Sign Regulations in Merriam, Kansas
Merriam, Kansas has specific sign regulations covering 31 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Now Hiring Sign, Sandwich Board Sign, Address Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 23, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Merriam, Kansas
Sample Sign Requirements in Merriam
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address Sign | — | 2 square feet for single residential units; 6 square feet for multi-family buildings with a single street address | — |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 1 square foot | — |
| Political Sign | 4 feet for tracts of 1 acre or less; 8 feet for tracts greater than 1 acre | 6 square feet for single-family, duplex, multi-family unit or tract of 1 acre or less; 16 square feet for multi-family tract greater than 1 acre | 5 feet from right-of-way for freestanding |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
31
- Now Hiring Sign
- Sandwich Board Sign
- Address Sign
- Home Occupation Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Merriam
Other Cities in Kansas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Merriam 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 Merriam, 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 Merriam, regulated sign types include Now Hiring Sign, Sandwich Board Sign, Address Sign, Home Occupation 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 Merriam 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 Merriam are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Merriam has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Merriam, Kansas Sign Rules at a Glance
Merriam, Kansas regulates 31 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Sandwich Board Signs in the Commercial Districts (C-O, CP-O, C-1, CP-1, C-2, CP-2, C-3, CP-3) zoning district are capped at 42 inches tall, 8 square feet, and 2.5 feet wide, with a Not in street or driveway setback (Sec. Sec. 53-35.24 and Sec. 53-3). Most commercial signs in Merriam require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Merriam, Kansas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Merriam (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, CRD) | 8 | 5 feet | 24 square feet for complexes of 16 or fewer units; 36 square feet for complexes over 16 units | — |
| Commercial Districts (C-O, CP-O, C-1, CP-1, C-2, CP-2, C-3, CP-3) | 9 | 42 inches | 36 square feet | — |
| Industrial Districts (I-1, IP-1) | 4 | 42 inches | 36 square feet | — |
| PUD Districts | 3 | 12 feet | As per equivalent district (e.g., 36 sq ft for commercial equivalent) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 25 feet above lane centerline, max 35 feet | 128 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Merriam(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, CRD)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address Sign | — | 2 square feet for single residential units; 6 square feet for multi-family buildings with a single street address | — | — | 1 per unit or building | Mounted on building or adjacent to entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-35.8 |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 1 square foot | — | — | 1 | Facade of residence | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-35.22 |
| Political Sign | 4 feet for tracts of 1 acre or less; 8 feet for tracts greater than 1 acre | 6 square feet for single-family, duplex, multi-family unit or tract of 1 acre or less; 16 square feet for multi-family tract greater than 1 acre | — | 5 feet from right-of-way for freestanding | Based on parcel size, multiple allowed if spaced per public notice rules | On private property, not on public right-of-way or city-owned property | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-35.9 |
| Real Estate Sign | 4 feet for tracts of 1 acre or less; 8 feet for tracts greater than 1 acre | 6 square feet for single-family, duplex or multi-family tract of 1 acre or less; 16 square feet for multi-family tract greater than 1 acre | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 per 1,000 feet of public street frontage | Freestanding or wall-mounted | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-95.a.1 and a.2 |
| Garage Sale Sign | 4 feet | 4 square feet | — | 15 feet from paved street; 20 feet from pavement of intersection | 1 at sale location; 1 at subdivision entrance or nearest intersection | Freestanding on private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-35.14 |
| Monument Sign - Subdivision | — | Size determined by planning commission review based on subdivision size, roadway classification, adjacent uses, and compatibility | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 per public street entrance | At each public street entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-93.a |
| Monument Sign - Multi-Family Complex | 5 feet | 24 square feet for complexes of 16 or fewer units; 36 square feet for complexes over 16 units | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 per public street entry | At each public street entry | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-93.b |
| Facade Sign - Multi-Family Clubhouse | — | 16 square feet | — | — | 1 | On clubhouse or leasing office facade, oriented to internal road | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-94.a |
Commercial Districts (C-O, CP-O, C-1, CP-1, C-2, CP-2, C-3, CP-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign - Individual Commercial Building | 12 feet | 36 square feet | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 per primary frontage; optional second reduced | On primary street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-93.d |
| Monument Sign - Shopping Center | 12 feet | — | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 per primary; optional second | On primary street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-93.f |
| Facade Sign - Shopping Center Tenant | — | — | 80% of tenant facade width | — | 1 per tenant entrance; 2 for corner | On entrance facade | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-94.d |
| Monument Sign - Service Station | 12 feet | 36 square feet | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1; optional second | Primary frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-93.e |
