# Sign Regulations in Salina, Kansas

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Salina, Kansas (KS)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/kansas/salina
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/ks/salina/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH42ZORE_ARTXSI)

## At a glance

Salina, Kansas regulates 78 sign types across 42 zoning districts. Bulletin Board Signs in the R-S Single Family Residential Suburban District (R-S) zoning district are capped at If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback tall and 32 sq ft maximum gross surface area, with a All signs must observe principal structure setbacks; detached ground signs used with a conditional use must be set back at least 10 ft from the front property line setback (Sec. §42-517(1)(a), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7); §42-503(d); §42-501–§42-505; §42-509). Most commercial signs in Salina require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (42 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A-1 Agricultural District (A-1) | 3 | 30 ft maximum height | 32 sq ft maximum gross surface area per zoning lot | — |
| R-S Single Family Residential Suburban District (R-S) | 9 | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — |
| R Single Family Residential District (R) | 9 | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — |
| R-1 Single Family Residential District (R-1) | 9 | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — |
| R-2 Multiple Family Residential District (R-2) | 9 | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — |
| R-2.5 Multiple Family Residential District (R-2.5) | 9 | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — |
| R-3 Multiple Family Residential District (R-3) | 9 | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — |
| M-H Manufactured Home Park District (M-H) | 9 | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — |
| U University District (U) | 8 | 15 ft | EMC portion ≤50% of total sign area; up to 67% if adjacent to arterial or collector streets | — |
| H-M Hospital Medical District (H-M) | 7 | 6 ft | No district-specific limit; general sign standards apply (§42-503) | — |
| C-1 Restricted Business District (C-1) | 6 | Up to 8 ft (detached signs) | 32 sq ft (and not more than 1 sq ft/ft of frontage) | — |
| C-2 Neighborhood Shopping District (C-2) | 6 | 30 ft | Any type listed in §42-506 except advertising signs. | — |
| C-3 Shopping Center District (C-3) | 5 | 30 ft (ground/pole) | Permits all types in §42-506; advertising signs allowed only as computerized electronic message displays; other advertising signs prohibited. | — |
| C-4 Central Business District (C-4) | 7 | Ground/pole signs: 30 ft; projecting or wall signs may not project above the lowest point of the roof of the structure. | Up to 72 sq ft by frontage category | — |
| C-5 Service Commercial District (C-5) | 5 | 50 ft on arterial/collector/residential streets; up to 50 ft above interstate roadbed (max sign height 70 ft) if oriented to an interstate and within 660 ft of the interstate ROW; where interstate roadbed is below grade of adjoining property, max sign height 50 ft. | Any functional type in §42-506 permitted. | — |
| C-6 Heavy Commercial District (C-6) | 5 | 50 ft on arterial/collector/residential streets; up to 50 ft above interstate roadbed (max 70 ft sign height) if oriented to an interstate and within 660 ft of the interstate ROW; if interstate roadbed is below adjacent grade, max 50 ft. | Any functional type in §42-506 permitted. | — |
| P Public Use District (P) | 6 | Up to 20 ft (where permitted as noted) | Any type listed in §42-506 permitted, except advertising signs (allowed only as noted for ECM used as advertising when eligible for a pole sign). | — |
| C-7 Highway Commercial District (C-7) | 6 | • 50 ft if located on an arterial, collector or residential street • Up to 50 ft above the interstate roadbed (max overall 70 ft) if oriented toward an interstate and within 660 ft of its right-of-way; if the interstate roadbed is below grade, max 50 ft | Temporary freestanding (nonresidential): 32 sq ft and 6 ft tall (two allowed); election yard signs: 8 sq ft and 6 ft tall; mobile signs: 32 sq ft. | — |
| I-1 Industrial Park District (I-1) | 4 | 30 ft | Temporary freestanding (nonresidential): 32 sq ft and 6 ft tall (two allowed); election yard signs: 8 sq ft and 6 ft tall; mobile signs: 32 sq ft. | — |
| I-2 Light Industrial District (I-2) | 6 | 30 ft | Temporary freestanding (nonresidential): 32 sq ft and 6 ft tall (two allowed); election yard signs: 8 sq ft and 6 ft tall; mobile signs: 32 sq ft. | — |
| I-3 Heavy Industrial District (I-3) | 6 | 30 ft | Temporary freestanding (nonresidential): 32 sq ft and 6 ft tall (two allowed); election yard signs: 8 sq ft and 6 ft tall; mobile signs: 32 sq ft. | — |
| PDD Planned Development District (PDD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Commercial Zoning District (PC-1) | 5 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Planned Commercial Zoning District (PC-2) | 5 | 30 ft | Temporary sign up to 32 sq ft; Election-period yard signs up to 8 sq ft each | — |
| Planned Commercial Zoning District (PC-3) | 3 | Ground/Pole: 30 ft; Wall/Projecting: may not project above lowest point of roof in C-4 only (not applicable here); Roof signs allowed in C-3 | Temporary sign up to 32 sq ft; Election-period yard signs up to 8 sq ft | — |
| Planned Commercial Zoning District (PC-5) | 3 | On arterial/collector/residential streets: 50 ft; On interstate-oriented signs within 660 ft of interstate ROW: up to 50 ft above interstate roadbed (max overall 70 ft); no artificial grade raising to gain height | Temporary sign up to 32 sq ft; Election-period yard signs up to 8 sq ft | — |
| Planned Commercial Zoning District (PC-6) | 3 | On arterial/collector/residential streets: 50 ft; On interstate-oriented signs within 660 ft of interstate ROW: up to 50 ft above interstate roadbed (max overall 70 ft); no artificial grade raising to gain height | Temporary sign up to 32 sq ft; Election-period yard signs up to 8 sq ft | — |
| Planned Commercial Zoning District (PC-7) | 3 | On arterial/collector/residential streets: 50 ft; On interstate-oriented signs within 660 ft of interstate ROW: up to 50 ft above interstate roadbed (max overall 70 ft); no artificial grade raising to gain height | Temporary sign up to 32 sq ft; Election-period yard signs up to 8 sq ft | — |
| MH-S Manufactured home subdivisions | 7 | 8 ft for detached; no limit if wall-mounted | 32 sq ft | — |
| MH-P Manufactured home parks | 7 | 8 ft detached; wall-mounted no limit | 32 sq ft | — |

