Sign Regulations in Temple Terrace, Florida
Temple Terrace, Florida has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Freestanding 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 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Temple Terrace, Florida
Sample Sign Requirements in Temple Terrace
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| Ground Sign | 15 ft | 125 sq ft | 5 ft from property line; 25 ft from intersection; see Matrix #1. |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft | — | 5 ft from property line. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Temple TerraceFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
19
- Wall Sign
- Ground Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Directional 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 Temple Terrace
City Website1 permit application link available
Other Cities in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
In Temple Terrace, monument signs are limited to 15 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 Temple Terrace, 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 Temple Terrace, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Freestanding Sign, Directional 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 Temple Terrace, monument signs typically require a 5 ft from property line. 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 Temple Terrace are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Temple Terrace has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Temple Terrace, Florida Sign Rules at a Glance
Temple Terrace, Florida regulates 19 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the R-7 Single Family Residential, R-7.5 Single Family Residential, R-9 Single Family Residential, R-10 Single Family Residential, PD-R Planned Development Residential, PRS Preservation zoning district are capped at 15 ft tall and 125 sq ft, with a 5 ft from property line; 25 ft from intersection; see Matrix #1. setback (Sec. Sec. 12-984, Matrix #1, Footnotes N, O, P.). Most commercial signs in Temple Terrace require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Temple Terrace, Florida
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Temple Terrace (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-7 Single Family Residential, R-7.5 Single Family Residential, R-9 Single Family Residential, R-10 Single Family Residential, PD-R Planned Development Residential, PRS Preservation | 7 | 15 ft | 125 sq ft | — |
| R-MF Multi-Family Residential, R-MFA Multi-Family Residential | 9 | 25 ft | 125 sq ft | — |
| C-O Commercial Office, P/QP Public Quasi-Public, E-I Educational Institutional | 7 | 15 ft | 125 sq ft | — |
| PROF Planned Research Office Facilities | 7 | 15 ft | 125 sq ft | — |
| C-G Commercial General, LI Light Industrial, A-U Agricultural Urban | 8 | 25 ft | 125 sq ft | — |
| Shopping Centers | 5 | 25 ft (freestanding/pylon), 15 ft (ground) | 100 sq ft (freestanding/pylon), 125 sq ft (ground) | — |
| PD Planned Development | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 5 ft (residential), 8 ft (all other listed zones) | 12 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Temple Terrace(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
R-7 Single Family Residential, R-7.5 Single Family Residential, R-9 Single Family Residential, R-10 Single Family Residential, PD-R Planned Development Residential, PRS Preservation
| 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 | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Attached flat against building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #1, Footnotes E, FF. |
| Ground Sign | 15 ft | 125 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line; 25 ft from intersection; see Matrix #1. | 1 (2 allowed on corner lot, 100 ft apart) | At entrance or main driveway, setback 5 ft from property line, 25 ft from intersection (visibility triangle); not within visibility triangle. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #1, Footnotes N, O, P. |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft | — | — | 5 ft from property line. | 1 | Setback 5 ft from property line; may not be located in visibility triangle. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #1. |
| Directional Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 2 | On property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-982(5); Sec. 12-984, Matrix #1. |
| Informational Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On property/building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #1, Footnote E. |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | — | — | — | See main sign limits | Part of ground/freestanding/pylon sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #1, Footnote CC; Footnote U (by analogy). |
| Hanging Identification Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | In near proximity to entrance, affixed to underside of covered walkway; not primarily viewable from street right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-982(14); Sec 12-984, Matrix #1, Footnote EE. |
R-MF Multi-Family Residential, R-MFA Multi-Family Residential
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning/Canopy Sign | — | — | — | 5 ft from property line (if projecting). | 1 per facade | On building awning/canopy; one per facade | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #2, Footnotes G, H, R. |
| Wall Sign | — | 20% of facade area (max 50 sq ft per 1st floor tenant sign, ≥3 stories) | — | — | 1 per facade | On building facade, awning, mansard roof, or parapet wall. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #2, Footnote G. Explained in Footnotes G, H, R. |
| Ground Sign | 15 ft | 125 sq ft | — | 5 ft property line, 25 ft intersection/residence. | 1 | 5 ft setback from property line; 25 ft from intersection and residence (if applicable). | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #2, Footnotes H, N, P, S. |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 5 ft property line, 25 ft intersection/residence. | 1 | 5 ft setback from property line; 25 ft residence/intersection as applicable. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #2, Footnotes H, P, S. |
