# Sign Regulations in Storm Lake, Iowa

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Storm Lake, Iowa (IA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/iowa/storm-lake
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-30
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.stormlake.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=419)

## At a glance

Storm Lake, Iowa regulates 46 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Residential Detached Signs in the Public Services (IN-1), Institutional Facilities (IN-2), Hospital Medical Facilities (IN-3) zoning district are capped at 15 ft (Table 10‑2). tall and Up to 100 sq ft per detached sign (Table 10‑2 – Maximum Size IN‑1,2,3: 200 sq ft for detached; but residential‑type signage on primarily civic/institutional premises will be governed by E: total attached+detached 100 sq ft for non‑residential premises, 75 sq ft for premises with primary residential use, 2 sq ft for residential uses/home occupations)., with a Front yard setback 5 ft; side yard setback 5 ft for detached signs (Table 10‑2). setback (Sec. Table 10‑1; Table 10‑2 (IN‑1,2,3 columns); Note E; 1003(d)(9); 1003(g),(h); 1005(a); 1008.). Most commercial signs in Storm Lake require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (8 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RES Reserve (RES), Low Density Residential (R-1), Low Medium Density Residential (R-2), Medium Density Residential (R-3), High Density Residential (R-4) | 12 | RES: 25 ft; R-1/R-2/R-3/R-4: 10 ft (detached structure height limit applies) | RES: up to 100 sq ft per detached sign, subject to Note A total cap; R‑1/R‑2: max area governed by Note A total (32 sq ft civic; 2 sq ft residential); R‑3/R‑4: governed by Note B total (48 sq ft project ID/non‑residential; 2 sq ft residential). | — |
| Public Services (IN-1), Institutional Facilities (IN-2), Hospital Medical Facilities (IN-3) | 16 | 15 ft (Table 10‑2). | Counts toward attached sign area caps if treated as sign area; window signs in commercial and industrial zones are exempt from permits (1003(d)(13)); IN‑districts are institutional, not expressly included in that exemption, so permit likely needed if not otherwise exempt. | — |
| Park, Recreation and Open Space (PO) | 14 | 10 ft (Table 10‑2). | Window signs in commercial and industrial zones are exempt from permits (1003(d)(13)); PO is not commercial/industrial, so exemption does not clearly apply. | — |
| Limited Commercial (LC) | 21 | 15 ft (Table 10‑2 – LC). | Exempt from permits in commercial zones (LC is commercial) (1003(d)(13)); no explicit area cap stated apart from total sign area if the city counts them, but ordinance treats them as exempt signs. | — |
| Community Commercial (CC) | 6 | 35 ft (Table 10‑2). | Exempt; no specific numeric cap; may still be implicitly limited by total sign area if the city interprets them as such, but ordinance explicitly exempts them from permits and other provisions of article (1003(d)(13)). | — |
| Central Business District (CBD) | 7 | 20 ft (Table 10‑2 – CBD***). | Exempt from permits (1003(d)(13)); no explicit size cap stated in sign tables. | — |
| Limited Industrial (LI), General Industrial (GI) | 8 | 35 ft (Table 10‑2 – LI*, GI*). | Counts toward 600 sq ft total and attached/detached per‑sign caps (200 sq ft). | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 8 zones)

