Sign Regulations in Southaven, Mississippi
Southaven, Mississippi has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Directory Sign, Message/Reader Board Sign. 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 Southaven, Mississippi
Sample Sign Requirements in Southaven
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window Sign | — | 20% of window area | — |
| Community Entrance Sign (Main Entry) | 12 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Community Entrance Sign (Secondary Entry) | 12 ft | 16 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
22
- Wall Sign
- Directory Sign
- Message/Reader Board Sign
- Temporary Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Southaven
Other Cities in Mississippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Southaven 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 Southaven, 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 Southaven, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Directory Sign, Message/Reader Board Sign, Temporary 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 Southaven 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 Southaven are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Southaven has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Southaven, Mississippi Sign Rules at a Glance
Southaven, Mississippi regulates 22 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Ground-mounted Signs in the O office district, R-O residential office, C-1 neighborhood commercial district zoning district are capped at 9 ft tall and 50 sq ft per face; total not to exceed 100 sq ft for all faces, with a 10 ft setback (Sec. Sec. 13-6(k)(3)a.2, b.2, c.2, c.3, d, e). Most commercial signs in Southaven require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Southaven, Mississippi
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Southaven (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 12 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| A agricultural district | 2 | — | 75 sq ft per face | — |
| R residential districts, Residential portions of PUD districts | 2 | 6 ft from grade | 35 sq ft per face; total sign area on property not to exceed 75 sq ft | — |
| O office district, R-O residential office, C-1 neighborhood commercial district | 5 | 9 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| C commercial districts (C-3, C-4), M industrial district (M-1, M-2) | 9 | 15 ft | 125 sq ft (can be increased) | — |
| PUD | 1 | — | — | — |
| PBP | 1 | — | — | — |
| Interstate 55 interchanges (overlay district) | 1 | Up to 25 ft above highest paved surface or 50 ft, whichever is less. | Up to 100 sq ft per face | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Southaven(sample of 3 of 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Advertising Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Must be attached to posts of an existing sign or wall of the business being advertised. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(b)(8); Sec. 13-6(b)(6) |
| Window Sign | — | 20% of window area | — | — | — | In or on windows | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(b)(9) |
| Community Entrance Sign (Main Entry) | 12 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | Up to 4 | Subdivision/community property only. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(b)(11) |
| Community Entrance Sign (Secondary Entry) | 12 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | — | Subdivision/community property only. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(b)(11) |
| Off-site Community Locator Sign | 12 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | Up to 2 | Within 2 miles of the subdivision/community and within 500 feet of an intersection. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(b)(12) |
O office district, R-O residential office, C-1 neighborhood commercial 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 | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | — | On building; may not project more than 12 inches from the face of the building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(3)a.1, b.1, c.1, e |
| Ground-mounted Sign | 9 ft | 50 sq ft per face; total not to exceed 100 sq ft for all faces | — | 10 ft | 1 per parcel | Setback minimum 10 feet from right-of-way. On double or corner lots, only the frontage with principal entrance gets ground sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(3)a.2, b.2, c.2, c.3, d, e |
| Directory Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(3)a.3 |
| Message/Reader Board Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Below the actual business sign as secondary signage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(3)a.5, b.3, c.4 |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(3)a.4 |
C commercial districts (C-3, C-4), M industrial district (M-1, M-2)
| 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 | — | 125 sq ft (can be increased) | — | — | — | On building; may not extend more than 12 inches from surface or roof line. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(4)a.7, b.2, c.1 |
| Awning Sign | — | 125 sq ft | — | — | — | On awning | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(4)a.1, b.2 |
| Bench Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per parcel | At least 10 feet from right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(4)a.2, b.4, c.2, c.3 |
| Directory Sign | 15 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per parcel | At least 10 feet from right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(4)a.3, b.3, c.2, c.3, d.2 |
| Ground-mounted Sign (lots >=100ft wide) | 9 ft | 50 sq ft per sign | — | 10 ft | 1 per parcel | At least 10 feet from right-of-way. Only on frontage with principal entrance (for double/corner lots). | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(4)a.4, b.3, c.2, c.3, d.2 |
| Ground-mounted Sign (lots <100ft wide) | 6 ft | 35 sq ft per sign | — | 10 ft | 1 per parcel | At least 10 feet from right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(4)b.3, c.2, d.3 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(4)a.5, b.5, d.1 |
| Message/Reader Board Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Below business signage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 13-6(k)(4)a.8, c.4 |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Southaven — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Southaven — start freeProhibited Signs in Southaven
- No sign shall be erected as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape, and no sign of any kind shall be attached to a fire escape.
