Sign Regulations in Cleveland, Georgia
Cleveland, Georgia has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Mansard Sign, Projecting or Hanging 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 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Cleveland, Georgia
Sample Sign Requirements in Cleveland
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | Minimum 15 ft from rear/side property lines; minimum 15 ft from pavement; must be outside the right-of-way; not in corner triangle (20 ft from both sides at intersections). |
| Wall Sign | 25 ft above ground or 3 ft above eave/parapet, whichever is less | 360 sq ft | — |
| Mansard Sign | Not more than 3 ft above eave/parapet to which attached | 360 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ClevelandFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
20
- Wall Sign
- Mansard Sign
- Projecting or Hanging Sign
- Banner
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Cleveland
Other Cities in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
In Cleveland, wall signs can be up to 25 ft above ground or 3 ft above eave/parapet, whichever is less and monument signs are limited to 6 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 Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Mansard Sign, Projecting or Hanging Sign, Banner, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Cleveland, monument signs typically require a Minimum 15 ft from rear/side property lines; minimum 15 ft from pavement; must be outside the right-of-way; not in corner triangle (20 ft from both sides at intersections). 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 Cleveland are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cleveland has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cleveland, Georgia Sign Rules at a Glance
Cleveland, Georgia regulates 20 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Sign District 1—Historic Downtown District (B-1—Central Business District) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 36 sq ft, with a Minimum 15 ft from rear/side property lines; minimum 15 ft from pavement; must be outside the right-of-way; not in corner triangle (20 ft from both sides at intersections). setback (Sec. Sec. 44-8(a)(1), 44-18(1), 44-19(1), 44-20, 44-21, 44-23, 44-8(a)(1)(d)(1), 44-8(a)(1)(e)(1), 44-8(a)(1)(b)). Most commercial signs in Cleveland require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cleveland, Georgia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cleveland (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign District 1—Historic Downtown District (B-1—Central Business District) | 8 | 25 ft above ground or 3 ft above eave/parapet, whichever is less | 360 sq ft | — |
| Sign District 2—Commercial and Residential District | 7 | 25 ft above ground/3 ft above eave or parapet, whichever less | 360 sq ft | — |
| Sign District 3—High Density Commercial District | 10 | 25 ft above ground/3 ft above eave or parapet | 480 sq ft | — |
| B-2—Highway Commercial zoning district, I—Industrial zoning district | 2 | 22.5 ft above road crown or ground | 378 sq ft per face | — |
| Residential zoning districts | 3 | 25 ft or height of principal structure, whichever less | 70 sq ft per sign face, combined up to 70 sq ft all signs at entrance | — |
| Nonresidential zoning districts | 2 | 5 ft | 16 sq ft per sign, max 32 sq ft total | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 50 ft or allowed height of structure (nonresidential) | 40 sq ft per flag (nonresidential districts, see main list for residential) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cleveland(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Sign District 1—Historic Downtown District (B-1—Central Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — | Minimum 15 ft from rear/side property lines; minimum 15 ft from pavement; must be outside the right-of-way; not in corner triangle (20 ft from both sides at intersections). | One per entrance with 50+ ft continuous frontage; each frontage treated independently; no two signs closer than 50 ft; no transfer of signage between frontages. | Outside the right-of-way, each sign at least 50 ft from any other, must not be closer than 20 ft to another freestanding sign in this district. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(1), 44-18(1), 44-19(1), 44-20, 44-21, 44-23, 44-8(a)(1)(d)(1), 44-8(a)(1)(e)(1), 44-8(a)(1)(b) |
| Wall Sign | 25 ft above ground or 3 ft above eave/parapet, whichever is less | 360 sq ft | — | — | On each public street-facing side, or main entrance; subject to master sign plan for multi-tenant buildings. | Building wall facing a public street or main entrance. If no street frontage: on a single facade. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(2), 44-21(3), 44-23, 44-7 |
| Mansard Sign | Not more than 3 ft above eave/parapet to which attached | 360 sq ft | — | — | — | Mansard facing public street or main entrance. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(2), 44-23 |
| Directory Sign (Wall) | — | — | — | — | — | On wall facing public street or entrance. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(2)(e), 44-23 |
| Projecting or Hanging Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | — | One per tenant/business | Nonresidential zones; above public entrance door; suspended from eave/soffit or extending from wall. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(3) |
