Sign Regulations in Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Multi-tenant Exterior Entrance), All Signs - General Restrictions, Projecting Wall Sign (General). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.

Data last verified: May 21, 2026

Sign Regulation Overview for Lawrence, Kansas

Sample Sign Requirements in Lawrence

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
All Signs - General RestrictionsMinimum 5 ft from side/rear lot lines (Sec. 5-2017(h)); no placement within public rights-of-way (Sec. 5-2017(a)); sight triangle: max 36 in height within 50 ft triangle at intersections (Sec. 5-2017(c)).
Portable Pedestrian Sign (A-Frame/Sandwich Board)48 inchesWidth ≤32 inches; Height ≤48 inches
Temporary Sign - General StandardsNonrigid free-standing banners: ≥10 ft from pavement edge (Sec. 5-2019(d)(3)).

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for LawrenceFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

27

  • Wall Sign (Multi-tenant Exterior Entrance)
  • All Signs - General Restrictions
  • Projecting Wall Sign (General)
  • Awning/Canopy Wall Sign (General)
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

6

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Lawrence

City WebsiteMunicipal Code1 permit application link available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Lawrence 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Multi-tenant Exterior Entrance), All Signs - General Restrictions, Projecting Wall Sign (General), Awning/Canopy Wall Sign (General), 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Lawrence has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Lawrence, Kansas Sign Rules at a Glance

Lawrence, Kansas regulates 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Permanent Freestanding Monument Sign (Nonresidential uses on <2 acres)s in the Residential very low density (R-1); Residential low density (R-2); Residential medium density (R-3); Residential high density (R-4); Residential very high density (R-5); Urban reserve (UR); Open space (P-2) zoning district are capped at 6 ft base max; may increase by 1 ft per 5 ft of setback, up to 8 ft max tall and 32 sq ft per sign base max; may increase by 8 sq ft per 5 ft of setback, up to 48 sq ft max per sign, with a Setback from public right-of-way or property line increases area/height as stated. setback (Sec. Sec. 5-2018(d) (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, UR, P-2 column)). Most commercial signs in Lawrence require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Lawrence, Kansas

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Lawrence (6 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones648 inchesWidth ≤32 inches; Height ≤48 inches
Residential very low density (R-1); Residential low density (R-2); Residential medium density (R-3); Residential high density (R-4); Residential very high density (R-5); Urban reserve (UR); Open space (P-2)10Setback <50 ft: 4 ft max; setback ≥50 ft: 6 ft max32 sq ft per sign (and ≤5% of wall area)
Mixed small neighborhood (M-1); Mixed large neighborhood (M-2); Mixed corridor (M-3); Civic and institutional (P-1); Planned development (PD); Industrial business park (IBP)11Within 15 ft of ROW/PL: 3 ft; >15 ft but ≤50 ft: 4 ft; >50 ft: 6 ft. Signs serving drive-throughs may be up to 8 ft when set back ≥50 ft and located behind the wall of the primary building facing the ROW.60 sq ft base max; may increase by 6 sq ft per 5 ft of setback to max 72 sq ft; on lots ≥3 acres, either +20 sq ft additional area for one sign OR one additional sign up to 40 sq ft
Commercial center (CC); Light industrial (IL); General industrial (IG)816 ft base; may increase by 2 ft per 5 ft of setback to max 20 ft72 sq ft base max; may increase by 6 sq ft per 5 ft of setback to max 84 sq ft; on lots ≥3 acres, either +20 sq ft additional area for one sign OR one additional sign up to 48 sq ft
Downtown commercial (CD)1048 inchesWidth ≤32 inches; Height ≤48 inches
University (U)748 inchesWidth ≤32 inches; Height ≤48 inches

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Lawrence(sample of 3 of 6 zones)

