# Sign Regulations in Newton, Kansas

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Newton, Kansas (KS)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/kansas/newton
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.newtonkansas.com/files/assets/newtonkansas/v/1/public-works/documents/newton-zoning-code-adopted-2022.pdf)

## At a glance

Newton, Kansas regulates 25 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the Neighborhood Business District (C-1), General Business District (C-2) zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and Up to 150 sq ft, with a ≥ 5 ft from any property line setback (Sec. Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-2). Most commercial signs in Newton require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (11 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | Max 4 ft in residential districts | Aggregate 48 sq ft per lot; in residential districts no individual Temporary Sign may exceed 10.5 sq ft | — |
| Residential (AG, R-S, R-1, R-2, R-3, M-H, M-P) | 5 | 25 ft overall height; min 8 ft clearance above grade | Up to 250 sq ft (1 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage) | — |
| Transition Business District (C-T), Professional Office District (P-O) | 10 | 25 ft overall height; min 8 ft clearance | Up to 250 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Business District (C-1), General Business District (C-2) | 11 | 25 ft overall; min 8 ft clearance | Up to 250 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (C-3) | 11 | 25 ft overall; min 8 ft clearance | Up to 250 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-1), General Industrial District (I-2), Heavy Industrial District (I-3) | 11 | 25 ft overall; min 8 ft clearance | Up to 250 sq ft | — |
| Historic and Cultural Overlay District (H-D) (Residential Historic Districts) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic and Cultural Overlay District (H-D) (Commercial Historic Districts) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Outlet Mall Commercial Area Sign District (Interstate Highway Sign District) | 1 | Max 50 ft; min 20 ft clearance from ground; height measured from adjacent edge of main traveled way | Up to 900 sq ft per facing (sign face ≤ 30 ft high × 60 ft long; two 450 sq ft displays allowed per facing; max 900 sq ft per facing) | — |
| Spencer Road Commercial Area Sign District (Interstate Highway Sign District) | 1 | Max 50 ft; min 20 ft clearance from ground; height measured from adjacent edge of main traveled way | Up to 900 sq ft per facing (sign face ≤ 30 ft high × 60 ft long; two 450 sq ft displays allowed per facing; max 900 sq ft per facing) | — |
| Advertising (Billboard) Sign Districts | 1 | ≤ 35 ft above grade at its base or above the roadway base at closest point; in any event not to exceed 50 ft | ≤ 500 sq ft surface area | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 11 zones)

### Neighborhood Business District (C-1), General Business District (C-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | ≤ 50% of supporting face area | — | ≥ 2 ft from curb‑line | 1 per face area of supporting structure | Mounted on awning/canopy/marquee over sidewalk/ROW | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-1 |
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | Up to 150 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft from any property line | — | Freestanding ground sign on private property | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-2 |
| Pole Sign | 25 ft overall; min 8 ft clearance | Up to 250 sq ft | — | — | — | Freestanding on private property | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-3 |
| Projecting Sign | — | Up to 150 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building projecting outward | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-4 |
| Roof Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted upon/over roof of building | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-5 |
| Portable Sign | — | ≤ 16 sq ft | — | Not in ROW | 1 per street frontage (center-wide limit for multi‑tenant centers) | On private property (not in ROW for C‑1/C‑2) | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-8 |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted to building wall; may protrude ≤ 8 in into ROW if ≥ 9 ft above grade | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-6(C)-(G) |
| Temporary Signs | — | 48 sq ft aggregate per lot (individual sign limits per Sec. 12.8-7) | — | Not in ROW | — | On private property | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-7 |

