Sign Regulations in Covington, Kentucky
Covington, Kentucky has specific sign regulations covering 62 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Public and Institutional Use Detached Sign, Public and Institutional Use Wall Sign, Interior Signs (Exempt). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 24, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Covington, Kentucky
Sample Sign Requirements in Covington
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Signs (Exempt) | If freestanding, < 4 ft. | < 4 sq. ft. AND not legible from public right-of-way or other property | — |
| Small Signs (Exempt) | If freestanding, < 4 ft. | < 4 sq. ft. | — |
| Detached Signs ≤ 7 sq. ft. in Residential Districts (No‑permit) | — | ≤ 7 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for CovingtonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
62
- Public and Institutional Use Detached Sign
- Public and Institutional Use Wall Sign
- Interior Signs (Exempt)
- Small Signs (Exempt)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Covington
Other Cities in Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Covington 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 Covington, 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 Covington, regulated sign types include Public and Institutional Use Detached Sign, Public and Institutional Use Wall Sign, Interior Signs (Exempt), Small Signs (Exempt), 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 Covington 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 Covington are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Covington has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Covington, Kentucky Sign Rules at a Glance
Covington, Kentucky regulates 62 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Temporary Sidewalk Sign (A‑Frame) – Mixed-Use Districts in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at ≤ 4 ft. tall, Each face ≤ 6 sq. ft. (max 2 faces), and ≤ 2 ft. wide, with a Must maintain ≥ 6 ft clear passage on sidewalk setback (Sec. Sec. 04.13.5.E). Most commercial signs in Covington require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Covington, Kentucky
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Covington (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 28 | If on separate poles: poles ≤ 24 ft. tall | Per sign: ≥150 sq. ft., plus 1 sq. ft. for each foot top of sign exceeds 50 ft above sidewalk; but total wall signage on one façade ≤ 20% of façade area. | — |
| Special Purpose Districts (RP, REC) | 5 | 6 ft. | Cumulative maximum area for both signs: 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential Districts (RR, SR, SU) | 9 | 6 ft. | Cumulative maximum area: 50 sq. ft. for both signs | — |
| Commercial and Office Districts (SO, AUC) | 10 | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. cumulative maximum for both signs | — |
| Mixed-Use Districts (CMU, CRM, DTC, TUMU, TUR, DTR) | 8 | Bottom of sign: ≥ 7 ft above sidewalk; Top of sign: ≤ 20 ft above sidewalk or top of parapet wall (whichever is less) | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Industrial Districts (SI, LI, GI) | 4 | 15 ft. | 80 sq. ft. per sign face | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Covington(sample of 3 of 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Signs (Exempt) | If freestanding, < 4 ft. | < 4 sq. ft. AND not legible from public right-of-way or other property | — | — | — | Inside buildings or enclosed spaces, not legible from off-site. | — | Unlock | Sec. 04.13.1.A.1 (Exemptions – Interior Signs) |
| Small Signs (Exempt) | If freestanding, < 4 ft. | < 4 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On the property; not legible from public right-of-way or other property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 04.13.1.A.2 (Exemptions – Small Signs) |
| Temporary Signs – Residential Character Districts (All Residential Zones) | If freestanding, ≤ 4 ft. | Total combined temporary sign area per lot: ≤ 36 sq. ft.; any one freestanding temporary sign ≤ 36 sq. ft. but subject to 4 ft. height limit if freestanding | — | — | Max 6 temporary signs per lot | On each lot in any residential character district (e.g., RR, SR, SU, TUR). May be wall‑mounted or freestanding. | — | Unlock | Sec. 04.13.5.A |
| Temporary Signs – Nonresidential or Mixed-Use Character Districts (All Nonres and Mixed-Use Zones) | If freestanding, ≤ 6 ft. | ≤ 12 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per lot | On each lot in nonresidential or mixed-use character districts. May be wall‑mounted or freestanding. | — | Unlock | Sec. 04.13.5.B |
| Temporary Subdivision Identification Sign | — | ≤ 32 sq. ft. | — | — | ≤ 1 per principal entrance and ≤ 1 per 50 lots | At each principal entrance to a subdivision under development. | — | Unlock | Sec. 04.13.5.C |