_12 additional zoning districts are covered in PermitPal (free account)._

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 42 zones)

### R-S Single Family Residential Suburban District (R-S)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bulletin Board Sign | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | 32 sq ft maximum gross surface area | — | All signs must observe principal structure setbacks; detached ground signs used with a conditional use must be set back at least 10 ft from the front property line | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On private property; may be wall-mounted or detached as a ground sign | — | §42-517(1)(a), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7); §42-503(d); §42-501–§42-505; §42-509 |
| Business Sign (Standard) | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 8 sq ft maximum | — | As above | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the same premises as the business/conditional use | — | §42-517(1)(b), (2), (3), (5), (7); §42-503(d) |
| Business Sign (Conditional Use on Collector/Arterial) | Detached signs limited to 8 ft height; may require conditional use approval | 32 sq ft maximum (by formula) | — | 10 ft minimum front setback for detached ground signs tied to a conditional use | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the same premises; detached ground sign requires setback | — | §42-517(1)(g), (2), (3), (6)(b), (7); §42-503(d) |
| Construction Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 32 sq ft maximum | — | Must honor yard and visibility triangle rules | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the premises where construction is occurring | — | §42-517(1)(c); §42-503; §42-509; §42-770 (definition) |
| Identification Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 32 sq ft maximum | — | As above; detached ground signs tied to a conditional use require 10 ft setback | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On private property; may be wall-mounted or detached | — | §42-517(1)(d), (2), (3), (5), (7); §42-503(d) |
| Nameplate Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 2 sq ft maximum | — | Must honor required yards and vision triangle | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | At dwelling or on the lot identifying name/address/professional status where applicable | — | §42-517(1)(e); §42-505(1) (illuminated residential nameplates up to 2 sq ft exempt from permit); §42-503(d) |
| Real Estate Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 8 sq ft per lot (standard). One subdivision marketing sign up to 100 sq ft allowed per development with time limits. | — | Must observe yard and sight triangle | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the lot being sold/leased; subdivision sign within the development | — | §42-517(1)(f); §42-747 (definition); §42-508 (temporary sign standards) |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (Institutions only) | 8 ft maximum overall sign height | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — | 10 ft minimum front setback; perpendicular orientation to street | Maximum one (1) freestanding electronic changeable copy sign per qualifying site | Freestanding; must be set perpendicular to the adjoining public street (corner lots may set at 45 degrees at intersections) | — | §42-517(7)(a)-(f); §42-503(e)(1)-(2) (general ECC standards) |

