Sign Regulations in Pocatello, Idaho
Pocatello, Idaho has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Portable Sign, Directional Sign, Light Pole Banner 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 13, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Pocatello, Idaho
Sample Sign Requirements in Pocatello
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Standing Sign (Residential Development Identification - 15+ Dwelling Units) | 5 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — |
| Building Sign (Residential Development Identification - 15+ Dwelling Units) | — | 15% of each building elevation | — |
| Portable Sign | — | 6 square feet per sign | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for PocatelloFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
17
- Portable Sign
- Directional Sign
- Light Pole Banner Sign
- Identification Sign (Architectural incorporation)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
12
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Pocatello
Other Cities in Idaho
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Pocatello 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 Pocatello, 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 Pocatello, regulated sign types include Portable Sign, Directional Sign, Light Pole Banner Sign, Identification Sign (Architectural incorporation), 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 Pocatello 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 Pocatello are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Pocatello has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Pocatello, Idaho Sign Rules at a Glance
Pocatello, Idaho regulates 17 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Free-Standing Sign (Residential Development Identification - 15+ Dwelling Units)s in the Residential Estate District (RE) zoning district are capped at 5 feet tall and 36 square feet per sign (Sec. 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RE, RL, RMS, RMM, RH Free-Standing Sign) and 17.07.020(B)-(D), 17.07.050(C)(4)-(5), 17.07.050(A)(1)-(7), 17.07.050(E)(a).). Most commercial signs in Pocatello require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Pocatello, Idaho
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Pocatello (12 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Estate District (RE) | 7 | 5 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — |
| Residential Low Density District (RL) | 7 | 5 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — |
| Residential Medium Density Single-Family District (RMS) | 7 | 5 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — |
| Residential Medium Density Multi-Family District (RMM) | 7 | 5 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — |
| Residential High Density District (RH) | 7 | 5 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — |
| Residential/Commercial/Professional District (RCP) | 8 | 6 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — |
| Commercial General District (CG) | 7 | 20 feet | Up to 200 square feet per sign (1 sq ft per 1 linear ft frontage) | — |
| Central Commercial District (CC) | 7 | 12 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — |
| Office Park District (OP) | 7 | 20 feet | Up to 200 square feet per sign (1 sq ft per 1 linear ft frontage) | — |
| Light Industrial District (LI) | 7 | 20 feet | Up to 200 square feet per sign (1 sq ft per 1 linear ft frontage) | — |
| Industrial District (I) | 7 | 20 feet | Up to 200 square feet per sign (1 sq ft per 1 linear ft frontage) | — |
| Historic Preservation Overlay District (HPO) (signs apply via underlying zoning conflicts) | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Pocatello(sample of 3 of 12 zones)
Residential Estate District (RE)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Standing Sign (Residential Development Identification - 15+ Dwelling Units) | 5 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — | — | 1 per entrance; maximum 4 per development | Not specified in provided text (table entry for RE/RL/RMS/RMM/RH). | — | Unlock | 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RE, RL, RMS, RMM, RH Free-Standing Sign) and 17.07.020(B)-(D), 17.07.050(C)(4)-(5), 17.07.050(A)(1)-(7), 17.07.050(E)(a). |
| Building Sign (Residential Development Identification - 15+ Dwelling Units) | — | 15% of each building elevation | — | — | — | On a building (allowed as "Building" in the table). | — | Unlock | 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RE, RL, RMS, RMM, RH Building Sign) and 17.07.020(B)-(D), 17.07.050(A)(1)-(7), 17.07.050(C)(5). |
| Portable Sign | — | 6 square feet per sign | — | — | Max 3 per site | Not specified in provided text (table entry for RE/RL/RMS/RMM/RH). | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(2) (portable signs exempt from permit) and 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RE, RL, RMS, RMM, RH Portable Sign) and 17.07.050(C)(8), 17.07.020(D), 17.07.050(A), 17.07.050(C)(4)-(5). |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) - Residential | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RE, RL, RMS, RMM, RH Electronic Message Center: Not permitted for residential uses). |
| Directional Sign | — | 6 square feet per sign face | — | — | — | Not specified in provided text. | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(1) (directional signs exempt from permit) and 17.07.050(C)(7) (Directional Signs). |
| Light Pole Banner Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On light pole; not over a lane of traffic. | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(3) (light pole banner signs exempt from permit) and 17.07.050(C)(9) (Light Pole Banner Signs). |
| Identification Sign (Architectural incorporation) | — | 0.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage | — | — | 1 per building elevation | On building (architectural feature). | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(10) (identification signs exempt from permit) and 17.07.050(C)(10) (Identification signs). |
Residential Low Density District (RL)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Standing Sign (Residential Development Identification - 15+ Dwelling Units) | 5 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — | — | 1 per entrance; maximum 4 per development | Not specified in provided text. | — | Unlock | 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RL) and 17.07.020(B)-(D), 17.07.050(A)(1)-(7), 17.07.050(C)(4)-(5), 17.07.050(E)(a). |
| Building Sign (Residential Development Identification - 15+ Dwelling Units) | — | 15% of each building elevation | — | — | — | On building (building sign). | — | Unlock | 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RL Building Sign) and 17.07.020(B)-(D), 17.07.050(A), 17.07.050(C)(5). |