| Temporary Civic Building Banners (Site > 5 acres) | If on separate poles: poles ≤ 24 ft. tall | ≤ 16 sq. ft. per side per banner | — | — | — | On or near Civic building types on sites larger than 5 acres; banners anchored to poles or buildings. | — | Unlock | Sec. 04.13.5.D |
| Temporary Sidewalk Sign (A‑Frame) – Mixed-Use Districts | ≤ 4 ft. | Each face ≤ 6 sq. ft. (max 2 faces) | ≤ 2 ft. | Must maintain ≥ 6 ft clear passage on sidewalk | 1 per business establishment | Only on sidewalks in front of business establishments with a public entrance onto a public sidewalk in Mixed-Use districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 04.13.5.E |
| Additional Wall Sign – Tall Buildings (Any District Allowing Wall Signs) | Sign must be located at or above highest story, but cannot extend above the top of the wall including parapets and architectural extensions. | Per sign: ≥150 sq. ft., plus 1 sq. ft. for each foot top of sign exceeds 50 ft above sidewalk; but total wall signage on one façade ≤ 20% of façade area. | — | — | 1 additional wall sign per qualifying building façade | On any building taller than 5 stories or 50 ft (whichever is less) on each building façade, above top occupied story. | — | Unlock | Sec. 04.13.4.F.1–6 |
Residential Districts (RR, SR, SU)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Sign – RR, SR (Non‑Public/Institutional) | 6 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | No minimum specified (“--”). | 2 at any one time (including all sign types with commercial messages) | On lots in Rural Residential (RR) and Suburban Residential (SR) districts. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-2 (Residential Districts – Detached Sign, RR, SR column) |
| Detached Sign – SU (Principal) | 6 ft. | 25 sq. ft. | — | Front: 5 ft.; other property lines: 10 ft. | 1 principal per street frontage per site | On lots in Semi‑Urban (SU) district, as a principal detached sign. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-2 (Residential – Detached Sign, SU column, Principal) |
| Detached Sign – SU (Directory) | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 15 ft. from nearest property line. | 1 per vehicle entrance | At vehicle entrances to sites in SU district (directory signs). | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-2 (Residential – Detached Sign, SU column, Directory) |
| Detached Sign – SU (Additional/Public Entrance) | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 25 ft. from nearest property line. | 1 per public entrance per building | At public entrances to buildings in SU district (additional detached signs). | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-2 (Residential – Detached Sign, SU column, Additional) |
| Public and Institutional Use Detached Sign – RR, SR, SU | 6 ft. | 40 sq. ft. | — | No minimum specified (“--”). | 1 per public/institutional use | On sites in RR, SR, or SU serving Civic, Medical Facilities, or Social Service uses. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-2 (Residential – Public and Institutional Use Detached Sign) |
| Public and Institutional Use Wall Sign – RR, SR, SU | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable (wall). | 1 per each public entrance | On walls of public/institutional buildings in RR, SR, SU. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-2 (Residential – Public and Institutional Use Wall Sign) |
| Permanent Entrance Sign – RR, SR, SU | 6 ft. | Cumulative maximum area: 50 sq. ft. for both signs | — | No minimum specified (“--”). | 2 per principal entrance | At principal entrances to residential neighborhoods or developments in RR, SR, SU that front arterial or collector streets. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-2 (Residential – Permanent Entrance Sign, notes 1–2) |
| Wall Sign – RR, SR (Residential/Other Uses) | — | 4 sq. ft. per permitted sign | — | Not applicable (wall). | See additional requirements | On buildings in RR and SR districts. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-2 (Residential – Wall Sign, RR, SR column) |
Commercial and Office Districts (SO, AUC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Sign – SO (Principal) | 8 ft. | 25 sq. ft. per principal sign | — | Front property line: 5 ft. minimum; other property lines: 10 ft. minimum. | 1 principal per street frontage per site | On sites in Suburban Office (SO) as principal detached sign(s). | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-3 (Commercial and Office – Detached Sign, SO column) |
| Detached Sign – SO (Directory) | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. per directory sign | — | 15 ft. minimum from nearest property line. | 1 per vehicle entrance | At vehicle entrances to SO sites. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-3 (Detached Sign – SO, Directory) |
