Sign Regulations in Lisbon, Maine
Lisbon, Maine has specific sign regulations covering 10 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Permanent Signs (all types) except where otherwise restricted, Temporary Signs, Portable Signs (Sandwich Board, A-frame). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Lisbon, Maine
Sample Sign Requirements in Lisbon
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Signs (all types) except where otherwise restricted | 20 ft | 24 sq. ft. (Resource Protection, Limited Residential, General Residential, Rural Open Space I, Rural Open Space II, Limited Rural Residential); 40 sq. ft. (Village, Commercial, Industrial, Diversified Development) | Minimum of 4 ft from lot line/street right-of-way; exceptions for Village zone (waiver allowed) |
| Temporary Signs | 20 ft | Up to 12 sq. ft. without permit; larger up to 60 sq. ft. (nonresidential) with permit | Not within 4 ft. of right-of-way or lot line (waiver allowed); not in gardens/landscaped areas |
| Portable Signs (Sandwich Board, A-frame) | — | 6 sq. ft. per face (two-faced sign allowed) | With above placement; must not block access or safety |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
10
- Permanent Signs (all types) except where otherwise restricted
- Temporary Signs
- Portable Signs (Sandwich Board, A-frame)
- Home Occupation Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Lisbon
Other Cities in Maine
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Lisbon 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 Lisbon, 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 Lisbon, regulated sign types include Permanent Signs (all types) except where otherwise restricted, Temporary Signs, Portable Signs (Sandwich Board, A-frame), Home Occupation Sign, 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Lisbon has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Lisbon, Maine Sign Rules at a Glance
Lisbon, Maine regulates 10 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Permanent Signs (all types) except where otherwise restricteds in the Resource Protection District, Limited Residential District, General Residential District, Rural Open Space I District, Rural Open Space II District, Rural Residential District, Limited Rural Residential District, Village District, Commercial District, Industrial District, Diversified Development District zoning district are capped at 20 ft tall and 24 sq. ft. (Resource Protection, Limited Residential, General Residential, Rural Open Space I, Rural Open Space II, Limited Rural Residential); 40 sq. ft. (Village, Commercial, Industrial, Diversified Development), with a Minimum of 4 ft from lot line/street right-of-way; exceptions for Village zone (waiver allowed) setback (Sec. Sec. 70-718(4)(h), Sec 70-713, Sec 70-719(1), Sec 70-716, Sec 70-712, Table: Zoning District | Maximum Total Sign Area (sq. ft.) | Maximum Number of Signs). Most commercial signs in Lisbon require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Lisbon, Maine
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Lisbon (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resource Protection District, Limited Residential District, General Residential District, Rural Open Space I District, Rural Open Space II District, Rural Residential District, Limited Rural Residential District, Village District, Commercial District, Industrial District, Diversified Development District | 6 | 20 ft | No more than 30% of window area on any single facade facing a road | — |
| Aquifer Protection Overlay District (Zone 1), Aquifer Protection Overlay District (Zone 2), Aquifer Protection Overlay District (Zone 3) | 1 | Per underlying district (see above) | Per underlying district (see above) | — |
| Floating Industrial District | 1 | 20 ft | 40 sq. ft., 2 per property (per Industrial District standards) | — |
| Shoreland Overlay Zone (Resource Protection District), Shoreland Overlay Zone (Limited Residential District), Shoreland Overlay Zone (Limited Commercial District), Shoreland Overlay Zone (General Development I District), Shoreland Overlay Zone (Stream Protection District) | 1 | 20 ft | As set forth in underlying zoning (see above); generally 24 sq. ft. (RP, LR); 40 sq. ft. (LC, GD); See section 70-718(4)(h) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Lisbon(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Resource Protection District, Limited Residential District, General Residential District, Rural Open Space I District, Rural Open Space II District, Rural Residential District, Limited Rural Residential District, Village District, Commercial District, Industrial District, Diversified Development District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Signs (all types) except where otherwise restricted | 20 ft | 24 sq. ft. (Resource Protection, Limited Residential, General Residential, Rural Open Space I, Rural Open Space II, Limited Rural Residential); 40 sq. ft. (Village, Commercial, Industrial, Diversified Development) | — | Minimum of 4 ft from lot line/street right-of-way; exceptions for Village zone (waiver allowed) | Max 2 permanent signs requiring a permit per property | On property; no part of any sign within 4 feet of a street right-of-way or lot line (waiver allowed in Village zone); off-premises signage generally NOT allowed except certain cases | — | Unlock | Sec. 70-718(4)(h), Sec 70-713, Sec 70-719(1), Sec 70-716, Sec 70-712, Table: Zoning District | Maximum Total Sign Area (sq. ft.) | Maximum Number of Signs |
| Temporary Signs | 20 ft | Up to 12 sq. ft. without permit; larger up to 60 sq. ft. (nonresidential) with permit | — | Not within 4 ft. of right-of-way or lot line (waiver allowed); not in gardens/landscaped areas | Max 4 per business/use at once (not counting political) | On property, not within 4 ft. of street right-of-way or lot line (waiver in Village zone for temp signs); not attached to trees, fences, etc. | — | Unlock | Sec. 70-720(1)-(4), Sec. 70-716(5), Town Parks & Gardens: special rules |
| Portable Signs (Sandwich Board, A-frame) | — | 6 sq. ft. per face (two-faced sign allowed) | — | With above placement; must not block access or safety | Max 1 per property | On property only, except: On sidewalk immediately in front of property in Village Zone (Village St./Main St.) allowed, not to create pedestrian hazard/ADA obstruction. | — | Unlock | Sec. 70-718(5)(j), 70-715 Definitions |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Building or on property | — | Unlock | Sec. 70-606(c)(2)a, 70-606(d)(2)e, 70-719(4) |
| Directional/Informational (Wayfinding) Signs | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | ≤4 without triggering plan review | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 70-716(7), 70-719(5) |
| Window Signs | — | No more than 30% of window area on any single facade facing a road | — | — | — | Behind glass/window. Each side/frontage of bldg gets 30%. | — | Unlock | Sec. 70-715, 70-718(5)(h) |
Aquifer Protection Overlay District (Zone 1), Aquifer Protection Overlay District (Zone 2), Aquifer Protection Overlay District (Zone 3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signs (general, see notes) | Per underlying district (see above) | Per underlying district (see above) | — | Per underlying zone | Per underlying zone | On property, per underlying district | — | Unlock | Sec. 70-563 (use table applies to hazardous/industrial uses, not signs), 70-564 (dimensional req.), 70-718 (general sign standard applies) |
Floating Industrial District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signs | 20 ft | 40 sq. ft., 2 per property (per Industrial District standards) | — | Min 4 ft. from right-of-way/lot line | 2 requiring permit per property | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 70-527(d), which refers to allowed Industrial District uses; Sec. 70-718 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Lisbon — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Lisbon — start freeProhibited Signs in Lisbon
- No sign shall be erected, enlarged, illuminated or substantially altered without a sign permit issued by the code enforcement officer, except as expressly exempted.
