Sign Regulations in McCall, Idaho
McCall, Idaho has specific sign regulations covering 14 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Development Complex Sign, Wayfinding Sign, Changeable Sign (Permanent Structure). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for McCall, Idaho
Sample Sign Requirements in McCall
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Complex Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — |
| Changeable Sign (Permanent Structure) | — | 15 sq ft | — |
| Identification/Directional Sign | 5 ft (freestanding) | 2 sq ft per dwelling unit; for multiple dwellings per platted lot, additional signs totaling 12 sq ft per building | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
14
- Development Complex Sign
- Wayfinding Sign
- Changeable Sign (Permanent Structure)
- Changeable Sign (Individual Letters)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Idaho
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in McCall 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 McCall, 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 McCall, regulated sign types include Development Complex Sign, Wayfinding Sign, Changeable Sign (Permanent Structure), Changeable Sign (Individual Letters), 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 McCall 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 McCall are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. McCall has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research McCall Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to McCall, Idaho sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
McCall, Idaho Sign Rules at a Glance
McCall, Idaho regulates 14 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Identification/Directional Signs in the Residential Zones (AF, RR, RE, R1, R4, R8, R16) zoning district are capped at 5 ft (freestanding) tall and 2 sq ft per dwelling unit; for multiple dwellings per platted lot, additional signs totaling 12 sq ft per building (Sec. 3.9.03(B)(2)-(4)). Most commercial signs in McCall require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for McCall, Idaho
Sign Rules by Zoning District in McCall (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | 50 sq ft | — |
| Residential Zones (AF, RR, RE, R1, R4, R8, R16) | 1 | 5 ft (freestanding) | 2 sq ft per dwelling unit; for multiple dwellings per platted lot, additional signs totaling 12 sq ft per building | — |
| Commercial Zones (CV, NC, CC, CBD) | 6 | 10 ft above average ground level at base | Not more than 25% of total window area; included in max total allowable signage (100 sq ft per tenant). | — |
| Industrial and Business Park (I, BP) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Airport Zone (AP) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Special Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in McCall(sample of 3 of 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Complex Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | Number per city requirement | At entrance(s) of planned unit developments, subdivisions, mixed use developments, apartment buildings, shopping centers, or industrial parks; subject to approval by city for location. | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(A)(3) |
| Wayfinding Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Public or private property, location approved by administrator. | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(A)(4) |
| Changeable Sign (Permanent Structure) | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(A)(6)(a) |
| Changeable Sign (Individual Letters) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(A)(6)(b) |
Residential Zones (AF, RR, RE, R1, R4, R8, R16)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification/Directional Sign | 5 ft (freestanding) | 2 sq ft per dwelling unit; for multiple dwellings per platted lot, additional signs totaling 12 sq ft per building | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit; for multiple dwellings, additional signs allowed (see above) | Anywhere on the premises except may not project beyond property line. If building mounted, must be flush, not on any roof, not above eaves line. | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(B)(2)-(4) |
Commercial Zones (CV, NC, CC, CBD)
| 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 or Fascia Sign | Cannot project above roofline or roof peak | — | — | — | — | Anywhere on building surface. | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(C)(2)-(3), (C)(4) |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | May project past property line as specified. | — | May project 6' or less beyond street property line, but not closer than 2' to curb line. Minimum 8' clearance above curb/sidewalk, 15' above driveways/alleys. | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(C)(3)(b)-(c) |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft above average ground level at base | — | — | Back of street setback lines | — | Anywhere back of street setback lines, where building does not cover full area of property. | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(C)(3)(d) |
| Marquee Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On vertical faces of marquees. | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(C)(3)(e) |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On building awnings. | — | Unlock | 3.9.03(C)(3)(h) |
| Window Sign | — | Not more than 25% of total window area; included in max total allowable signage (100 sq ft per tenant). | — | — | Up to two neon/similar illuminated window signs not exceeding 3 sq ft each | Affixed to surface of window, visible from public way/adjacent property. | — | Unlock | 3.9.04(E) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in McCall — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for McCall — start freeProhibited Signs in McCall
- Signs that contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene character.