| Detached Sign – SO (Additional/Public Entrance) | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. per additional sign | — | 25 ft. minimum from nearest property line. | 1 per public entrance | At public entrances to buildings in SO district. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-3 (Detached Sign – SO, Additional) |
| Detached Sign – AUC (Principal) | 20 ft. | 25 sq. ft. per principal sign | — | Principal: 5 ft. from any other property line; 30 ft. from nearest single-family residential district. | 1 principal per street frontage per site | On sites in Auto‑Urban Commercial (AUC) as principal detached signs. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-3 (Commercial & Office – Detached Sign, AUC column, Principal) |
| Detached Sign – AUC (Other) | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. per sign | — | 15 ft. from nearest single-family residential district. | Assumed 1 per public entrance (mirroring SO), per table structure | Other detached signs at public entrances or similar locations within AUC (not explicitly labeled, but referred to as 'Other'). | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-3 (Commercial & Office – Detached Sign, AUC column, 'Other') |
| Permanent Entrance Sign – SO, AUC | 6 ft. | 50 sq. ft. cumulative maximum for both signs | — | No minimum specified (“--”). | 2 per principal entrance | At principal entrances to SO and AUC sites that front arterial or collector streets per Comprehensive Plan. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-3 (Permanent Entrance Sign notes 1–2) |
| Wall Sign – SO | — | 2 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building width on sign side | — | Not applicable (wall). | No explicit limit; governed by cumulative area formula | On exterior walls of buildings in SO. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-3 (Wall Sign – SO) |
| Wall Sign – AUC | — | 2 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building width on sign side | — | Not applicable (wall). | No explicit limit; governed by cumulative area formula | On exterior walls of buildings in AUC. | — | Unlock | Table 04.13.4-3 (Wall Sign – AUC) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Covington — 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 Covington — start freeProhibited Signs in Covington
- It is a violation of Division 13 for any person to erect, install, convert, relocate, enlarge, or structurally modify a sign except as specifically allowed within Division 13 (Sec. 04.13.1.A, Compliance Required).
- No sign shall be erected, installed, converted, relocated, enlarged, or structurally modified within the City without a sign permit issued in accordance with Sec. 07.21.7, Sign Plan and Permit, except as otherwise provided for exempt/permit‑free signs (Sec. 04.13.2.A, Permit Required).
- New billboards are completely prohibited; the City prohibits the construction, erection, or use of any billboards other than those that legally existed or had valid unexpired permits as of October 15, 2020 (Sec. 04.13.2.E.4, Billboard Policy; reiterated in Sec. 04.13.3.B.1).
- Any freestanding sign with an area that exceeds 10 percent of the area of the site or parcel on which it is located, or exceeds two percent of the lawful, as‑built floor area of the principal building on the site, is prohibited (Sec. 04.13.3.B.2).
- Portable signs, including folding portable signs and flashing portable signs, are prohibited (Sec. 04.13.3.B.3).
- Pennants, banners, streamers, balloons, and similar devices are prohibited unless specifically authorized elsewhere in Division 13 (Sec. 04.13.3.B.4).
- Animated, projecting, revolving, and moving signs, including signs that create the appearance of animation, projection, revolving or other movement, or that utilize flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing intensity, are prohibited. Automatic changeable copy signs that conform with Sec. 04.13.4 are exempt from this specific limitation (Sec. 04.13.3.B.5).
- Signs that are not traffic control or safety signals but which, by shape, color, or manner of mounting or display, appear to be traffic control or safety signals and thus create confusion, as well as signs that create or constitute traffic hazards, are prohibited (Sec. 04.13.3.B.6).
- Signs on vacant lots in nonresidential and mixed‑use districts larger than 12 square feet in area are prohibited (Sec. 04.13.3.B.7).
- Signs for which a separate structure is mounted on a roof or parapet are prohibited; only signs integral to the building are allowed (Sec. 04.13.3.B.8).
- Signs using sounds, music, sound effects, noises, or other sound‑ or noise‑making or transmitting devices or instruments are prohibited (Sec. 04.13.3.B.9).
- Signs that move, flash or simulate movement are prohibited except as specifically allowed for changeable copy signs under Sec. 04.13.6.B (Sec. 04.13.6.B.1).