| Directory Panel Sign | — | Part of ground/freestanding sign, fits total sign allowance | — | Same as main sign. | Integrated | Integrated into main freestanding/ground/pylon sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #2, Footnote J. |
| Directional Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 2 | On property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-982(5); Sec. 12-984, Matrix #2. |
| Informational Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On property/building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #2, Footnote E. |
| Hanging Identification Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | At/near unit entrance; under covered walkway. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-982(14); 12-984, Matrix #2, Footnote EE. |
C-G Commercial General, LI Light Industrial, A-U Agricultural Urban
| 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 | — | — | — | — | 1 per facade | On exterior facade, awning, or mansard/parapet wall. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #5, Footnotes G, H. |
| Ground Sign | 15 ft | 125 sq ft | — | 5 ft property line; 25 ft intersection/residence (if applicable). | 1 or as allowed per footnotes | 5 ft from property line, 25 ft from intersection/residence where applicable. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #5, Footnotes N, S, T. |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 5 ft property line, 25 ft intersection/residence. | 1 (per T may be more) | 5 ft from property line; 25 ft from intersection/residence if applicable. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #5. |
| Pylon Sign | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 5 ft property line. | 1 (more if shopping center etc) | 5 ft property line; max one per street frontage unless T applies. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #5, Footnotes S, T. |
| Directional Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 2 | On property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-982(5); 12-984, Matrix #5. |
| Informational Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On property/building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #5, Footnote E. |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | — | — | — | As part of main sign | Part of main sign; subject to allowance for it. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-984, Matrix #5, Footnote CC/U. |
| Hanging Identification Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | At/near entrance, under walkway. | — | Unlock | Sec. 12-982(14); 12-984, Matrix #5, Footnote EE. |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Temple Terrace — 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 Temple Terrace — start freeProhibited Signs in Temple Terrace
- No person shall erect, demolish, structurally alter, rebuild, enlarge, extend, relocate, attach to or support by a building or structure any sign unless a permit for such sign has been issued by the department, or unless such sign is specifically exempted from permit requirements.
- It shall be unlawful to change, modify, alter, or otherwise deviate from the terms or conditions of a sign permit.
- No sign shall be permitted to extend into, above or be placed in or on any portion of a public street, avenue or alley, nor shall any sign be painted, pasted, posted, printed or nailed to or on any curb, sidewalk, tree, light standard, utility pole, hydrant or bridge, or displayed within the public property or public right-of-way lines of any street, avenue or alley within the city, except upon the written approval of the city manager or designee.
- No temporary sign shall be posted in any public right-of-way, in any public park or on any other public property, except government signs.
- No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, or door opening intended as a means of egress, nor placed to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
- Any private sign located on or over public land or public right-of-way, unless authorized by the city council, shall be considered unlawful and is subject to immediate removal by the city at the sign owner's cost.
- Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and non-interference with all surface and underground utilities, and shall not interfere with natural or artificial drainage or surface or underground water.
- It is unlawful to erect, relocate, maintain or use any sign in or upon the Hillsborough River or other body of water within the city, unless otherwise provided by law.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, displayed or used if, in the opinion of the city manager or designee, it is hazardous, dangerous, or a potential impediment to rescue personnel or constitutes a public nuisance.
- Roof signs are not permitted except for those placed on mansard roofs.
- Ground-mounted signs which extend above and encroach over the surface of a roof are not permitted.
- Signs which advertise a business and are located on a building facade, mansard roof, parapet wall or awning which faces and is contiguous to property zoned and used for single-family residential purposes are prohibited.
- Billboards are not permitted in the city.
- No portable sign, sandwich sign, or snipe sign is permitted within the city.
- No motorized vehicle or trailer shall be parked on public or private property within the city for the purpose of advertising, except business identification as specified.
- No sign may employ motion picture projection, have moving parts, or give the illusion of motion, unless otherwise permitted.
- No signs with externally directed or flashing lights shall be permitted. Signs with exposed neon are prohibited, except as may be conditionally allowed.
