Sign Regulations in Jonesboro, Arkansas
Jonesboro, Arkansas has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Permanent Freestanding Sign (Subdivision/Development Entrance), Permanent Freestanding Sign (Public/Institutional Use), Temporary Signs (Residential Lot, Construction, Sale/Rent). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 6, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Jonesboro, Arkansas
Sample Sign Requirements in Jonesboro
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Freestanding Sign (Subdivision/Development Entrance) | 10 ft | 150 sq ft each | 15 ft from public right-of-way |
| Permanent Freestanding Sign (Public/Institutional Use) | 15 ft | 75 sq ft | 10 ft from edge of pavement/back of curb or off right-of-way, whichever is greater |
| Temporary Signs (Residential Lot, Construction, Sale/Rent) | 7 ft (residential); 12 ft (subdivision, see notes) | 6 sq ft (max 5 per property during construction); up to 16 sq ft (one per lot <1 acre); up to 32 sq ft (one per lot >1 acre); subdivision entrance up to 32/64/96 sq ft (see notes) | 10 ft from street, 20 ft from residential district lot line, 5 ft from property line/next temp sign |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for JonesboroFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
21
- Permanent Freestanding Sign (Subdivision/Development Entrance)
- Permanent Freestanding Sign (Public/Institutional Use)
- Temporary Signs (Residential Lot, Construction, Sale/Rent)
- Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Jonesboro
Other Cities in Arkansas
Frequently Asked Questions
In Jonesboro, monument signs are limited to 10 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Jonesboro, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Jonesboro, regulated sign types include Permanent Freestanding Sign (Subdivision/Development Entrance), Permanent Freestanding Sign (Public/Institutional Use), Temporary Signs (Residential Lot, Construction, Sale/Rent), Wall Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Jonesboro, monument signs typically require a 15 ft from public right-of-way setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Jonesboro are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Jonesboro has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Jonesboro Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Jonesboro, Arkansas sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Jonesboro, Arkansas Sign Rules at a Glance
Jonesboro, Arkansas regulates 21 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Permanent Freestanding Sign (Subdivision/Development Entrance)s in the Agricultural district (AG), Rural residential district (RR) zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 150 sq ft each, with a 15 ft from public right-of-way setback (Sec. Sec. 117-293(a)(2)). Most commercial signs in Jonesboro require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Jonesboro, Arkansas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Jonesboro (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural district (AG), Rural residential district (RR) | 3 | 15 ft | 150 sq ft each | — |
| Single-family residential district (RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, RS-5, RS-6, RS-7, RS-8), Residential multifamily district (RM-4, RM-6, RM-8, RM-12, RM-16), Residential manufactured housing district (RMH or R-MH), Residential Intermediate-Urban District (RI-U) | 3 | 15 ft | 150 sq ft each | — |
| Neighborhood office district (CR-1), Neighborhood commercial district (C-4) | 4 | 12 ft (unless attached to building, then ≤ building) | 100 sq ft (single occupant); 300 sq ft (multi-tenant) | — |
| General commercial district (C-3), Downtown fringe commercial district (C-2), Downtown core commercial district (C-1), Limited industrial district (I-1), General industrial district (I-2) | 7 | If ≥400 ft from main ID sign: 8 ft; If <400 ft: 5 ft | If ≥400 ft from main ID sign: 100 sq ft; If <400 ft: 50 sq ft | — |
| Downtown core commercial district (C-1) | 4 | — | 350 sq ft | — |
| Limited use overlay district (LU-O), Village residential overlay district (VR-O), Jonesboro municipal airport overlay district (JMA-O), Town center overlay district (TC-O) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned development district (PD), Residential planned development (PD-RS), Multifamily residential planned development (PD-RM), Commercial business planned development (PD-C), Industrial planned development (PD-I), Mixed use planned development (PD-M) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | Nonresidential: 12 ft; Residential: 7 ft | Nonresidential: max 32 sq ft (up to 4 per property, 150 ft apart); Residential: 6 sq ft, up to 5/lot during construction; larger signs per certificate | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Jonesboro(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Agricultural district (AG), Rural residential district (RR)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Freestanding Sign (Subdivision/Development Entrance) | 10 ft | 150 sq ft each | — | 15 ft from public right-of-way | Two per development entrance | At each development entrance along a city or state road; set back 15 ft from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(a)(2) |
