Sign Regulations in Bellevue, Kentucky
Bellevue, Kentucky has specific sign regulations covering 36 sign types across 16 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Parking Directional Sign (Ground/Monument or Pylon) (Class 1), Wall Sign (Flat/Painted/Awning/Projecting) - One Tenant (Class 4), Freestanding Sign (Monument/Ground) (Class 5). 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 Bellevue, Kentucky
Sample Sign Requirements in Bellevue
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | 8 ft | 12 sq ft (single or double faced) | — |
| Professional Nameplate | — | 1 sq ft (single faced only or double faced) | — |
| Bulletin Board (Institutional) | 6 ft above grade | 20 sq ft (single or double faced) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for BellevueFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
36
- Parking Directional Sign (Ground/Monument or Pylon) (Class 1)
- Wall Sign (Flat/Painted/Awning/Projecting) - One Tenant (Class 4)
- Freestanding Sign (Monument/Ground) (Class 5)
- Canopy Sign (Class 7)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
16
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Bellevue
Other Cities in Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Bellevue 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 Bellevue, 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 Bellevue, regulated sign types include Parking Directional Sign (Ground/Monument or Pylon) (Class 1), Wall Sign (Flat/Painted/Awning/Projecting) - One Tenant (Class 4), Freestanding Sign (Monument/Ground) (Class 5), Canopy Sign (Class 7), 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 Bellevue 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 Bellevue are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Bellevue has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Bellevue, Kentucky Sign Rules at a Glance
Bellevue, Kentucky regulates 36 sign types across 16 zoning districts. Parking Directional Sign (Ground/Monument or Pylon) (Class 1)s in the Conservation Zone (CO) zoning district are capped at 5 ft tall and 6 sq ft, with a 5 ft minimum from any property line setback (Sec. Sections 15.6(A); 15.7(A) (Off-street parking areas)). Most commercial signs in Bellevue require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Bellevue, Kentucky
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Bellevue (16 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | 8 ft | Single sign: up to 35 sq ft on premises of already developed use; up to 75 sq ft on premises not developed | — |
| Conservation Zone (CO) | 7 | Attached flat; shall not extend above top or ends of wall surface; letter height max 36 inches | 6 sq ft | — |
| Residential Zones (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-1H, R-2, R-3) | 1 | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial Zones (NC-1*, NC-2*) | 4 | 30 ft | 150 sq ft | — |
| NC (HP) zones | 4 | 30 ft | 150 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial Zone (NC-3) | 5 | 30 ft | 150 sq ft | — |
| Commercial – One Zone (C-1) | 5 | Attached flat; no part above top or ends of wall; letter height max 36 inches | ≤ 50% of Class 5 area | — |
| Shopping Center Zone (SC) | 6 | Attached flat; letter height max 36 inches; cannot extend above wall top/ends | 150 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Zone (I) | 4 | Attached flat; letter height max 36 inches | 150 sq ft | — |
| Mixed Land Use (MLU) Zoning district | 2 | Not to exceed underlying height limitations (see Section 10 of ordinance, if applicable) | 20 sq ft per banner | — |
| Industrial-One (I-1) Zoning district | 1 | Shall not exceed height limitation per Section 10.16(C)(7) (I-1) | — | — |
| T-3 Sub-Urban | 2 | — | 4 sq ft total | — |
| T-4 General Urban | 2 | — | 4 sq ft total | — |
| T-5 Urban Center | 3 | 6 ft | 6 sq ft per separate business entrance | — |
| T-5.3 Urban Revival | 3 | 6 ft | 6 sq ft per separate business entrance | — |
| T-5.5 Urban Center | 3 | 6 ft | 6 sq ft per separate business entrance | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Bellevue(sample of 3 of 16 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | 8 ft | 12 sq ft (single or double faced) | — | — | 1 per acre | On the premises being advertised | — | Unlock | Section 15.2(A) |