- Signs that contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal or contain the words 'stop', 'go slow', 'caution', 'danger', 'warning', or similar words.
- Signs that are of a size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination which may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device, or hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
- Signs that advertise an activity, business, product or service not conducted, or no longer conducted, on the premises upon which the sign is located.
- Signs that have a moving part which is a major attraction of the sign or constitutes more than ten percent (10%) of the sign area.
- Signs that contain or consist of balloons, banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or other similarly moving devices, except as permitted by sections 3.9.03 and 3.9.04.
- Signs that swing or otherwise noticeably move as a result of wind pressure in a fashion which may distract and/or cause a danger to the public, or signs which, due to structural weakness, design defect, or other reason, constitute a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of any person or property.
- Outdoor advertising signs, except as permitted by subsection 3.9.03(A)4.
- Portable changeable signs, V signs, A-frame signs, sandwich board signs, or other temporary signs not permitted by section 3.9.04.
- Signs mounted on vehicles that are operated solely or primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign in the public right of way. Or signs mounted in or on a motor vehicle parked unattended other than at the home or business premises of the business advertised or of its owner.
- Changeable signs, except where permitted by section 3.9.03.
- Roof signs in any residential zone, unless for an approved business use with a conditional use permit.
- No sign shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights or other illumination, brightness or color. Beacon lights are not permitted.
- No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner that could be confused with a traffic control device.
- No exposed reflective type bulbs and no strobe light or incandescent lamps which individually or cumulatively exceed fifteen (15) watts shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign so as to expose the face of the bulb, light or lamp to any public street or adjacent property.
- All forms of sign lighting not described in section 3.9.08 are prohibited.
- It is unlawful to post any bills, posters, advertisements, campaign literature or other notices on any utility pole, telephone pole or street sign.
Exempt Signs in McCall
- Public signs: Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of public duty, such as safety signs, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical interest, and informational signs.
- Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like when carved into stone, concrete or similar materials or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type construction, and made an integral part of the structure.
- Private traffic direction signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in area for each sign; signs must not be located in a public right of way.
- Horizontal directional signs on and flush with paved areas are exempt from these standards.
- Small signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, attached flat against the building, stationary and not illuminated, announcing only the name and occupation of building tenant.
- Rental signs on the premises announcing rooms for rent, table board, apartment or house for rent and not exceeding four (4) square feet in area.
- Signs on vehicles of any kind, provided the sign is painted or attached directly to the body of the original vehicle and does not project or extend beyond the sides or ends of the vehicle. The vehicle must be currently registered and used for transportation purposes, and not parked principally for the purpose of signage.
- No trespassing or restricted entry signs no larger than two (2) square feet in area and no more than one sign every fifty feet (50') of fencing or building frontage.
- Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season.
- United States or Idaho state flags and the flags of other states or nations are permitted. One additional business flag not to exceed fifteen (15) square feet and five (5) feet in length or width may be displayed, provided it does not cause the property to exceed total allowable sign square footage.
- Licensed vendor signage as permitted in McCall City Code Section 4.7.2(H).
- Licensed craft fair signage as permitted in McCall City Code Section 4.7.6(C).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for McCall
- For a development complex (e.g., planned unit development, subdivision, mixed use development, apartment building, shopping center, or industrial park), the city may require that a development complex sign be placed at the entrance(s). The size, location, and compliance with other requirements of this chapter will be required.
- A conditional use permit is required for signs with individual changeable letters in any zone.
- In cases where special conditions and circumstances unique to an industrial or business park zone create undue hardship, the commission may grant exceptions subject to a conditional use permit.
- Temporary new business signs require prior written notice and concurrence from the administrator and code enforcement officer and payment of a fee.
- Certain temporary signs or citizen commentary signs may need approval by the commission and council for a conditional use permit at a public hearing, upon request of the applicant or a concerned citizen.