# Sign Regulations in Danville, Kentucky

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Danville, Kentucky (KY)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/kentucky/danville
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-24
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.boyleplanning.org/_files/ugd/a677db_20dda87632284e5b9ef190ed1034e9ad.pdf)

## At a glance

Danville, Kentucky regulates 37 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Monument) - Nonresidential and Conditional Uses in the Agriculture District (AG) zoning district are capped at 10 ft maximum height tall and 32 sq ft maximum sign face area, with a Minimum 10 ft from edge of pavement for all freestanding signs (4.6.8.F.4.f). No on‑premise sign within 25 ft of an abutting Single Family Residential district (4.6.8.F.4.h). Must not obstruct free and clear vision at intersections/right‑of‑way (4.3.5.C.3.a and 4.6.8.F.4.e). setback (Sec. 4.3.5.C.1 and AG sign table; 4.6.8.F.3–4; 4.6.8.F.5; 4.6.8.F.4.f,h,i.). Most commercial signs in Danville require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (12 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Agriculture District (AG) | 4 | 10 ft maximum height | 60 sq ft maximum total sign face area | — |
| Single Family Residential Districts (RR, R1-A, R1-B, R1-C, MHP) | 6 | 5 ft maximum height | 60 sq ft maximum sign face total | — |
| Two-Family and Multi-Family Residential Districts (RM-2, RM-3, RM-4) | 4 | 7 ft maximum height | 60 sq ft maximum sign face total | — |
| Neighborhood Business District (NB) and Central Business District (CB) | 3 | 15 ft maximum height | 96 sq ft maximum total sign face area for freestanding signs | — |
| General Business District (GB) and Highway Business District (HB) | 4 | 30 ft maximum height | 200 sq ft maximum sign face area per side | — |
| Office and Professional District (OP) and Public District (P) | 3 | 10 ft maximum height | 96 sq ft or 5% of facade (whichever is greater) | — |
| Institutional Campus Development District (ICD) | 4 | 10 ft maximum height | 96 sq ft or 5% of facade (whichever is greater) | — |
| Light Industrial District (LI) and Heavy Industrial District (HI) | 3 | 15 ft maximum height | 96 sq ft maximum total sign face area for freestanding sign | — |
| Industrial Business Development District (IBD) | 3 | 15 ft maximum height | 96 sq ft or 10% of facade (whichever is greater) | — |
| General Flood District (F) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic Overlay District (HD) | 1 | As allowed in underlying district, except where more restrictive Historic Overlay guidelines apply. | Must comply with the underlying district Sign Standards Table (e.g., NB, CB, etc.) unless Historic Overlay guidelines are more restrictive. | — |
| Airport Overlay District (AD) | 1 | As allowed in underlying district, but may be further limited by KAZC for airspace protection. | As permitted by underlying zoning district (e.g., agricultural, commercial, industrial) subject to any additional restrictions by Kentucky Airport Zoning Commission (KAZC). | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 12 zones)

### Agriculture District (AG)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign (Monument) - Nonresidential and Conditional Uses | 10 ft maximum height | 32 sq ft maximum sign face area | — | Minimum 10 ft from edge of pavement for all freestanding signs (4.6.8.F.4.f). No on‑premise sign within 25 ft of an abutting Single Family Residential district (4.6.8.F.4.h). Must not obstruct free and clear vision at intersections/right‑of‑way (4.3.5.C.3.a and 4.6.8.F.4.e). | 1 freestanding sign maximum per non-residential or conditional use | On premises of non-residential uses and properly permitted conditional uses in the Agriculture District; must also comply with general setback and visibility provisions (no obstruction of intersections/right-of-way). | — | 4.3.5.C.1 and AG sign table; 4.6.8.F.3–4; 4.6.8.F.5; 4.6.8.F.4.f,h,i. |
| Wall Sign - Nonresidential and Conditional Uses | — | 32 sq ft maximum face area per use | — | When the principal structure is closer than 10 ft to the edge of pavement, sign must be on the building wall instead of freestanding (4.6.8.F.4.f). | Limited wall signage; number not explicitly stated, but overall signage is “limited” and in addition to one monument sign. | On building wall of non-residential uses and properly permitted conditional uses in AG. If principal structure is less than 10 ft from edge of pavement, sign must be affixed to flat surface of building (4.6.8.F.4.f). | — | 4.3.5.C.1 and AG sign table; 4.6.8.F.3–4. |
| Entrance Sign (Monument) - AG | 5 ft maximum height | 60 sq ft maximum total sign face area | — | May be placed in public right‑of‑way only with written permission. Otherwise must also comply with general visibility and right‑of‑way restrictions in 4.3.5.C.3.a and 4.6.8.F.4.e. | Not numerically limited in AG text; governed by entrance design and general sign limitations. | At entrances serving AG properties; may be located in public right‑of‑way only with written permission of the applicable jurisdiction. | — | 4.3.5.C.2.a–d; 4.3.5.C.4. |
| Temporary On-Premise Sign - AG | 4 ft maximum height | 4 sq ft per sign (16 sq ft per sign in unincorporated area of Boyle County) | — | Cannot be placed in or extend over public right‑of‑way or utility easement without written consent; must not obstruct clear vision at intersections/traffic signals. | No explicit maximum number; constrained by size and location rules. | On‑premise only in AG; may not be placed in or extend over public right‑of‑way or utility easement without written consent of controlling jurisdiction/utility. | — | 4.3.5.C.3.a–b; 4.3.5.C.4. |