### R Single Family Residential District (R)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bulletin Board Sign | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | 32 sq ft maximum gross surface area | — | All signs must observe principal structure setbacks; detached ground signs used with a conditional use must be set back at least 10 ft from the front property line | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On private property; may be wall-mounted or detached as a ground sign | — | §42-517(1)(a), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7); §42-503(d); §42-501–§42-505; §42-509 |
| Business Sign (Standard) | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 8 sq ft maximum | — | As above | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the same premises as the business/conditional use | — | §42-517(1)(b), (2), (3), (5), (7); §42-503(d) |
| Business Sign (Conditional Use on Collector/Arterial) | Detached signs limited to 8 ft height; may require conditional use approval | 32 sq ft maximum (by formula) | — | 10 ft minimum front setback for detached ground signs tied to a conditional use | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the same premises; detached ground sign requires setback | — | §42-517(1)(g), (2), (3), (6)(b), (7); §42-503(d) |
| Construction Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 32 sq ft maximum | — | Must honor yard and visibility triangle rules | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the premises where construction is occurring | — | §42-517(1)(c); §42-503; §42-509; §42-770 (definition) |
| Identification Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 32 sq ft maximum | — | As above; detached ground signs tied to a conditional use require 10 ft setback | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On private property; may be wall-mounted or detached | — | §42-517(1)(d), (2), (3), (5), (7); §42-503(d) |
| Nameplate Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 2 sq ft maximum | — | Must honor required yards and vision triangle | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | At dwelling or on the lot identifying name/address/professional status where applicable | — | §42-517(1)(e); §42-505(1) (illuminated residential nameplates up to 2 sq ft exempt from permit); §42-503(d) |
| Real Estate Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 8 sq ft per lot (standard). One subdivision marketing sign up to 100 sq ft allowed per development with time limits. | — | Must observe yard and sight triangle | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the lot being sold/leased; subdivision sign within the development | — | §42-517(1)(f); §42-747 (definition); §42-508 (temporary sign standards) |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (Institutions only) | 8 ft maximum overall sign height | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — | 10 ft minimum front setback; perpendicular orientation to street | Maximum one (1) freestanding electronic changeable copy sign per qualifying site | Freestanding; must be set perpendicular to the adjoining public street (corner lots may set at 45 degrees at intersections) | — | §42-517(7)(a)-(f); §42-503(e)(1)-(2) (general ECC standards) |

### R-1 Single Family Residential District (R-1)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bulletin Board Sign | If detached, may not exceed 8 ft in height or project into any required building setback | 32 sq ft maximum gross surface area | — | All signs must observe principal structure setbacks; detached ground signs used with a conditional use must be set back at least 10 ft from the front property line | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On private property; may be wall-mounted or detached as a ground sign | — | §42-517(1)(a), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7); §42-503(d); §42-501–§42-505; §42-509 |
| Business Sign (Standard) | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 8 sq ft maximum | — | As above | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the same premises as the business/conditional use | — | §42-517(1)(b), (2), (3), (5), (7); §42-503(d) |
| Business Sign (Conditional Use on Collector/Arterial) | Detached signs limited to 8 ft height; may require conditional use approval | 32 sq ft maximum (by formula) | — | 10 ft minimum front setback for detached ground signs tied to a conditional use | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the same premises; detached ground sign requires setback | — | §42-517(1)(g), (2), (3), (6)(b), (7); §42-503(d) |
| Construction Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 32 sq ft maximum | — | Must honor yard and visibility triangle rules | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the premises where construction is occurring | — | §42-517(1)(c); §42-503; §42-509; §42-770 (definition) |
| Identification Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 32 sq ft maximum | — | As above; detached ground signs tied to a conditional use require 10 ft setback | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On private property; may be wall-mounted or detached | — | §42-517(1)(d), (2), (3), (5), (7); §42-503(d) |
| Nameplate Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 2 sq ft maximum | — | Must honor required yards and vision triangle | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | At dwelling or on the lot identifying name/address/professional status where applicable | — | §42-517(1)(e); §42-505(1) (illuminated residential nameplates up to 2 sq ft exempt from permit); §42-503(d) |
| Real Estate Sign | If detached, up to 8 ft and not projecting into required setbacks | 8 sq ft per lot (standard). One subdivision marketing sign up to 100 sq ft allowed per development with time limits. | — | Must observe yard and sight triangle | Counts toward 3-sign maximum per zoning lot | On the lot being sold/leased; subdivision sign within the development | — | §42-517(1)(f); §42-747 (definition); §42-508 (temporary sign standards) |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (Institutions only) | 8 ft maximum overall sign height | Electronic display may not exceed 50% of total sign area | — | 10 ft minimum front setback; perpendicular orientation to street | Maximum one (1) freestanding electronic changeable copy sign per qualifying site | Freestanding; must be set perpendicular to the adjoining public street (corner lots may set at 45 degrees at intersections) | — | §42-517(7)(a)-(f); §42-503(e)(1)-(2) (general ECC standards) |

