Sign Regulations in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green, Kentucky has specific sign regulations covering 9 sign types across 17 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, High-Rise Freestanding Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 6, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Bowling Green, Kentucky
Sample Sign Requirements in Bowling Green
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | — | — | Comply with general sight distance and vision clearance requirements. |
| Entrance Sign | 10 feet | 60 sq. ft. total | Minimum 20 feet from edge of pavement; comply with sight distance. |
| Light Pole Banner | — | 12 s.f. per banner | Not specified beyond general. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Bowling GreenFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
9
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall Sign
- High-Rise Freestanding Sign
- Billboard Advertising Sign - Interstate
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
17
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Bowling Green
Other Cities in Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green, 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 Bowling Green, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, High-Rise Freestanding Sign, Billboard Advertising Sign - Interstate, 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 Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Bowling Green has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Bowling Green, Kentucky Sign Rules at a Glance
Bowling Green, Kentucky regulates 9 sign types across 17 zoning districts. Billboard Advertising Sign - Interstates in the Highway Business District (HB) zoning district are capped at 60 feet above ground level tall, 1,600 square feet inclusive of border/trim, and 40 feet wide, with a Meet district dimensional requirements (frontage, width, setbacks). setback (Sec. SEC. 4.6.8.F.11). Most commercial signs in Bowling Green require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Bowling Green, Kentucky
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Bowling Green (17 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 10 feet | 60 sq. ft. total | — |
| Agriculture District (AG) | 2 | 5 feet | 50 s.f. total | — |
| Single Family Residential Districts (R-E, RR, RS-1A, RS-1B, RS-1C, RS-1D) | 2 | 5 feet | 20 s.f. | — |
| Multi-Family Residential Districts (RM-2, RM-3, RM-4) | 2 | 5 feet | 60 s.f. | — |
| Neighborhood Business District (NB) | 2 | 5 feet | 32 s.f. | — |
| General Business District (GB) | 2 | 30 feet | 150 s.f. | — |
| Central Business District (CB) | 2 | 15 feet | 50 s.f. | — |
| Highway Business District (HB) | 5 | 100 feet (Exit 22/28) or 85 feet (Exit 38) | 1,600 square feet inclusive of border/trim | — |
| Office and Professional - Residential (OP-R) | 2 | 5 feet | 32 s.f. | — |
| Office and Professional - Commercial (OP-C) | 2 | 20 feet | 100 s.f. | — |
| Public District (P) | 2 | 20 feet | 100 s.f. | — |
| Light Industrial District (LI, LI/BE) | 5 | 100 feet (Exit 22/28) or 85 feet (Exit 38) | 1,600 square feet inclusive of border/trim | — |
| Heavy Industrial District (HI, HI/BE) | 5 | 100 feet (Exit 22/28) or 85 feet (Exit 38) | 1,600 square feet inclusive of border/trim | — |
| Planned Unit Development District (PUD) | 2 | — | — | — |
| Urban Growth Overlay District (UG) | 2 | See Sec. 4.9.3 | See Sec. 4.9.3 | — |
| Historic Overlay District (HD) | 2 | As per underlying district | As per underlying district | — |
| University District (UD) | 2 | — | 12 s.f. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Bowling Green(sample of 3 of 17 zones)
Highway Business District (HB)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 30 feet | 150 s.f. | — | Minimum 20 feet from edge of pavement. If structure <20 ft from pavement, affix to building. Not within 50 feet of abutting residential district. Not obstructing vision. | 1 (up to 2 with high-rise option) | On private property or public ROW with permission. | — | Unlock | Sign Standards Summary Table |
| High-Rise Freestanding Sign | 100 feet (Exit 22/28) or 85 feet (Exit 38) | 250 s.f. (Exit 22/28) or 200 s.f. (Exit 38) | — | Minimum 20 feet from edge of pavement. Not obstructing vision. | 1 (in addition to standard) | Property in HB within vicinity of Scottsville Rd/I-65 (Exit 22), Louisville Rd/I-65 (Exit 28), or Smiths Grove/I-65 (Exit 38) interchanges, per Exhibits A1-A3. | — | Unlock | SEC. 4.6.8.F.5.d |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | Not applicable; on building. | As needed within total area | On building facade. | — | Unlock | Sign Standards Summary Table |
| Billboard Advertising Sign - Interstate | 60 feet above ground level | 1,600 square feet inclusive of border/trim | 40 feet | Meet district dimensional requirements (frontage, width, setbacks). | Per spacing and max structures | Portions of I-65 and William H. Natcher Parkway in HB districts, per Exhibit B1. On individual lot min 5,000 sf. | — | Unlock | SEC. 4.6.8.F.11 |
| Billboard Advertising Sign - Urban | 40 feet above ground level | 600 square feet inclusive of border/trim per face | 50 feet | Meet district dimensional requirements. | Per spacing and max structures | Portions of US 31-W, 231, 68, KY 80, 880, 185 in HB within Bowling Green/Warren County Urbanized Area, per Exhibit B2. On individual lot min 5,000 sf. | — | Unlock | SEC. 4.6.8.F.11 |
Light Industrial District (LI, LI/BE)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 30 feet | 100 s.f. | — | Minimum 20 feet from edge of pavement. If structure <20 ft from pavement, affix to building. Not obstructing vision. | 1 (up to 2 with high-rise option) | On private property or public ROW with permission. | — | Unlock | Sign Standards Summary Table and SEC. 4.7.3.F |
| High-Rise Freestanding Sign | 100 feet (Exit 22/28) or 85 feet (Exit 38) | 250 s.f. (Exit 22/28) or 200 s.f. (Exit 38) | — | Minimum 20 feet from edge of pavement. Not obstructing vision. | 1 (in addition to standard) | Property in LI within vicinity of specified interchanges, per Exhibits A1-A3. | — | Unlock | SEC. 4.6.8.F.5.d |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | Not applicable; on building. | As needed within total area | On building facade. | — | Unlock | Sign Standards Summary Table and SEC. 4.7.3.F |
