Sign Regulations in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida has specific sign regulations covering 60 sign types across 31 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (4+ lane road), Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (Other roads), Mid-Rise Building Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 22, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Orlando, Florida
Sample Sign Requirements in Orlando
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 30 ft above ground, and may not extend above roof line (Sec. 64.202(A)(4)). | No explicit per-sign maximum; total limited by MASA (Sec. 64.201). Certain signs are exempt from MASA (Minor, Directional, Integral, Banner, Accessory service use, Parking Garage entrance signs). | — |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign | Marquee signs cannot project >24 in above marquee upper edge; cannot extend beyond marquee perimeter or below bottom of marquee vertical face (Sec. 64.202(A)(2)). Awning/Canopy subject to building sign 30 ft cap by zone. | Counts against MASA except 1 marquee under-face sign up to 3 sq ft is exempt; if larger, total area counts (Sec. 64.202(A)(2)). | — |
| Projecting/Blade Sign | ≤30 ft above ground to top unless approved as a mid-rise sign; cannot extend above roofline (Sec. 64.202(A)(3)). | Limited by MASA (Sec. 64.201). | Same as principal building (Sec. 64.202(A)(3)). |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for OrlandoFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
60
- Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (4+ lane road)
- Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (Other roads)
- Mid-Rise Building Sign
- Freestanding Sign - Outside Traditional City (4+ lane road)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
31
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Orlando
Other Cities in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
In Orlando, wall signs can be up to 30 ft above ground, and may not extend above roof line (Sec. 64.202(A)(4)).. 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 Orlando, 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 Orlando, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (4+ lane road), Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (Other roads), Mid-Rise Building Sign, Freestanding Sign - Outside Traditional City (4+ lane road), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Orlando vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Orlando are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Orlando has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Orlando, Florida Sign Rules at a Glance
Orlando, Florida regulates 60 sign types across 31 zoning districts. Roof Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at ≤15 ft above roof and ≤75 ft above ground to top (Sec. 64.248(b), (c)). tall, Width ≤65% of roof level width or 40 ft, whichever less; overall sign area must be ≥40% transparent (channel letters/icons) (Sec. 64.248(b), (d))., and ≤65% of roof level width or 40 ft, whichever less (Sec. 64.248(b)). wide, with a ≥5 ft from roof edge (Sec. 64.248(i)). setback (Sec. Sec. 64.248; Table 1B (Roof 30–75 ft notes).). Most commercial signs in Orlando require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Orlando, Florida
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Orlando (31 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 16 | Flagpole height ≤100 ft (Sec. 64.324(3)). | Up to 800 sq ft per building total; max 5 sq ft per 1,000 sq ft GFA (Sec. 64.246(A)). | — |
| One Family Residential Districts (R-1, R-1A, R-1AA, R-1N) | 6 | Freestanding sign max height: 11–30 units: 6 ft; 31–100 units: 8 ft; 101–300 units: 10 ft (Sec. 64.256). | Max 32 sq ft (Sec. 64.243(a)). | — |
| Residential Districts (R-2A, R-2B) | 5 | Freestanding height: 6 ft (11–30 units); 8 ft (31–100); 10 ft (101–300) (Sec. 64.256). | Max 32 sq ft (Sec. 64.243(a)). | — |
| Development Districts (R-3A, R-3B, R-3C, R-3D) | 4 | 6 ft (11–30 units); 8 ft (31–100); 10 ft (101–300) (Sec. 64.256). | Max 32 sq ft (Sec. 64.243(a)). | — |
| O-1 Office and Residential District, MXD-1 Mixed Residential Office District | 6 | 30 ft (Table 1B). | 36 sq ft (Table 1C). | — |
