Sign Regulations in Sunrise, Florida
Sunrise, Florida has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional Sign, Contractor Sign, Development Identification 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 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Sunrise, Florida
Sample Sign Requirements in Sunrise
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Identification Sign | 6 ft. | 24 sq. ft. (RS-3, RS-5, RS-7, RM-10, RM-16, RM-25, RP-10); 6 sq. ft. for individual multifamily building not part of a larger development | 10 ft. from right-of-way |
| Directional Sign | 4 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — |
| Noncommercial Sign | 4 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for SunriseFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
18
- Directional Sign
- Contractor Sign
- Development Identification Sign
- Noncommercial Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Sunrise
Other Cities in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Sunrise vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Sunrise, 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 Sunrise, regulated sign types include Directional Sign, Contractor Sign, Development Identification Sign, Noncommercial Sign, 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 Sunrise 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 Sunrise are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Sunrise has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Sunrise, Florida Sign Rules at a Glance
Sunrise, Florida regulates 18 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Development Identification Signs in the RS-3 Low Density Single-Family Residential District (RS-3), RS-5 Low Density Single-Family Residential District (RS-5), RS-7 Single-Family Planned Development District (RS-7), RM-10 Low Medium Multifamily Residential District (RM-10), RM-16 Medium Density Multiple-family Residential District (RM-16), RM-25 Higher Density Multiple-family Residential District (RM-25), RP-10 Mobile Home Park District (RP-10) zoning district are capped at 6 ft. tall and 24 sq. ft. (RS-3, RS-5, RS-7, RM-10, RM-16, RM-25, RP-10); 6 sq. ft. for individual multifamily building not part of a larger development, with a 10 ft. from right-of-way setback (Sec. Sec. 16-251, Table 1). Most commercial signs in Sunrise require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Sunrise, Florida
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Sunrise (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-3 Low Density Single-Family Residential District (RS-3), RS-5 Low Density Single-Family Residential District (RS-5), RS-7 Single-Family Planned Development District (RS-7), RM-10 Low Medium Multifamily Residential District (RM-10), RM-16 Medium Density Multiple-family Residential District (RM-16), RM-25 Higher Density Multiple-family Residential District (RM-25), RP-10 Mobile Home Park District (RP-10) | 5 | 6 ft. | 24 sq. ft. (RS-3, RS-5, RS-7, RM-10, RM-16, RM-25, RP-10); 6 sq. ft. for individual multifamily building not part of a larger development | — |
| R/OS Recreation/Open Space District (R/OS), CR Commercial Recreation District (CR), CF Community Facilities District (CF), B-1 Neighborhood Business District (B-1), B-2 Community Business District (B-2), B-3 General Business District (B-3), B-3A General Business Overlay District (B-3A), B-4 Professional Office District (B-4), B-5 Sunrise/Sawgrass Office District (B-5), B-6 Sunrise/Sawgrass Mixed-Use District (B-6), B-7 Office Park District (B-7), I-1 Light Industrial District (I-1) | 12 | 8 ft. | Frontage <200 ft: 36 sq. ft.; 200+ ft: 60 sq. ft.; if behind a required hedge of minimum 30 in., max height 8.5 ft and max area 51 sq. ft. (<200 ft) / 85 sq. ft. (200+ ft). | — |
| Planned Unit Development District (PUD), Planned Development District (PDD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Western Sunrise Area, Western Sunrise Area (Western Sunrise Entertainment District), Western Sunrise Area (Western Sunrise Automobile Node) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Sunrise(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
RS-3 Low Density Single-Family Residential District (RS-3), RS-5 Low Density Single-Family Residential District (RS-5), RS-7 Single-Family Planned Development District (RS-7), RM-10 Low Medium Multifamily Residential District (RM-10), RM-16 Medium Density Multiple-family Residential District (RM-16), RM-25 Higher Density Multiple-family Residential District (RM-25), RP-10 Mobile Home Park District (RP-10)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Identification Sign | 6 ft. | 24 sq. ft. (RS-3, RS-5, RS-7, RM-10, RM-16, RM-25, RP-10); 6 sq. ft. for individual multifamily building not part of a larger development | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage except where attached to symmetrical entrance feature; minimum 10 ft. from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-251, Table 1 |
| Directional Sign | 4 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-251, Table 1 |
