: No permit required for temporary signs on private property. Fact: 8 sq ft limit residential, 32 sq ft nonresidential. Fact: Cannot be placed in public right-of-way. Fact: Remove within 7 days after election. Fact: Must not block traffic sight lines.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Salt Lake City gives residents more flexibility on political signs.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Salt Lake City gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
This guide is based on Salt Lake City's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.