### Single Family Residential Districts (RR, R1-A, R1-B, R1-C, MHP)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign - RR & R1 (Residential and Conditional Uses) | — | 8 sq ft maximum face area | — | General sign rules apply: may not obstruct free and clear vision at intersections/right‑of‑way and may not be in or over right‑of‑way without consent (4.4.4.D.3.a and 4.6.8.F.4.e by cross‑reference). | Maximum of one mailbox sign or limited wall signage per Single Family Residential use/conditional use (4.4.4.D.1). | On building wall or structure associated with Single Family Residential uses and properly permitted conditional uses in RR and R1 districts. | — | 4.4.4.D.1; Single Family Residential sign table; 4.4.4.D.4. |
| Mailbox Sign - RR & R1 | — | Not specifically dimensioned; governed by same ‘limited signage’ concept as 8 sq ft wall sign | — | If freestanding mailbox structure encroaches into right‑of‑way or utility easement, written consent required (4.4.4.E.12). | Maximum of one mailbox sign OR limited wall signage per residential use/conditional use (mutually exclusive choice). | Affixed to or integrated with a mailbox serving a Single Family Residential use in RR and R1 districts. | — | 4.4.4.D.1; 4.4.4.E.12. |
| Entrance Sign (Monument) - RR & R1 | 5 ft maximum height | 60 sq ft maximum sign face total | — | May be placed in public right‑of‑way only with written permission. Must not obstruct free and clear vision at intersections/roadways. | Entrance sign ‘allowed’; number per entrance not explicitly limited for RR/R1 in this section. | At subdivision or neighborhood entrances in RR and R1 districts; may be allowed in public right‑of‑way only with written permission of applicable jurisdiction. | — | 4.4.4.D.1–2; 4.4.4.D.4. |
| Wall Sign - MHP | — | 32 sq ft maximum face area | — | Same general visibility/right‑of‑way constraints apply as for other districts. | Not explicitly numbered; residential sections state that uses may have wall signage but freestanding is ‘No’ for MHP, except entrance signs. | On building wall serving Manufactured Home Park District (MHP) uses and properly permitted conditional uses in that district. | — | 4.4.4.D.1; single‑family sign table (RR & R1 / MHP). |
| Entrance Sign (Monument) - MHP | 5 ft maximum height | 60 sq ft maximum sign face total | — | As with RR/R1 entrance signs: right‑of‑way placement only with written permission; must not obstruct free and clear vision at intersections/roadways. | Entrance sign allowed; specific maximum number not stated. | At entrance to Manufactured Home Parks; may be allowed in public right‑of‑way only with written permission of applicable jurisdiction. | — | 4.4.4.D.1–2. |
| Temporary On-Premise Sign - Single Family Residential Districts (RR, R1-A, R1-B, R1-C, MHP) | 4 ft maximum height | 4 sq ft maximum sign face per sign | — | Cannot be placed in or extended over a public right‑of‑way or utility easement without written consent of controlling jurisdiction or utility; must not obstruct intersection/traffic signal visibility. | No explicit limit on number, only per‑sign size and height limitations. | On‑premise only within Single Family Residential Districts and MHP; may not be placed in or extend over public right‑of‑way or utility easement without written consent. | — | 4.4.4.D.3.a–b; 4.4.4.D.4. |