| MXD-2 Mixed Residential Office District | 10 | Up to 75 ft (Table 1B). | Up to 800 sq ft total; 5 sq ft per 1,000 sq ft GFA (Sec. 64.246(A)). | — |
| O-2 Office and Residential District | 9 | Up to 75 ft (Table 1B). | Per Sec. 64.246(B). | — |
| O-3 Office and Residential District | 9 | Up to 75 ft allowed (Table 1B). | Max site MASA 72 sq ft (Sec. 64.201(A)(2)). | — |
| MU-1 Mixed Use District | 10 | Up to 75 ft (Table 1B). | As per Sec. 64.248(b)-(d). | — |
| MU-2 Mixed Use District | 10 | Up to 75 ft (Table 1B). | Per Sec. 64.248. | — |
| AC-N Activity Center District | 6 | 30 ft (Table 1B). | 100 sq ft (Table 1C). | — |
| Activity Center Districts (AC-1, AC-2, AC-3) | 10 | Up to 75 ft (Table 1B). | 100 sq ft | — |
| AC-3A Downtown Metropolitan Activity Center District | 5 | Up to 75 ft (Table 1B). | 100 sq ft (Table 1C). | — |
| AC-3A Downtown Metropolitan Activity Center District (Traditional City Overlay) | 5 | Up to 75 ft (Table 1B). | 100 sq ft | — |
| I-P Industrial Park District, I-G General Industrial District, I-C Industrial-Commercial District | 7 | 30 ft for wall/projecting/awning (Table 1B). | 100 sq ft (Table 1C). | — |
| P Public Use District | 2 | If freestanding, ≤6 ft | Max 32 sq ft | — |
| MA Overlay District | 5 | Up to 85 ft AGL (Sec. 64.230(b)(3)). | Up to 1,100 sq ft; counts toward total overlay sign area for the Major Attraction (Sec. 64.230(b)(2)). | — |
| Traditional City Overlay District | 2 | Lower maximum heights inside Traditional City per Table 1C by zone and roadway class (e.g., AC-3A/T 6 ft; O/MXD lower heights; see zone entries). | 12 sq ft | — |
| Appearance Review Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic Preservation Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Special Plan Overlay District (International Drive) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Special Plan Overlay District (Semoran Boulevard) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Special Plan Overlay District (SoDo) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Downtown Special Sign District (Downtown Core Special Sign Subdistrict) | 9 | Per Sec. 64.246(A). | As permitted but only on sites with ≥250,000 sq ft building area and a ≥0.1-acre plaza; only one freestanding sign per site (Sec. 64.400(k)). | — |
| Downtown Special Sign District (Midtown Special Sign Subdistrict) | 6 | ≤30 ft; 1st/2nd floors only. | One per site; only on sites with ≥250,000 sq ft building area and a ≥0.1-acre plaza (Sec. 64.400(k)). | — |
| Downtown Special Sign District (Creative Village Special Sign Subdistrict) | 7 | Above ground ≤60 ft; not above 2nd floor; bottom ≥9.5 ft (Sec. 64.400(i)(10)). | ≤400 sq ft per principal building (≤1,600 sq ft behind glass) (Sec. 64.400(i)(9)). | — |
| Downtown Special Sign District (Uptown Special Sign Subdistrict) | 5 | ≤30 ft; 1st/2nd floors only. | One per site; only on large mixed-use sites with plaza (Sec. 64.400(k)). | — |
| Highway Digital Sign District (Universal Studios Subdistrict) | 1 | 30 ft; architectural details and a single static activity center identifier may be up to 40 ft (measured from nearest grade of adjacent limited access roadway) (Sec. 64.401(c)(3)). | Up to 400 sq ft per face facing opposite directions (Sec. 64.401(c)(3)). | — |
| Highway Digital Sign District (Lake Nona Subdistrict) | 1 | 30 ft; architectural details and single static identifier up to 40 ft (Sec. 64.401(c)(3)). | Up to 400 sq ft per face facing opposite directions (Sec. 64.401(c)(3)). | — |
| Planned Development (PD) | 2 | Per Sec. 64.323; varies by use type (6–10 ft). | Same standards as all zones per Sec. 64.323: Single-family 4 sq ft per sign (max 3; 12 sq ft total); Multi-family 12 sq ft per sign; Non-residential/Mixed (MXD/O type) up to 12 sq ft per sign; (MU/AC/I type) up to 32 sq ft per sign; Construction signage up to 64 sq ft. | — |