| Billboard Advertising Sign - Interstate | 60 feet above ground level | 1,600 square feet inclusive of border/trim | 40 feet | Meet district dimensional requirements. | Per spacing and max structures | Portions of I-65 and William H. Natcher Parkway in LI districts, per Exhibit B1. On individual lot min 5,000 sf. | — | Unlock | SEC. 4.6.8.F.11 |
| Billboard Advertising Sign - Urban | 40 feet above ground level | 600 square feet inclusive of border/trim per face | 50 feet | Meet district dimensional requirements. | Per spacing and max structures | Portions of specified highways in LI within Urbanized Area, per Exhibit B2. On individual lot min 5,000 sf. | — | Unlock | SEC. 4.6.8.F.11 |
Heavy Industrial District (HI, HI/BE)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 30 feet | 100 s.f. | — | Minimum 20 feet from edge of pavement. If structure <20 ft from pavement, affix to building. Not obstructing vision. | 1 (up to 2 with high-rise option) | On private property or public ROW with permission. | — | Unlock | Sign Standards Summary Table and SEC. 4.7.3.F |
| High-Rise Freestanding Sign | 100 feet (Exit 22/28) or 85 feet (Exit 38) | 250 s.f. (Exit 22/28) or 200 s.f. (Exit 38) | — | Minimum 20 feet from edge of pavement. Not obstructing vision. | 1 (in addition to standard) | Property in HI within vicinity of specified interchanges, per Exhibits A1-A3. | — | Unlock | SEC. 4.6.8.F.5.d |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | Not applicable; on building. | As needed within total area | On building facade. | — | Unlock | Sign Standards Summary Table and SEC. 4.7.3.F |
| Billboard Advertising Sign - Interstate | 60 feet above ground level | 1,600 square feet inclusive of border/trim | 40 feet | Meet district dimensional requirements. | Per spacing and max structures | Portions of I-65 and William H. Natcher Parkway in HI districts, per Exhibit B1. On individual lot min 5,000 sf. | — | Unlock | SEC. 4.6.8.F.11 |
| Billboard Advertising Sign - Urban | 40 feet above ground level | 600 square feet inclusive of border/trim per face | 50 feet | Meet district dimensional requirements. | Per spacing and max structures | Portions of specified highways in HI within Urbanized Area, per Exhibit B2. On individual lot min 5,000 sf. | — | Unlock | SEC. 4.6.8.F.11 |
PermitPal covers all 17 zoning districts in Bowling Green — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 17 zones for Bowling Green — start freeProhibited Signs in Bowling Green
- Signs erected, maintained, or continued which cause any interference to sight distance
- Portable Signs
- Banners, posters, pennants, large fixed balloons, or similar devices affixed to any independent support, fence, awning, pump canopy, curbstone, utility pole, hydrant, bridge, culvert, public drinking fountain, public trash container, rest station building, tree, or in or on any portion of any public sidewalk, street
- Signs with externally moving parts or messages (official signs for safety purposes exempt)
- Signs which are obscene, indecent, or immoral
- Signs that are made of paper or cardboard erected outside a completely enclosed building
- Roof Signs unless the top of the sign face is located below the highest point of the tallest roofline on the building
- Signs located in any publicly maintained right-of-way unless exempted
- Signs overhanging or infringing upon the right-of-way of any public street, road, or way, except in the CB district or specified areas
- Signs so located as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape
- Signs that emit any sound, visible or invisible gases, or odor as part of any message
- Snipe Signs
- Vehicle Signs (delivery and service vehicles or trailers used daily in conjunction with an on-site business exempt if parked appropriately)
- Off-premise advertising signs, except as specifically permitted
- Inflatable Signs
- No sign shall be erected to obstruct free and clear vision of an intersection and/or traffic signals
- No sign may be placed in or extended over a public right-of-way or utility easement without express written consent
- All freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the edge of pavement (or affixed to building if structure closer)
- No on-premise sign shall be erected within 50 feet of an abutting residential district
- No on-premise signs shall exceed illumination of 0.5 foot candles above ambient light, no flashing lights resembling emergency or traffic lights
- No on-premise sign shall contain commercial advertising unrelated to the existing use of the property
Exempt Signs in Bowling Green
- Signs erected, maintained or otherwise posted, owned or leased by the Federal Government, State of Kentucky, Warren County, or cities of Bowling Green, Oakland, Plum Springs, Smiths Grove and Woodburn
- Safety signs; signs of historical significance; clocks; and temporary signs (no permit required, but comply with visibility and right-of-way provisions)
- Flags with no commercial reference (excluding the flag pole)
- Signs required by federal, state or local law to warn of danger or prohibit access (no larger than 2 sq ft if not specified)
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Bowling Green
- For Consolidated Development Signage, no building permit may be issued without an approved agreement between affected property owners for maintenance, construction standards, and sign location plan, recorded and running with the land, amendable only with Planning Commission approval
- For Shared Signage, no building permit may be issued without an approved agreement between affected property owners for maintenance, construction standards, and sign location plan, recorded and running with the land, amendable only with Planning Commission approval
- In PUD districts, signage is per approved development plan
- In Local Historic Districts, signs require a Certificate of Appropriateness approved by the Historic Preservation Board
- For Campus-Style Signage, easement required for multiple tenants or properties, including provisions for maintenance, landscaping, and removal
- All signs require a permit unless otherwise stated, approved by Planning Commission staff for compliance with Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, and any recorded plat or development plan
Source: other municipal code