### Public Services (IN-1), Institutional Facilities (IN-2), Hospital Medical Facilities (IN-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Detached Sign | 15 ft (Table 10‑2). | Up to 100 sq ft per detached sign (Table 10‑2 – Maximum Size IN‑1,2,3: 200 sq ft for detached; but residential‑type signage on primarily civic/institutional premises will be governed by E: total attached+detached 100 sq ft for non‑residential premises, 75 sq ft for premises with primary residential use, 2 sq ft for residential uses/home occupations). | — | Front yard setback 5 ft; side yard setback 5 ft for detached signs (Table 10‑2). | Max 1 detached sign per premises (Table 10‑2 – Number Permitted Per Premise: 1). | On premises; front setback 5 ft; side setback 5 ft; not in buffer yards (except directional) and not in vision‑clearance triangle or ROW. | — | Table 10‑1; Table 10‑2 (IN‑1,2,3 columns); Note E; 1003(d)(9); 1003(g),(h); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Business Identification Detached Sign | 15 ft (Table 10‑2). | Up to 200 sq ft per detached sign (Table 10‑2) but also subject to Note E total cap: 100 sq ft total attached + detached for non‑residential premises; 75 sq ft for primary residential premises; 2 sq ft for residential uses including home occupations. | — | Front 5 ft; side 5 ft (Table 10‑2). | 1 detached sign per premises (Table 10‑2). | On‑premise; must respect 5 ft front and side setbacks; not in buffer yards (except directional), not in vision‑clearance triangle or ROW. | — | Table 10‑1 (Business Identification – Detached – P in IN‑1,2,3); Table 10‑2; Note E; 1005(a); 1008. |
| Ground Sign (Detached) | 15 ft. | Within 200 sq ft detached maximum and Note E totals. | — | Front 5 ft; side 5 ft. | Within 1 detached sign per premises. | On‑premise; 5 ft front and side setbacks; not in buffer yards (except directional), not in ROW or vision‑clearance. | — | Def. 16; Table 10‑1 (Ground – P in IN‑1,2,3); Table 10‑2; Note E; 1003(g),(h); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Pole Sign | 15 ft (Table 10‑2). | Within 200 sq ft detached max and Note E total caps (attached+detached). | — | Front 5 ft; side 5 ft; plus vision‑clearance constraints. | Within 1 detached sign per premises. | On‑premise; 5 ft front and side setbacks; must respect vision‑clearance area (1003(h)). | — | Def. 23; Table 10‑1 (Pole – P in IN‑1,2,3); Table 10‑2; Note E; 1003(h); 1004(c); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Monument Sign (Detached) | 15 ft. | Within 200 sq ft detached max and Note E totals. | — | Front 5 ft; side 5 ft. | Within 1 detached sign per premises. | On‑premise; front 5 ft; side 5 ft; not in buffer yard (except directional) or vision‑clearance area. | — | Def. 20; Table 10‑1 (Monument – P in IN‑1,2,3); Table 10‑2; Note E; 1003(g),(h); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Building Marker (Attached) | — | Counts toward attached sign maximum  E: total attached+detached 100 sq ft on non‑residential premises, 75 sq ft on primary residential premises. | — | — | — | On building masonry surface as plaque/name/cornerstone. | — | Def. 7; Table 10‑1 (Building Marker – P in IN‑1,2,3); Note E; 1005(a); 1008. |
| Business Identification Attached Sign (Wall/Other Attached) | — | Attached maximum: value E via Table 10‑2: total of all attached and detached cannot exceed 100 sq ft for non‑residential premises, 75 sq ft for premises with primary residential use, 2 sq ft for residential uses/home occupations. | — | — | — | On building façades facing streets or other directions; wall signs may encroach up to 18 in into ROW with ≥8 ft 6 in clearance for buildings on front property line (1004(a)(5)). | — | Table 10‑1 (Business Identification – Attached – P in IN‑1,2,3); Table 10‑2 (Attached Signs – IN‑1,2,3 = E, 20% of street façade); Note E; 1004(a); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Marquee Sign | — | Counts toward attached sign caps (Note E). | — | — | — | On/attached to marquee attached to building; may project over sidewalks/ROW per projecting rules. | — | Defs. 18; 1005(b)(1); Table 10‑1 (Marquee – P in IN‑1,2,3); Table 10‑2; Note E; 1004(b); 1008. |