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Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Orlando(sample of 3 of 31 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 30 ft above ground, and may not extend above roof line (Sec. 64.202(A)(4)). | No explicit per-sign maximum; total limited by MASA (Sec. 64.201). Certain signs are exempt from MASA (Minor, Directional, Integral, Banner, Accessory service use, Parking Garage entrance signs). | — | — | No numeric limit; constrained by MASA (Table 1B). | Attached and parallel to building wall (Sec. 64.202(A)(4)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.101; Sec. 64.103; Sec. 64.201(A); Sec. 64.202(A)(4); Table 1B (Max area per sign; max height). |
| Projecting/Blade Sign | ≤30 ft above ground to top unless approved as a mid-rise sign; cannot extend above roofline (Sec. 64.202(A)(3)). | Limited by MASA (Sec. 64.201). | — | Same as principal building (Sec. 64.202(A)(3)). | — | Mounted to building facade (Sec. 64.202(A)(3)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.202(A)(3); Sec. 61.204; Table 1B. |
| Roof Sign | ≤15 ft above roof and ≤75 ft above ground to top (Sec. 64.248(b), (c)). | Width ≤65% of roof level width or 40 ft, whichever less; overall sign area must be ≥40% transparent (channel letters/icons) (Sec. 64.248(b), (d)). | ≤65% of roof level width or 40 ft, whichever less (Sec. 64.248(b)). | ≥5 ft from roof edge (Sec. 64.248(i)). | Max 1 per building (Sec. 64.248(g)). | On roof of non-residential, mixed-use, or multi-family buildings ≥30 ft in height (Sec. 64.248(a)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.248; Table 1B (Roof 30–75 ft notes). |
| Freestanding Sign (General standards) | Per zone, roadway class, and Traditional City location (see zone entries; Table 1C). For PD and unlisted zones, height established through CUP process. | Per zone (see zone entries; Table 1C). For Planned Development (PD) and all unlisted zones ("All Other Zones" in Table 1C), no pre-set maximum — standards established through CUP; see "Planned Development (PD)" zone entry. | — | From ROW and property lines per zone (Table 1C). From other freestanding signs: ≥40 ft (Sec. 64.202(B)(2)). | 1 per frontage (2 if ≥400 ft on that frontage) (Sec. 64.202(B)(3)). | On sites with ≥40 ft street frontage in appropriate zones (Sec. 64.202(B)(1)). Not within corner visibility areas (Sec. 64.202(B)(6)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.202(B)(1)-(7); Table 1C. |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) - Freestanding | Same as allowed freestanding sign height for the zone/location (Table 1C). | Max electronic display area per zone; see zone entries (Table 1C; Sec. 64.251(e)). | — | Same as freestanding sign in zone. | Counts with freestanding sign count limits. | Only on freestanding signs where those are permitted (Sec. 64.251(a)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.251; Table 1C (EMC allowances). |
| Organization Banner Sign | If not mounted on building: ≤20 ft above ground (Sec. 64.242(b)(2)). | Building-mounted: up to 5% of building face or 40 sq ft, whichever is greater; Other banners: max 40 sq ft (Sec. 64.242(b)(3)). | — | If not on building: ≥15 ft from adjacent property lines (Sec. 64.242(b)(2)). | 1 per street frontage (Sec. 64.242(b)(2)). | On premises owned/leased by qualifying organization (Sec. 64.242(a)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.242. |
| Minor Signs (includes Window Signs, Sidewalk/Sandwich Signs, For-sale/lease, Construction signs) | Single-family 6 ft; Multi-family 8 ft; MXD/O 6 ft; MU/AC/I 8 ft; Construction 10 ft (main) and 8 ft (additional frontage) (Sec. 64.323). | Varies by use: Single-family 4 sq ft each (max 3; 12 sq ft total); Multi-family 12 sq ft per sign; Non-residential/Mixed: MXD/O up to 12 sq ft per sign; MU/AC/I up to 32 sq ft per sign; Construction signage up to 64 sq ft (plus extra 32 sq ft per additional frontage) (Sec. 64.323). | — | Construction/minor signs: ≥10 ft from any lot line for larger construction signs (Sec. 64.323(A)(3)(b)(iii)). | Limits per Sec. 64.323. | On private property unless ROW agreement; window signs only on ground floor (Sec. 64.323). | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.323. |
| Flags | Flagpole height ≤100 ft (Sec. 64.324(3)). | Flag size ≤20% of flagpole height (Sec. 64.324(3)). | — | Per yard requirements; ≥40 ft from residential (nonres districts) (Sec. 64.324(2), (4)). | Max 3 flags (Sec. 64.324(1)). | Flagpoles must comply with yard requirements of zoning district (Sec. 64.324(2)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.324. |
