# Sign Regulations in Troy, Idaho

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Troy, Idaho (ID)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/idaho/troy
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-20

## At a glance

Troy, Idaho regulates 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Wall Signs in the Commercial District, Industrial District zoning district are capped at May not exceed the height of the building to which it is affixed tall and 0.5 sq ft per 1 ft of frontage (Sec. 9-15-14(B),(C),(D); 9-15-3 (definition); 9-15-5). Most commercial signs in Troy require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (3 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential District | 5 | — | 4 sq ft for permitted temporary signs. Holiday and model home demonstration signs can be larger. | — |
| Commercial District, Industrial District | 10 | 25 ft | 25% of window area or 1 sq ft per linear ft frontage (whichever is less) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | — | 4 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements

### Residential District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Identification Sign | — | Not specified in sign chapter; but exempt identification signs may not exceed two (2) square feet for each residential building. | — | — | — | On-premises, on the building | — | 9-15-9(D), 9-15-16(B)(6) |
| Nameplate | — | 2 square feet per building or dwelling unit | — | — | One per dwelling unit | On the building | — | 9-15-16(B)(6), 9-15-16(B)(12), 9-15-9(D) |
| Area Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | — | At neighborhood, subdivision or complex entrance | — | 9-15-3 (definition), 9-15-9(B), 9-15-16(B)(10) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | — | — | — | One or two depending on frontage | On-premises, not in public right-of-way | — | 9-15-16(B)(17), 9-15-9(B) |
| Temporary Sign | — | 4 sq ft for permitted temporary signs. Holiday and model home demonstration signs can be larger. | — | — | — | Must be on-premises | — | 9-15-16(B)(21); 9-15-10(G)(2) |

### Commercial District, Industrial District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | May not exceed the height of the building to which it is affixed | 0.5 sq ft per 1 ft of frontage | — | — | One per frontage | Affixed to a wall, face parallel to wall, not extending more than 1' therefrom. | — | 9-15-14(B),(C),(D); 9-15-3 (definition); 9-15-5 |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 0.5 sq ft per 1 ft of frontage | — | — | — | Self-supporting, on concrete foundations, on-premises, not in public right-of-way. | — | 9-15-14(B),(C),(E),(F); 9-15-5 |
| Canopy or Marquee Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Attached to or constructed on a canopy or marquee. | — | 9-15-3, 9-15-5 |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Projects from building structure or face. | — | 9-15-3, 9-15-5 |
| Low Profile Sign | Not to exceed 25 ft per 9-15-14(E) | — | — | — | — | Ground-mounted, on-premises. | — | 9-15-3 (definition), 9-15-14(E) |
| Temporary Sign (Banner, Flag, Pennant, Balloon, Sandwich Board, Sidewalk, Curb) | — | — | — | — | — | On-premises | — | 9-15-10(G)(2), 9-15-16(B)(21) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area or 1 sq ft per linear ft frontage (whichever is less) | — | — | 2 per ground floor occupancy | Painted or otherwise displayed from interior window | — | 9-15-16(B)(18) |
| Incidental Sign | — | Each sign may not exceed 5 sq ft; total of all such signs may not exceed 10 sq ft per sign structure/building wall. | — | — | 2 per structure/wall | Attached to freestanding sign structure or building wall. | — | 9-15-16(B)(7) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Construction Sign | — | Not exceeding size permitted by zoning ordinance; typical exemption 1 construction sign per project. | — | — | One per construction project | On construction site | — | 9-15-16(B)(1) |
| Directional or Instructional Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On property to which it pertains. | — | 9-15-16(B)(2) |
| Governmental Sign | — | — | — | — | — | As required by public purpose/statute | — | 9-15-16(B)(4), (16) |
| Holiday Sign | — | — | — | 10' from boundary lines; clear area 72" high within 55' of street, railroad, or driveway intersection centerline | — | Subject to 10' setback from all lot boundaries (and clear sight triangle at intersections as specified). | — | 9-15-16(B)(5) |
| Political or Campaign Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Not in or over public right-of-way. | — | 9-15-16(B)(14) |
| Public Notice | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9-15-16(B)(15) |
| Vicious Dog Warning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Prominent place on premises; on pen or kennel. | — | 6-2-11(B) |