Residential very low density (R-1); Residential low density (R-2); Residential medium density (R-3); Residential high density (R-4); Residential very high density (R-5); Urban reserve (UR); Open space (P-2)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign (Multi-tenant Exterior Entrance)32 sq ft per sign (and ≤5% of wall area)1 per tenant (multi-tenant buildings) or 1 per tenant for properties with no public street frontageOn wall with exterior public entrance to tenant space that fronts a street right-of-way or shared parking area; 1 sign per tenant. For properties with no public street frontage, 1 sign per tenant.UnlockSec. 5-2018(b) (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, UR, P-2 column)
Wall Sign (Single-tenant Public Street Frontage)32 sq ft per sign (and ≤5% of wall area)1 per public street frontage (single-tenant buildings)On wall facing a public street; 1 sign per public street frontage (single-tenant building), regardless of number of buildings with street frontage.UnlockSec. 5-2018(b) (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, UR, P-2 column)
Permanent Pedestrian Sign4 ft (when ground-mounted)6 sq ft1 per public entranceWithin 20 ft of the public entrance it serves (when ground-mounted).UnlockSec. 5-2018(c) (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, UR, P-2 column)
Permanent Freestanding Monument Sign (Nonresidential uses on <2 acres)6 ft base max; may increase by 1 ft per 5 ft of setback, up to 8 ft max32 sq ft per sign base max; may increase by 8 sq ft per 5 ft of setback, up to 48 sq ft max per signSetback from public right-of-way or property line increases area/height as stated.1 monument sign per public street frontage (nonresidential uses)Per public street frontage for nonresidential uses.UnlockSec. 5-2018(d) (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, UR, P-2 column)
Permanent Freestanding Monument Sign (Residential projects on ≥2 acres)6 ft base; may increase by 1 ft per 5 ft of setback, to max 8 ft32 sq ft per sign; may increase by 8 sq ft per 5 ft of setback, to max 48 sq ftSetback from public right-of-way or property line increases area/height as stated.1 per entrance (residential projects ≥2 acres)At each entrance for residential subdivision or multi-dwelling projects on lots/parcels of 2 acres or more (excluding single-unit and attached 2-unit dwellings).UnlockSec. 5-2018(d) (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, UR, P-2 column)
Temporary Free-standing Sign4 ft max (6 ft max for allowed principal nonresidential uses)Lots with single street frontage: total free-standing temporary sign area ≤16 sq ft per lot; max 8 sq ft per sign. Allowed principal nonresidential land uses: total ≤32 sq ft per lot; max 32 sq ft per sign.Max 3 signs at same time for single street frontage lots; max 4 signs for multiple street frontages (max 3 on any one frontage)May be attached to fences, guardrails, or retaining walls.UnlockSec. 5-2018(e) (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, UR, P-2 column); Sec. 5-2019(d)
Temporary Sign - Exceptions (R Districts)R-1/R-2 subdivision sign ≤8 ft; R-3/R-4/R-5 construction sign ≤10 ftResidential subdivisions (R-1 or R-2, ≥2 acres): 1 sign ≤64 sq ft; R-3, R-4, R-5 lots >1 acre under construction: 1 sign ≤64 sq ftSubdivision temporary sign: ≥15 ft from public right-of-way.1 per lot (as stated for the exception)Subdivision sign near a main public street entrance; construction sign installed on lot under construction/development.UnlockSec. 5-2018(e) Exceptions to maximum sign area and height (R-1/R-2; R-3/R-4/R-5)
Permanent Internal Ground SignSetback <50 ft: 4 ft max; setback ≥50 ft: 6 ft maxLots <2 acres: 6 sq ft; lots ≥2 acres and setback ≥50 ft: up to 8 sq ftArea/height vary by setback from public ROW/property line as stated.1 per each 10,000 sq ft of lot/parcelInternal to site; for permitted nonresidential or multi-dwelling structure land uses (excludes single-unit and attached 2-unit dwellings).UnlockSec. 5-2018(f) (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, UR, P-2 column)