| Portable Sign | — | 6 square feet per sign | — | — | Max 3 per site | Not specified. | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(2) and 17.07.050(D) (RL Portable Sign) and 17.07.050(C)(8). |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) - Residential | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RL Electronic Message Center: Not permitted for residential uses). |
| Directional Sign | — | 6 square feet per sign face | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(1) and 17.07.050(C)(7). |
| Light Pole Banner Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On light pole; not over lane. | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(3) and 17.07.050(C)(9). |
| Identification Sign (Architectural incorporation) | — | 0.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage | — | — | 1 per building elevation | On building elevation. | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(10) and 17.07.050(C)(10). |
Residential/Commercial/Professional District (RCP)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Standing Sign | 6 feet | 36 square feet per sign | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RCP Free-Standing Sign) and 17.07.020(B)-(D), 17.07.050(A)(1)-(7), 17.07.050(C)(4)-(5), 17.07.050(E)(a). |
| Building Sign | — | 15% of each building elevation | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RCP Building Sign), 17.07.050(C)(1),(6), 17.07.020(B)-(D), 17.07.050(A). |
| Portable Sign | — | 36 square feet per sign | — | — | Max 3 per site | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(2) and 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RCP Portable Sign) and 17.07.050(C)(8). |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) - Non-Residential Uses in RCP | — | — | — | — | One (1) EMC per property (unless increased via sign master plan process) | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.050(D) Sign Standards Table (RCP EMC: Permitted by CUP for non-residential uses; Not permitted for residential uses) and 17.07.050(F)(1)-(5). |
| Directional Sign | — | 6 square feet per sign face | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(1) and 17.07.050(C)(7). |
| Light Pole Banner Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(3) and 17.07.050(C)(9). |
| Identification Sign (Architectural incorporation) | — | 0.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage | — | — | 1 per building elevation | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(10) and 17.07.050(C)(10). |
| Portable Signs (general exemption) | — | 6 square feet per sign (default rule) | — | — | Max 3 per site | — | — | Unlock | 17.07.020(C)(2) and 17.07.050(C)(8) and 17.07.050(D) (RCP Portable Sign). |
PermitPal covers all 12 zoning districts in Pocatello — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 12 zones for Pocatello — start freeProhibited Signs in Pocatello
- It shall be unlawful to erect or otherwise display a sign and other advertising devices without complying with the applicable terms and provisions of this chapter.
- It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, place, relocate, alter, and/or modify any sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the City, except as exempted in this section.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: signs located within any public street, right-of-way, or other public property without a right-of-way use license or other approvals, as determined by the City Engineer and Planning Director (or their designee).
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: any sign located so as to conflict with the clear visibility of devices controlling public traffic or to impair the safety of a moving vehicle by distracting the vision of the driver.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: roof signs.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: any sign exceeding the height of a parapet or wall of a building to which it is attached.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: signs on a property with no established use.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: signs or displays with intermittent or flashing illumination or animation.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: signs or displays which inflate or emit sound.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: revolving signs.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: vehicle signs that contain an Electronic Message Center (EMC).
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: abandoned signs.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: neglected signs.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: off-premises signs.
- Prohibited in all zoning districts: snipe signs.
- Signs shall not be located in a manner that interferes with pedestrian or vehicular travel, or poses a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.
- All signs must be structurally sound and maintained; no broken, bent, cracked, decayed, dented, faded, leaning, splintered, ripped, torn, or twisted signs allowed; signs in danger of falling are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs and neglected signs shall be considered a public nuisance and are prohibited.
- Signs shall not encroach a right-of-way or public sidewalk except after obtaining a right-of-way use license from the Engineering Department.
Exempt Signs in Pocatello
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: directional signs.
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: portable signs.
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: light pole banner signs.
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: official traffic or governmental signs.
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: signs which are not seen from any public right-of-way.
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: murals.
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: holiday decorations.
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: sign face changes.
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: vehicle signs.
- Signs not requiring a permit but must adhere to all applicable standards of this chapter: identification signs.
- Light pole banner signs: allowed in all zones without a sign permit (but require an approved right-of-way use license if the light pole is within the right-of-way or if the banner extends into the right-of-way).
- Directional signs, portable signs, light pole banner signs, official traffic/governmental signs, and other permit-exempt signs still must comply with all applicable standards of the sign code.
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Pocatello
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| All sign permits | Applicable fee(s), which are non-refundable. | — |
| Standard Review | twelve (12) business days (starts when Submittal date for a single building permit for new construction or an addition) | — |
| See all Pocatello sign permit fees & timelines — start free | ||
Source: amlegal municipal code