Sign Regulations in Clearwater, Kansas
Clearwater, Kansas has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Business Sign, Nameplate. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Clearwater, Kansas
Sample Sign Requirements in Clearwater
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising Sign | Top edge not to exceed 10 ft above average ground, bottom at least 3 ft above ground. | 50 sq ft | See location requirement (500 ft from intersections). |
| Business Sign | — | Max 300 sq ft per side | — |
| Nameplate | — | 3 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
17
- Wall Sign
- Business Sign
- Nameplate
- "For Sale" or "For Rent" Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Clearwater
Other Cities in Kansas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Clearwater 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 Clearwater, 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 Clearwater, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Business Sign, Nameplate, "For Sale" or "For Rent" Sign, 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Clearwater has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Clearwater, Kansas Sign Rules at a Glance
Clearwater, Kansas regulates 17 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Advertising Signs in the A-L zoning district are capped at Top edge not to exceed 10 ft above average ground, bottom at least 3 ft above ground. tall and 50 sq ft, with a See location requirement (500 ft from intersections). setback (Sec. Sec. 38-362(1)(a)-(c)). Most commercial signs in Clearwater require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Clearwater, Kansas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Clearwater (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-L | 7 | Top edge not to exceed 10 ft above average ground, bottom at least 3 ft above ground. | Max 300 sq ft per side | — |
| C-S | 3 | — | — | — |
| C-1, C-2 | 4 | — | 300 sq ft | — |
| I-1, I-2 | 4 | — | — | — |
| R-L, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3 | 5 | Affixed to building: max 10 ft; ground sign: max 4 ft. | 40 sq ft/face | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 6 ft | 45 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Clearwater(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
A-L
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising Sign | Top edge not to exceed 10 ft above average ground, bottom at least 3 ft above ground. | 50 sq ft | — | See location requirement (500 ft from intersections). | Not more than one such sign per roadside per mile. | Must not be located closer than 500 feet from two or more intersecting roads. | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(1)(a)-(c) |
| Business Sign | — | Max 300 sq ft per side | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(2)-(3) |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed flat against building only. | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(4) |
| Nameplate | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(16) |
| "For Sale" or "For Rent" Sign | If affixed to building: not higher than 10 ft; ground sign: not higher than 4 ft. | 4 sq ft | — | 5 ft from any property line. | One per lot. | No closer than 5 ft from any property line; not to obstruct traffic view. | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(17) |
| Accessory Business Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | One per residential building lot. | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(18) |
| Bulletin Board/Church/Public Institution Sign | If ground sign, max 6 ft; if affixed to building, max 10 ft above ground. | 24 sq ft | — | 8 ft from side/rear property line; front yard, at least half the required yard setback. | One per street side. | Not closer than 8 ft from side/rear property line; in front yard, no closer than half the required front yard. | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(19) |
R-L, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(16) |
| "For Sale" or "For Rent" Sign | Affixed to building: max 10 ft; ground sign: max 4 ft. | 4 sq ft | — | 5 ft from any property line. | One per lot. | No closer than 5 ft from property line; not to obstruct traffic view. | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(17) |
| Bulletin Board/Church/Public Institution Sign | If ground sign, max 6 ft; affixed to building, max 10 ft. | 24 sq ft | — | 8 ft from side/rear property line; front yard, at least half the required yard setback. | One per street side. | Not closer than 8 ft from side/rear property line; front yard, no closer than half the required front yard. | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(19) |
| Business Sign (Manufactured Home Park/Multi-Family) | Ground sign max 10 ft | 40 sq ft/face | — | — | One per street frontage (business sign). | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(20) |
| Directional/Informational Sign (Manufactured Home/Multi-Family) | — | — | — | — | Unlimited | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(20) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | 6 ft | 45 sq ft | — | — | One per location. | Cannot extend over or into public right-of-way without approval; cannot obstruct wall opening. | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(21), Sec. 38-363(h) |
| Private Informational/Directional Sign | — | 32 sq ft/face | — | — | One per location. | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(22) |
| Yard Sign (School Activity/Political) | — | 3 sq ft (18'' × 24'') | — | — | No limit (subject to other regulations) | Not permitted on public property by private individuals. | — | Unlock | Sec. 38-362(23) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Clearwater — 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 Clearwater — start freeProhibited Signs in Clearwater
- It is unlawful to erect, move, alter, change, repair, place, suspend, or attach any sign in violation of the sign ordinance.
- It is unlawful to fasten, paste, place, post, paint, or attach any sign, handbill, poster, advertisement, or notice of any kind on any curbstone, lamp post, telephone, telegraph, or electric light pole, tree, or bridge.
- It is unlawful to paste, place, paint, or attach any sign on any building, street, or property of the city (except address painting on curbing by property owners or occupants with approval from the building official).
- Billboards (signs advertising off-premises products or services and 300 square feet or more per face) are not permitted in any city zones.
- No sign is permitted to overhang a road, street, or alley right-of-way, and no sign shall be located in a manner as to constitute a traffic hazard (except as provided for temporary signs with governing body approval).
- All signs must be constructed, located, and placed in accordance with local ordinances and state laws.
- No sign may beam direct rays of light upon any existing residential district or into any street.
- Lighted signs in direct vision of a traffic signal shall not use red, green, or amber illumination.
- Flashing, moving, or animated signs are generally prohibited in some districts without special approvals and are not allowed where rays beam on any residential district.
- Flashing signs are not allowed for private informational or directional signs.
- No private informational or directional sign (except by governing body approval) shall project over or into any street, alley, sidewalk, or public thoroughfare, nor obstruct any wall opening.
- No yard sign supporting school activities or political advertisements may be placed on public property by private individuals.
Exempt Signs in Clearwater
- Property owners or occupants may paint or stamp the address of their property on the curbing directly in front of the building with approval by the building official.
- Clocks and/or thermometers installed for public convenience and information are exempt from light beaming/illumination restrictions.
- All advertising signs, business signs, or bulletin boards not in compliance with the ordinance but in existence at the adoption date are exempt unless there is a change of ownership or exterior remodeling exceeding 50% of the building.
- Address painting on curbing is exempt, subject to approval.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Clearwater
- For an advertising sign (in A-L district), a special use permit application must include a plot plan showing the location, size, and construction details of the proposed sign installation, and a letter from the property owner indicating intent to lease, with a copy of the lease terms. The board of zoning appeals must review and approve.
- In the C-1 district, an additional number of business signs may be allowed by special use permit when submitted, reviewed, and approved by the board of zoning appeals and under such conditions as the board may impose.
- Applications for sign permits by persons other than property owner must provide a letter from the owner or a lease showing the applicant's right to place the sign.
Source: municode municipal code