Mixed small neighborhood (M-1); Mixed large neighborhood (M-2); Mixed corridor (M-3); Civic and institutional (P-1); Planned development (PD); Industrial business park (IBP)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign (Multi-tenant Exterior Entrance)≤10% of wall area; cap 150 sq ft base; with setback increases up to 450 sq ft total across wall signs1 per tenant (multi-tenant buildings)On wall with exterior public entrance to tenant space (multi-tenant buildings).UnlockSec. 5-2018(b) (M-1, M-2, M-3, P-1, PD, CD, IBP column)
Wall Sign (Other Allowed Walls)≤10% of wall area; cap 150 sq ft base; up to 450 sq ft total with setbacksUnlimited on walls where signs are allowedOn walls facing/fronting a public right-of-way or a parking lot/open space under same ownership with ≥50 ft separation to any adjacent building; prohibited on walls fronting/facing directly abutting permitted principal nonresidential uses.UnlockSec. 5-2018(b) (M-1, M-2, M-3, P-1, PD, CD, IBP column)
Permanent Pedestrian Sign - Option 1 (Per Entrance)6 ft (when ground-mounted)8 sq ft1 per public entranceWithin 20 ft of each public entrance (when ground-mounted).UnlockSec. 5-2018(c) (M-1, M-2, M-3, P-1, PD, IBP column)
Permanent Pedestrian Sign - Option 2 (Per Street Frontage Length)6 ft (when ground-mounted)6 sq ft per sign1 per each 25 ft of building public street frontageAlong building public street frontage.UnlockSec. 5-2018(c) (M-1, M-2, M-3, P-1, PD, IBP column)
Permanent Freestanding Monument Sign (General)12 ft base; may increase by 2 ft per 5 ft of setback to max 16 ft60 sq ft base max; may increase by 6 sq ft per 5 ft of setback to max 72 sq ft; on lots ≥3 acres, either +20 sq ft additional area for one sign OR one additional sign up to 40 sq ftSetback from public right-of-way/property line increases area/height as stated.1 per lot (lots ≥3 acres may have 1 additional at secondary entrance facing a different ROW)1 per lot; on lots ≥3 acres, a second monument at a secondary entrance facing a different public right-of-way may be allowed.UnlockSec. 5-2018(d) (M-1, M-2, M-3, P-1, PD, IBP column)
Temporary Free-standing Sign (Single-tenant lots)9 ft32 sq ft per signMax 2 at same time for single street frontage; max 3 for multiple frontages (max 2 on any one frontage)May be attached to fences, guardrails, or retaining walls.UnlockSec. 5-2018(e) (M-1, M-2, M-3, P-1, PD, IBP column); Sec. 5-2019(d)
Temporary Free-standing Sign (Multi-tenant lots)9 ft32 sq ft per signMax 1 per tenant space at a time; max 4 at same time for single frontage lots; max 6 for multiple frontage lots (max 4 on any one frontage)May be attached to fences, guardrails, or retaining walls.UnlockSec. 5-2018(e) (M-1, M-2, M-3, P-1, PD, IBP column); Sec. 5-2019(d)
Permanent Internal Ground SignWithin 15 ft of ROW/PL: 3 ft; >15 ft but ≤50 ft: 4 ft; >50 ft: 6 ft. Signs serving drive-throughs may be up to 8 ft when set back ≥50 ft and located behind the wall of the primary building facing the ROW.Within 15 ft of ROW/PL: 6 sq ft max; >15 ft but ≤50 ft: 8 sq ft max; >50 ft: 16 sq ft max. Signs serving drive-throughs may be up to 36 sq ft when set back ≥50 ft and located behind the wall of the primary building facing the ROW.Area/height vary by distance from public right-of-way/property line.1 per 5,000 sq ft up to and including 20,000 sq ft lot area; plus 1 per each additional 10,000 sq ft over 20,000 sq ftInternal to site. Drive-through facility signs subject to additional size/height provisions.UnlockSec. 5-2018(f) (M-1, M-2, M-3, P-1, PD, IBP column)

