Sign Regulations in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Saint Petersburg, Florida has specific sign regulations covering 43 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, A-frame / Sandwich Board Sign (Private Property), Wall Sign - Building Identification (Top of Building, 4+ stories). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: October 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Saint Petersburg, Florida
Sample Sign Requirements in Saint Petersburg
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - General Placement and Setbacks | — | — | For freestanding signs: 0 ft setback for signs ≤6 ft height; 3 ft for signs ≤10 ft and >6 ft; 5 ft for signs ≤15 ft and >10 ft; 10 ft for signs >15 ft. |
| Wall Sign - General Placement and Height | Not above the third floor (except where otherwise permitted). On one-story buildings, shall not exceed the allowable height of the building or the lowest part of the roof. On two-story buildings, wall signs shall be on the same floor or fascia as the business identified. | — | — |
| Digital/Electronic Message Center Sign (General) | — | EMC component ≤32 sq ft; overall sign area controlled by host freestanding/wall sign limits. At places of public assembly (≥5 acres): up to 250 sq ft per side. Within large facility signs: EMC ≤50% of overall large facility sign area. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Saint PetersburgFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
43
- Wall Sign
- A-frame / Sandwich Board Sign (Private Property)
- Wall Sign - Building Identification (Top of Building, 4+ stories)
- Off-Premises Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Saint Petersburg
Other Cities in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
In Saint Petersburg, wall signs can be up to Not above the third floor (except where otherwise permitted). On one-story buildings, shall not exceed the allowable height of the building or the lowest part of the roof. On two-story buildings, wall signs shall be on the same floor or fascia as the business identified.. 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 Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, A-frame / Sandwich Board Sign (Private Property), Wall Sign - Building Identification (Top of Building, 4+ stories), Off-Premises 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 Saint Petersburg, monument signs typically require a For freestanding signs: 0 ft setback for signs ≤6 ft height; 3 ft for signs ≤10 ft and >6 ft; 5 ft for signs ≤15 ft and >10 ft; 10 ft for signs >15 ft. 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 Saint Petersburg are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Saint Petersburg has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Saint Petersburg, Florida Sign Rules at a Glance
Saint Petersburg, Florida regulates 43 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Large Facility Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Top of sign ≤60 ft above crown of nearest interstate roadway surface; bottom of sign frame ≤20 ft above crown of nearest interstate roadway surface. tall and ≤1,700 sq ft per side, with a Minimum 10 ft from all property lines (or greater as required by FDOT). setback (Sec. 16.40.120.6.5(A)-(I)). Most commercial signs in Saint Petersburg require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Saint Petersburg, Florida
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Saint Petersburg (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | Top of sign ≤60 ft above crown of nearest interstate roadway surface; bottom of sign frame ≤20 ft above crown of nearest interstate roadway surface. | ≤1,700 sq ft per side | — |
| Pier District | 3 | ≤5 ft | Overall sign containing EMC ≤15 sq ft; EMC portion ≤50% of overall sign area. | — |
| Neighborhood, Planned Unit Development, and Mobile Home Districts (NT-1, NT-2, NT-3, NT-4, NS-1, NS-2, NSM-1, NSM-2, NMH, NPUD-1, NPUD-2, NPUD-3) | 5 | ≤10 ft | ≤48 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Corridor Residential Districts (CRT-1, CRT-2, CRS-1, CRS-2) | 6 | ≤10 ft | ≤60 sq ft per sign face (first permitted freestanding sign in each yard) | — |
| Corridor Commercial Traditional Districts (CCT-1, CCT-2) | 9 | ≤25 ft (alternate crown-of-road measurement for overpass/elevated roads) | ≤672 sq ft per face (two faces back-to-back allowed) | — |
| Corridor Commercial Suburban Districts (CCS-1, CCS-2) | 8 | ≤25 ft (alternate overpass measurement as applicable) | ≤672 sq ft per face | — |
