Sign Regulations in Starkville, Mississippi
Starkville, Mississippi has specific sign regulations covering 42 sign types across 19 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Projecting 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 14, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Starkville, Mississippi
Sample Sign Requirements in Starkville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | ≤ 50% of facade face area and ≤ 150 sq ft (copy area or sign area, whichever is greater) | — |
| Projecting Sign | ≤ 4 ft | ≤ 6 sq ft | — |
| Suspended Sign | ≤ 4 ft | ≤ 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for StarkvilleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
42
- Wall Sign
- Monument Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Suspended Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
19
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Starkville
Other Cities in Mississippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Starkville 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 Starkville, 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 Starkville, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Projecting Sign, Suspended 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 Starkville 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 Starkville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Starkville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Starkville, Mississippi Sign Rules at a Glance
Starkville, Mississippi regulates 42 sign types across 19 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at ≤ 8 ft tall, ≤ 80 sq ft, and ≤ 12 ft wide, with a ≥ 5 ft from street right-of-way setback (Sec. 14.7.9.A(1)-(4)). Most commercial signs in Starkville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Starkville, Mississippi
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Starkville (19 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 20 | ≤ 42 in | ≤ 200 sq ft sign area; copy area ≤ 60% of sign area | — |
| Form-based District (T-4) | 6 | ≤ 8 ft | ≤ 80 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Form-based District (T-5D) | 6 | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 60 sq ft | — |
| Corridor Form-based District (T-5C) | 7 | Per copy area ≤ 12 in | ≤ 60 sq ft | — |
| University Form-based District (T-5U) | 7 | Per copy area ≤ 12 in | ≤ 60 sq ft | — |
| Traditional Neighborhood-New (TN-N) | 6 | ≤ 42 in | Sloping plane ≤ 25 sq ft; Valance ≤ 75% area | — |
| Traditional Neighborhood-Existing (TN-E) | 5 | ≤ 4 ft | Sloping plane ≤ 25 sq ft; Valance ≤ 75% area | — |
| Multi-dwelling Unit (MU-9) | 3 | ≤ 12 ft | ≤ 100 sq ft | — |
| Multi-dwelling Unit (MU-20) | 3 | ≤ 12 ft | ≤ 100 sq ft | — |
| Rural Neighborhood (RN), O-E | 9 | ≤ 24 in | ≤ 100 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Neighborhood (CN), Commercial Rural (CR) | 4 | Per copy area ≤ 12 in | ≤ 100 sq ft | — |
| Commercial (C), Industrial (I), Optional-Commercial Use District, Optional-Industrial Use District | 4 | ≤ 12 ft (or ≤ 16 ft if US Hwy 82/25 at ≥60 mph) | ≤ 100 sq ft (or ≤ 190 sq ft if US Hwy 82/25 at ≥60 mph) | — |
| Industrial (I) | 3 | ≤ 8 ft (or ≤ 16 ft if US Hwy 82/25 at ≥60 mph) | ≤ 80 sq ft (or ≤ 160 sq ft if US Hwy 82/25 at ≥60 mph) | — |
| Optional-Commercial Use District | 3 | ≤ 8 ft (or ≤ 16 ft if US Hwy 82/25 at ≥60 mph) | ≤ 80 sq ft (or ≤ 160 sq ft if US Hwy 82/25 at ≥60 mph) | — |
| Optional-Industrial Use District | 3 | ≤ 8 ft (or ≤ 16 ft if US Hwy 82/25 at ≥60 mph) | ≤ 80 sq ft (or ≤ 160 sq ft if US Hwy 82/25 at ≥60 mph) | — |
| Special-Institutional (SI) | 3 | ≤ 8 ft | ≤ 80 sq ft | — |
| Special-Educational (SE) | 3 | ≤ 8 ft | ≤ 80 sq ft | — |
| Residential districts | 4 | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 16 sq ft | — |
| Non-residential and Mixed-Use Districts | 4 | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 32 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Starkville(sample of 3 of 19 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | ≤ 4 ft | ≤ 6 sq ft | ≤ 4 ft | — | Max 1 per tenant per street frontage | Mounted at right angle to facade; bottom of sign ≥ 8 ft above walkway/sidewalk. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.B(A)-(D) |
| Suspended Sign | ≤ 4 ft | ≤ 6 sq ft | ≤ 4 ft | — | Max 1 per tenant per street frontage | Mounted under beams/ceilings of porch, gallery, arcade, breezeway; bottom of sign ≥ 8 ft above walkway/sidewalk. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.C(A)-(D) |
| Nameplate Sign | ≤ 24 in | ≤ 3 sq ft | ≤ 24 in | — | Max 1 per address | On wall adjacent to entrance at 4–7 ft above walkway. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.G(A)-(D) |
| Address Sign | ≤ 12 in | ≤ 2 sq ft | ≤ 24 in | — | Max 1 per address | Placed 4–8 ft above walkway if on building; may be part of permitted freestanding sign. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.H(A)-(C) |
| Outdoor Display Case | ≤ 40 in | ≤ 8 sq ft | ≤ 40 in | — | Max 1 per address | Mounted 4–8 ft above walkway on wall or freestanding support. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.I(A)-(D) |