| Permanent Freestanding Sign (Public/Institutional Use) | 15 ft | 75 sq ft | — | 10 ft from edge of pavement/back of curb or off right-of-way, whichever is greater | One per street frontage | One per street frontage; ground mounted; set back min 10 ft from edge of street/curb or off right-of-way (greater applies) | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(a)(3) |
| Temporary Signs (Residential Lot, Construction, Sale/Rent) | 7 ft (residential); 12 ft (subdivision, see notes) | 6 sq ft (max 5 per property during construction); up to 16 sq ft (one per lot <1 acre); up to 32 sq ft (one per lot >1 acre); subdivision entrance up to 32/64/96 sq ft (see notes) | — | 10 ft from street, 20 ft from residential district lot line, 5 ft from property line/next temp sign | Five ≤6 sq ft during construction; see Table for subdivision signs | Setbacks: 10 ft from pavement/curb/ROW; 20 ft from residential lot; 5 ft from other property line/temporary sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-294(b) |
Neighborhood office district (CR-1), Neighborhood commercial district (C-4)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground-mounted Sign | 10 ft | 100 sq ft (single occupant); 300 sq ft (multi-tenant) | — | 10 ft from street/curb or right-of-way | One per parcel/lot/site per street frontage | One per parcel, lot, or site per street frontage; must be set back 10 ft from street/curb/ROW (greater applies) | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(b)(4) |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed to building facade | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(b)(5) |
| Secondary Advertising Display Signs | 6 ft (if ground); not to exceed height of structure if wall mounted | 24 sq ft each | — | — | Maximum two per street frontage | Rigid frame; two permitted per street frontage; space min 150 ft apart | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(b)(6) |
| Temporary Signs (Nonresidential district) | 12 ft (unless attached to building, then ≤ building) | 32 sq ft or less (max 4 per property, 150 ft apart); larger signs with zoning certificate (128 sq ft for <5 acres, 360 sq ft for >5 acres) | — | 10 ft from edge of street/curb/ROW | Maximum 4 (≤32 sq ft) per property | 10 ft from curb/ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-294(c) |
General commercial district (C-3), Downtown fringe commercial district (C-2), Downtown core commercial district (C-1), Limited industrial district (I-1), General industrial district (I-2)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | Up to 15 ft (≤100' frontage); up to 25 ft (101-150'); up to 30 ft (>150'); +2' per additional occupant to max 45 ft | 150 sq ft (single); 400 sq ft (multi-tenant) | — | 10 ft from street/curb or right-of-way | One per parcel or per frontage on corner lot | One per parcel/lot/site or per frontage on corner lots; min 10 ft setback from edge/curb/ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(c)(4) |
| High-rise Pole Sign (C-3 Only) | 75 ft | 300 sq ft | — | Same as ground/pole signage | One per lot | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(c)(8) |
| Wall Sign | — | 350 sq ft (commercial); 1,000 sq ft (industrial) | — | — | — | Building faces/facades occupied | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(c)(9) |
| Freestanding Directional Sign (Driveway/Entrance) | 4 ft (up to 8 ft if needed for vision clearance; see details) | 8 sq ft | — | Within 10 ft of intersection | — | Within 10 ft of street & driveway intersection | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(c)(5) |
| Secondary Directional driveway sign | If ≥400 ft from main ID sign: 8 ft; If <400 ft: 5 ft | If ≥400 ft from main ID sign: 100 sq ft; If <400 ft: 50 sq ft | — | 1 ft outside public ROW | One per individual driveway | Within 10 ft of public street/private driveway, but 1 ft outside ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(c)(6) |
| Secondary Advertising Display Sign | 6 ft (if wall attached: not above roof line) | 24 sq ft | — | — | Max 2 per street frontage | Max 2 per street frontage per property; ≥150 ft apart | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-293(c)(7) |
| Temporary Signs (Nonresidential district) | 12 ft (unless building attached, then ≤ building heights) | 32 sq ft or less (max 4 per property, 150 ft apart); larger signs with zoning certificate (128 sq ft <5 acres, 360 sq ft ≥5 acres) | — | 10 ft from edge of street/curb or ROW | Max 4 (≤32 sq ft) per property | 10 ft from curb/ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-294(c) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Jonesboro — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Jonesboro — start freeProhibited Signs in Jonesboro
- No signs shall be placed in any public right-of-way except publicly owned signs, projecting, canopy, and awning signs that comply with all other applicable standards.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected at the intersection of streets so as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of position, shape or color, it may interfere with traffic, obstruct the view of traffic, or resemble official traffic signs.