### Central Business District (C-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | ≤ 50% of supporting face area | — | ≥ 2 ft from curb‑line | 1 per face area of supporting structure | Mounted on awning/canopy/marquee over sidewalk/ROW | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-1 |
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | Up to 150 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft from any property line | — | Freestanding ground sign on private property | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-2 |
| Pole Sign | 25 ft overall; min 8 ft clearance | Up to 250 sq ft | — | — | — | Freestanding on private property | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-3 |
| Projecting Sign | — | Up to 150 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building projecting outward | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-4 |
| Roof Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted upon/over roof of building | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-5 |
| Portable Sign | — | ≤ 16 sq ft | — | If placed on private property: not in ROW; if in ROW: must maintain pedestrian clearance | 1 per street frontage (center-wide limit for multi‑tenant centers) | On private property or in public right‑of‑way (C‑3 only), provided pedestrian movement is not impeded | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-8(A)-(G), esp. (C) |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted to building wall; may protrude ≤ 8 in into ROW if ≥ 9 ft above grade | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-6(C)-(G) |
| Temporary Signs | — | 48 sq ft aggregate per lot | — | Not in ROW | — | On private property | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-7 |

### Light Industrial District (I-1), General Industrial District (I-2), Heavy Industrial District (I-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | ≤ 50% of supporting face area | — | — | 1 per face area of supporting structure | Mounted on awning/canopy/marquee | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-1 |
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | Up to 150 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft from any property line | — | Freestanding ground sign on private property | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-2 |
| Pole Sign | 25 ft overall; min 8 ft clearance | Up to 250 sq ft | — | — | — | Freestanding on private property | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-3 |
| Projecting Sign | — | Up to 150 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to building projecting outward | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-4 |
| Roof Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted upon/over roof of building | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-5 |
| Portable Sign | — | ≤ 16 sq ft | — | Not in ROW | 1 per street frontage (center-wide limit for multi‑tenant centers) | On private property (not in ROW) | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-8 |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted to building wall; may protrude ≤ 8 in into ROW if ≥ 9 ft above grade | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-6(C)-(G) |
| Temporary Signs | — | 48 sq ft aggregate per lot | — | Not in ROW | — | On private property | — | Table 12.9; Sec. 12.8-7 |

## Prohibited signs in Newton

- Any sign not expressly permitted or exempted by the ordinance is prohibited (12.5-1).
- No sign may be placed within a public street right-of-way, public park, or other public property, or on a utility pole, unless otherwise permitted; such signs may be removed without notice (12.1-6).
- No sign shall extend onto or across a public right-of-way unless otherwise permitted (12.5-2).
- Unprotected speech on signs is prohibited (e.g., obscenity, misleading/deceptive commercial messages, promotion of illegal products/services) (12.5-1.A).
- Unlawful signs, including those dangerous due to dilapidation or abandonment, are prohibited (12.5-1.B).
- Hazardous signs that obstruct exits, buildings, sites, or create visual distractions by color, sound, or glare are prohibited (12.5-1.C).
- Vandalized signs must be repaired/restored or removed within 7 days (unless extended); damaged signs creating a public hazard must be repaired immediately (12.5-1.D, 12.5-1.E).
- Inflatable signs are prohibited (12.5-1.F).
- Signs may not be affixed to or damage natural features (trees, vegetation, rocks, etc.) (12.5-1.G).
- Fluorescent/day-glow color signs are prohibited (12.5-1.H).
- Rotating signs are prohibited (12.5-1.I).
- Signs attached to utility poles are prohibited (except utility/government warnings) (12.5-1.J).
- Signs attached to fences are prohibited (except owner-posted warning signs) (12.5-1.K).
- Flashing/blinking/chasing/moving light signs are prohibited (exception for digital signs does not permit flashing/strobing messages per 12.8-9) (12.5-1.L; 12.8-9.A).
- Signs emitting sound, smoke, odor, or visible matter are prohibited (12.5-1.M).
- Interactive signs are prohibited (12.5-1.N).
- No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to block ingress/egress from any door, window, or fire escape; no sign may be attached to a fire escape (12.7-5).
- No sign may obstruct clear vision near streets, imitate/confuse official traffic control devices, or use words such as “Stop,” “Look,” or “Drive-In” in a manner that misleads or interferes with traffic (12.7-6).
- Illumination restrictions apply to all illuminated signs: light sources must be shaded/shielded and not spill above the sign’s top plane or onto public right-of-way/adjoining property; no sign may be brighter than necessary or so intense that it interferes with official traffic signs or distracts motorists (12.12-1 through 12.12-5).