- No sign shall emit audible sound, vapor, smoke, odor particles, or gaseous matter.
- No sign may cause radio, television, or other communication interference.
- Painted wall signs in excess of 50 square feet or 20% of the building facade (whichever is less) are prohibited.
- No sign shall display obscene, indecent or immoral matter.
- No sign shall obstruct the sight distance in a straight line approach along a public or private right-of-way.
- No sign shall use admonitions such as 'stop,' 'go,' 'slow,' or 'danger,' which might be confused with traffic direction signs.
- No sign shall be located, colored, or designed so as to be confused with or obstruct sight of traffic signs or signals, or to constitute a hazard to traffic or public safety.
- Corporate or commercial flags, including those containing logos, are prohibited.
- No private signage or advertisement is permitted on unoccupied buildings or temporary structures unless specifically permitted.
- It is unlawful to scatter advertising leaflets or affix them in public places so they may be scattered by the wind.
- No owner of private property or vehicle owner shall permit a vehicle with a temporary sign to be parked abutting, adjacent to, or facing any street, right-of-way, sidewalk, or public property for advertising purposes.
Exempt Signs in Temple Terrace
- No permit is required for the following sign types, but these signs must comply with all other rules in the division: a non-illuminated, non-activated nameplate not exceeding two square feet, attached to a building, providing the name, address and occupation of the tenant or owner.
- Flags and insignias of any governments are exempt; multiple flags of the same government must be at least one hundred feet apart on the same plot.
- Legal notices, identification, informational or directional signs erected by government agencies or in compliance with their regulations are exempt.
- Informational signs placed on single-family residential property not exceeding one square foot each are exempt.
- No more than two non-illuminated, non-activated directional signs not exceeding four square feet each and bearing no advertising other than a logo are exempt.
- Non-illuminated, nonreflective memorial signs or signs bearing the name of the building and date of erection, within 12 square feet and as an architectural detail, are exempt.
- No more than two non-illuminated, non-activated signs of eight square feet or less, located on buildings or property owned or leased by public, charitable or religious institutions, are exempt.
- Signs that are an integral part of gasoline pumps or dispensing devices are exempt.
- Signs not exceeding two square feet that advertise credit card acceptance, attached to a commercial building, are exempt.
- Time or temperature signs containing no advertising and not exceeding eight square feet are exempt.
- Window signs conforming to section provisions are exempt.
- Hanging identification signs placed near a business entrance, affixed to the underside of a covered walkway and not primarily viewable from a street right-of-way, not exceeding four square feet are exempt.
- Vinyl or plastic lettering on an awning/canopy conforming to awning/canopy sign provisions is exempt (awning structure itself does require a building permit).
- Changeable copy lettering within any approved changeable copy sign area conforming to the relevant provisions is exempt.
- Replacement of 'panels' within existing wall signs and/or directory panel signs, if conforming to wall/directory panel provisions, is exempt.
- Temporary signs not otherwise prohibited are exempt from permit requirements, but must comply with temporary sign provisions.
- Temporary signs on private property that meet the criteria (zoning, size, height, spacing, duration) specified in Section 12-989, and have owner permission, do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Temple Terrace
- A full sign permit application must be filed and approved before erecting any sign that is not specifically exempted in Section 12-982.
- Application for a sign permit requiring an erector vehicle must include drawings and information (location, construction, materials, wind stress calculations, etc.), certified by a Florida licensed structural engineer, and may require proof of public liability insurance.
- For certain sign types (e.g., freestanding, ground, pylon, wall, mansard roof), the sign matrices and footnotes to the matrices provide design, size, setback and number criteria that must be met on the sign permit or included in site plan review.
- Changeable copy areas and directory panels must be incorporated into the overall sign plan and must comply with size, design, and uniformity requirements outlined in the footnotes.
- Architecturally designed and landscaped ground signs, and design uniformity requirements for multi-tenant buildings or shopping centers, must be included and approved in the master/site sign plan.
- Waivers or variances from temporary sign regulations exceeding 25% of the standard criteria require city council approval as per section 12-989.
- For shopping centers or sites with multiple tenants, a unified sign plan (master sign plan) addressing all permanent and temporary signs, including directory panels and façade/uniformity rules, will generally be required as a condition of site or building permit review.
Source: municode municipal code