- No business sign or outdoor advertisement sign shall be erected in the city unless it is in compliance with the regulations and permitted for the district in which it is to be located as set forth in this chapter.
- No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of position, it may interfere with or obstruct the view of traffic site lines or traffic control devices. No sign shall be erected within the sight triangle as defined in this chapter.
- The illumination of any sign within fifty (50) feet of and facing a residential zone lot line shall be diffused or indirect and designed to prevent direct rays of light from shining into adjoining residential districts.
- Garage sale, yard sale, and like signs shall not be erected on public property right-of-way and may be erected on private property only with the permission of the property owner. Signs shall be promptly removed immediately after the event.
- Portable signs are prohibited within the City of Southaven limits.
- Temporary advertising signs, banners, displays, posters, etc., may not be displayed more than twice a year and for no longer than fifteen (15) days each time. Temporary advertising signs must be attached to the posts of an existing sign or to the wall of the business being advertised.
- Signs in or on windows shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of any single window area; only that portion of the window area associated with the separate business can be counted for a multi-tenant building.
- Each non-English language sign shall also provide an English translation, with lettering readable from the public street.
- Illuminated signs: The light from any illuminated sign must not be objectionable to surrounding areas, must not confuse or resemble traffic signals, and must not create a traffic hazard.
- Pole signs are prohibited.
- Wall signs constructed of wood or metal on the exterior building surface are prohibited.
- Cabinet wall or box signs are illegal on exterior building surfaces.
- Moving devices or search lights for advertising purposes are prohibited.
- Signs painted directly on exterior building surfaces are prohibited.
- Signs attached to trees or utility poles are prohibited.
- Obscenity or immoral signs are prohibited.
- Changeable letter marquees are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Yard stake signs are prohibited.
- Signs or devices that resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices are prohibited.
- Signs attached to, suspended from or painted on any vehicle or trailer visible from any street or public place are prohibited, except as required by law for service vehicles or business identification during normal business.
- Signs containing pulsating or strobe lights are prohibited.
- Banners or streamers are prohibited except as specifically provided.
- Sandwich board and pedestal signs and signs carried by persons are prohibited.
- Off-premises signs, including subdivision locator signs, are prohibited.
- Abandoned or dilapidated signs are prohibited.
- Real estate signs must be removed within thirty (30) days of the rent, sale or lease of a property.
- Exposed neon letters or logos on permanent structures including building facades and/or monument-based ground mounted signage are prohibited.
- Construction signs allowed only on developing property and only while construction is in progress, not exceeding one year and not exceeding seventy-five (75) square feet.
- Balloons are prohibited.
- Home-based business signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs (which protrude above the roof line) are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs are prohibited.
- Any sign erected, placed, kept, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be removed immediately.
Exempt Signs in Southaven
- Public signs erected by, or on the order of, a public officer in the performance of public duty, such as safety signs, danger signs, and traffic signs.
- Historical markers recognized by local, state, or federal authorities.
- Nameplates mounted on buildings or mailboxes not exceeding one (1) square foot in size.
- Traffic directional signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in size and located at least one (1) foot from the right-of-way.
- Signs in or on windows not exceeding twenty (20) percent of the window area.
- Signs advertising the sale or lease of real estate, so long as sign area of one (1) face does not exceed twelve (12) square feet in the A agricultural district, and eight (8) square feet in all other districts, and is located only on the lot advertised.
- Signs not exceeding eight (8) square feet in size, located at least one (1) foot from the street right-of-way.
- On petroleum products and dispensers within view of a public way, signs displaying information required by law and, in addition, the brand name and type of product being dispensed are permitted, as long as signs do not extend beyond the face of the dispenser.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Southaven
- All permanent and temporary signs except those listed as exempted signs shall require a permit obtainable from the City of Southaven Office of Planning and Development.
- Temporary advertising signs, regardless of permit fee waiver status for nonprofits, always require a permit from the office of planning and development.
- PUD (Planned Unit Development) signage is subject to an approved plan.
- PBP signage is subject to ordinance requirements and an approved plan.
Source: municode municipal code