### Park, Recreation and Open Space (PO)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Detached Sign | 10 ft (Table 10‑2). | Detached max size 100 sq ft (Table 10‑2); but total sign area on premises subject to Note E‑style limits? (Table shows PO attached signs NA, detached 100 sq ft max; no E note applied; so only per‑sign max 100 sq ft). | — | Front 5 ft; side 5 ft (Table 10‑2). | 1 detached sign per premises (Table 10‑2). | On PO premises; front setback 5 ft; side setback 5 ft; not in buffer yards or vision‑clearance or ROW. | — | Table 10‑1 (Residential – P in PO); Table 10‑2 (PO); 1003(d)(9); 1003(g),(h); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Business Identification Detached Sign | 10 ft. | Up to 100 sq ft per detached sign (Table 10‑2). No separate total cap given for PO. | — | Front 5 ft; side 5 ft. | 1 detached sign per premises. | On‑premise; front 5 ft; side 5 ft setbacks; not in buffer yards or vision‑clearance or ROW. | — | Table 10‑1 (Business Identification – Detached – P in PO); Table 10‑2 (PO); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Ground Sign (Detached) | 10 ft. | Within 100 sq ft detached max. | — | Front 5 ft; side 5 ft. | Within 1 detached sign limit. | On‑premise; 5 ft front and side setbacks; not in buffer/vision‑clearance/ROW. | — | Def. 16; Table 10‑1 (Ground – P in PO); Table 10‑2; 1005(a); 1008. |
| Pole Sign | 10 ft (Table 10‑2). | Within 100 sq ft detached max (Table 10‑2 – PO). | — | Front 5 ft; side 5 ft. | Within 1 detached sign limit. | On‑premise; 5 ft front and side setbacks; comply with vision‑clearance area. | — | Def. 23; Table 10‑1 (Pole – P in PO); Table 10‑2; 1004(c); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Monument Sign (Detached) | 10 ft. | Within 100 sq ft detached max. | — | Front 5 ft; side 5 ft. | Within 1 detached sign limit. | On‑premise; 5 ft front and side setbacks. | — | Def. 20; Table 10‑1 (Monument – P in PO); Table 10‑2; 1005(a); 1008. |
| Awning Sign | — | Attached signs not allowed in PO (Table 10‑2 – Attached Maximum Size: NA). However Table 10‑1 shows Awning – P in PO; use cautiously – awning signs would likely be limited by other general caps or specific approvals. | — | — | — | On awnings attached to PO buildings. | — | Def. 4; Table 10‑1 (Awning – P in PO); Table 10‑2 (Attached – NA for PO); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Banner | — | Max 120 sq ft (1005(c)(2)). | — | — | — | Projecting from PO district buildings as temporary or permanent banner signs. | — | Def. 6; Table 10‑1 (Banner – P in PO); 1005(c); 1008. |
| Wall Sign | — | Attached sign max is NA in Table 10‑2 for PO; use of wall signs is permitted in Table 10‑1 but specific area caps are not provided; likely controlled via site plan or another code section. | — | — | — | On building walls within PO. | — | Table 10‑1 (Wall – P in PO); 1004(a); 1005(a); 1008. |