- Linear exposed neon lighting used to outline the perimeters or architectural features of buildings is prohibited (Sec. 04.13.4.D.5).
- No sign may be displayed without the consent of the legal owner(s) (or parties with a present right to possession, control, or use) of the property on which the sign is mounted or displayed; lack of such consent effectively prohibits the sign (Sec. 04.13.2.E.9).
- Signs that project over a public right‑of‑way are prohibited unless the sign owner has obtained an encroachment permit; signs may not project over any portion of a right‑of‑way used as a street, alley, or other vehicular way (Sec. 04.13.6.A.1).
- No sign shall be located within eight vertical feet or four horizontal feet of overhead exposed electrical or other wires, unless such wires are insulated or wrapped for safety (Sec. 04.13.6.A.2).
- No sign located within a clear sight triangle may obstruct the vision of motorists or pedestrians between heights of 30 inches and 108 inches above ground (Sec. 04.13.6.A.3).
- No sign shall be located so that it blocks free airflow through windows in residential units (Sec. 04.13.6.A.4).
- No sign shall be located so that it obstructs access to or from a doorway, fire escape, or required escape window (Sec. 04.13.6.A.5).
- No wall sign shall extend above the top of the wall of the building, including parapets and architectural extensions, except as specifically allowed for certain tall‑building wall signs that still may not extend above the top of the wall (Sec. 04.13.6.A.6 and Sec. 04.13.4.F.1).
- Signs may not exceed 0.3 foot‑candle of light over ambient light conditions (Sec. 04.13.4.D.3).
- Exposed illumination used on signs must be by a steady, stationary light source; the light source must be static in color and shielded and directed solely at the sign (Sec. 04.13.4.D.4.a.3).
- Internal illumination, including neon lighting, must be static in intensity and color (Sec. 04.13.4.D.4.b.1).
- All rules and regulations concerning noncommunicative aspects of signs (location, size, height, illumination, spacing, orientation, etc.) are enforceable independently of any permit or approval, so signs that do not comply with these noncommunicative standards are prohibited regardless of permitting status (Sec. 04.13.2.E.7).
- Automatic changeable copy signs must not change images more often than every eight seconds, may not use movement‑like transition effects (fading, rolling, window shading, dissolving, etc.), must use automatic brightness controls and comply with specified nit limits, and must meet specified distance separations from residential districts; any noncompliant automatic changeable copy sign is prohibited (Sec. 04.13.6.B.2).
- An electronic or electromechanical message board that malfunctions and causes motion, movement, flashing, or similar effects must be repaired or disconnected within 48 hours; continued operation in that condition is prohibited (Sec. 04.13.6.B.2.e).
- Any sign using electronic or electromechanical message boards where that component exceeds 200 square feet of sign area is prohibited (Sec. 04.13.6.B.2.f).
- Manual changeable copy reader boards are only permitted on monument signs or marquee signs; use of manual changeable copy on other sign types is prohibited (Sec. 04.13.6.B.3.a).
- Manual changeable copy message centers (including frames) may not constitute more than 30 percent of the sign area; any greater percentage is prohibited (Sec. 04.13.6.B.3.b).
- Lettering of manual changeable copy signs must be a single style and of uniform color and size; nonconforming manual changeable copy lettering is prohibited (Sec. 04.13.6.B.3.c).
- Signs that are not listed as allowed permanent signs in Tables 04.13.4‑1 through 04.13.4‑5 or expressly permitted elsewhere in Division 13 are prohibited as permanent signs (Sec. 04.13.4.C).
Exempt Signs in Covington
- Interior signs installed in a building or enclosed space that are not legible from the public right‑of‑way or from other private or public property are exempt from Division 13 (Sec. 04.13.1.A.1).
- Permanent or temporary small signs with sign area less than four square feet and height less than four feet (if freestanding), that are not separately illuminated and are not legible from the public right‑of‑way or from other properties, are exempt (Sec. 04.13.1.A.2).
- Signs on mass transit vehicles operating in or passing through the City of Covington are exempt (Sec. 04.13.1.A.3).
- Signs on buildings or lots within a locally designated historic district are exempt from Division 13 to the extent they are governed by an approved Certificate of Appropriateness; any standards in the NDC not expressly modified by the Certificate still apply (Sec. 04.13.1.A.4).