MU-1 Mixed Use District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Signs (Wall/Awning/Canopy/Marquee/Projecting) | Wall/Projecting/Awning/Canopy/Marquee up to 30 ft above ground (Table 1B). | No per-sign limit; total distributed among building signs per MASA (Sec. 64.201). | — | — | No numeric limit; per MASA. | On building facades. | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.201(A)(1); Sec. 64.202(A); Table 1B. |
| Roof Sign | ≤15 ft above roof; ≤75 ft AGL (Table 1B & Sec. 64.248). | As per Sec. 64.248(b)-(d). | ≤65% of roof level width or 40 ft, whichever less. | ≥5 ft from roof edge. | Max 1. | On non-residential/mixed-use bldgs ≥30 ft tall. | — | Unlock | Table 1B (Roof 30–75 ft allowed); Sec. 64.248. |
| Mid-Rise Building Sign | Up to 75 ft (Table 1B). | Counts against MASA (Sec. 64.246(B)(7)). | — | — | Max 2. | On principal building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.246(B); Table 1B. |
| High-Rise Building Sign | On buildings >75 ft (Table 1B indicates (4)). | Max 5 sq ft/1,000 sq ft GFA; ≤800 sq ft (Sec. 64.246(A)). | — | — | Max 2. | Near top of principal building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.246(A); Table 1B (High-Rise allowed). |
| Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (4+ lane road) | 18 ft (Table 1C). | 36 sq ft | — | ROW: 10 ft; Property lines: 5 ft; From residential: 10 ft (Table 1C). | Per Sec. 64.202(B). | On sites with ≥40 ft frontage. | — | Unlock | Table 1C; Sec. 64.201(B). |
| Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (Other roads) | 8 ft | 36 sq ft | — | As above. | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 1C. |
| Freestanding Sign - Outside Traditional City (4+ lane road) | 24 ft | 36 sq ft | — | As above. | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 1C. |
| Electronic Message Center (Freestanding) | Per freestanding sign. | Electronic display area up to 24 sq ft in MU-1 (Table 1C electronic message display area row). | — | Per freestanding. | — | On permitted freestanding signs only (Sec. 64.251). | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.251; Table 1C. |
MU-2 Mixed Use District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Signs (Wall/Awning/Canopy/Marquee/Projecting) | 30 ft for wall/projecting/awning (Table 1B). | Per MASA; no per-sign limit (Sec. 64.201). | — | — | No numeric limit; per MASA. | On building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.201(A)(1); Table 1B. |
| Roof Sign | ≤15 ft above roof; ≤75 ft AGL (Table 1B). | Per Sec. 64.248. | Per Sec. 64.248. | Per Sec. 64.248. | Max 1. | On flat roofs ≥30 ft bldg. | — | Unlock | Table 1B; Sec. 64.248. |
| Mid-Rise Building Sign | Up to 75 ft (Table 1B). | Counts against MASA. | — | — | Max 2. | Principal building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.246(B); Table 1B. |
| High-Rise Building Sign | On buildings >75 ft (Table 1B indicates allowed per (4)). | Per Sec. 64.246(A). | — | — | Max 2. | Top of principal building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.246(A); Table 1B. |
| Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (4+ lane road) | 18 ft | 36 sq ft | — | ROW: 10 ft; Property lines: 5 ft; From residential: 10 ft. | Per Sec. 64.202(B). | On sites with ≥40 ft frontage. | — | Unlock | Table 1C. |
| Freestanding Sign - Inside Traditional City (Other roads) | 6 ft (Table 1C). | 36 sq ft | — | As above. | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 1C. |
| Freestanding Sign - Outside Traditional City (4+ lane road) | 24 ft | 36 sq ft | — | As above. | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 1C. |
| Electronic Message Center (Freestanding) | Per freestanding. | Electronic display area up to 40 sq ft in MU-2 (Table 1C). | — | Per freestanding. | — | Freestanding. | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.251; Table 1C. |
PermitPal covers all 31 zoning districts in Orlando — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 31 zones for Orlando — start freeProhibited Signs in Orlando
- New billboard signs are prohibited citywide except as specifically allowed in Sections 64.277 and 64.278 (Sec. 64.270).