| Noncommercial Sign | 4 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-251, Table 1 |
| Temporary Signs (including Real Estate and Noncommercial Signs) | 6 ft. | Real Estate: 6 sq. ft.; Noncommercial: 8 sq. ft. (max 16 sq. ft. for vacant land >3 acres, or parcels facing interstates: 64 sq. ft. with 8 in. minimum font) | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way | See Table: Usually 1 per parcel (2 for vacant land >3 acres); extra signage possible during election periods. | Minimum 10 ft. from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-253(a), Table 3 |
| Contractor Sign | 6 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way | 1 per project on-site | On-site only, minimum 10 ft. from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-253(a), Table 3 |
R/OS Recreation/Open Space District (R/OS), CR Commercial Recreation District (CR), CF Community Facilities District (CF), B-1 Neighborhood Business District (B-1), B-2 Community Business District (B-2), B-3 General Business District (B-3), B-3A General Business Overlay District (B-3A), B-4 Professional Office District (B-4), B-5 Sunrise/Sawgrass Office District (B-5), B-6 Sunrise/Sawgrass Mixed-Use District (B-6), B-7 Office Park District (B-7), I-1 Light Industrial District (I-1)
| 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 Sign | 6 ft.; up to 8.5 ft. if conditions met | Frontage <200 ft: 36 sq. ft.; 200+ ft: 60 sq. ft.; if behind a required hedge of minimum 30 in., max height 8.5 ft and max area 51 sq. ft. (<200 ft) / 85 sq. ft. (200+ ft). | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way | 1 per unified property | 1 per unified property; minimum 10 ft. from right-of-way; minimum spacing 100 ft. between ground signs | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-252, Table 2; Sec. 16-255 |
| Wall Sign | Top of facade or wall | 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of frontage | — | — | 1 per establishment (per frontage, for corners) | 1 per establishment per frontage; corner lots may have 1 on each side facing public ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-252, Table 2 |
| Canopy Sign | — | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per establishment | Must be rigidly attached under canopy, 8 ft. minimum clearance above ground | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-252, Table 2 |
| Directory Sign | — | 64 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per multi-tenant building | On wall or freestanding in courtyard | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-252, Table 2 |
| Temporary Noncommercial Sign | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft.; (vacant land >3 acres, 2 signs, 64 sq. ft. each; parcels facing interstates, 64 sq. ft. & 8" min. font); corner lots may have one on each side. | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way | See Table 3 (varies with context) | Minimum 10 ft. from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-253(a), Table 3 |
| Real Estate Sign | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft.; parcels facing interstates up to 64 sq. ft. (8 in. font min) | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way | 1 per parcel/side (as per Table 3) | On-site; minimum 10 ft. from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-253(a), Table 3 |
| Contractor Sign | 6 ft. | 24 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way | 1 per project | On-site; minimum 10 ft. from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-253(a), Table 3 |
| Temporary Sandwich Sign | 4 ft. | — | 2 ft. | — | See above | On private sidewalk of storefront within demising walls, or on private property of freestanding building/outparcel (not in right-of-way) | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-253(a), Table 3 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flags (Noncommercial) | — | — | — | — | 3 per principal building | 3 allowed per principal building, on poles not exceeding 25 ft. in height | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-254(j) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Sunrise — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Sunrise — start freeProhibited Signs in Sunrise
- No sign is permitted unless authorized as a permitted sign by the sign ordinance (Sec. 16-248(a)(3)).
- The following sign types are prohibited citywide: abandoned signs, animated signs, signs that could be confused with traffic control devices, buntings, cabinet signs, off-premises signs, painted signs, pole signs, portable signs, projecting signs, roof signs, snipe signs, strip lighting used to outline roofs/buildings/windows, exposed neon or bare bulb signs, signs in site visibility triangles, private signs on public property or structures, or any sign not prescribed as a permitted sign (Sec. 16-248).
- No illuminated signs shall impact a residential district in such a way that the illumination increases the footcandle at the property line of the residential district or creates a nuisance to residents as determined by the director of community development (Sec. 16-254(h)(1)).
