Sign Regulations in Meridian, Mississippi
Meridian, Mississippi has specific sign regulations covering 39 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Electronic Message Sign (as component of Detached Sign), Billboard or Poster Panel, Wall Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 12, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Meridian, Mississippi
Sample Sign Requirements in Meridian
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Sign | — | — | Must comply with the district’s setbacks, and the general minimum setbacks for all signs: 5 ft from side/rear property lines and 10 ft from street right-of-way. |
| Temporary Event Sign | — | ≤ 50 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Temporary Event Attention-Attracting Devices | — | Small balloons ≤ 2 sq ft each | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MeridianFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
39
- Electronic Message Sign (as component of Detached Sign)
- Billboard or Poster Panel
- Wall Sign
- Marquee Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Meridian
Other Cities in Mississippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Meridian 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 Meridian, 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 Meridian, regulated sign types include Electronic Message Sign (as component of Detached Sign), Billboard or Poster Panel, Wall Sign, Marquee 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 Meridian 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 Meridian are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Meridian has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Meridian, Mississippi Sign Rules at a Glance
Meridian, Mississippi regulates 39 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Detached Sign (Per Building)s in the B-2; B-3 General Business District zoning district are capped at ≤ 30 ft at 10 ft setback; up to 35 ft with additional setback tall and ≤ 150 sq ft per face; ≤ 300 sq ft total (all faces), with a ≥ 10 ft from street right-of-way; additional setback increases allowable height setback (Sec. Sec. 7-243(5)c). Most commercial signs in Meridian require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Meridian, Mississippi
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Meridian (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 16 | ≤ 100 ft, and not higher than the distance from anchor point to nearest property line/street/thoroughfare/power lines | ≤ 200 sq ft per sign | — |
| R-1; R-2 | 4 | ≤ 10 ft | ≤ 50 sq ft per face | — |
| A | 5 | ≤ 45 ft (measured from ground at sign base) | ≤ 600 sq ft per face; ≤ 2 faces per structure | — |
| R-3 | 1 | ≤ 6 ft overall | ≤ 20 sq ft | — |
| B-1 | 3 | ≤ 6 ft above average grade | ≤ 20 sq ft | — |
| B-2; B-3 General Business District | 9 | ≤ 45 ft | ≤ 600 sq ft per face; ≤ 2 faces per structure | — |
| B-5 | 8 | ≤ 35 ft | ≤ 150 sq ft per face; ≤ 300 sq ft total (all faces) | — |
| B-5 (downtown areas) | 2 | — | ≤ 20% of awning area (business name) | — |
| B-4; I | 11 | ≤ 60 ft at 10 ft setback; up to 85 ft with additional setback | ≤ 600 sq ft per face; max 2 faces; ≤ 1,200 sq ft total | — |
| P | 1 | — | ≤ 200 sq ft (electronic display area) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Meridian(sample of 3 of 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Sign | — | — | — | Must comply with the district’s setbacks, and the general minimum setbacks for all signs: 5 ft from side/rear property lines and 10 ft from street right-of-way. | Maximum 1 portable sign per lot | One portable sign per lot; cannot occupy any required parking spaces. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-246(a)–(c) |
| Temporary Event Sign | — | ≤ 50 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | Allowed in all zoning districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-247 (first paragraph) |
| Temporary Event Attention-Attracting Devices | — | Small balloons ≤ 2 sq ft each | — | — | — | Allowed in all zoning districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-247 (second paragraph) |
| Temporary Event Balloon (Large Inflatable) | ≤ 100 ft, and not higher than the distance from anchor point to nearest property line/street/thoroughfare/power lines | Size ≤ 30 ft length or ≤ 15 ft height (balloon size) | — | Must be anchored so as not to encroach into adjoining property lines, streets/thoroughfares, or power lines. | — | Only allowed in zoning districts B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, and I. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-247 (third paragraph) |
| Snipe Signs (Yard/Garage Sale) | — | — | — | — | — | Only on private property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-247 (fourth paragraph); Sec. 7-248(e) |
| Private Traffic Direction Signs | — | ≤ 4 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | Direct traffic movement onto or within premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-249(3) |
| Identification Signs (Noncommercial) | — | Per address designation ordinance requirements | — | — | — | On premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-249(5) |
| Construction Project Sign | — | ≤ 200 sq ft per sign | — | ≥ 10 ft from any property line | 1 per roadway frontage | One sign on each roadway frontage; only during active construction/development. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-249(6) |
B-2; B-3 General Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | ≤ 15% of facade area (per sign) | — | — | ≤ 3 wall/marquee signs total; ≤ 1 per facade | On business/commercial building facades. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(5)b |