- No sign may be erected in such a manner as to obstruct clear and free vision, or another sign, nor by reason of its position, shape, color, or illumination interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized public safety or traffic sign, signal or device or otherwise constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- No sign or any portion of a sign or its structure shall be located within four (4) feet of a street right-of-way or other lot line, except as expressly stated for certain exemptions, and except in the village zone where a waiver application is allowed.
- Signs shall not be permanently attached to trees or utility poles.
- Flashing, moving or animated signs are prohibited.
- Cars, trucks or other vehicles shall not be used as signage. Commercial vehicles with advertising information shall not be regularly or permanently parked or placed in a location where a sign would not be permitted, or used in a way that has the effect of circumventing these standards or Lisbon's Ordinances.
- Hand lettered signs are not allowed unless lettering is stenciled and laid out in a well-designed, professional manner.
- Banners or other temporary sign material or type are not allowed for permanent signs. Signs must be constructed using a solid frame structure with durable materials.
- No temporary sign or any portion of a temporary sign or its structure shall be located within four (4) feet of a street right-of-way or other lot line, except for off-premises signs as allowed.
- Illumination of temporary signs, both internal and external, is prohibited.
- Animated signs are not permitted (electronic/digital signs).
- Signs not expressly listed as a temporary sign are treated as permanent signs, and shall be regulated accordingly.
- No sign or any part of its structure shall exceed 20 feet in height, as measured from the normal grade.
- No more than two signs requiring a sign permit shall be located on any property (excluding certain signs as explicitly described).
- Signs must not be permanently attached to or obscure any part of or architectural details on a building.
- No permanent sign may be placed in town-owned parks, gardens, or trail properties except for purposes of park/property identification, wayfinding, safety, or other informational purpose pertaining to the use and activities appropriate for that property, as approved by the Town.
Exempt Signs in Lisbon
- Signs smaller than two (2) square feet.
- Temporary political signs.
- Temporary real estate signs.
- Trespass, hunting, posted property signs required or permitted by law.
- Temporary signs smaller than twelve (12) square feet.
- Public safety signs, placed by or required by the town or any state or federal authority.
- Informational signs less than two (2) square feet in size. (If more than four such signs with additional permitted signs, a signage plan is required.)
- Official business directional signs permitted by the Maine Department of Transportation.
- Signs permitted through the Maine DOT not related to traffic/roadway rules and located in the road right-of-way.
- Street address numbers not exceeding two (2) square feet.
- The flag of any nation or political subdivision.
- Flags, banners, balloons, or other decorations not expressly used to advertise a business, product, or business-related event or activity.
- Religious symbols or insignias.
- Historic plaques or memorial signs or tablets not exceeding four (4) square feet in area.
- Subdivision or residential development signs: one (1) non-internally lit sign at each driveway entrance, not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet per sign.
- Signs required by state or federal law or regulation.
- Town signs used and maintained by the Town of Lisbon, including welcome/gateway signs, business park signage, public school signs, town office or other town department or committee signs, and temporary notice or advertising for Town events and activities.
- Temporary public safety signs for the duration of an event or construction.
- Temporary signs for community, charity, or non-profit events placed as per section 70-720.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Lisbon
- All sign plans or signs not requiring a permit must comply with the standards and requirements of this ordinance and any state or federal regulations (Sec. 70-713(5)).
- A signage plan is required for any property proposing more than four informational signs in addition to other permitted signs (Sec. 70-716(7)).
- A master signage plan for a multi-tenant property shall be required for properties seeking site plan review approval and permitting. The plan should describe the size, location, lighting, color, and material for all proposed signs, including directional and informational signs (Sec. 70-719(1)(e)).
- For new development or redevelopment along Route 196, a sign permit is required and 'the sign design guidelines will also be met to the greatest extent possible' (Sec. 70-831(2)).
- Site plan review applicants (and also conditional use permits that meet the thresholds for design review) must demonstrate compliance with sign regulations and provide a sign plan as part of their submission if signage is proposed (see Sec. 70-831 and 70-719(1)(e)).
Source: municode municipal code