| Suburban Center Districts (RC-1, RC-2, RC-3, EC-1, IC) | 8 | ≤25 ft (alternate overpass measurement as applicable) | ≤672 sq ft per face | — |
| Downtown Center (DC-C, DC-1, DC-2, DC-3, DC-P) | 7 | ≤15 ft | ≤300 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Suburban District (IS) | 8 | ≤25 ft (alternate overpass measurement as applicable) | ≤672 sq ft per face | — |
| Industrial Traditional District (IT) | 7 | ≤25 ft (alternate overpass measurement as applicable) | ≤672 sq ft per face | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Saint Petersburg(sample of 3 of 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - General Placement and Setbacks | — | — | — | For freestanding signs: 0 ft setback for signs ≤6 ft height; 3 ft for signs ≤10 ft and >6 ft; 5 ft for signs ≤15 ft and >10 ft; 10 ft for signs >15 ft. | Per-zone tables control number of freestanding signs. For multiple street frontages: one additional freestanding sign per additional street frontage; non-primary frontage allowances: Arterial 100% of primary area/height; Collector 75%; All others 50%. | Primary freestanding sign shall be installed within the yard abutting the roadway having the highest classification or use; only one sign within 25 feet of a street intersection (first lawful sign installed within 25 feet precludes a second). Height measured from finished grade of the yard or, if contiguous to an overpass/elevated road (excluding service roads) from which the sign is designed to be viewed, measured vertically from the average elevation of the crown of that roadway. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.2(A)-(D); 16.40.120.5.5(A); 16.40.120.5.5(B); Note 1 under 16.40.120.5.5; 16.40.120.5.2(G) |
| Wall Sign - General Placement and Height | Not above the third floor (except where otherwise permitted). On one-story buildings, shall not exceed the allowable height of the building or the lowest part of the roof. On two-story buildings, wall signs shall be on the same floor or fascia as the business identified. | — | — | — | Per zone-specific wall sign tables. Unlimited number on a wall, limited by total allowable wall sign area per zone. | Allowed on primary building façade facing the abutting street of highest classification or use; on each side of a building facing other streets for multi-frontage properties; on a secondary façade containing the main entrance; or on any other façade with fully finished architectural treatment matching other façades (area counts toward total wall sign allowance). | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.6(A)(1)-(3); 16.40.120.5.2(E)-(F); 16.40.120.5.2(G) |
| Large Facility Sign | Top of sign ≤60 ft above crown of nearest interstate roadway surface; bottom of sign frame ≤20 ft above crown of nearest interstate roadway surface. | ≤1,700 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 10 ft from all property lines (or greater as required by FDOT). | Maximum one large facility sign per site. | Permitted only on sites contiguous to interstate highway rights-of-way; installed adjacent to and oriented toward interstate right-of-way. Site must be ≥20 acres and be theater, stadium, or place of public assembly. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.6.5(A)-(I) |
| Drive-Through Establishment Signs | ≤8 ft | ≤40 sq ft per sign | — | — | ≤2 per drive-through lane | Adjacent to drive-through lanes. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.6.6 |
| Off-Premises Sign (General Standards for Allowed Zones) | ≤25 ft (alternate height calculation if contiguous to overpass/elevated road) | ≤672 sq ft per sign face (two faces back-to-back permitted on same structure) | — | Behind required front, street side, and side yards per zoning district. | Maximum one off-premises sign per zoned lot. | Allowed only in CCT, CCS, EC, RC, IC, IS, IT zoning districts and only on sites abutting the interstate or interstate feeders. Prohibited in Pier District. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.6.7(A)-(J) |
| Digital/Electronic Off-Premise Sign (General) | ≤25 ft or height of existing static billboard being replaced (whichever greater) with verification; alternate crown-of-road height measurement for overpass/elevated roads. | Controlled by height/width limits above | ≤48 ft 2¼ in | — | — | Only within 100 ft of interstate right-of-way, including downtown feeders; prohibited near historic structures/districts (within 500 ft unless separated by interstate/feeder); prohibited within 500 ft of residentially zoned property. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.8(A)-(G) |