| Marquee Sign | — | ≤ 15% of facade area (per sign) | — | — | ≤ 3 wall/marquee signs total; ≤ 1 per facade | Attached to marquee/canopy on building facades. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(5)b; Sec. 7-242(5) |
| Projecting Sign - Option (In Lieu of One Wall/Marquee Sign) | — | ≤ 15% of facade area (per sign) | — | — | 1 (in lieu of one attached wall sign) | Projecting from building (>1 ft from facade). | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(5)b; Sec. 7-242(11) |
| Detached Sign (Per Building) | ≤ 30 ft at 10 ft setback; up to 35 ft with additional setback | ≤ 150 sq ft per face; ≤ 300 sq ft total (all faces) | — | ≥ 10 ft from street right-of-way; additional setback increases allowable height | 1 per building | On the premises; at least 10 ft from street right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(5)c |
| Shopping Center Detached Sign (Unified Center) | ≤ 30 ft at 10 ft setback; up to 35 ft with additional setback | ≤ 150 sq ft per face; ≤ 300 sq ft total (all faces) | — | ≥ 10 ft from street right-of-way; additional setback increases allowable height | 1 per shopping center | One detached sign identifying the entire center; all other signs within the center must be wall, projecting, or marquee signs. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(5)d |
| Wall/Marquee Sign - Approved Private Sign Standards | — | ≤ 10% of facade area (per sign) | — | — | Counts toward max of 3 attached signs total | On building facades of establishments using approved private sign standards. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(5)e |
| Detached Sign - Approved Private Sign Standards | ≤ 35 ft | ≤ 150 sq ft per face; ≤ 300 sq ft total | — | General setbacks apply. | 1 per building | On premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(5)e |
| Billboard or Poster Panel | ≤ 45 ft | ≤ 600 sq ft per face; ≤ 2 faces per structure | — | Must meet district setbacks (e.g., B-3: 30 ft front yard; 10 ft side yard) | — | On property zoned B-2 or B-3. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-245(2)(a)–(f); B-3 setbacks: Sec. 330.05 |
B-4; I
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | ≤ 20% of facade area (per sign) | — | — | ≤ 4 wall/marquee signs total; ≤ 1 per facade | On business/commercial building facades. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(6)b |
| Marquee Sign | — | ≤ 20% of facade area (per sign) | — | — | ≤ 4 wall/marquee signs total; ≤ 1 per facade | Attached to marquee/canopy on building facades. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(6)b; Sec. 7-242(5) |
| Projecting Sign - Option (In Lieu of One Wall/Marquee Sign) | — | ≤ 20% of facade area (per sign) | — | — | 1 (in lieu of one attached wall sign) | Projecting from building (>1 ft from facade). | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(6)b; Sec. 7-242(11) |
| Detached Sign (Per Building) | ≤ 30 ft at 10 ft setback; up to 45 ft with additional setback | ≤ 600 sq ft per face; max 2 faces; ≤ 1,200 sq ft total | — | ≥ 10 ft from street ROW; additional setback increases allowable height | 1 per building | On the premises; at least 10 ft from street right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(6)c |
| Shopping Center Detached Sign (Per Public Street Frontage) | ≤ 20 ft at 10 ft setback; up to 45 ft with additional setback | ≤ 600 sq ft per face; ≤ 1,200 sq ft total (all faces) | — | ≥ 10 ft from street ROW; additional setback increases allowable height | 1 per public street frontage | One detached sign per public street frontage; all other signs within the center must be wall, projecting, or marquee signs. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(6)d |
| Wall/Marquee Sign - Approved Private Sign Standards | — | ≤ 20% of facade area (per sign) | — | — | Counts toward max of 4 attached signs total | On building facades of establishments using approved private sign standards. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(6)e (first sentence) |
| Detached Sign - Approved Private Sign Standards | ≤ 45 ft | ≤ 300 sq ft per face; ≤ 600 sq ft total (all faces) | — | General setbacks apply. | 1 per building | On premises. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-243(6)e (second sentence) |
| Billboard or Poster Panel | ≤ 45 ft | ≤ 600 sq ft per face; ≤ 2 faces per structure | — | Must meet district minimum setbacks | — | On property zoned B-4 or I. | — | Unlock | Sec. 7-245(2)(a)–(f) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Meridian — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Meridian — start freeProhibited Signs in Meridian
- Attention-attracting devices (rotating/moving action, moving or flashing lights) are prohibited except for temporary promotions; if used for an event they are limited to 30 days before and must be removed within 10 days after, and may be used for no more than two events per calendar year; they must meet applicable setback and height requirements (Sec. 7-248(d)).
- Snipe signs are prohibited except as allowed under Temporary Event Signs (Sec. 7-248(e) referencing Sec. 7-247).
- No sign may be placed within the public right-of-way; exception only for signs allowed in B-5 zoning districts (Sec. 7-248(l)).
- Setbacks apply to all signs: no part of any sign may be located less than 5 feet from a side or rear property line and less than 10 feet from a street right-of-way line; the building official may allow a smaller setback from the right-of-way only when a 10-foot setback is not physically possible and placement will not create a hazard, nuisance, or infringe on adjacent property rights (Sec. 7-248(f), (l)).