### Two-Family and Multi-Family Residential Districts (RM-2, RM-3, RM-4)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign (Monument) - RM-3 & RM-4 | 7 ft maximum height | 32 sq ft maximum sign face area | — | Minimum 10 ft from edge of pavement (4.6.8.F.4.f). Not within 25 ft of an abutting Single Family Residential district (4.6.8.F.4.h). Must not obstruct free and clear vision at intersections/right‑of‑way (4.5.4.E.3.a and 4.6.8.F.4.e). | Maximum 1 freestanding sign per site in RM‑3 and RM‑4 (RM‑2 excluded). | On premises of Multi‑Family Residential uses and properly permitted conditional uses in RM‑3 and RM‑4. RM‑2 is not allowed freestanding signs under this table. | — | 4.5.4.E.1 and table; note *RM‑3 and RM‑4 Only; 4.6.8.F.3–4. |
| Wall Sign - RM-2, RM-3 & RM-4 | — | 32 sq ft maximum face area | — | General sign setbacks apply; if principal structure is less than 10 ft from edge of pavement, sign must be affixed to building (4.6.8.F.4.f). | Maximum of one freestanding or wall sign is allowed per site (4.5.4.E.1); i.e., the wall sign is in lieu of the monument sign in RM‑3 and RM‑4 and is the only option for RM‑2. | On building wall for Multi‑Family Residential uses and properly permitted conditional uses in RM‑2, RM‑3 and RM‑4. | — | 4.5.4.E.1 and table; 4.6.8.F.3–4. |
| Entrance Sign (Monument) - RM Districts | 5 ft maximum height | 60 sq ft maximum sign face total | — | May be in public right‑of‑way only with written permission; must not obstruct intersection/roadway visibility. | Not numerically specified; governed by general development and entrance design standards. | At entrances to multi‑family developments in RM‑2, RM‑3, RM‑4; may be allowed in the public right‑of‑way only with written permission of the applicable jurisdiction. | — | 4.5.4.E.2.a–e. |
| Temporary On-Premise Sign - Multi-Family Residential Districts (RM-2, RM-3, RM-4) | 4 ft maximum height | 4 sq ft maximum sign face per sign | — | Cannot be in or over right‑of‑way or utility easement without consent; must avoid obstructing intersection/traffic signal visibility. | No explicit maximum number; regulated by size/height/location. | On‑premise in RM‑2, RM‑3, RM‑4; may not be placed in or extend over public right‑of‑way or utility easement without written consent. | — | 4.5.4.E.3.a–b; 4.5.4.E.4. |