| Banner | 5 ft | 35 sq ft | — | 15 ft side/rear; 15 ft from pavement/front; outside right-of-way. | One per business/organization | Nonresidential zones with front setback of at least 15 ft from pavement/outside right-of-way. 15 ft from side/rear property lines. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(4) |
| A-frame Sign | 3 ft | 2 ft x 3 ft (6 sq ft) | 2 ft | — | — | On sidewalk, in front of business, no more than 12 ft from entrance, must leave 60 inches of unobstructed passage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(5) |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On/in window or within 3 ft inside; visible from outside. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(6), 44-10(e), 44-21 |
Sign District 2—Commercial and Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 15 ft from rear/side property lines; 15 ft from pavement front; outside right-of-way; not in intersection vision triangle. | One per entrance with 50+ ft continuous frontage; each frontage treated independently; no two signs within 50 ft, no transfer between frontages. | Outside the right-of-way. Each frontage is independent provided no two signs closer than 50 ft. Signs must be located outside the right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(1)(c)(2), 44-18(2), 44-19(2), 44-20, 44-21, 44-8(a)(1)(b) |
| Wall Sign | 25 ft above ground/3 ft above eave or parapet, whichever less | 360 sq ft | — | — | Each street-facing wall/main entrance per façade; subject to master sign plan. | On building wall facing public street or main entrance; for buildings with no street frontage, on single facade. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(2), 44-23, 44-21 |
| Mansard Sign | Not more than 3 ft above eave/parapet | 360 sq ft | — | — | — | On mansard facing public street or entrance. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(2), 44-23 |
| Projecting or Hanging Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | — | One per business/tenant. | Over public entrance; suspended or extending from wall or soffit; nonresidential. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(3) |
| Banner | 5 ft | 35 sq ft | — | 15 ft side/rear; 15 ft front; outside right-of-way. | One per business/organization | Nonresidential lots; 15 ft front setback from pavement; 15 ft side/rear; outside right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(4) |
| A-frame Sign | 3 ft | 2 ft x 3 ft (6 sq ft) | 2 ft | — | — | On sidewalk, maximum 12 ft from main entrance, must leave 60 in unobstructed width. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(5) |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On/in window or within 3 ft inside; visible from outside. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(6), 44-10(e) |
Sign District 3—High Density Commercial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Plaza/Entrances) | 16 ft | 480 sq ft | — | 15 ft rear/side, 15 ft from pavement front, outside right-of-way, no sign in intersection triangle. | One per entrance (50+ ft frontage), frontages treated independently, no two signs within 50 ft, no transfer of signage. | Plaza signs and entrances to commercial developments; outside right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(1)(c)(3), 44-18(3), 44-19(3), 44-21, 44-8(a)(1)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-plaza/non-entrance) | 16 ft | 160 sq ft | — | 15 ft rear/side, 15 ft pavement front, outside right-of-way. | No two signs within 50 ft; 160 sq ft per lot of record. | Outside right-of-way as above. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(1)(c)(4), 44-18(3) |
| Wall Sign | 25 ft above ground/3 ft above eave or parapet | 360 sq ft | — | — | Each street-side wall/main entrance; see master sign plan. | On facade facing public street or main entrance. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(2), 44-23 |
| Mansard Sign | 3 ft above eave/parapet | 360 sq ft | — | — | — | On mansard facing public street or entrance. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(2) |
| Banner | 5 ft | 35 sq ft | — | 15 ft side/rear/front, outside right-of-way. | One per business/org | Nonresidential lots; 15 ft from pavement and side/rear; outside right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(4) |
| A-frame Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft (2x3 ft) | 2 ft | — | — | On sidewalk, in front of business, max 12 ft from entrance, 60 in clear sidewalk. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(5) |
| Billboard (Static) | 22.5 ft above road crown or ground, whichever is higher (min 10 ft above road crown) | 378 sq ft per face | — | 15 ft rear/side, 15–65 ft from right-of-way, not in intersection triangle. | One per facing per location; see spacing. | Visible from public/State/Federal highway within B-2 or I zoning in Sign District 3. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-8(a)(9), 44-18(3)(b), 44-19(3)(b) |
| Digital Billboard | 22.5 ft above road crown or ground | Up to same size as static billboard being replaced; max 378 sq ft per sign face. | — | As for billboards. | One per sign face per location per spacing. | B-2 or I zoning in Sign District 3 only. | — | Unlock | Sec.44-8(a)(9)(c) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Cleveland — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Cleveland — start freeProhibited Signs in Cleveland
- No sign shall be erected or maintained unless it is in compliance with this chapter.