| Professional Nameplate | — | 1 sq ft (single faced only or double faced) | — | — | — | Affixed to building/entrance of professional | — | Unlock | Section 15.2(B) |
| Bulletin Board (Institutional) | 6 ft above grade | 20 sq ft (single or double faced) | — | — | — | On premises of public, charitable, or religious institution | — | Unlock | Section 15.2(C) |
| Construction Site Sign | 8 ft | 20 sq ft (single or double faced) | — | — | — | On the premises where construction work is being performed | — | Unlock | Section 15.2(D) |
| Memorial Sign or Tablet | — | — | — | — | — | Built into the walls of the building | — | Unlock | Section 15.2(E) |
| Traffic Sign (Governmental) | — | — | — | — | — | As per MUTCD for Streets and Highways | — | Unlock | Section 15.2(F) |
| Political Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Section 15.2(J) |
| Temporary Development Sign (Flat or Ground/Monument) | — | Single sign: up to 35 sq ft on premises of already developed use; up to 75 sq ft on premises not developed | — | No part of sign closer than 5 ft to any property line | Multiple allowed so long as total area stays within acreage formula | Only on the premises of the property being advertised | — | Unlock | Section 15.2(L)(1)-(4) |
Conservation Zone (CO)
| 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 (Individual Letters) - One Tenant (Class 2) | Attached flat; shall not extend above top or ends of wall surface; letter height max 36 inches | 1 sq ft per linear ft of wall | — | — | Per occupancy limits; also limited to one per class in zone (Section 15.7) | Attached flat to the building wall | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(B) (Class 2); 15.7(A) (CO) |
| Wall Sign (Individual Letters) - Multiple Tenants Common Entrance (Class 2) | Attached flat; no part extends above top or ends of wall surface; letter height max 36 inches | 1 sq ft per linear ft of wall | — | — | 1 | Attached flat to building | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(B); 15.7(A) |
| Wall Sign (Individual Letters) - Multiple Tenants Separate Entrances (Class 2) | Attached flat; letter height max 36 inches; cannot extend above wall top or ends | 1 sq ft per linear ft of wall per tenant | — | — | 1 per tenant space | Attached flat to building at each tenant entrance | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(B); 15.7(A) |
| Wall Sign (Flat) - One Tenant (Class 3) | Attached to building; shall not extend above top or ends of wall surface | 1 sq ft per linear ft of wall | — | — | 1 | Attached flat to building wall | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(C); 15.7(A) |
| Wall Sign (Flat) - Multiple Tenants Common Entrance (Class 3) | Attached to building; no part extends above wall surface | 1 sq ft per linear ft of wall | — | — | 1 | Attached flat to building | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(C); 15.7(A) |
| Wall Sign (Flat) - Multiple Tenants Separate Entrances (Class 3) | Attached to building; shall not extend above wall surface | 1 sq ft per linear ft of wall per tenant | — | — | 1 per tenant space | Attached flat to building at each tenant entrance | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(C); 15.7(A) |
| Parking Directional Sign (Ground/Monument or Pylon) (Class 1) | 5 ft | 6 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum from any property line | 1 per curb cut plus any number within off-street parking areas | Off-street parking areas; one per curb cut plus any number within off-street parking areas | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(A); 15.7(A) (Off-street parking areas) |
Shopping Center Zone (SC)
| 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 (Individual Letters) - Class 2 | Attached flat; letter height max 36 inches; cannot extend above wall top/ends | 1 sq ft per linear ft of wall | — | — | Per occupancy limits; capped by one per class | Attached flat to building | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(B); 15.7(F) |
| Wall Sign (Flat) - Class 3 | Attached to building; no part extends above wall surface | 1 sq ft per linear ft of wall | — | — | Per occupancy limits; capped by one per class | Attached flat to building | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(C); 15.7(F) |
