Sign Regulations in Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah, Kentucky has specific sign regulations covering 44 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Subdivision Monument Sign, Incidental Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Paducah, Kentucky
Sample Sign Requirements in Paducah
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 30 inches | 4 square feet per sign | — |
| Building Marker | — | 1 square foot | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-family) | 8 feet | 32 square feet | 10 feet front yard |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for PaducahPartial Coverage
Sign Types Covered
44
- Freestanding Sign
- Subdivision Monument Sign
- Incidental Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
18
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Paducah
Other Cities in Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
In Paducah, monument signs are limited to 8 feet. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Paducah, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Paducah, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Subdivision Monument Sign, Incidental Sign, Projecting Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Paducah, monument signs typically require a 10 feet front yard setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Paducah are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Paducah has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Paducah, Kentucky Sign Rules at a Glance
Paducah, Kentucky regulates 44 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Multi-family)s in the Residential and Mixed-Use Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, NSZ, NCCZ, MU) zoning district are capped at 8 feet tall and 32 square feet, with a 10 feet front yard setback (Sec. Sec. 126-76(n)(2)a).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Paducah, Kentucky
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Paducah (18 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | 30 inches | 4 square feet per sign | — |
| Residential and Mixed-Use Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, NSZ, NCCZ, MU) | 11 | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| Mixed-Use Zone | 1 | — | 32 square feet | — |
| Professional, commercial and industrial zones (B-1, B-2, B-3, HBZ, M-1, M-2, M-3, HM, POP, A-1) | 11 | 25 feet | 75 square feet | — |
| Historic Downtown area (B-2-T, H-1, H-2) | 6 | 36 inches | 50 square feet generally; for facades >50 ft: 1.5 sq ft per linear foot (max 100 sq ft) | — |
| Downtown Business Zone (B-2) | 2 | 36 inches | 6 square feet | — |
| General Business, Highway Business, Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial Zones (B-3, HBZ, M-1, M-2, M-3) | 6 | 90 feet | 700 square feet | — |
| Planned Unit Development (PUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| R-1 | 3 | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| R-2, R-3, R-4 | 9 | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| NSZ, NCCZ, MU | 4 | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| B-1 | 7 | 25 feet | 75 square feet | — |
| B-2 | 3 | 25 feet | 75 square feet | — |
| B-2-T | 4 | — | 50 sq ft (1.5 sq ft per linear ft for facades > 50 ft; max 100 sq ft) | — |
| H-1, H-2 | 4 | — | 50 sq ft (1.5 sq ft/linear ft of street frontage for facades >50ft, max 100 sq ft) | — |
| B-3, HBZ, M-1, M-2, M-3 | 4 | 90 ft | 700 sq ft | — |
| HM, POP, A-1 | 3 | 25 ft | 75 sq ft | — |
| POP | 1 | 25 ft | 75 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Paducah(sample of 3 of 18 zones)
Residential and Mixed-Use Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, NSZ, NCCZ, MU)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Marker | — | 1 square foot | — | — | 2 per parcel | On front of building or residence or on post (max 48" high, 4" wide), or on mailbox side | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(1) |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-family) | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet front yard | 1 per multi-family dwelling | Front yard, 10 feet setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(2)a |
| Wall Sign (Multi-family) | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 per multi-family dwelling | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(2)b |
| Wall Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 1 square foot | — | — | 1 per home occupation | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(4); Sec. 126-73(2)(d) |
| Subdivision Monument Sign | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet | 1 per entrance | At entrance to residential subdivision | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(5) |
| Freestanding Sign (Religious, Educational, Cemeteries) | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet front yard | 1 per property | Front yard, 10 feet setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(6)a |
| Message Board (Religious, Educational, Cemeteries) | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 per property | May be on freestanding sign; total height of message board and sign may not exceed 8 ft | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(6)c |
| Freestanding Sign (Commercial Use in R-4, NSZ, NCCZ, MU) | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet front yard | 1 per commercial use | Front yard, 10 feet setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(7)a |
Professional, commercial and industrial zones (B-1, B-2, B-3, HBZ, M-1, M-2, M-3, HM, POP, A-1)
| 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 | 25 feet | 75 square feet | — | 5 feet | 1 per street frontage, plus 1 per 300 ft | Min. 5 feet setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(o)(1)a |
| Monument Type Freestanding Sign | 8 feet | 60 square feet | — | 5 feet | — | Min. 5 feet setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(o)(1)b |
| Wall/Canopy/Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | 4 per building/tenant | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(o)(2) |
| Message Board (attached to wall or freestanding) | 25 feet (if combined with wall/freestanding sign) | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 | Combined with wall or freestanding sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(o)(3) |
| Drive-Thru Facility Sign | 8 feet | 55 square feet | — | — | per lane/window | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(o)(4) |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(o)(5) |
| Theater Marquee Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(o)(6) |
| Subdivision Monument Sign | 10 feet | 48 square feet | — | 10 feet | 1 per entrance | At entrance to commercial/industrial subdivision | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(o)(8) |
R-2, R-3, R-4
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Marker | — | 1 square foot | — | — | 2 per parcel | On front of building/residence or on 48" high/4" wide post, or on mailbox | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(1) |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-family) | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet | 1 per multi-family dwelling | Front yard, setback 10 feet | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(2)a |
| Wall Sign (Multi-family) | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 per multi-family dwelling | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(2)b |
| Wall Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 1 square foot | — | — | 1 per home occupation | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(4); 126-73(2)d |
| Subdivision Monument Sign | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet | 1 per entrance | At subdivision entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(5) |
| Freestanding Sign (Buildings for Religious/Educational Activities or Cemeteries) | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 10 feet | 1 per property | Front yard, setback 10 feet | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(6)a |
| Wall Sign (Buildings for Religious/Educational Activities or Cemeteries) | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 per property | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(6)b |
| Message Board (Buildings for Religious/Educational Activities or Cemeteries) | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 per property | May be on freestanding sign (total max. height 8 ft) | — | Unlock | Sec. 126-76(n)(6)c |
PermitPal covers all 18 zoning districts in Paducah — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 18 zones for Paducah — start freeProhibited Signs in Paducah
- Signs that interfere with the free use of building entrances and exits, including emergency exits.