- Private signs on public property or within any public right-of-way (including medians) are prohibited, except transit infrastructure signs that conform to the Code (Sec. 64.300 - Signs on Public Property; Sec. 64.302 - Signs placed on public property or rights-of-way without authorization subject to immediate removal).
- Hazardous or confusing signs that simulate emergency vehicles, traffic-control signs/devices, or official directional/informational/warning signs are prohibited (Sec. 64.300 - Hazardous or Confusing Signs).
- Obscene signs are prohibited (Sec. 64.300 - Obscene Signs).
- Use of vehicles as signs is prohibited when the vehicle is routinely parked to function as additional signage; limited exceptions apply (e.g., screened parking, vehicles operated in normal course of business not routinely parked as signage, licensed common carriers, bike-share bicycles) (Sec. 64.300 - Signs on Vehicles).
- Wind-operated devices (banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, balloons, etc.) are prohibited except as provided in banner sign and MA Overlay regulations (Sec. 64.300 - Wind-Operated Devices).
- Serial signs (a series of two or more signs placed in a line parallel to a roadway or in similar fashion) are prohibited (Sec. 64.300 - Serial Signs).
- Signs that obstruct street-corner visibility or obstruct sightlines at intersections or driveways, as determined by the Transportation Engineer, are prohibited (Sec. 64.300 - Street Corner Visibility).
- Snipe signs are prohibited (Sec. 64.300 - Snipe Signs).
- Beacon lights are prohibited (Sec. 64.300 - Beacon Lights).
- Flashing signs are prohibited (with limited grandfathering for signs lawfully existing and maintained as of Oct. 12, 1980) (Sec. 64.300 - Flashing Signs).
- Signs with movement of parts or movement within the display area are prohibited unless approved as an Electronic Message Center or Digital Numeric Sign (Sec. 64.300 - Movement on Sign Display Area).
- Trailer signs are prohibited (Sec. 64.300 - Trailer Signs).
- Permanent signs for home occupations are prohibited (Sec. 64.300 - Home Occupation Signs).
- Freestanding signs may not encroach into the public right-of-way or extend beyond any building restriction line (Sec. 64.202(B)(5)).
- Freestanding signs are prohibited within street corner visibility areas (Sec. 64.202(B)(6)).
- Signs may not be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, window, door, or opening used as a means of egress, or to prevent free passage on roofs; signs may not attach to fire escapes or interfere with required ventilation openings (Sec. 64.103 - Location Restrictions).
- Excessive pruning or altering the natural shape of vegetation/trees to improve sign visibility is prohibited; tree removal for sign visibility requires permits per Chapter 60 (Sec. 64.103 - Landscaping).
- Illumination from signs must be shaded, shielded, or directed to avoid adverse effects on surrounding areas and vehicle operators; light must not shine directly into residential structures (Sec. 64.103 - Illumination of Signs).
- Exposed sign structure or framework may not remain exposed (by removal of sign faces/area) for more than 30 days (Sec. 64.103 - Exposed Sign Structure).
Exempt Signs in Orlando
- Changing the copy/message on a sign specifically designed for changeable copy does not require a building permit (Sec. 64.101 - Exception, Changeable Copy Sign).
- Minor Signs generally do not require a building permit or additional approvals (unless otherwise stated) (Sec. 64.323(A)).
- Organization banner signs approved under Sec. 64.242 are exempt from building permit requirements (Sec. 64.242(c)).
- Certain sign types do not count toward Maximum Allowable Sign Area: Minor signs, Directional signs, Integral signs, Banner signs, Accessory service use signs, and Parking Garage signs (Sec. 64.201(A)(5)).
- Governmental/public signs (governmental information/direction signs, historical markers, national defense/security/emergency signs, and permanent ornamental signs naming City sections deemed of general public interest) may be located in any zoning district (Sec. 64.252).
- Any allowed sign (on-site or off-site) may contain noncommercial speech in lieu of any other type of speech (Sec. 64.104).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Orlando
- Master Sign Plan required: For projects with two or more stories and multiple tenant/owner spaces, all signs must conform to an approved Master Sign Plan; a Zoning Official Letter of Determination (or owner association/management authorization letter) is required prior to permit; if no Master Sign Plan exists for condominium multi‑story buildings, the Planning Official assigns MASA per space (Sec. 64.201 - Management Control - Multi-story Developments).