| Freestanding Sign (Monument/Ground) - Class 5 | 10 ft | 30 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum from property lines | 1 per street frontage | On lot; one per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(E); 15.7(F) |
| Freestanding Sign (Pylon/Pole) - Class 6 | 30 ft | 150 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum from property line | 1 per abutting major street | On each abutting major street identifying a shopping complex of 3+ businesses in a unified building or attached group of buildings | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(F); 15.7(F) |
| Reader Board / Marquee (Class 8) - Attached to Class 5 or Class 6 | Integrated into Class 5/6 limits | ≤ 50% of Class 5 area; ≤ 25% of Class 6 area | — | Follows Class 5/6 setback (5 ft min) | 1 reader board/marquee per site | Attached to Class 5 or Class 6 sign on site | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(H); 15.7(F) |
| Parking Directional Sign (Ground/Monument or Pylon) (Class 1) | 5 ft | 6 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum from property line | 1 per curb cut plus any number within off-street parking areas | Off-street parking areas | — | Unlock | Sections 15.6(A); 15.7(F) |
PermitPal covers all 16 zoning districts in Bellevue — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 16 zones for Bellevue — start freeProhibited Signs in Bellevue
- No sign may be erected, maintained, or continued unless it fully complies with the regulations for its zone, this ordinance, and all other applicable laws; noncompliant signs are subject to removal by the Zoning Administrator (Sec. 15.1.B).
- No signs within 660 feet of the right-of-way of any interstate highway, limited access highway, or turnpike, except as provided in KRS 177.830–177.890 and approved by the Kentucky Department of Transportation, District 6 (Sec. 15.1.C).
- No sign that constitutes a nuisance due to light, glare, focus, noise, animation, flashing, or intensity of illumination that unduly disturbs surrounding properties or causes a traffic hazard (Sec. 15.1.F).
- No sound- or noise-making/transmitting devices (e.g., radios, whistles, bells, sirens) in connection with any sign or used separately for advertising in any zone (Sec. 15.1.F).
- No sign that constricts the flow of air through any window or door (Sec. 15.1.G).
- No sign that is misleading, fraudulent, obscene, immoral, indecent, or unsightly in character, as determined by the Zoning Administrator (Sec. 15.1.H).
- No advertising sign (except those of a governmental entity) unless the name of the company/person owning, maintaining, or erecting the sign is plainly displayed on it (effective 90 days after the ordinance’s effective date) (Sec. 15.1.I).
- No sign may project over or into any street, public way, or alley right-of-way unless specifically permitted by this ordinance (Sec. 15.1.J).
- It is unlawful to fasten, place, paint, or attach any sign/handbill/poster/advertisement/notice on public infrastructure (e.g., curbs, lamp posts, utility poles, hydrants, bridges, benches, trees) or upon any portion of a public sidewalk, street, or sign, except as specifically permitted (Sec. 15.1.K).
- No sign on the inside of a curve of a street that interferes with sight distance in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator (Sec. 15.1.L).
- No sign displaying flashing or intermittent lights, or lights of changing intensity (with changes alternating on a cycle referenced as five seconds), is permitted (Sec. 15.1.M).
- No sign that does not fully comply with Section 15.0 of this ordinance, except as specifically permitted (Sec. 15.1.N).
- No sign may be erected/maintained/continued unless it: advertises a use specifically permitted in the zone (or a qualifying nonconforming use), is incidental to that use, is under the same ownership, is located on the premises of that use, and is limited in subject matter to on-premises identification/activities (i.e., no general commercial advertising unrelated to the on-premises use) (Sec. 15.1.O.1–5).
- Off‑premise signs are not permitted (Sec. 15.1.T).
Exempt Signs in Bellevue
- Real estate signs: One per acre, max 12 sq ft, single or double faced, max height 8 ft, advertising sale/rental/lease of the premises; not animated; illumination only by concealed source and only until 10:00 PM; remove within 10 days after transaction (Sec. 15.2.A).
