Salt Lake City Sign Ordinance - Report Illegal or Hazardous Signs
Salt Lake City, Utah residents and businesses must follow local sign rules to protect public safety and keep sidewalks, streets, and rights-of-way clear. This guide explains how to identify illegal or hazardous signs, who enforces Salt Lake City sign rules, what penalties or orders may apply, and the exact steps to report a dangerous or unlawful sign to the city.
What counts as an illegal or hazardous sign
Signs may be illegal or hazardous if they are unpermitted, block pedestrian or vehicle sightlines, are placed in the public right-of-way, are damaged and at risk of falling, or create electrical or fire hazards. Check the local sign standards before removing or altering any sign yourself.
When to report
- Blocked sidewalks or ADA obstructions that force pedestrians into traffic.
- Signs leaning or partially collapsed over public walkways or streets.
- Construction or advertising signs posted without required permits.
- Electrical hazards from illuminated signs showing exposed wiring.
Penalties & Enforcement
Salt Lake City enforces sign rules through the municipal code and its Code Compliance or Planning/Building divisions. The controlling ordinance text for signs is published in the City Code; see the sign regulations for definitions, permit requirements, and enforcement authority Salt Lake City Code of Ordinances - Signs[1].
- Monetary fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page and may be set by ordinance or municipal court procedures; see the official code and city enforcement pages for amounts.
- Escalation: the cited code text does not specify first/repeat/continuing offence schedules; consult the enforcement division for progressive penalties.
- Non-monetary sanctions: the city may issue removal orders, notices to abate, seize illegal signs in the right-of-way, or file civil actions as authorized by code.
- Enforcer: Code Compliance and Planning/Building divisions administer sign rules and inspect complaints; contact information is available on official city pages.
- Inspection and complaint pathway: file an online complaint or call the Code Compliance number; emergency hazards should be reported to 911.
- Appeals and review: appeal processes and time limits are governed by the municipal code or administrative rules and are not specified on the cited sign regulation page.
- Permits/defences: lawful sign permits, variances, or temporary approvals may provide defenses; if a valid permit exists, enforcement actions are generally limited.
Applications & Forms
The city publishes sign permit and building permit applications for permanent and electrical/illuminated signs; specific form names, numbers, fees, and deadlines are provided on Planning and Building permit pages rather than in the consolidated sign chapter. For sign permits and electrical work, consult the Planning and Building permit pages or the online permit portal for the current forms and fees.
How to document a hazardous or illegal sign
- Note the exact location (address, nearest intersection, or GPS coordinates).
- Take clear photos from multiple angles showing the hazard and any nearby obstructions.
- Record date, time, and any immediate safety impacts (blocked curb ramps, traffic sightline loss).
Action steps - report, follow up, appeal
- Report the sign to Salt Lake City Code Compliance via the official complaint form or phone contact.
- Provide photos, location details, and whether the sign poses immediate danger.
- Track the complaint number, inspect results, and any abatement timeline the city issues.
- If you are served an order, read appeal instructions carefully and file within the specified deadline if you dispute the action.
FAQ
- How do I report an illegal or hazardous sign?
- Use the Salt Lake City Code Compliance online complaint form or call the Code Compliance office; for immediate hazards call 911.
- Will the city remove private signs on private property?
- The city may issue removal orders for signs that violate code or that create public hazards; property owners are generally notified and given a deadline to comply.
- Are there fees to request enforcement?
- No separate fee is typically required to report a sign violation, but permitting fees may apply to lawful sign installations; check the permit pages for current fees.
How-To
- Document the sign with photos, exact location, and notes about the hazard or code violation.
- File a complaint with Salt Lake City Code Compliance using the online form or phone contact; for life-safety issues call 911.
- Provide any permit information you have and request inspection status and timeline from the assigned case officer.
- If the city issues an abatement or fine and you disagree, follow the notice for appeal instructions and submit an appeal within the stated deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Report hazardous signs promptly with photos and exact location.
- Permits or variances can be a defense; check permit status before assuming illegality.
- Contact Code Compliance for inspection and follow appeal deadlines carefully.
Help and Support / Resources
- Salt Lake City Code Compliance - Report a concern
- Salt Lake City Planning and Building - Permits and Forms
- Salt Lake City 311 - Non-emergency reporting and tracking