- Administrative Master Sign Plan required: Shopping Centers and Commerce Centers seeking additional freestanding sign area beyond base limits must obtain an Administrative Master Sign Plan approved by the Zoning Official (Sec. 64.201(B); Table 1 Footnote 1).
- Downtown Special Sign District digital screens: All digital screens on the same site must be part of a singular master sign plan controlled by a common computerized control system; individual screens may not be controlled separately by tenants (Sec. 64.400(i)(8)).
- Highway Digital Sign District: Highway digital signs must match a unified master sign program for each subdistrict/activity center; formal Appearance Review by the Planning Official is required prior to permitting (Sec. 64.401(c)(9)).
- Appearance/Historic review triggers prior to sign permit: Projects in the Downtown Orlando CRA require ARB or administrative review for signs visible from a public or private right-of-way; projects within historic districts require Historic Preservation Board or administrative review; signs visible from a right-of-way within Appearance Review Areas and/or MXD zoning districts require Appearance Review Officer approval (Sec. 64.101).
- MA Overlay (within Downtown Development District): All permanent signage is subject to ARB aesthetic/design review; ARB may establish a uniform sign program that can allow permitting consistent with the program without further ARB review (Sec. 64.230(e)).
- Roof signs: Permitted only if all criteria in Sec. 64.248 are met; otherwise a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required (Sec. 64.248).
- High‑rise and Mid‑rise building signs: Prohibited within 1,000 ft of R‑1 or R‑2 zoning unless approved by CUP (Sec. 64.246; Table 1 Footnote 4).
- Electronic Message Centers: If a proposed EMC does not meet one or more of the general EMC standards, it may be submitted for review as a CUP with superior design and potential additional conditions (Sec. 64.251).
- Conditional Use Permit blanket requirement in certain zones: Where Table 1 indicates footnote (7) (including the P district and the 'All Other Zones' columns), all permanent signs require a CUP; standards are established through the CUP approval process (Table 1 Footnote 7; Ch. 65 Part 2D).
- Regional Public Facility Identification signage: Must be approved either by ordinance (with Planning Official determination) or by Planning Official determination for certain public schools; proposed signs in a historic district or Downtown CRA require a minor review incorporated into the determination (Sec. 64.320).
- Creative Design Exception: An administrative alternative approval requiring a Zoning Official Determination may grant limited relief (generally up to 40%) or approval of certain prohibited types based on high-quality creative design; certain items may not be waived (Sec. 64.268).
- Backlit awnings in AC-3A require Appearance Review Officer approval prior to the building permit process (Sec. 64.232).
- Off-premises Digital Billboard Exchange Program: Requires Planning Official determination; coordinated building and demolition permit timing; limits on number of active permits per owner; and compliance with spacing, location, and operational standards (Sec. 64.277(II)A).
- Street Pole Banners: Zoning Official permit required, with application, fee, consent from pole/right-of-way owners, and compliance with dimensional/attachment criteria (Sec. 64.322(g)).
- Organization Banner Signs: Require prior written approval by the Planning Official (with possible conditions and duration limits) and are appealable to City Council (Sec. 64.242).
- Landmark Signs: Designation reviewed by the Historic Preservation Board; alterations require a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to a sign permit (Secs. 64.265–64.267).
- Transit Infrastructure Signs: Allowed only when authorized by an interlocal (or other) agreement with the City and subject to specified dimensional, location, and separation standards (Sec. 64.276).
- Nonconforming or nuisance signs: Final administrative orders by the Zoning Official may be appealed; an aggrieved party of a nonconforming sign may seek a zoning variance within 30 days of service of the final order (no variance for illegal signs) (Sec. 64.302).
- Management Control Letter may be required in some circumstances when distributing Maximum Allowable Sign Area among individual building signs (Table 1B note under Maximum Area Per Sign).
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Orlando
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Sign building permit (all types) | $66.24 for first $1,000 of construction cost + $11.03/$1,000 up to $25,000; + $9.38/$1,000 from $25,001-$100,000; + $8.28/$1,000 from $100,001-$1,000,000. Construction cost based on ICC Building Valuation Data chart or contracted price, whichever is greater. | — |
| Other | within ten (10) days after the date of written denial (starts when Appeal of Planning Official denial of organization banner sign application) | — |
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Source: municode municipal code