| Monument Sign | ≤ 8 ft | ≤ 80 sq ft | ≤ 12 ft | ≥ 5 ft from street right-of-way | Max 1 per 330 ft of frontage; ≥ 200 ft separation | Freestanding on permanent foundation/decorative base; not on poles; not within sight triangle. | — | Unlock | 14.7.9.A(1)-(4) |
| Monument Sign (US Hwy 82/25, 60 mph+) | ≤ 16 ft | ≤ 160 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft from street right-of-way; not within sight triangle | Max 1 per 330 ft of frontage; ≥ 200 ft separation | Adjacent to US Hwy 82 or US Hwy 25 where posted speed ≥ 60 mph; only in districts where monument signs are permitted. | — | Unlock | 14.7.9.A(4)(f) |
| Multi-Tenant Sign | ≤ 12 ft | ≤ 100 sq ft | ≤ 18 ft | ≥ 5 ft from street right-of-way | Max 1 per 330 ft of frontage; ≥ 200 ft separation | Freestanding on permanent foundation/decorative base; not within sight triangle. | — | Unlock | 14.7.9.B(1)-(4) |
Corridor Form-based District (T-5C)
| 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 | — | Sign area ≤ 3 ft height and ≤ 90% of facade width; and overall ≤ 50% of facade face and ≤ 150 sq ft | — | — | — | Not above parapet/eave; bottom ≥ 8 ft. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.A(2)(b), (3), (4)(a)-(b) |
| Projecting Sign | ≤ 4 ft | ≤ 6 sq ft | ≤ 4 ft | — | Max 1 per tenant per street frontage | Bottom ≥ 8 ft; max 1 per tenant per street frontage. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.B(B)-(D) |
| Suspended Sign | ≤ 4 ft | ≤ 6 sq ft | ≤ 4 ft | — | Max 1 per tenant per street frontage | Bottom ≥ 8 ft; max 1 per tenant per street frontage. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.C(B)-(D) |
| Awning Sign | — | Sloping plane ≤ 25 sq ft; Valance ≤ 75% area | — | — | Max 1 sloping-plane per facade face per tenant | Must not extend beyond awning nor above wall height. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.D(B)-(C) |
| Marquee Sign | ≤ 3 ft above parapet; not beyond eaves | — | ≤ 24 in | — | Max 1 per building; max 1 per block face | Corner lot; oriented to street; bottom ≥ 8 ft; max 1 per building; max 1 per block face. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.E(B)-(D) |
| Monument Sign (T-5C conditions) | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 60 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft from ROW; not within sight triangle | Max 1 per 330 ft frontage; ≥ 200 ft separation | Only allowed on lots where existing building exceeds maximum setback for T-5C; corner lots not eligible unless approved as a Use Exception. | — | Unlock | 14.7.9.A(4)(i) |
| Electronic Message Center (T-5C) | Per copy area ≤ 12 in | Total per facade face ≤ 6 sq ft (sum of copy areas) | Per copy area ≤ 36 in | — | Max 1 EMC per street-facing facade | Only on site signage approved as part of a special exception or on the facade of a pump island canopy (convenience store/gas station); max one EMC per street-facing facade. | — | Unlock | 14.7.11.C(C)(1)-(2), (E) |
Rural Neighborhood (RN), O-E
| 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% of facade face and ≤ 150 sq ft (general); if TN/MU limits not applicable | — | — | — | On building wall. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.A(1)-(4)(e) |
| Projecting Sign | ≤ 4 ft | ≤ 6 sq ft | ≤ 4 ft | — | Max 1 per tenant per street frontage | Bottom ≥ 8 ft; max 1 per tenant per street frontage. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.B(D)(2) |
| Suspended Sign | ≤ 4 ft | ≤ 6 sq ft | ≤ 4 ft | — | Max 1 per tenant per street frontage | Bottom ≥ 8 ft; max 1 per tenant per street frontage. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.C(D)(2) |
| Awning Sign | — | Sloping plane ≤ 25 sq ft; Valance ≤ 75% area | — | — | Max 1 sloping-plane per facade face per tenant | Must not extend beyond awning nor above wall height. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.D(C)(3) |
| Marquee Sign | ≤ 3 ft above parapet; not beyond eaves | — | ≤ 24 in | — | Max 1 per building; max 1 per block face | Corner lot; oriented to street; bottom ≥ 8 ft; max 1 per building; max 1 per block face. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.E(D)(6) |
| Nameplate Sign | ≤ 24 in | ≤ 3 sq ft | ≤ 24 in | — | Max 1 per address | On wall adjacent to entrance, 4–7 ft above walkway. | — | Unlock | 14.7.8.G(D)(1) |
| Monument Sign | ≤ 8 ft | ≤ 80 sq ft | ≤ 12 ft | ≥ 5 ft from ROW | Max 1 per 330 ft; ≥ 200 ft separation | ≥ 5 ft from ROW; not within sight triangle. | — | Unlock | 14.7.9.A(4)(h) |
| Multi-Tenant Sign | ≤ 12 ft | ≤ 100 sq ft | ≤ 18 ft | ≥ 5 ft from ROW | Max 1 per 330 ft; ≥ 200 ft separation | ≥ 5 ft from ROW; not within sight triangle. | — | Unlock | 14.7.9.B(4)(g) |
PermitPal covers all 19 zoning districts in Starkville — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 19 zones for Starkville — start freeProhibited Signs in Starkville
- It is unlawful to erect, place, relocate, expand, modify, illuminate, maintain, or otherwise alter a sign except in accordance with Section 14.7 standards.