| Under-Canopy or Awning Sign - Shopping Center | — | 4 square feet | — | — | 1 per business with canopy | Under canopy or awning, right angle to front wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-35.17 |
| Menu Board - Drive-Through | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 per window | Adjacent to drive-through lane | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-35.15 |
| Now Hiring Sign | 4 feet | 6 square feet | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 per facility | Freestanding | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-35.23 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 42 inches | 8 square feet | 2.5 feet | Not in street or driveway | 1 per business with street frontage | Directly in front of business, on sidewalk or right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-35.24 and Sec. 53-3 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign - Public Institution | 12 feet | 36 square feet | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1; optional second | Primary frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-93.c |
| Facade Sign - Public Institution | — | — | — | — | 1 per frontage | Per public street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-94.b |
| Temporary Freestanding Sign | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 per permit | On property with 200+ ft frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-96.2 |
| Freeway Frontage Monument Sign | 25 feet above lane centerline, max 35 feet | — | — | 10 feet | 1 per qualifying property | For properties with 200+ ft I-35 frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-93.g |
| Construction Site Sign | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet | 1 per frontage | Freestanding per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-95.e |
| Semi-Permanent Leasing Sign | 6 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet | 1 per frontage | Freestanding per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-95.b |
| Future Project Identification Sign - Freeway | 16 feet | 128 square feet | — | 20 feet from property line | 1 per frontage | Per freeway frontage for 800+ ft frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-95.c |
| Incidental Identification Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 per entrance | Mounted adjacent to tenant entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 53-35.18 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Merriam — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Merriam — start freeProhibited Signs in Merriam
- Snipe signs attached to trees, shrubs, telephone poles, benches, street lights or placed on any public property or right-of-way, except warning signs issued by public utility companies or signs erected by public authorities for public purposes.
- Portable signs (except sandwich board signs) or attention-attracting devices.
- Signs posing traffic or pedestrian hazards, including those that constitute a traffic hazard by size, location, movement, content, coloring or illumination; obstruct vision; use flashing, moving, rotating, blinking lights (except time/temperature displays); cause glare; use bare bulbs over 25 watts; or use words/symbols that interfere with traffic control.
- Abandoned signs advertising activities no longer conducted on the premises, to be removed within three months.
- Moving signs with visible moving, revolving, rotating parts or illusion of movement.
- Roof-mounted signs.
- Off-site signs directing attention to businesses, products or services not on the premises.
- Attention-attracting devices unless otherwise approved.
- Illegal signs prohibited by law.
- Vehicles used as signs within 150 feet of public street right-of-way, except for vehicles in construction, delivery, screened parking, or standard passenger vehicles with limited signage.
Exempt Signs in Merriam
- Government traffic-control signs and devices.
- Flags (up to three per business/development, specific types, size and height limits).
- Directional and instructional signs (size and placement limits).
- Public notice signs (size limits based on property size).
- Memorial signs or tablets (up to six square feet).
- Works of fine art (non-commercial).
- Required notices authorized by law.
- Address signs (size limits based on building type).
- Political signs (size and placement limits, not on public property).
- Official public notices by public officers.
- Window signs (nonilluminated up to 20% of window area; illuminated up to 50% of that).
- Real estate signs (as permitted in section 53-95).
- Construction site signs (as permitted in section 53-95).
- Garage sale signs (size, timing and placement limits).
- Menu-boards for drive-throughs (size and location limits).
- Special event signs approved by community development director.
- Under-canopy or awning signs (size and placement limits for multi-tenant centers).
- Incidental identification signs (up to two square feet at tenant entrances).
- Signs on machinery and equipment (product identification only).
- Signs on vehicles (not prohibited otherwise).
- Other governmental signs for public purposes.
- Home occupation signs (one square foot, nonilluminated).
- Now hiring signs (up to six square feet).
- Sandwich board signs (specific size, placement and usage rules).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Merriam
- Sign scheme required for every multi-tenant building or coordinated development (e.g., office parks, shopping centers, business parks) as part of final development plan approval.
- Preliminary sign scheme submitted with preliminary plan review and approved by planning commission.
- Final sign scheme submitted with final plan review, including details on dimensions, colors, materials, etc., and approved by planning commission.
- Minor modifications to sign scheme approved by community development director; major modifications by planning commission.
- Deviations from sign regulations may be granted by planning commission during sign scheme review, based on criteria including purpose/intent, impacts on adjacent properties, safety, visual clutter, site constraints, lighting, and promotion of high-quality design.
Source: other municipal code