- All signs must comply with applicable city building codes.
- No sign shall be posted, displayed, substantially changed, altered, erected, reconstructed, replaced, or reset without first obtaining proper authorization and a permit unless specifically excluded.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- Animated signs are prohibited, except dynamic display and electronic message signs specifically allowed under the chapter.
- Inflatable signs are prohibited within any right-of-way except as permitted under special event sign permits.
- Pennants are prohibited within any right-of-way except as permitted under special event sign permits.
- Roof signs that extend more than three feet above the roof line are prohibited.
- Streamers and windblown devices are prohibited, except as specifically allowed in the chapter.
- Signs resembling traffic signals or signs that imitate or purport to be an official traffic sign or signal are prohibited.
- Signs creating pedestrian or traffic hazards are prohibited, including those in rights-of-way or obstructing vision at intersections.
- Flashing signs, strobe, laser, and searchlights, or any sign with an intermittent or flashing light source, are prohibited.
- Hazardous signs that pose threats to health, safety, or welfare are prohibited.
- Any sign illuminated at an intensity or brightness that reasonably interferes with the peace, comfort, convenience, or general welfare of adjacent residents or operators of vehicles is prohibited.
- Signs attached to, drawn, or painted upon trees, rocks, or other natural features are prohibited.
- Signs displayed on outdoor furniture, benches, trash cans, telephone booths, and similar devices are prohibited unless authorized as memorial devices (not more than 4" x 8").
- Signs attached to, drawn, or painted on utility poles, telecommunication towers, and water towers or tanks are prohibited unless required by law.
- Signs with dynamic display and electronic message signs are prohibited in the B-I Central Business District but may be allowed elsewhere if compliant.
- Signs drawn or painted upon roofs, buildings, or structures are prohibited except as expressly allowed.
- No sign shall be erected at or near public streets/intersections in a way that creates hazards or interferes with authorized traffic signs/signals.
- No sign shall be maintained in disrepair or present unsafe conditions (loose elements, peeling paint, broken structures, unlit illumination, neglect of surrounding area).
Exempt Signs in Cleveland
- Flags (up to three per lot) displayed for routine raising/lowering, each not exceeding 40 sq ft; poles not exceeding 25 ft high and within 25 ft of main building entrance.
- Street address identifiers and building identification numbers on multi-tenant buildings essential for location identification.
- Signs not oriented or intended to be legible from a public right-of-way, private road or driveway, or other private property.
- Signs or stickers designed to be read only from close range (5 ft or less) attached to a device or structure more than 25 ft from right-of-way, not exceeding 1 sq ft each.
- Signs erected more than three feet inside a building.
- Building markers and integral decorative or architectural features, provided they do not contain moving parts or lights.
- Traffic safety and directional signs installed within the public street right-of-way by authorized governmental entities.
- Traffic safety and directional signs along private streets, driveways, or off-street parking (must not exceed 4 sq ft).
- Signs posted by authorized government officials on public land or right-of-way for official duties.
- Holiday lights and decorations, provided they are removed within 45 days following the respective holiday (businesses primarily selling holiday items are exempt from removal).
- Handicapped parking signs required per local, state, or federal law.
- Any sign no larger than 4 sq ft in area posted by a City resident at their residence location.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cleveland
- A master sign plan is required for all nonresidential projects including more than one freestanding building and for all nonresidential projects including a building suitable for multiple tenants.
- The approved master sign plan must be provided to all tenants to ensure compliance.
- Approval of the master sign plan by the city building official is part of the development review process and must be obtained before any signs are erected except construction-phase signs.
- Individual sign permits are required for all signs contained within an approved master sign plan.
- A master sign plan must be amended by filing a new application if alterations are needed.
- Any change of ownership requires the new owner to submit and have approved by the city a master sign plan, and nonconforming signs must be brought into compliance within six months.
- A master sign plan is required for wall or mansard signs.
- Variance(s) for signage (such as exceeding exempted sizes, setbacks, height, or sign area) require submittal of proposed sign plans and details as part of the variance application and a Board hearing/meeting if the building official determines the application meets criteria.
Source: municode municipal code