- Professional nameplates: Max 1 sq ft, single or double faced; not animated and not illuminated (Sec. 15.2.B).
- Institutional bulletin boards: Max 20 sq ft, single or double faced, max height 6 ft, located on the institution’s premises; not animated; may be illuminated by concealed source until 10:00 PM (Sec. 15.2.C).
- Construction site identification signs: Max 20 sq ft, single or double faced, denoting architect/engineer/contractor on premises where work is being performed; remove within 10 days after completion of project or firm’s part (Sec. 15.2.D).
- Memorial signs/tablets built into a building wall, containing building name and date of erection, constructed of bronze, brass, marble, stone, or other incombustible materials (Sec. 15.2.E).
- Traffic signs designed and located in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) (Sec. 15.2.F).
- Temporary signs required or permitted by the Zoning Administrator to fulfill requirements of this ordinance or other governmental regulations (Sec. 15.2.G).
- Repainting/cleaning of an advertising sign structure or changing the advertising copy/message, unless a structural change is made (Sec. 15.2.H).
- Special event signs for non‑profit organizations: Allowed up to 30 days before event and removed within 10 days after; use/size/locations require City Council permission (Sec. 15.2.I).
- Political signs for candidates: Max 10 sq ft, displayed only within 60 days before election and removed within 10 days after (Sec. 15.2.J).
- Sandwich board signs installed in accordance with Section 9.30(D)(1)(a) (Sec. 15.2.K).
- Temporary development/construction advertising signs (flat or ground/monument): Subject to size limits (generally max 12 sq ft; with aggregate allowances for larger designated areas and absolute maximums of 35 sq ft on developed premises and 75 sq ft on undeveloped premises), duration (up to 182 days, renewable once after project completion), on‑premises location only, and 5‑ft setback from any property line (Sec. 15.2.L).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Bellevue
- A sign permit is required before erecting any sign unless exempted in Section 15.2; permits are also required for replacement with a new sign, relocation to a new site, and any alteration or enlargement; removal and re‑installation on the same supports without change in size/type does not require a new permit (Sec. 15.3.A–D).
- Permit applications must include plans and specifications showing dimensions, materials, and construction details; permits will be denied or voided for missing or misrepresented information (Sec. 15.3.E; Sec. 15.4.A–C).
- Signs must comply with applicable building codes and are subject to inspection and approval by the Building Inspector (Sec. 15.1.S).
- Signs within Neighborhood Commercial (HP) zones require a Certificate of Appropriateness per the Taylor’s Daughters/Fairfield Avenue Design Review Guidelines (Sec. 15.7 footnote).
- Special event signs for non‑profit organizations require City Council permission for use, size, and locations (Sec. 15.2.I).
- A Temporary Advertising Display Permit is required for temporary attention devices (balloons, banners, pennants, flags, streamers, etc.) when not part of a sign in specified zones (MLU, I‑1, NC‑3, SC, C‑1, T5, T5.5); permits allow up to 15 days per display and up to four displays per establishment per calendar year; devices are prohibited in public rights‑of‑way and must meet safety/performance standards (Sec. 15.8.1, 15.8.6–15.8.8).
- For signs within 660 feet of an interstate, limited access highway, or turnpike, approval is required per KRS 177.830–177.890 from the Kentucky Department of Transportation, District 6 (Sec. 15.1.C).
- In Form‑Based Code areas (Article XXI), final site/building plan submissions must include Signage Standards for approval; signage is governed by Section 21.4(K) and no signage beyond what is specified there is permitted (Sec. 21.4.A.2.b; Sec. 21.4.K).
- If a violation of an approved Regulating Plan occurs (including potentially signage elements within those plans), the Zoning Administrator may require the owner to apply for and secure a Variance to remedy the violation, per the city’s variance procedures (Sec. 21.1.D.2; Sec. 21.1.E).
Source: other municipal code