Sign Regulations in Smith Center, Kansas
Smith Center, Kansas has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign (Informational), Wall Sign (Nameplate - Unilluminated), Wall Sign (Business). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Smith Center, Kansas
Sample Sign Requirements in Smith Center
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Nameplate - Unilluminated) | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Business Sign (Accessory - Unilluminated) | — | 50 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Sign (Informational) | 6 ft | 45 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Temporary Sign (Informational)
- Wall Sign (Nameplate - Unilluminated)
- Wall Sign (Business)
- Freestanding Sign (Business)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Smith Center
Other Cities in Kansas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Smith Center 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 Smith Center, 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 Smith Center, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign (Informational), Wall Sign (Nameplate - Unilluminated), Wall Sign (Business), Freestanding Sign (Business), 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 Smith Center 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 Smith Center are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Smith Center has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Smith Center, Kansas Sign Rules at a Glance
Smith Center, Kansas regulates 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Off-Site Sign (Special Use Permit - Unilluminated)s in the Agriculture District (A-L) zoning district are capped at Top edge ≤ 10 ft above average ground; bottom edge ≥ 3 ft above average ground tall and 50 sq ft per face (single- or double-faced), with a ≥50 ft from ROW line or entrance drive; ≥500 ft from intersection of two or more roads setback (Sec. Article XXI, Section 2(1)(d)(1)-(3)). Most commercial signs in Smith Center require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Smith Center, Kansas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Smith Center (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
| Agriculture District (A-L) | 5 | Top edge ≤ 10 ft above average ground; bottom edge ≥ 3 ft above average ground | 50 sq ft | — |
| Residential Low Density District (R-L); Single-Family Dwelling District (R-1); Two-Family Dwelling District (R-2); Multiple Family Dwelling District (R-3) | 4 | Building-affixed: ≤10 ft above ground; Ground sign: ≤4 ft above normal grade | 24 sq ft | — |
| Highway Service District (C-S); Industrial Park District (I-P) | 4 | 6 ft | 400 sq ft per face cap (also subject to 3× frontage formula) | — |
| Retail Business District (C-1); General Commercial District (C-2) | 4 | Bottom elevation ≥8 ft above sidewalk surface | 400 sq ft per face cap (also subject to 3× frontage formula) | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-1); Heavy Industrial District (I-2) | 5 | ≤20 ft above ground | 500 sq ft (single face) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Smith Center(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Agriculture District (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Nameplate - Unilluminated) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 nameplate per dwelling unit | Affixed to the principal building, flat against the wall. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(1)(a)(1)-(4) |
| Real Estate Sign (For Sale/For Rent - Unilluminated) | — | — | — | — | 1 sign per residential building lot | — | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(1)(b)(1) |
| Business Sign (Accessory - Unilluminated) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 sign per residential building lot | — | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(1)(b)(1)-(2) |
| Temporary Sign (Informational) | 6 ft | 45 sq ft | — | — | 1 per location | Must not extend over/into any street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare unless approved by the Governing Body; must not obstruct any wall opening; located to avoid line-of-sight or other traffic-related obstructions. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(1)(c)(1)-(6); Section 3(8) |
| Off-Site Sign (Special Use Permit - Unilluminated) | Top edge ≤ 10 ft above average ground; bottom edge ≥ 3 ft above average ground | 50 sq ft per face (single- or double-faced) | — | ≥50 ft from ROW line or entrance drive; ≥500 ft from intersection of two or more roads | Max 1 on one roadside within any one mile | Not closer than 500 ft from two or more intersecting roads; not closer than 50 ft from a right-of-way line or entrance drive to private property. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(1)(d)(1)-(3) |
Residential Low Density District (R-L); Single-Family Dwelling District (R-1); Two-Family Dwelling District (R-2); Multiple Family Dwelling District (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Nameplate - Unilluminated) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 nameplate per dwelling unit | Affixed to the principal building, flat against the wall. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(2)(a)(1)-(4) |
| Real Estate/Business Sign (For Sale/For Rent - Unilluminated) | Building-affixed: ≤10 ft above ground; Ground sign: ≤4 ft above normal grade | 4 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from any property line | 1 per lot | Either affixed to building or ground-mounted. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(2)(b)(1)-(5) |
| Institutional Bulletin Board/Sign (Churches and Public Institutions) | Building-affixed: ≤10 ft above ground; Ground sign: ≤6 ft above normal grade | 24 sq ft | — | ≥8 ft from any side or rear property line; Front yard placement no closer to the street line than 1/2 the required front yard | 1 per street side (if located on the same site as the principal building) | On the same site as the principal building; in front yard, no closer to street line than one-half the required front yard. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(2)(c)(1)-(9) |
| Wall Sign (Identification - Preexisting Building on Property Line) | — | — | — | — | 1 identification sign per qualifying building | On buildings constructed on the property line prior to adoption of the ordinance. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(2)(c)(8) |
Light Industrial District (I-1); Heavy Industrial District (I-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Business) | — | — | — | Clearance requirement near driveways/intersections as above. | Max 2 signs per business/profession; max 1 per facade | On building; within 50 ft of a residential district, signs must be affixed to or be part of the building. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(5)(a)(1)-(5),(6) |
| Freestanding Sign (Business) | — | — | — | Clearance requirement near driveways/intersections as above. | Max 2 signs per business/profession; max 1 per facade | On lot; signs within 50 ft of a residential district must be affixed to or be part of the building (freestanding not allowed within 50 ft of a residential district). | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(5)(a)(4)-(9); (5)(a)(5) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On lot/business premises. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(5)(a)(9) |
| Billboard | ≤20 ft above ground | 500 sq ft (single face) | — | Must not project beyond front/side/rear building lines; ≥5 ft from any building unless attached | — | On lot; subject to building line constraints; in fire limits, plans referred to Fire Department for review. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(5)(b)(1)-(10) |
| Temporary Sign (Informational) | 6 ft | 45 sq ft | — | — | 1 per location | Must not extend over/into any street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare unless approved by the Governing Body; must not obstruct any wall opening; located to avoid line-of-sight or other traffic-related obstructions. | — | Unlock | Article XXI, Section 2(5)(c)(1)-(6); Section 3(8) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Smith Center — 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 Smith Center — start freeProhibited Signs in Smith Center
- It is unlawful to erect, move, alter, change, repair, place, suspend, or attach any sign in violation of the zoning ordinance and Article XXI.
- It is unlawful to fasten, paste, place, post, paint, or attach any sign, handbill, poster, advertisement, or notice 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.
- Nonconforming signs must be removed or converted to conform to Article XXI and other applicable City, State, and Federal regulations.
- Signs on vacant buildings must be removed within 30 days after the premises are vacated.
Exempt Signs in Smith Center
- A property owner or occupant may paint or stamp the property address on the curbing directly in front of the building, subject to approval by the Building Official.
- Advertising painted or placed on a structure is subject to these regulations only if it is permanent and over 8 square feet in area (implying that non-permanent or 8 square feet or smaller painted/placed advertising is generally exempt).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Smith Center
- Off-site signs in the A-L District require a special use permit reviewed and approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals; the applicant must submit a plot plan showing location, size, and construction details, plus owner authorization or a lease; permit term is 5 years with renewal subject to site and area condition review.
- Billboards in I-1 and I-2 require an application and plans filed with the City Building Inspector and approval as to size, location, and construction; billboard plans within fire limits are referred to the Fire Department for review and recommendation.
- No master sign plan requirement is mentioned in the provided text.
- Variances are authorized by the Board of Zoning Appeals per the ordinance definitions; no sign-specific variance trigger is stated in the provided text.
Source: other municipal code