### Limited Commercial (LC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Detached Sign | 15 ft (Table 10‑2 – LC). | Detached max size: D rule applies to all LC signage: total of all attached + detached signs cannot exceed 100 sq ft for non‑residential premises, 75 sq ft for primary residential premises, 2 sq ft for residential uses including home occupations (Note D). Each detached sign is limited by total cap and C rule (1 sq ft/ft frontage, max 75 sq ft). | — | Front 10 ft; side 10 ft (Table 10‑2). | Number Permitted Per Premise: 1 detached (Table 10‑2). | On LC premises; detached front yard setback 10 ft; side setback 10 ft; not in buffer yards (except directional), not in ROW or vision‑clearance triangle. | — | Table 10‑1; Table 10‑2 (LC); Notes C, D; 1003(g),(h); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Business Identification Detached Sign | 15 ft. | Per sign: effectively limited by 75 sq ft (C) and total 100 sq ft (D). | — | Front 10 ft; side 10 ft. | 1 detached sign per premises. | On‑premise; 10 ft front/side setbacks; not in buffer yards/vision‑clearance/ROW. | — | Table 10‑1 (Business Identification – Detached – P in LC); Table 10‑2; Notes C, D; 1005(a); 1008. |
| Ground Sign (Detached) | 15 ft. | Within 75 sq ft per frontage rule and 100 sq ft total cap. | — | Front 10 ft; side 10 ft. | Within 1 detached sign limit. | On‑premise; 10 ft front/side setbacks; not in buffer/vision‑clearance/ROW. | — | Def. 16; Table 10‑1 (Ground – P in LC); Table 10‑2; Notes C,D; 1005(a); 1008. |
| Pole Sign | 15 ft (Table 10‑2). | Within 75 sq ft per frontage rule and 100 sq ft total cap. | — | Front 10 ft; side 10 ft. | Within 1 detached sign limit. | On‑premise; 10 ft front/side setbacks; respect vision‑clearance area. | — | Table 10‑1 (Pole – P in LC); Table 10‑2; 1004(c); Notes C, D; 1005(a); 1008. |
| Monument Sign (Detached) | 15 ft. | Within 75 sq ft and 100 sq ft total caps. | — | Front 10 ft; side 10 ft. | Within 1 detached sign limit. | On‑premise; 10 ft front/side setbacks. | — | Def. 20; Table 10‑1 (Monument – P in LC); Table 10‑2; Notes C,D; 1005(a); 1008. |
| Awning Sign | — | Attached maximum per LC: Note E via Table 10‑2 – total attached + detached ≤100 sq ft for non‑residential, ≤75 sq ft for primary residential, ≤2 sq ft for residential/home occupation (Note E). Attached signs in LC also limited to 20% of street façade (Table 10‑2). | — | — | — | On awnings on LC buildings. | — | Defs. 4; Table 10‑1 (Awning – P in LC); Table 10‑2 (Attached – LC: E, 20% façade); Note E; 1004(a)(7); 1005(a); 1008. |
| Banner | — | Max 120 sq ft per banner (1005(c)(2)); also within Note E total caps and 20% façade limit. | — | — | — | Attached/projecting from LC buildings. | — | Table 10‑1 (Banner – P in LC); 1005(c); Table 10‑2; Note E; 1008. |
| Roof Sign, Integral | May not exceed permitted pole sign height (15 ft for LC detached) (1004(d)(2)). | Counts within Note E and 20% façade; integral roof signs may be used interchangeably with wall signs (1004(d)(1)). | — | — | — | Between eave line and roof peak, parallel to wall facing (def. 29(a)). | — | Def. 29(a); Table 10‑1 (Roof, Integral – P in LC); 1004(d); Table 10‑2; Note E; 1005(a); 1008. |