- Signs that impede light and ventilation otherwise required by City ordinance, code or regulation.
- Signs in a public right-of-way other than those allowed in this chapter.
- Signs within a sight visibility triangle that conflict with section 126-65 of the Paducah Zoning Ordinance.
- Signs on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located so they can be seen from a street right-of-way and for the primary purpose of displaying the sign. This includes vehicles or trailers parked on the same property for a continuous period exceeding seventy-two (72) hours.
- Air-inflated signs.
- Strobe lights, animated signs, moving signs, attention attracting devices or beacons.
- Signs painted directly onto structures.
- Obsolete signs.
- Any sign or sign structure determined by the City to be structurally unsafe or a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment.
- Obscene signs.
- Mobile signs.
- Roof signs.
- Streamers, pennants and similar signs or devices, except when attached to an allowed temporary sign.
- Signs that emit any noise or odor.
- Freestanding signs that overhang any part of a building.
- Abandoned signs.
- Advertising signs exceeding six (6) square feet in area.
- Feather flags.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained where by reason of its position, illumination, size, shape or color; it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with any traffic-control sign, signal or device.
- No internally illuminated sign or electronic message sign shall be allowed within fifty (50) feet of property in any residential zone.
- No sign shall be placed in any public right-of-way except as provided herein.
- No sign shall be attached to any tree, fence or utility pole except by a governmental body or agency.
- No sign, including exempt signs, may be posted within a street right-of-way without written approval from the Director of Engineering or designee.
- No sign shall be displayed, erected, relocated or altered unless all necessary permits have been issued by the City of Paducah, except for certain exempt signs.
- All signs must be adequately maintained including proper alignment, continued readability, and preservation of the sign with paint or other preservatives; electronic message signs must be free of burned-out lights.
- All signs placed upon private property must have the written consent of the property owner or the owner's agent.
- No electronic message sign or electronic message boards shall be allowed in any residential zone, except for the Mixed-Use Zone under specified conditions.
Exempt Signs in Paducah
- Government signs that are placed by government officers in the performance of their professional/elected duties.
- Temporary or permanent signs erected by public utility or construction companies in the performance of their professional duties.
- Vehicle signage when painted directly on a vehicle or attached magnetically.
- Temporary signage as defined in subsection (g) (includes construction signs, political signs, real estate signs, etc.), subject to the limitations and conditions listed for temporary signs.
- Historical markers.
- Government flags.
- Signs carried by a person.
- One warning sign per street frontage with a maximum area of three (3) square feet.
- Window signs which obscure a maximum of twenty-five (25) percent of transparent or translucent surfaces.
- Signs preempted from regulation by state or federal law.
- Identification signs.
- Ghost signs.
- Incidental signs.
- Signs required by federal, state or local agency for emergency information, owner contact, warning, or safety instructions up to six (6) square feet on cellular antenna towers.
- Signs which substitute noncommercial speech in lieu of commercial speech, without additional permitting or approval (substitution clause).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Paducah
- Any sign regulated by this chapter (except as specifically exempted) requires a permit from the City of Paducah; application is submitted to the Fire Prevention Division.
- Sign proposals in Historic Zones (H-1, H-2, NSZ) require approval from the Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC).
- Applicants must submit a site plan and/or building elevations drawn to scale for awning/canopy permits.
- Any mural in the H-1, H-2, or NSZ zones on private property must obtain approval from the Historic Architecture Review Commission; murals in a public right-of-way must obtain approval from the Creative and Cultural Council.
- If a proposed sign in the Mixed-Use (MU) Zone is larger than allowed under adopted covenants, the sign must be referred to the Planning Commission as part of an Amendment to a Development Plan.
- Applications for cellular antenna towers must include a site development plan signed and sealed by a professional engineer or surveyor, as part of the uniform application process.
- Sign plans/site plans may be required for planned unit developments (PUD), as per underlying zone requirements.
- Applications for awning/canopy permits must include a site plan and/or building elevations showing locations and setbacks.
- Approval and design of all lots or portions of lots being developed for vehicular parking containing at least four spaces, or at least one loading/unloading area, must have design approval from the Planning Department and Department of Engineering before issuance of a building permit (this may impact signage associated with parking areas).
- Conditional use permits for signs or uses may have conditions imposed by the Board of Adjustment, and these may include sign-related requirements.
Source: municode municipal code