- Vehicle signs on vehicles and watercraft regularly used in the operation of a business are exempt if all of the following are met: the vehicle is operable with current tags, the sign is an on‑premise sign, the vehicle is legally parked within a parking space, and display of the sign is incidental to vehicle use (Sec. 04.13.1.A.5).
- The following signs or devices are allowed in all character districts without a sign permit and are not counted toward allowable sign number, type, or area (though they may still be subject to a Certificate of Appropriateness in historic areas and must meet any stated conditions) (Sec. 04.13.1.B): address numbers; certain small detached signs in residential districts; small temporary signs in nonresidential/mixed‑use districts; small wall signs; cultural decorations on residential property; cornerstones, foundation stones and memorial signs/tablets meeting size and illumination limits; symbols integrated into building architecture; gravestones in lawful cemeteries; graphic images visible only from aircraft; limited‑size or on‑site signs on gasoline pumps, vending machines, news racks and similar devices; small menu boards/instructional devices for drive‑through/drive‑up facilities; ghost signs not altered from original design/wording/size; murals on one exterior wall not facing a residential character district; and detached incidental signs (non‑illuminated).
- Demolition of a sign is exempt from sign permit requirements if the applicant obtains a Demolition Permit for the structure on which the sign is mounted (Sec. 04.13.1.C.1).
- Changing the advertising copy or message on an existing painted or printed sign, marquee, changeable copy sign, or similar compliant sign (including electronic message centers) is exempt from sign permit requirements, provided copy change frequency for electronic message boards complies with Sec. 04.13.4 (Sec. 04.13.1.C.2).
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign that does not involve structural alterations is exempt from sign permit requirements (Sec. 04.13.1.C.3).
- Signs conforming to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices are exempt from sign permit requirements but must comply with other applicable standards to the maximum extent allowed by law (Sec. 04.13.2.B.1).
- Signs installed by employees or officials of the City of Covington, Kenton County, or state/federal agencies in the course of governmental duties are exempt from sign permit requirements but subject to other standards to the maximum extent allowed by law (Sec. 04.13.2.B.2).
- Signs required by a state or federal statute are exempt from sign permit requirements but must comply with other standards to the extent allowed by law; such signs may exceed size/other standards only to the extent explicitly required by the statute (Sec. 04.13.2.B.3 and Sec. 04.13.2.C).
- Signs required by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction are exempt from sign permit requirements but must comply with other standards to the extent allowed by law; such signs may exceed size/other standards only to the extent explicitly required by the court order (Sec. 04.13.2.B.4 and Sec. 04.13.2.C).
- Signs in a historic preservation overlay district that comply with the Historic Preservation Guidelines and an approved Certificate of Appropriateness are exempt from sign permit requirements but must comply with other standards to the maximum extent allowed by law (Sec. 04.13.2.B.5).
- Signs installed by public utilities in their rights‑of‑way or on their facilities are exempt from sign permit requirements but subject to other applicable standards to the maximum extent allowed by law (Sec. 04.13.2.B.6).
- Signs installed by a transit company with a franchise or other right to operate in the City, where such signs are installed along routes and relate to schedules or other transit‑route information, are exempt from sign permit requirements but subject to other applicable standards to the maximum extent allowed by law (Sec. 04.13.2.B.7).
- Outdoor display of products (where such display is otherwise allowed under the NDC) is not regulated as signage even if products bear permanent labels (e.g., brand names), provided no separate sign, banner, pennant, or attention‑attracting device is affixed to the product. Labels like “Chevrolet” on a vehicle or “John Deere” on a tractor are exempt from sign regulation; however, separate signs attached to such products are regulated (Sec. 04.13.2.D.1).
- Signs on gasoline pumps, vending machines, news racks, and similar devices that meet the conditions in Sec. 04.13.1.B.10 (non‑flashing and either not legible off‑site or consisting entirely of letters/numerals/symbols under four inches high) are exempt from permit requirements and from counting toward sign area (Sec. 04.13.1.B.10 and 04.13.2.D.2).
- Menu boards or other instructional devices related to drive‑through/drive‑up facilities that are less than 12 square feet and non‑electrified are exempt from sign permit requirements and from sign area counts; larger or electrified versions require a permit (Sec. 04.13.1.B.11 and 04.13.2.D.3).