Commercial center (CC); Light industrial (IL); General industrial (IG)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign (Multi-tenant Exterior Entrance)≤10% of wall area; 150 sq ft cap base; up to 450 sq ft total with setbacks2 per tenant (multi-tenant buildings)On wall with public exterior entrance to tenant space (multi-tenant buildings).UnlockSec. 5-2018(b) (CC, IL, IG column)
Wall Sign (Other Allowed Walls)≤10% of wall area; 150 sq ft cap base; up to 450 sq ft total with setbacksUnlimited on walls where signs are allowedOn walls facing/fronting a public right-of-way or a parking lot/open space under same ownership with ≥50 ft separation to any adjacent building; prohibited on walls fronting/facing directly abutting permitted principal nonresidential uses.UnlockSec. 5-2018(b) (CC, IL, IG column)
Permanent Freestanding Monument Sign (General)16 ft base; may increase by 2 ft per 5 ft of setback to max 20 ft72 sq ft base max; may increase by 6 sq ft per 5 ft of setback to max 84 sq ft; on lots ≥3 acres, either +20 sq ft additional area for one sign OR one additional sign up to 48 sq ftSetback from public right-of-way/property line increases area/height as stated.1 per lot (lots ≥3 acres may have 1 additional at secondary entrance facing a different ROW)1 per lot; on lots ≥3 acres, a second monument at a secondary entrance facing a different public right-of-way may be allowed.UnlockSec. 5-2018(d) (CC, IL, IG column)
Temporary Free-standing Sign (Single-tenant lots)9 ft32 sq ft per signMax 2 at same time for single street frontage; max 3 for multiple frontages (max 2 on any one frontage)May be attached to fences, guardrails, or retaining walls.UnlockSec. 5-2018(e) (CC, IL, IG column); Sec. 5-2019(d)
Temporary Free-standing Sign (Multi-tenant lots)9 ft32 sq ft per signMax 1 per tenant space at a time; max 4 at same time for single frontage lots; max 6 for multiple frontage lots (max 4 on any one frontage)May be attached to fences, guardrails, or retaining walls.UnlockSec. 5-2018(e) (CC, IL, IG column); Sec. 5-2019(d)
Temporary Wall-Attached Sign32 sq ft per sign; and ≤5% of wall area facing a public streetMax 2 per public street frontageOn building walls facing a public street.UnlockSec. 5-2018(e) (CC, IL, IG column)
Permanent Internal Ground SignWithin 15 ft of ROW/PL: 4 ft; >15 ft but ≤25 ft: 6 ft; >25 ft: 8 ft. Signs serving drive-throughs may be up to 8 ft when set back ≥50 ft and located behind the wall of the primary building facing the ROW.Within 15 ft of ROW/PL: 8 sq ft; >15 ft but ≤25 ft: 12 sq ft; >25 ft: 16 sq ft. Signs serving drive-throughs may be up to 36 sq ft when set back ≥50 ft and located behind the wall of the primary building facing the ROW.Area/height vary by distance from public right-of-way/property line.1 per 5,000 sq ft up to and including 20,000 sq ft lot area; plus 1 per each additional 10,000 sq ft over 20,000 sq ftInternal to site. Drive-through facility signs subject to additional size/height provisions.UnlockSec. 5-2018(f) (CC, IL, IG column)
Electronic Message Center (EMC)200 ft perpendicular and 100 ft parallel from adjacent residential zones (Sec. 5-2020(g)).Max 1 per lot street frontage (except small EMC windows and EMC internal ground signs for drive-throughs)Must be ≥200 ft from adjacent residentially zoned lot (perpendicular) and ≥100 ft (parallel) from sign face; limited to one EMC per lot street frontage (excluding EMC window signs ≤12 sq ft and EMC internal ground signs for drive-throughs).UnlockSec. 5-2020(a),(c)–(j); Sec. 5-2005(b)

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Prohibited Signs in Lawrence

  • No sign may be installed, erected, constructed, or hung within a public right-of-way, except governmental signs or where specifically exempted (e.g., certain pedestrian signs in the CD district).
  • No sign may imitate or resemble governmental traffic or public safety signs.
  • Within the sight triangle at intersections/driveways (50 feet each way from intersecting curb lines), signs may not exceed 36 inches in height so as not to obstruct driver visibility.
  • No sign may be placed on a vehicle or trailer when the intent/effect is to circumvent the sign code (excludes taxi cabs, pedicabs, buses, or mobile food units unless clearly used to evade the code).
  • No building-attached sign may extend vertically above the highest portion of any roofline or parapet.
  • Any sign projecting over pedestrian areas must maintain at least 8 feet of vertical clearance.
  • No sign (excluding temporary signs) may be installed within a public utility or drainage easement, except governmental or legally required utility location signs.
  • No non-governmental sign may be installed within 5 feet of the side or rear lot line of the lot on which it is located.
  • No balloons, pennant streamers, pennants, or other air-activated elements, or animated sign elements (mechanical, electrical, or environmental) are allowed; this prohibition does not apply to flags (government, corporate, decorative) or feather signs as defined.
  • Illuminated signs may not flash or oscillate or create negative effects on surrounding rights-of-way or adjacent properties, and external light sources must be directed and shielded to limit illumination to the sign only.
  • Except as may be permitted in a Planned Development, commercial message signs must be on-premises; off-premises commercial signs are not allowed.
  • Signs not authorized by the sign code are prohibited.
  • Any sign that requires a sign permit and is installed, erected, constructed, hung, or altered without a valid sign permit is prohibited.
  • Permanent free-standing pole signs are prohibited, except governmental signs or permanent internal ground signs.
  • Billboards are prohibited.
  • Mobile signs are prohibited.
  • Roof signs are prohibited.
  • Snipe signs are prohibited.
  • Manually activated changeable message signs are prohibited.
  • Pennant streamer signs are prohibited.
  • Animated signs are prohibited.
  • Flashing signs are prohibited.
  • Scrolling message signs are prohibited.
  • Traveling message signs are prohibited.
  • Any sign that blocks or prevents ingress/egress at emergency doors, egress windows, or fire escapes is prohibited.
  • Any sign that obstructs clear vision at intersections of streets/alleys/driveways is prohibited.
  • Any sign that, due to its intensity, position, shape, or color, impedes the view of right-of-way users or may be confused with authorized traffic control devices is prohibited.
  • Any sign using words, phrases, symbols, or characters in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses traffic is prohibited.
  • Any sign located in a public right-of-way is prohibited, excluding governmental signs or portable pedestrian signs in the CD zoning district.
  • Any sign displaying material that is obscene, indecent, immoral, or harmful to minors within the meaning of K.S.A. 21-6401 is prohibited.