## Prohibited signs in Danville

- Signs not expressly permitted by Section 4.6.8.F in commercial and industrial districts are prohibited.
- Off‑premise advertising signs, including outdoor or billboard advertising signs, are prohibited throughout Boyle County except as Consolidated Shopping Center Signs allowed in Sec. 4.6.8.F.11.
- On‑premise signs that cause interference to sight distance at intersections or with traffic signals are prohibited.
- Signs may not be placed in or extend over a public right‑of‑way or utility easement without the express written consent of the controlling jurisdiction or utility.
- No sign shall be erected to obstruct free and clear vision of an intersection and/or traffic signals.
- No sign shall be erected within 25 feet of an abutting Single Family Residential district.
- No sign shall have a flashing light, a light resembling any law enforcement or emergency vehicle light, or revolving lights that resemble any traffic light.
- No on‑premise sign shall contain commercial advertising that is unrelated to the existing use of the property on which the sign is located.
- Signs so located as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape are prohibited; no sign may be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Signs that emit any sound, visible or invisible gases, or odor as part of any message are prohibited.
- Signs incorporated into trucks, motor vehicles, trailers and similar equipment, bearing advertising visible from off‑site and parked at the business location for the intended purpose of advertising a business, service or product, are prohibited vehicle signs (delivery and service vehicles used on a daily basis are exempt).
- Portable signs with no permanent attachment to a building or the ground, including A‑frame signs, pole attachments, searchlights, and stands on wheels or freestanding, are prohibited as permanent on‑premise signs.
- Banners, posters, pennants, non‑government flags, large fixed balloons, streamers, rotating devices, wind signs, or similar devices affixed to independent supports, fences, awnings, pump canopies, curbstones, lamp posts, utility poles, hydrants, bridges, culverts, public drinking fountains, public trash containers, buildings, trees, or in/on any portion of any public sidewalk, street, or sign are prohibited as permanent on‑premise signs.
- Roof signs erected, constructed, and maintained wholly upon or over the roof of any building are prohibited (mansard roof signs that do not extend above the parapet wall are treated as wall signs).
- Signs (other than those erected by or required by a governmental agency) located on or overhanging the right‑of‑way of any public street, road, or way are prohibited except as specifically provided in the ordinance.
- Signs erected on public property, other than signs erected by public authority for public purposes, are prohibited.
- Electronic Message Display (EMD) signs with a display time of less than six seconds per message are prohibited (except for official safety signs).
- Electronic Message Display (EMD) signs are prohibited in Local Historic Districts.
- Electronic Message Display (EMD) signs are prohibited on Consolidated Shopping Center signs when those signs are located off‑premise.
- Dangerous or defective signs, as determined by the Building Inspector or authorized Code Enforcement Officer, must be removed at the property owner’s expense and may not be maintained.
- Nonconforming signs that collapse, burn, are removed, destroyed beyond 55 percent of replacement value, or are abandoned (advertising a use not present for one year) may not be reconstructed or replaced except in full compliance with current sign regulations and must otherwise be removed at the owner’s expense.

## Signs exempt from permit in Danville

- On‑premise signs that are in the public or community interest, contain no commercial reference, and advertise events of public or community interest occurring off the premises do not require a sign permit, provided they have the property owner’s consent and are not placed in the public right‑of‑way and comply with visibility standards.
- On‑premise safety signs, pedestrian and motor vehicle control signs, signs of historical significance, clocks, and flags (including government, political subdivision, or other officially designated institutional flags) do not require a sign permit, provided they have the property owner’s consent and are not placed in the public right‑of‑way and comply with visibility standards.
- Temporary on‑premise signs in Agriculture Districts, Single‑Family Residential Districts, and Multi‑Family Residential Districts that meet the specific size, height, and location standards for those districts do not require a sign permit.
- Uses in the Central Business (CB) District are exempt from on‑site parking requirements, and by implication signs needed only to satisfy on‑site parking standards are not required; however, this does not exempt such signs from sign regulation.
- All uses in the Central Business (CB) District, except parking lots and vehicle use areas, are exempt from the landscaping provisions, but still must comply with sign regulations.
- Historic District signs must comply with both the sign standards table and Historic Overlay design guidelines; where standards conflict, the more restrictive applies, and this overlay does not exempt signs from regulation but clarifies that historic‑district‑specific rules overlay general sign rules.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No sign permit for a Consolidated Shopping Center sign (including any off‑premise identification sign for a qualifying HB‑zoned shopping center) may be issued without an approved, recorded agreement between affected property owners providing for ongoing maintenance, construction standards, and a plan for locating on‑premise and off‑premise signs; this agreement must run with the land and cannot be amended or repealed without prior Planning Commission approval. This functions as a required sign plan for the shopping center.
- All freestanding signs must be shown on any required landscape plan and site development plan; approval of such plans is a prerequisite to permits and certificates of occupancy, effectively integrating sign layout into site‑wide development planning.
- In Local Historic Districts, all on‑premise signs require a Certificate of Appropriateness and must comply with the Sign Standards Summary Table and Historic Overlay Design Guidelines; the more restrictive of the historic overlay or underlying district standards governs, and this review functions as a sign design review process prior to permitting.
- Landscape plans, where required for a development, must show all proposed freestanding signs and be prepared and approved before a Building or Zoning Permit is issued; a surety may be required to guarantee installation of improvements tied to the approved plan.
- For Consolidated Shopping Center signs, a recorded easement or fee simple ownership at the sign location is required and must include provisions for maintenance, landscaping, and removal; this recorded instrument is part of the overall sign plan framework for the center.

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

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