## Prohibited signs in Troy

- It is unlawful to post, paint, or attach any sign on any curb, telephone pole, telegraph pole, electric light or power pole, traffic signal, light pole, wall, fence, hydrant, bridge or tree that is located on a public street, on a public right of way or on public property, except as provided.
- It is unlawful to paint, paste or attach any sign onto or across any building, structure, sidewalk, curbing, street, property or public right of way of the city, except as provided.
- It is unlawful to fail to obtain any required permit.
- No sign shall be placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, hydrant, bridge, tree or other surface located on public property or over or across any street or public thoroughfare, except as expressly authorized.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained without the consent of the property or building owner or authorized representative.
- No sign shall be permitted which is animated by means of flashing, scintillating, blinking or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination. (Changing signs, as defined, are permitted.)
- No moving signs or portions thereof, except for rotation of barber poles, changing signs, or multiprism units as specifically permitted.
- No abandoned sign shall be permitted.
- No vehicle with a sign that interferes with the vision of the driver or other vehicles, or with any moving sign, may be driven on public streets.
- Banners, flags, pennants, searchlights, twirling signs, sandwich board signs, sidewalk or curb signs, balloons or other gas filled figures shall not be used except as specifically described (temporary and limited exceptions only).
- A-frame or sandwich board, sidewalk, or curb signs are prohibited.
- Portable or wheeled signs are prohibited except for new business openings not exceeding 15 days (does not prohibit identification lettering on vehicles or transit/bus ads).
- Signs bearing or containing obscene or pornographic content are prohibited.
- Signs attached or painted on any fence (except temporary fences around construction sites), or any wall or structure not structurally a part of a building, except for residence identification, are prohibited.
- Signs operating or employing motion picture projection, media, visible moving parts, giving the illusion of motion, except as expressly permitted, are prohibited.
- Signs emitting audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Signs purporting to be or imitating/ resembling an official traffic sign or signal are prohibited.
- Signs that by reason of size, location, content, movement, coloring, or illumination may be confused with or construed as traffic control or emergency signs are prohibited, or which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
- Signs that cover up windows, doorways, or required exit facilities are prohibited.
- No sign, brace, or guywire may be attached to any fire escape, standpipe, or fire escape support, and signs may not obstruct access to fire escapes.
- No sign shall violate zoning or other city regulations.
- No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that allow the sign to swing due to wind unless specifically designed and approved.
- No sign shall be erected in violation of any building, fire safety, or health ordinance.
- Any sign found in violation is declared a public nuisance and subject to removal.

## Signs exempt from permit in Troy

- Changing the advertising copy of the message on an existing approved painted or printed sign, marquee, changeable copy sign, or similar approved sign, whether electrical, illuminated, electronic, or nonilluminated painted message, is exempt from permit requirement.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural changes does not require a permit (including replacement of plastic face due to breakage or deterioration, but not for new advertisers).
- Changes in the content of show window displays and permitted temporary signs are exempt from permit requirement.
- Construction signs (one per project, within size limits), erected only during active project, do not require a permit but must comply with safety and maintenance standards.
- Directional or instructional signs (on-site, not advertising a business, not exceeding 4 square feet) are exempt from permit requirement.
- Flags, emblems, or insignia of any nation, political subdivision, or corporation are exempt from permit requirement.
- Governmental signs for traffic control and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, or signs erected by public officers in performance of duty do not require a permit.
- Holiday signs/decorations of a primarily decorative nature, associated with any holiday, are exempt if displayed no more than 30 consecutive days and 60 days per year; must meet safety and setback requirements.
- House numbers and nameplates for a residence not exceeding 2 square feet are exempt.
- Incidental signs (up to two per structure, each not exceeding 5 square feet and total of 10 square feet) are exempt from permit requirement.
- Interior signs not visible from a public right of way are exempt from permit requirement (but must comply with structural/electrical specs).
- Memorial signs, building names, and dates of erection cut into masonry or made of incombustible materials, or building plaques, are exempt.
- Notice bulletin boards not over 24 square feet for medical, public, charitable, or religious institutions on their premises are exempt.
- No trespassing or no dumping signs not exceeding 1.5 square feet and up to four per lot are exempt.
- One occupant sign per dwelling unit, not exceeding 2 square feet, is exempt.
- Plaques or nameplate signs not more than 2.5 square feet fastened directly to the building are exempt.
- Political or campaign signs are exempt if erected no earlier than 45 days before the election and removed within 15 days after; cannot be placed within or over the public right of way.
- Official public notices posted by officers are exempt.
- Public signs required or specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law/statute/ordinance are exempt and may be of any necessary type, size, or location.
- One unilluminated real estate for sale sign (single or double face) per lot is exempt if within property, meeting area limits, and removed within 7 days after consummation. Additional permitted for frontage/dual-sided parcels.
- Up to two permanent window signs per ground floor occupancy, not exceeding 25% of window area or 1 sq ft per linear foot frontage (lesser), are exempt from permit requirement.
- Signs in display windows, if incorporated with a business display, are exempt.
- Religious/historical agency symbols, plaques, etc. (flat to building, under 4 square feet) are exempt.
- Temporary signs not exceeding 4 sq ft for events of civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations, present only during event/drive (not more than 30 days before, 7 days after), are exempt. Temporary banners over streets require council permit.
- Warning signs to the public about dangers (containing no advertising) are exempt as long as size is necessary and removed after the danger.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Permit applications must include two sets of plans and specifications for the sign; signs painted directly on buildings or roofs do not require structural engineering approval.
- Plans must be signed and stamped by a registered structural engineer, except for signs painted directly onto a building or roof.
- Applications must include information on the sign's location, class, area, weight, value of installation, and other details as required.
- A permit is required prior to erecting any sign, except temporary, small ground and/or portable signs.
- For signs in residential areas for nonconforming uses, a special use permit (SUP) is required, and the application must be accompanied by a pictorial sketch and supportive evidence.
- Billboards and off-premises signs are permitted in commercial and industrial zones only by special use permit (SUP).
- Five-year inspection and recertification of electric signs and signs over 5 feet in height is required, including tagging/certification by a licensed sign company, with removal for lack of compliance.
- A five-year tag/certification label must be displayed on signs and is required for ongoing compliance.
- Sign permits may be suspended/revoked for misstatements or fraud in the application.
- Permit applications may be denied by the administrator with written explanation provided.

## Full detail

Complete sign requirements for Troy, including every field PermitPal tracks for each sign type, are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Troy+ID&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-troy

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