- Signs shall not be placed within a sight distance triangle of a street or driveway.
- Any sign not expressly permitted by Section 14.7 is prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed in the public right-of-way (including on curbs, sidewalks, posts, poles, hydrants, bridges, trees, or other public surfaces) unless authorized by the Board of Aldermen or specifically allowed in the code; official traffic control signs excepted.
- Non-seasonal decorative lighting intended to attract the attention of pedestrians or motorists that is not part of a seasonal display or outdoor gathering space is not permitted.
- Mechanically moving signs are prohibited.
- Roof-mounted signs are prohibited unless specifically allowed by a zoning district or use-specific standards.
- Searchlights are prohibited except for airport operations.
- Pennants, balloons, and streamers are prohibited.
- No sign may be erected in a manner that obstructs or could be confused with official traffic signs or other governmental signs (by location, color, size, shape, nature, or message).
- Removing, damaging, or trimming trees or shrubs within the public right-of-way to enhance sign visibility is prohibited unless approved by the Board of Aldermen after a determination of danger to public safety.
- Vehicle signs (moving or stationary) are prohibited unless the vehicle is actively engaged in deliveries, pick-ups, or otherwise actively in use and its primary purpose is something other than advertising; allowed vehicle signs must be stored screened from view from the right-of-way when not in use; this does not apply to work vehicles parked at a residence or at the primary place of business during non-operating hours.
- Electronic message center signs located inside a building and visible from any public street are not permitted.
- Off-premise signage is prohibited in all zoning districts, except outdoor advertising signs as defined in Section 14.7.11(D).
- Temporary signs may not be installed or secured in a way that makes them permanent.
- Temporary signs shall not protrude above the roofline of a structure.
- Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
- Temporary signs shall not require foundations, supports, wiring, fittings, or elements that would require a building or electrical permit.
- No streamers, spinning, flashing, or similarly moving devices may be part of or attached to a temporary sign.
- All temporary signs must be secured to prevent swinging or significant movement from wind that could pose a danger.
- Mobile or movable temporary signs (on wheels, runners, casters, parked trailers, or parked vehicles) are not permitted unless specifically allowed elsewhere in the chapter.
- Temporary signs that deteriorate must be removed or replaced when determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Exempt Signs in Starkville
- Signs containing noncommercial speech are permitted anywhere that advertising or business signs are permitted.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Starkville
- No master sign plan requirement is stated in the provided text.
- Variance requests regarding dimensional requirements are reviewed by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals at a public hearing (Section 14.7.7.A).
- Use exceptions from this section are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission at a public hearing (Section 14.7.7.B).
- Signs approved via a variance or use exception apply only to the specific applicant; re-approval is required to reuse the sign (Section 14.7.7.C).
- Placement of any sign in the public right-of-way requires authorization by the Board of Aldermen or an encroachment agreement; entrance signs specifically note encroachment agreements (Sections 14.7.3.B, 14.7.11.A.C.2, 14.7.11.B.C.2).
- Banner signs spanning a public street require Board of Aldermen approval as part of a Special Event application (Section 14.7.10.C.A.3).
- Fence screen signs and construction signs require both an active building permit and a sign permit; fence screens may block walkways/streets only with Development Review Committee approval as part of site plan approval (Sections 14.7.10.E.A.2, 14.7.10.E.C.2, 14.7.10.F.A.2).
- Electronic message centers require a sign permit unless included within a new wall, monument, or multi-tenant sign permit (Section 14.7.11.C.A.5).
- Residential subdivisions and non-residential master planned developments must provide space for entrance signs during design approval to be eligible for right-of-way encroachment agreements after certificate of occupancy (Sections 14.7.11.A.C.3, 14.7.11.B.C.3).
Source: other municipal code