| Three-Dimensional Signs (General) | Must conform to applicable sign type height limits. | Must conform to applicable sign type area limits. | — | — | — | Shall not be within a public pedestrian easement or extend beyond property line into right-of-way unless attached to building face and located ≥8 ft above grade. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.2(H)(1)-(3) |
| Temporary Signs (General) | Temp freestanding: ≤8 ft; Wind feather: ≤15 ft; Cold-air inflatable device: ≤25 ft in any dimension. | Banners: ≤48 sq ft; Temporary freestanding: ≤48 sq ft; Cold-air inflatable sign attachment: ≤150 sq ft; One-way frontage road additional temp signs: ≤48 sq ft each. | — | — | General: up to 2 banners/site; 1 temp freestanding/site; 1 wind feather/site in lieu of banner/freestanding; One-way frontage roads: max 2 temp signs (≤100 ft frontage) plus +1 per additional 100 ft or portion thereof. | Allowed in any zoning district except at residential uses having ≤10 dwelling units (with multiple specific limitations). | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.7(1)-(8) |
Corridor Commercial Traditional Districts (CCT-1, CCT-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 (>8 ft tall) | ≤15 ft | ≤64 sq ft per sign face | — | 0 ft (≤6 ft); 3 ft (>6–≤10 ft); 5 ft (>10–≤15 ft); 10 ft (>15 ft). | One if sign is >8 ft tall. | All uses except subdivision entrances and single-family/duplex uses. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.5 (Freestanding Signs Table - CCT); 16.40.120.5.2(A)-(D),(G); Note 1 under 16.40.120.5.5 |
| Freestanding Sign (≤8 ft tall; property frontage ≥100 ft) | ≤8 ft | ≤64 sq ft per sign face (each) | — | 0 ft (≤6 ft); 3 ft (>6–≤10 ft). | Two if all signs are ≤8 ft and frontage ≥100 ft. | All uses except subdivision entrances and single-family/duplex uses; property must have minimum of 100 ft of frontage. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.5 (Freestanding Signs Table - CCT) |
| Wall Sign | Per general wall sign height rules; not above third floor except additional building identification sign as below. | ≤150 sq ft | — | — | No limit per wall (subject to area cap). | Per general placement rules. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.6 (Wall Signs Table - CCT); 16.40.120.5.6(A); 16.40.120.5.2(E)-(F),(G) |
| Wall Sign - Building Identification (Top of Building, 4+ stories) | Top-of-building placement per building height. | ≤300 sq ft | — | — | One additional top-of-building identification sign (for 4+ story buildings). | At top of building for buildings of four or more stories. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.6 (CCT row, additional sign at top of building) |
| A-frame / Sandwich Board Sign (Sidewalk - CCT) | ≤5 ft | ≤4 sq ft per face | — | ≥4 ft from curb; maintain ≥5 ft sidewalk clearance. | One per customer entrance. | On sidewalks in front of businesses in CCT (only for businesses in buildings that comply with CCT design criteria). | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.10 (A-frame signs exemption) |
| Temporary Signs (CCT Special Events on Sidewalks) | — | — | — | — | One per business (special events). | On sidewalks in front of businesses within CCT for special events. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.7(7) |
| Off-Premises Sign | ≤25 ft (alternate crown-of-road measurement for overpass/elevated roads) | ≤672 sq ft per face (two faces back-to-back allowed) | — | Behind required front/street side/side yards per zoning. | Maximum one per zoned lot. | Allowed in CCT only on sites abutting the interstate or interstate feeders. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.6.7(C)-(J) |
| Digital/Electronic Message Center Sign (General allowances in CCT) | — | EMC ≤32 sq ft; overall host sign per freestanding/wall limits. | — | — | — | Permitted as component of freestanding or wall/projecting sign subject to general EMC rules. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.6.3(A)-(F) |
Corridor Commercial Suburban Districts (CCS-1, CCS-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 (>8 ft tall) | ≤20 ft | ≤64 sq ft per sign face | — | 0 ft (≤6 ft); 3 ft (>6–≤10 ft); 5 ft (>10–≤15 ft); 10 ft (>15 ft). | One if sign >8 ft. | All uses except subdivision entrances and single-family/duplex uses. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.5 (Freestanding Signs Table - CCS); 16.40.120.5.2(A)-(D),(G); Note 1 |