- Erecting, installing, or exhibiting a sign without first obtaining a sign permit is prohibited (except for specified exemptions such as temporary event signs); all permitted signs must display a permanently affixed label with the permit number (Sec. 7-248(a), (g)).
- Maintaining obsolete signs is prohibited: if premises are vacated for six months or the advertised business/activity ceases, the property owner must remove the sign and restore the facade to its pre-sign appearance (Sec. 7-250).
- Nonconforming signs are prohibited from being changed to or replaced with another nonconforming sign (excluding only face changes), structurally altered to extend useful life, expanded, relocated, reestablished after damage >50% of value, or modified to increase the degree of nonconformity; strengthening/restoring unsafe portions is limited to ≤50% of current market value (Sec. 7-251(b)).
Exempt Signs in Meridian
- Temporary event signs are allowed in all zoning districts without a permit; max 50 sq ft per face; allowed no more than 30 days prior to the event and must be removed within 10 days after; limited to two events per organization/business per calendar year (Sec. 7-247).
- Temporary event attention-attracting devices (flags, small balloons up to 2 sq ft, streamers, pinwheels) are allowed; no more than 14 days per event; must be removed within 48 hours after; limited to four events per organization/business per calendar year (Sec. 7-247).
- Snipe signs such as yard or garage sale signs are allowed only on private property; may be posted no more than 48 hours prior to the event and must be removed within 48 hours after (Sec. 7-247).
- Public signs of a noncommercial nature erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of public duty (directional, regulatory, warning, informational) are exempt, subject to illumination, construction, and safety rules and any stated standards (Sec. 7-249(1)).
- Integral building markers (names, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets) made an integral part of the structure in permanent materials are exempt, subject to illumination, construction, and safety rules and any stated standards (Sec. 7-249(2)).
- Private traffic direction signs (directing movement onto/within premises) not exceeding 4 sq ft per sign are exempt, subject to illumination, construction, and safety rules and any stated standards (Sec. 7-249(3)).
- Political campaign signs are exempt but must be confined to private property and may not encroach into the visibility triangle at street intersections (Sec. 7-249(4)).
- Identification signs bearing only property numbers, post box numbers, names of occupants/premises, professional or other identification without commercial connotations are exempt and must comply with the address designation ordinance (Sec. 7-249(5)).
- Construction signs: one per roadway frontage, not exceeding 200 sq ft, bearing project/participants information; allowed only while construction/development is actively underway; should be set back at least 10 feet from any property line (Sec. 7-249(6)).
- Temporary cloth signs or banners: any establishment may install without a sign permit; may remain no more than 30 days (Sec. 7-249(7)).
- Historic signs previously painted on a building designated historic may be recreated after approval by the historic preservation commission (Sec. 7-249(8)).
- Wall murals/paintings (public art) on exterior walls are exempt as wall art in addition to wall signage, but require a written request and review by the Public Art Review Committee prior to work (Sec. 7-249(10)).
- No sign permit is required for sign maintenance (Sec. 7-248(k)).
- No sign permit is required to change copy on signs with changeable copy displays (Sec. 7-248(j)).
- Establishments offering portable signs for sale or lease may display such signs outdoors with readable copy (Sec. 7-246(c)).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Meridian
- A sign permit is required before erecting a sign; fees are set by city council resolution (Sec. 7-248(a)).
- Signs in designated landmark districts or sites require review and a certificate of appropriateness; sign permits will not be issued until approval is granted (Sec. 7-244).
- Buildings may utilize approved private sign standards; if such standards are used, different maximum wall/marquee sign area limits apply (10% of facade in B-2/B-3/B-5, 20% in B-4/I); indicates an approval process for private sign standards (Sec. 7-243(5)(e), (6)(e)).
- Temporary banners on city property require written submission on a city form and approval by the Banner Review Committee per Resolution #3900; a permit is issued only after committee approval (Sec. 7-247).
- Temporary event banners over public right-of-way require an application submitted at least 7 days prior to Banner Review Committee meetings; allowable display time is determined by the committee per Resolution #3905 (Sec. 7-247).
- Wall murals/paintings (public art) require submission to the Community Development Department's Public Art Review Committee before work is performed (Sec. 7-249(10)).
- Electronic message signs: any deviation from listed area/height/setback requirements requires approval of the Community Development Director (Sec. 7-249(9)b).
- Setback variance process: only setback variances are allowed; determined by the Building Official; petitions must include specified information; fees set by city council; appeals go to the Board of Zoning Appeals and may be further appealed to the City Council (Sec. 7-252).
- Administrative adjustment: when a 10-foot right-of-way setback is not physically possible, the Building Official may allow a smaller setback if no traffic hazard, nuisance, or infringement on adjacent property rights will result (Sec. 7-248(l)).
Source: municode municipal code