- Temporary sidewalk signs meeting all conditions of Sec. 04.13.5.E are allowed in mixed‑use districts without being treated as permanent signage subject to permanent sign standards; they are governed solely by the temporary sign standards in that subsection.
- Temporary banners and temporary civic building banners that meet the standards in Sec. 04.13.5.C, 04.13.5.D, and 04.13.5.F are treated as temporary signs accessory to permitted civic or subdivision activities and are exempt from permanent sign standards.
- Routine maintenance and changing of copy on nonconforming signs that does not increase the degree of nonconformity is allowed and not prohibited by this Division (Sec. 04.13.7.B).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Covington
- A sign permit is required for any sign that is erected, installed, converted, relocated, enlarged, or structurally modified, except where specifically exempt; such permits must be issued in accordance with Sec. 07.21.7, Sign Plan and Permit (Sec. 04.13.2.A, Permit Required).
- The phrase “sign permit issued in accordance with Sec. 07.21.7, Sign Plan and Permit” indicates that a sign plan is part of the permitting process for most sign installations, modifications, or relocations; the detailed procedures and possible master sign plan requirements are found in Sec. 07.21.7 (not reproduced in the provided text).
- When one or more signs are part of a project or development, or when a variance or conditional use permit is sought for signs that require discretionary review, those signs are subject to discretionary review under the policies in Sec. 04.13.2.E.1, but review is limited to structural, location, and other non‑communicative aspects of the sign (Sec. 04.13.2.E.1).
- Discretionary review tied to variances or conditional use permits for signs must be conducted without regard to the graphic design or visual image on the sign face and is limited to non‑communicative aspects; this provides the framework for sign‑related variance/conditional use processes but does not itself create a separate sign‑only hearing requirement (Sec. 04.13.2.E.1).
- Projecting signs require a sign permit application that bears the seal of an architect or engineer registered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Sec. 04.13.4.E.3).
- Projecting signs that encroach over a public sidewalk require an encroachment permit in addition to any sign permit; encroachment permits are limited to allowing projection over sidewalks and not over vehicular portions of the right‑of‑way (Sec. 04.13.4 Table 04.13.4‑4, note 1, and Sec. 04.13.6.A.1).
- No sign may project over a public right‑of‑way used for vehicular travel (streets, alleys, driveways); where signs project over sidewalks, an encroachment permit is required, which is a separate approval coordinated with the sign permit/sign plan process (Sec. 04.13.6.A.1).
- Automatic changeable copy signs are allowed only in those districts and for those uses where they are listed as a permitted sign type in the permanent‑sign tables, and they must comply with additional standards in Sec. 04.13.6.B.2; any sign plan/permit that includes automatic changeable copy must demonstrate compliance with those technical standards.
- Manual changeable copy is only allowed on monument or marquee signs and is subject to area and lettering restrictions; sign plans involving manual reader boards must document compliance with these restrictions (Sec. 04.13.6.B.3).
- Where a proposed sign type is neither expressly allowed nor prohibited, or where a sign does not qualify as a structure under the building code, the Administrator must interpret the application by analogy to the most similar regulated sign type, applying the City’s message‑neutral and message‑substitution policies. This interpretive step is part of the sign plan/permit review process (Sec. 04.13.2.E.6).
- Property owner consent is required for any sign permit: the property owner (or authorized agent) must sign all applications for sign permits, confirming consent for the sign to be displayed on the property (Sec. 04.13.2.E.9).
- Some signs, although exempt from permit requirements, may still require a Certificate of Appropriateness under Sec. 07.20.2 when located in a historic preservation overlay; such COA review runs in parallel with, or in lieu of, certain sign plan/permit requirements (Sec. 04.13.1.B and Sec. 04.13.2.B.5).
- Signs that project over the public right‑of‑way or are located within public easements may trigger additional approvals (e.g., encroachment permits, franchising approvals, or utility permissions) which must be coordinated with the sign plan and permit process, even if not explicitly framed as a ‘sign plan’ in this section (Sec. 04.13.2.B.6–7 and Sec. 04.13.6.A.1).
Source: other municipal code