| Freestanding Sign (≤8 ft tall; property frontage ≥100 ft) | ≤8 ft | ≤64 sq ft per face | — | 0 ft (≤6 ft); 3 ft (>6–≤10 ft). | Two if all signs ≤8 ft and frontage ≥100 ft. | All uses except subdivision entrances and single-family/duplex uses; property must have ≥100 ft frontage. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.5 (Freestanding Signs Table - CCS) |
| Wall Sign | Per general wall sign limits; not above third floor except building ID sign. | ≤150 sq ft | — | — | No limit per wall (subject to area cap). | Per general placement rules. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.6 (Wall Signs Table - CCS); 16.40.120.5.6(A); 16.40.120.5.2(E)-(F),(G) |
| Wall Sign - Building Identification (Top of Building, 4+ stories) | — | ≤300 sq ft | — | — | One additional (4+ stories). | Top of building for buildings of four or more stories. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.5.6 (CCS row, additional top-of-building sign) |
| A-frame / Sandwich Board Sign (Private Property) | ≤5 ft | ≤4 sq ft per face | — | ≥4 ft from curb. | One per business. | On private property (not sidewalks). | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.10 (A-frame signs exemption) |
| Off-Premises Sign | ≤25 ft (alternate overpass measurement as applicable) | ≤672 sq ft per face | — | Behind required yards. | Max one per zoned lot. | Allowed in CCS only on sites abutting the interstate or interstate feeders. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.6.7(C)-(J) |
| Digital/Electronic Message Center Sign (General allowances in CCS) | — | EMC ≤32 sq ft; overall host sign per zone limits. | — | — | — | Permitted as component of freestanding/wall signs. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.6.3(A)-(F) |
| Temporary Signs (General allowances in CCS) | Temp freestanding ≤8 ft; Wind feather ≤15 ft; Cold-air inflatable device ≤25 ft. | Banners ≤48 sq ft; Temp freestanding ≤48 sq ft. | — | — | Per general temporary sign limits. | Allowed except at residential uses with ≤10 units. | — | Unlock | 16.40.120.7(1)-(6) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Saint Petersburg — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Saint Petersburg — start freeProhibited Signs in Saint Petersburg
- Installing, erecting, or creating any sign without first obtaining a sign permit is prohibited unless the sign is exempt (16.40.120.3.F).
- Wall signs shall not be installed over windows, doors, or other types of fenestration (16.40.120.5.2.E).
- No wall or freestanding sign located within 50 feet of a property with a single-family use or zoned for a single-family use may be internally illuminated (16.40.120.5.2.G).
- No sign or portion of a three-dimensional sign may be within a public pedestrian easement or extend beyond the property line into the right-of-way unless attached to the building face and located at least eight feet above grade (16.40.120.5.2.H.3).
- Abandoned signs are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Banners are prohibited unless exempt or issued a temporary sign permit (16.40.120.11).
- Bus shelter signs and bench signs are prohibited except when approved by the City pursuant to state statutes; transit company identification or route/map signs are not prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Cold air inflatables are prohibited except as allowed for temporary signs (16.40.120.11).
- Damaged signs that remain in a damaged state for more than 90 consecutive days are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Lighting devices that project light or laser beams to form text, graphics, logos, or artwork on streets, walkways, fences, sign structures, or exterior walls, and the projected content, are prohibited unless specifically permitted and shown to pose no threat; any such projection area must not exceed allowable wall sign area (permit required) (16.40.120.11).
- Off-premises signs are prohibited except where specifically allowed by the sign code (16.40.120.11).
- Pavement markings are prohibited except official traffic control markings, markings authorized by a government agency, and private traffic/parking markings necessary for safety (16.40.120.11).
- Pennants are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Portable signs, including inflatable and other gas- or air-filled devices, are prohibited unless otherwise specifically allowed by the Code (16.40.120.11).
