# Sign Regulations in Cleveland, Georgia

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Cleveland, Georgia, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Cleveland, Georgia (GA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/georgia/cleveland
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-07
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/GA/Cleveland/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH44SI)

## 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.

## Sign rules by zoning district (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 (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 | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | Sec. 44-8(a)(2), 44-23 |
| Directory Sign (Wall) | — | — | — | — | — | On wall facing public street or entrance. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | Sec. 44-8(a)(5) |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On/in window or within 3 ft inside; visible from outside. | — | 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 | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | Sec. 44-8(a)(5) |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On/in window or within 3 ft inside; visible from outside. | — | 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 | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | Sec. 44-8(a)(2), 44-23 |
| Mansard Sign | 3 ft above eave/parapet | 360 sq ft | — | — | — | On mansard facing public street or entrance. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | Sec.44-8(a)(9)(c) |

## Prohibited 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).

## Signs exempt from permit 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

- 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.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 7 zoning districts in Cleveland — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Cleveland+GA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-cleveland

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