Exempt Signs in Lawrence

  • Address numbers (maximum two signs per address: one wall and one free-standing; wall-mounted between 4 and 10 feet above grade; free-standing located at the primary access point and no more than 3 feet in height).
  • Governmental signs.
  • Government flags.
  • Decorative flags (up to 3; each not exceeding 24 square feet).
  • Corporate flags (1 allowed; not exceeding 24 square feet; must be on a flagpole and set back at least 25 feet from a public right-of-way or property line).
  • Window signs in nonresidential zoning districts: nonilluminated interior or first-floor window signs between 2 and 12 feet above grade; and internally illuminated interior or first-floor window signs between 2 and 12 feet above grade not exceeding 12 square feet.
  • Small, nonilluminated wall signs (one per wall; not exceeding 3 square feet).
  • Temporary signs that meet the standards in Sections 5-2018(e) and 5-2019(d).
  • Minor signs (not more than 4 square feet in area intended for internal site users).
  • Portable pedestrian signs that meet the standards in Section 5-2019(b).
  • Automated teller machine (ATM) signs.
  • Fuel pump signs.
  • Fuel pump topper signs.
  • Memorial signs or tablets.
  • Exempt signs do not count toward size allocation standards and, except for governmental signs, must comply with all other provisions of the sign code unless a variance is granted.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Lawrence

  • A sign permit is required before installing, erecting, constructing, hanging, or altering any sign, and before replacing sign copy or sign face, unless the sign is exempt (Section 5-2004).
  • Sign permit applications must include a site plan showing the proposed sign location with dimensions to property lines/right-of-way and existing signs on the lot; drawings/photos of sign graphics and dimensions; and other details per sign type (Section 5-2005).
  • A separate electrical permit is required for internally or externally illuminated signs unless the permanent electrical wiring was previously installed under a valid permit (Section 5-2005(c)).
  • Electronic Message Center (EMC) sign applications require manufacturer nit (brightness) specifications, dimming control information, and a compliance letter (some items waived for signs not exceeding 3,000 nits) (Section 5-2005(b)).
  • Variances from sign code standards may be requested and are heard by the Sign Code Board of Appeals; a $350 nonrefundable fee applies and specific findings are required (Section 5-2028).
  • Appeals of sign-related decisions (permits, notices, interpretations, monument design review) go to the Sign Code Board of Appeals; a $25 docketing fee applies (Section 5-2027).
  • Monument Sign Design Review Committee may approve deviations from the monument sign base width ratio (within 33%–150% of the sign width); requests must be submitted in writing and decisions are appealable (Section 5-2029).
  • Monument signs must be located within a landscape area as may be required by site plan approval under the Land Development Code (Section 5-2019(c)(1)).
  • Signs on historic landmark structures or within historic districts/context areas require compliance with Chapter 22 in addition to sign code standards (Section 5-2021(a)).
  • Signs in Urban Conservation Overlay Districts must meet the overlay standards and policies in addition to sign code standards (Section 5-2021(b)).
  • When a site undergoes a major development project requiring site plan approval, all nonconforming signs on the property must be removed prior to occupancy; this must be noted on the site plan (Section 5-2023(c)).

Source: municode municipal code