## Prohibited signs in Storm Lake

- All signs must comply with the provisions of the sign chapter and other relevant provisions of the Municipal Code; the more restrictive regulation applies where there is a conflict.
- Signs painted on or attached to rocks, trees, or other natural objects are prohibited in all zoning districts.
- Signs or sign structures that resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices, that mislead or confuse persons traveling on public streets, or that create a traffic hazard are prohibited in all zoning districts.
- Signs on public property or in the public right-of-way are prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Zoning Administrator.
- Portable signs are prohibited in all zoning districts except as otherwise expressly permitted by the Article and then only with a temporary permit and subject to specific limitations.
- Signs that create a safety hazard by obstructing the clear view of pedestrians or vehicles, or that obscure official signs or signals, are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited; any abandoned sign must be removed within 180 days of the date of abandonment.
- Signs that are not clean, not in substantial good repair, or not affixed to a sound structure are prohibited.
- Signs advertising activities that are illegal under federal, state, or local laws and regulations are prohibited.
- No sign other than on-premise directional signs may be placed within any required buffer yard, except in buffer yards adjacent to intervening streets.
- No sign may project into or be placed within a vision-clearance area defined by a 20‑foot by 20‑foot triangle at street/driveway intersections.
- A sign designed for or used as a portable sign may not be converted for use as a permanent wall, pole, or monument sign.
- No portable sign is allowed to be flashing.
- No portable sign is allowed on City right‑of‑way.
- Temporary signs and civic/portable signs must comply with specified maximum size, duration, and number limits where applicable; exceeding those limits is not permitted.
- Projecting signs are not allowed in alleys.
- Projecting signs must not be closer than 2 feet from the inside curb line and must meet minimum clearance requirements; noncompliant projecting signs are not permitted.
- Pole signs must meet minimum vertical clearance requirements; pole signs that do not meet these clearances are not permitted.
- Integral roof signs may not exceed the permitted height for pole signs; exceeding that height is not permitted.
- Lighting for signs must be positioned so that light is not directed onto adjoining property or onto a public street or highway; illumination that violates this is not permitted.
- Portable signs are allowed only by permit and only up to 5 permits per year per business at 2 weeks per occurrence; use beyond those limits is not permitted.
- Nonconforming signs that are structurally damaged or deteriorated by more than 50% of their replacement cost must be removed or brought into compliance; continuation in noncompliant condition is not permitted.
- Portable signs or parts of portable signs being used as permanent signs are not treated as legal nonconforming signs and must be removed within six months of the effective date; retention beyond that period is not permitted.

## Signs exempt from permit in Storm Lake

- Bulletin boards, including electronic message centers, for religious assembly or school uses, with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and not located in a required sign setback, are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- One non‑illuminated real estate sign per premises, with a maximum size of 6 square feet, maximum height of 6 feet, not located in the public right‑of‑way, and removed within 7 days of disposition or buyer taking possession, is permitted in any zoning district and is exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Official signs authorized by a government or governmental subdivision that give traffic, directional, or warning information are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Seasonal decorations for display on private or public property are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Non‑illuminated construction signs with a total size of 100 square feet per premises, removed within 7 days of completion of construction, are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- One temporary sign per zoned lot for grand openings or special events, displayed for a maximum of 7 days, is permitted in any zoning district and is exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Works of graphic art painted or applied to building walls that contain no advertising or business identification messages and are authorized by the Zoning Administrator are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Non‑illuminated political campaign signs on private property are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Residential signs under 2 square feet in size are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Neighborhood or subdivision identification signs under 50 square feet are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Street numbers, house numbers or address numbers are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Signs that are not visible from a public right‑of‑way, private way, or court or from a property other than the property on which the sign is installed are permitted in any zoning district and are exempt from other provisions of the sign chapter.
- Window signs in commercial and industrial zones are exempt from the other provisions of the sign chapter (though still limited to those zones).
- Temporary signs for non‑profit civic campaigns or events, or other non‑commercial events, in any zoning district are exempt from other provisions of the Article, subject only to maximum size limits of 10 square feet in residential and LC districts and 40 square feet in all other districts.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Any installation, modification, or expansion of any sign that is not otherwise exempt from the Article requires a sign permit prior to installation; applications must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator and approved before work proceeds.
- The owner or tenant of a property containing signs that require a permit must maintain a valid sign permit at all times; a permit may be revoked if the sign is not maintained in good condition.
- Sign permits are issued for individual zoned lots or business frontages and are freely assignable to successor owners or business license holders for the same premises.
- If a sign authorized by permit is not constructed within 6 months of approval, the permit lapses and a new permit is required for future installation.
- Portable signs are allowed only by permit, with a maximum of 5 permits per year per business and a maximum duration of 2 weeks per permit occurrence.
- There is no mention of a master sign plan, unified sign plan, or special variance/plan review procedure specific to signs beyond the standard sign permit process described in Section 1008.

## 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 8 zoning districts in Storm Lake — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Storm+Lake+IA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-storm-lake

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