- Signs that flash, revolve, or have animated, moving, changing, blinking, or flashing lights, or electronic information signs with intermittent flashes are prohibited in all districts, except as specifically permitted for electronic message centers under restricted circumstances.
- No permanent sign shall contain or consist of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similar moving devices for the purpose of advertising, except where otherwise permitted in this division.
- Air activated graphics or balloons used for commercial or advertising reasons shall not be permitted except where otherwise permitted in this division.
- Signs placed on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located primarily for the purpose of displaying such signs are prohibited.
- Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or governmental signs or signals are prohibited.
- No person shall display upon any sign or other advertising structure any obscene, indecent, or immoral matter.
- Bench signs (excluding publicly owned bus shelters), portable signs (or portable black signs), snipe signs, graffiti, and roof signs are prohibited sign types.
- No sign of any classification shall be installed, erected, or attached to a structure that violates city or state building or fire codes.
- It is unlawful for any person to erect, place, or maintain a sign except in accordance with these regulations.
- Abandoned signs, defined as those that no longer advertise a current business, product, or activity for a period of one year, must be removed, blanked, or their face replaced.
- No sign or advertising structure may be constructed, maintained, or illuminated in a manner that obstructs vision of drivers or pedestrians, or creates a fire or safety hazard.
Exempt Signs in Jonesboro
- Signs conforming with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and bearing no commercial message.
- Signs bearing no commercial message and installed by employees or officials of a city department, state or federal agency in the course of their governmental duties for identification, safety and traffic control purposes.
- Signs required by city, state, or federal statute.
- Signs required by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
- Signs installed by public utilities in their rights-of-way or on their facilities and bearing no commercial message other than necessary to identify the use.
- Signs installed by a transit company with a franchise or other right to operate in the city, related to schedules or information about the transit route.
- Certain temporary signs as regulated by section 117-294 (see details within section for applicability).
- Permanent freestanding signs on agricultural land meeting setbacks, height, and size requirements.
- One nonilluminated wall sign of two square feet or less in residential zoning districts as part of a home occupation.
- Commemorative plaques placed by recognized historical agencies.
- Mailbox identification which is integral to the mailbox.
- Warning signs (e.g., 'no hunting', 'no trespassing') not exceeding two square feet in area.
- Window signs (provided they allow clear visibility for fire/police protection).
- Beautification award signage bearing the name/logo of the recipient and/or sponsor without further advertisement.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Jonesboro
- A zoning certificate (permit) is required for most signs except those specifically exempted (see Sec. 117-292). No sign (except exempt types) shall be erected before a permit is obtained.
- Applications for building permits must be accompanied by plans, drawn to scale, showing size and location of the building and all signs, for administration purposes (Sec. 117-32).
- Permanent freestanding signs and most other sign types in most districts require submittal of site plans and compliance with zoning permit procedures.
- Integrated shopping center signage, large retail establishments, town center overlay (TC-O), village residential overlay (VR-O), and planned development districts (PD) require approval of master sign plans or detailed site/development plans as part of overall development plan submittals.
- Off-premises outdoor advertising (billboard) signs require a specific sign permit, including submission of a site survey/plan and plans sealed by a licensed structural engineer (Sec. 117-259).
- Town Center Overlay (TC-O) and Village Residential Overlay (VR-O) districts have additional signage design guidelines and restrictions; development in these districts requires master/site plan submittal showing compliance with overlay district standards.
- Signs as part of a planned development or special overlay district are to be included in preliminary/final development plans and are subject to the approval process for those plans — which may function as a master sign plan.
- Downtown Core Area (C-1) and other overlays may require encroachment permits for signs projecting into public right-of-way.
- Sign plans must demonstrate compliance with calculation of sign area, height, spacing, landscaping requirements (monument signs), and illumination standards.
- Certain sign types (such as large temporary signs, special event signage, and banners) require specific zoning certificates/permits, and their plans must demonstrate compliance with size, height, setbacks, and display time limits.
Source: municode municipal code