- No sign shall be within a sight triangle (Sec. 16-254(h)(3), reference Sec. 16-168).
- No sign shall be placed on or extend over public property or public rights-of-way, or be placed on public structures (Sec. 16-254(h)(2)).
- No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct fire escapes, required exit windows or doors, or ventilation openings (Sec. 16-257(c)).
- No sign that is a prohibited sign (see list above) may be allowed by waiver or variance (Sec. 16-262(a)(3)).
- All signs must be constructed, installed, and maintained in accordance with applicable building and electrical code; unsafe, abandoned, or improper signs must be removed (Sec. 16-257, 16-258, 16-259).
- Signs placed within a site visibility triangle are prohibited (Sec. 16-248(a)(16); see also Sec. 16-168).
- No illumination from a sign may create a public nuisance or safety hazard (Sec. 16-254(h)(1)).
Exempt Signs in Sunrise
- Signs required by law, including: warning signs at gasoline stations, fire lane markings, no smoking, occupant load, handicapped parking, street signs, traffic signs, public notice signs (Sec. 16-249).
- Signs not visible or legible from any vehicular right-of-way or public property are not regulated by the sign ordinance, except for structural/electrical/material specifications (Sec. 16-247(g), 'sign' definition).
- Tables, memorials, cornerstones, or date of erection signage built into walls of buildings are exempt from sign permitting (Sec. 16-261(c)(5)).
- Changing of interchangeable letters or panels on signs designed for such use, if the sign owner does not change, does not require a new permit (Sec. 16-261(c)(1)).
- Real estate signs in accordance with Sec. 16-253 do not require a separate sign permit (Sec. 16-261(c)(2)).
- Signs to identify uses when the sign does not exceed two square feet, is not illuminated, and does not project over public right-of-way do not require a permit (Sec. 16-261(c)(3)).
- Temporary signs, as detailed in Sec. 16-253 and Table 3, do not require a separate sign permit (Sec. 16-261(c)(4)).
- Traffic control devices as defined in Sec. 16-247(g) are not regulated as signs under this ordinance (Sec. 16-249(6), see also Sec. 16-247(b)(2)).
- City, County or State signs, and signs on property owned by the City, County, or State, are not regulated by this article (Sec. 16-247(b)(2)).
- Signs required by other governmental regulations or agencies are exempt from the city's sign code requirements (Sec. 16-249, 16-261(c)(7)).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Sunrise
- A sign permit is required for any new, altered, or modified sign unless specifically exempted; application requirements are specified in Sec. 16-261(b), (d).
- Any project requiring site plan or master development plan (for entrance feature) approval must include details of all signage (excluding content) for review in accordance with Article III (Sec. 16-261(a)).
- A sign application for any portion of a multitenant building must provide a written statement of uniform criteria (colors, type, size, etc.) for review and approval; once established, these criteria apply to all tenants/owners and require city approval to change (Sec. 16-254(a)).
- Automatic changeable copy signs are only allowed in the Western Sunrise Area if approved as part of a uniform sign plan (Sec. 16-254(b)(2)).
- Uniform Signage Plans: The city commission may approve uniform signage plans for certain developments or areas, which supersede underlying code sign requirements. Such plans can only be changed by ordinance (Sec. 16-264).
- A uniform signage plan is mandatory for multitenant centers (Sec. 16-254(a)); changes require city approval and an amortization period for existing non-conforming signs (no more than 5 years with at least 20% of signs replaced per year).
- Sign waivers (variances from size, location, and appearance provisions) are only available for unique site/building configurations and cannot be used to allow prohibited signs or vary based on content; decided by the planning and zoning board, and appealable to city commission (Sec. 16-262).
- For development projects requiring site plan or master development plan approval (such as planned unit developments, major site developments), the review includes signage details as part of the approval process (Sec. 16-261(a)).
- Changes to established signage criteria or Uniform Signage Plans require reapproval/amendment by the city commission (Sec. 16-254(a)(3), 16-264).
- Permits (including signage) must be obtained before any erection, construction, enlargement, posting, painting, alteration, maintaining, moving or converting of any sign, except as expressly exempted (Sec. 16-261(b)).
Source: municode municipal code