- Portable trailer signs are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Signs attached to or painted on piers, docks, posts, pilings, or seawalls (or any portion thereof) are prohibited, except official regulatory signs, signs specifically allowed by the Code, or warning signs (16.40.120.11).
- Signs in or upon any body of water within the City are prohibited, except official regulatory or warning signs and informational or directional signs installed by or with City approval for water paths or paddling trails (16.40.120.11).
- Signs that are a threat to public health or safety because of their condition or location are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Signs located within or projecting over rights-of-way, publicly owned lands, or easements for City or public utility use are prohibited, except government/public signs, signs on publicly owned property actively leased to a private entity, and signs specifically allowed by the Code; includes attachments to lampposts, utility poles, bridges, sidewalks, or other public property (16.40.120.11).
- Signs that emit light or reflect glare of such intensity, brilliance, or duration as to impair the vision of motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Signs that simulate or contain a likeness of a traffic control device are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Signs that emit sound, vapor, bubbles, smoke, odor, particles, or gaseous matter are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Signs with unshielded illuminating devices permitting a light source to be viewed from off-premises are prohibited, except designated historic signs and signs otherwise specifically allowed (16.40.120.11).
- Signs with blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illumination devices with changing intensity, brightness, color, or direction are prohibited except as specifically allowed; compliant digital/electronic off-premise signs are not deemed included (16.40.120.11).
- Signs in a poorly maintained state for more than 60 consecutive days after City notice (e.g., peeling faces, blight) are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Signs that move, revolve, twirl, rotate, or flash, including animated signs, multiprism signs, and beacon lights, are prohibited except when required by the FAA; tri-vision signs are permitted only for large facility signs (16.40.120.11).
- Signs that obstruct, conceal, hide, or otherwise obscure any official traffic or government sign, signal, or device are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Signs that present a potential traffic or pedestrian hazard, including those that obstruct visibility, are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Snipe signs are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Streamers are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Vehicle signs placed on vehicles that are parked or used so as to be viewed from a right-of-way to advertise and that are not within the normal unaltered lines of the vehicle and do not qualify as exempt are prohibited (16.40.120.11).
- Any sign not specifically allowed by the sign code is prohibited (16.40.120.11).
Exempt Signs in Saint Petersburg
- A-frame signs: Exempt with conditions. On sidewalks only in CCT and DC for compliant buildings, max one per customer entrance, only during business hours, 5 ft minimum sidewalk clearance, not within 4 ft of curb; within the Pier District, one per pier lessee/licensee/permit holder; in other districts, one allowed on private property; max 4 sq ft per face and 5 ft height (16.40.120.10).
- Artwork: Exempt if it meets the definition of artwork (no logos or business-identifying text) and, if on a designated landmark or within a historic district, a certificate of appropriateness is required (16.40.120.10).
- Banners, museums: At museums in nonresidential districts, one banner per 50 ft of street frontage (max 5 per frontage), each up to 240 sq ft; both ends attached to the building; not counted toward wall/freestanding sign area (16.40.120.10).
- Banners, place of public assembly: At theaters, stadiums, or other places of public assembly on 5+ acres with 1,900+ fixed seats; no overall size limit; must comply with applicable codes/laws and not cover character-defining building features (16.40.120.10).
- Banners, street: City-approved street banners within the right-of-way as approved by the POD are exempt (16.40.120.10).
- Construction site signs, downtown: Within DC districts, unlimited-area signs attached to approved construction fencing up to 8 ft tall during active permits/work (16.40.120.10).
- Construction site signs, generally (non-single family/≤4-unit multifamily): From site plan approval to CO, one sign up to 32 sq ft per 100 ft of frontage and up to 10 ft tall; from building permit application/issuance to CO, one additional sign up to 32 sq ft and up to five signs up to 8 sq ft each and 5 ft tall; if no building permit, display only while work is in progress (16.40.120.10).
- Government and public signs: Informational, directional, and regulatory signs within rights-of-way or on public land installed by or approved by the City (including on water bodies); not to exceed 9 sq ft unless larger required by law (16.40.120.10).