## Signs exempt from permit in Newton

- A permit is not required for ordinary maintenance and repair of a sign (12.4-2).
- Temporary Signs are exempt from permit in all zoning districts (12.6-1; Table 12.9 notes); subject to Section 12.8-7 standards.
- Public Regulatory Signs (government traffic/control/regulatory/legal notices) are permit-exempt (12.6-2).
- Signs required by federal, state, or local law are permit-exempt (12.6-3).
- Governmental Signs installed by government agencies for health, safety, welfare; bearing no commercial message are permit-exempt (12.6-4).
- Window Display Signs: non-illuminated, inside windows in Commercial and Industrial districts, limited to 30% of total window area, are permit-exempt (12.6-5).
- Interior Signs are permit-exempt (12.6-6).
- Directional Signs (on-site operational signs ≤5 sq ft; no commercial message) are permit-exempt (12.6-7).
- Signs required by court order are permit-exempt (12.6-8).
- Legal Notices are permit-exempt (12.6-9).
- Public Utility Signs in rights-of-way or on utility facilities (bearing only necessary identification/use) are permit-exempt (12.6-10).
- Equipment Signs incorporated into machinery/equipment by a manufacturer or distributor are permit-exempt (12.6-11).
- Vehicle Sale Signs displayed on vehicles stating terms of sale/contact info are permit-exempt (12.6-12).
- Commemorative plaques, including Historical Markers mounted on a building face (subject to size/setback/height rules), are permit-exempt (12.6-13).
- Informational Warning Signs (e.g., “no trespassing,” “no dumping,” etc.) not exceeding 3 sq ft are permit-exempt (12.6-14).
- Professional and Occupation Signs (≤6 sq ft, on-site) are permit-exempt (12.6-15).
- Memorial Signs are permit-exempt (12.6-16).
- Vehicle Signs (on buses, trailers, or other vehicles) are permit-exempt (12.6-17).
- Incidental Signs (≤2 sq ft, non-commercial) are permit-exempt (12.6-18).
- Identification Signs (≤2 sq ft) are permit-exempt (12.6-19).
- Parking Lot Signs providing user information are permit-exempt (12.6-20).
- Permit fee exemptions: Temporary Signs and Artistic Murals are exempt from permit fees (even though Artistic Murals may still require a sign permit depending on district) (12.4-4).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No master sign plan or coordinated sign plan requirement is specified in Article XII.
- A Sign Permit is generally required for signs unless expressly exempted; permit applications must include site/location, sign specifications, owner consent, etc. (12.4-2, 12.4-3).
- Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for certain sign types by zone per Table 12.9. Examples: in Residential districts, Pole Signs, Digital Signs, Artistic Murals, and Commercial Murals require an SUP; in C‑T/P‑O districts, Pole Signs require an SUP; many other sign types are permitted by right in C‑1/C‑2/C‑3 and Industrial districts (Table 12.9).
- Historic District approvals: In Residential Historic Districts, all signs (except Temporary Signs) must be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission or State Historic Preservation Officer; in Commercial Historic Districts, all signs (except Temporary and Portable Signs) require such approval (12.5-3).
- Advertising (Billboard) Signs and Interstate Highway Signs are only permitted within specially designated districts established by ordinance after Planning Commission public hearing and Governing Body action; outside those districts they are not allowed (12.10, 12.11).
- Variance/SUP/other discretionary decisions are contemplated by the code; when exercised, discretion is limited to non-communicative aspects (e.g., materials, size, lighting, safety). Interpretations may be appealed to the Planning Commission and then the Governing Body (12.3-2, 12.3-3).

## 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 11 zoning districts in Newton — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Newton+KS&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-newton

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