## Prohibited signs in Salina

- No sign may be located in the public right-of-way in any zoning district, except for specifically listed exceptions (e.g., certain governmental signs, C-4 projecting signs, licensed neighborhood entry signs, authorized banner/flag programs, temporary election signs in unpaved ROW abutting private property, bus-bench signs) (Sec. 42-503(l)).
- No sign shall block any required accessway or window (Sec. 42-503(f)).
- No sign shall be attached to a tree or utility pole on public or private property (Sec. 42-503(g)).
- No metal sign shall be located within 8 feet vertically and 4 feet horizontally of electric wires or conductors in free air carrying more than 48 volts, whether or not insulated (Sec. 42-503(i)).
- No sign shall be placed where, by reason of its position, size, shape, or color, it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with any traffic-control sign, signal, or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic (Sec. 42-503(j)).
- No sign shall be located within the required vision triangle at intersections, except signs mounted 10 feet or more above ground with supports that do not obstruct visibility (Sec. 42-503(k)).
- Illuminated signs must be shaded to avoid casting direct light upon property in residential districts or upon public streets/parks; illuminated signs visible from residential districts may be illuminated only during business hours or 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (Sec. 42-503(d)).
- Electronic changeable copy signs must include automatic dimming; blinking, flashing, rotating, revolving, spinning, fluttering lighting, or graphic animation is prohibited; transitions must fade, scroll, or reveal; brightness limited to 0.3 foot-candle over ambient at prescribed measurement distance (Sec. 42-503(e)(2)).
- All signs more than 4 feet above grade must be securely fastened to prevent movement (Sec. 42-503(m)).
- Abandoned signs (no longer advertising a bona fide business/product/service) are prohibited and must be removed (panel within 90 days; frames/poles within 1 year unless reused or extended for up to 1 year) (Sec. 42-510).
- Electronic changeable copy advertising signs are prohibited within city limits, except within 200 feet of an interstate highway right-of-way (Sec. 42-512).

## Signs exempt from permit in Salina

- The following are exempt from all requirements of the sign article: noncommercial flags on private property; governmental/emergency/traffic/wayfinding/public facility/required legal notices; signs on vehicles regularly used for purposes other than display; onsite handheld signs; memorial signs/tablets on private property; address numerals and other legally required signs (limited to required content/size); small convenience signs up to 5 sq ft (e.g., entrance/exit/parking); scoreboards in athletic stadiums; interior window signs that do not display an advertising message or cover more than 33% of the window area on a single wall (Sec. 42-504).
- The following are exempt from the zoning certificate (sign permit) requirement (but must comply with all other standards): illuminated nameplate signs up to 2 sq ft accessory to single- or two-family dwellings; illuminated identification signs up to 40 sq ft accessory to multifamily dwellings; illuminated bulletin board signs up to 40 sq ft accessory to churches, schools, or public/nonprofit institutions; illuminated business signs for on-premises sale of agricultural products on agricultural property (Sec. 42-505).
- Banners placed over an existing sign face, or mounted at least 8 feet above grade on existing poles/other supports that serve another primary purpose, or placed on an existing building, canopy, solid fence, or other structure behind the front yard setback line, are exempt from the zoning certificate (sign permit) requirement (Sec. 42-508(f)).
- During the period up to 45 days prior to an election (and through the general election in primary years), an unlimited number of temporary signs may be placed on private property in any zoning district (with size/height limits); and, to comply with K.S.A. 25-2711, an unlimited number of temporary signs may also be placed in the unpaved public right-of-way immediately abutting private property (with safety, size, and removal requirements) (Sec. 42-508(d)).

## Sign permit fees & timelines in Salina

| Item | Details | Citation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Other | 10 calendar days (starts when Receipt of complete application by zoning administrator) | — |

_The full published fee and review-timeline schedule for Salina is available in PermitPal (free account)._

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

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