- Home occupation signs: One non-internally illuminated wall sign up to 4 sq ft, with no text/symbols/logos/designs over 8 inches tall (16.40.120.10).
- Human signs: One on-premises human sign per business during business hours, only on private property of the business or adjacent right-of-way with specified placement/clearance; no platforms/vehicles/structures—person must stand or walk on the ground (16.40.120.10).
- Non-electronic/digital changeable copy on otherwise lawful signs is exempt (16.40.120.10).
- On-site directional/operational/access signs, minor: Up to 4 sq ft and 4 ft height adjacent to vehicular operational areas; larger campus/complex directory signs are not exempt and may require a uniform sign plan (16.40.120.10).
- Religious emblems or logos are exempt if not an integral component of a freestanding or wall sign; if integral, full sign permitting and limits apply (16.40.120.10).
- Restaurant or bar small signs: One wall sign per business up to 4 sq ft (no elements over 8 inches tall) and one pedestal/sidewalk sign if it complies with A-frame requirements; drive-through menu signs are not exempt (16.40.120.10).
- Signs required by federal/state law or City Code are exempt (16.40.120.10).
- Temporary residential signs: On lots with single family or multifamily (≤4 units), up to five non-illuminated temporary signs located on private property (not in visibility triangle), each max 4 sq ft and 6 ft height; must not remain in damaged/disrepair condition (16.40.120.10).
- Umbrella signs: Printing on umbrellas in outdoor restaurant/bar, sidewalk café, or pushcart areas; umbrellas must be lightweight fabric; no signs attached/suspended from umbrellas (16.40.120.10).
- Under-canopy signs: One sign up to 4 sq ft for a street-level business with a canopy; minimum 8 ft clearance above sidewalk (16.40.120.10).
- Vehicle signs: Signs on vehicles of licensed transit carriers (bus, trolley, taxicab) while regularly traversing/using public ROW in normal course of business are exempt; must comply with commercial vehicle parking regs; a single unattached sign placed on a vehicle/camper/trailer at a residence or boat where lawfully docked may be exempt under residential temporary sign rules (16.40.120.10).
- Vending signs: Printing on merchandise dispensing devices (e.g., newspaper stands, gas pumps, telephone booths, vending machines) that does not extend beyond device surface is exempt (16.40.120.10).
- Warning signs: Up to 6 sq ft and 6 ft height (16.40.120.10).
- Waterside identification sign: One sign per property up to 25 sq ft on parcels over 2 acres abutting specified water bodies, visible only from the water (16.40.120.10).
- Wayfinding signs: Government signs within ROW that are part of an approved districtwide directory program with uniform standards are exempt (16.40.120.10).
- Window signs, non-illuminated: Cumulative area up to 50% of the window pane area; illuminated window signs count toward wall sign allowance (16.40.120.10).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Saint Petersburg
- A uniform sign plan is required whenever an owner proposes to erect one or more signs requiring a permit on an individual site or on parcels subject to a common plan of development; the plan must include a site plan, inventory, dimensions, detailed drawings demonstrating uniformity (materials, illumination, attachment), contact info, owner consent (if applicable), and any other information reasonably required by the POD (16.40.120.5.3).
- All signs must be consistent with a uniform sign plan for multi-tenant structures or developments where a uniform sign plan is required (16.40.120.3.D).
- Wall signs within developments having three or more tenant spaces must be consistent with the uniform sign plan; the plan must show consistency in size, materials, method of illumination, and method of attachment (16.40.120.5.2.F).
- No permit shall be issued for a large facility sign unless the sign is included in and consistent with the uniform sign plan for the site (16.40.120.6.5.H).
- On-site directional and directory signs for office/industrial parks, hospitals, colleges/universities, and regional shopping centers (over 100,000 sq ft) are not exempt and may be required by a uniform sign plan (16.40.120.10, On-site directional, operational, access signs, minor).
- Illuminated awning sign area calculation exception applies when the awning background color matches other awnings on site and the awnings are part of a uniform sign plan for a multi-tenant building (16.40.120.6.2).
Source: municode municipal code