Sign Regulations in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Cape Girardeau, Missouri has specific sign regulations covering 9 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, Canopy and Marquee Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 1, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Sample Sign Requirements in Cape Girardeau
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | Minimum of 50 square feet | — |
| Freestanding Sign | Varies by zone | Varies by zone | — |
| Projecting Sign | — | 150 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
9
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall Sign
- Canopy and Marquee Sign
- Awning Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Cape Girardeau
Other Cities in Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
In Cape Girardeau, monument signs are limited to Varies by zone. 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 Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, Canopy and Marquee Sign, Awning 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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cape Girardeau has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cape Girardeau, Missouri Sign Rules at a Glance
Cape Girardeau, Missouri regulates 9 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Varies by zone tall and Varies by zone (Sec. Sec. 25-137(b)). Most commercial signs in Cape Girardeau require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cape Girardeau (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 48 inches | 150 square feet | — |
| RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and RMH Districts | 1 | 5 feet | 40 square feet | — |
| NC, Nonresidential Uses in Residential Zones, AG, AG-1 | 1 | 12 feet | 120 square feet | — |
| C-1, C-2, CBD, PD, M-1, and M-2 | 1 | 35 feet | 150 square feet | — |
| C-1, C-2, CBD, PD, M-1 and M-2 Located on Kingshighway, Southern Expressway and MO Route 74 (Shawnee Parkway) | 1 | 40 feet | 150 square feet | — |
| C-1, C-2, PD, M-1 and M-2 Located on Interstate 55 | 1 | 60 feet | 150 square feet | — |
| A-1 District (airport) | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cape Girardeau(sample of 3 of 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | Minimum of 50 square feet | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(a) |
| Freestanding Sign | Varies by zone | Varies by zone | — | — | Varies by zone | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(b) |
| Canopy and Marquee Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed to canopy or marquee | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(c) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 150 square feet | — | — | One per occupancy per street frontage | In lieu of freestanding signage | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(e) |
| Roof Sign | — | Assessed against the maximum permitted area for wall signs | — | — | — | Commercial, planned development, and manufacturing districts only | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(f) |
| Electronic, Video, or Digital Message Sign | — | 50 square feet in CBD, C-1, C-2, PD, M-1 or M-2; 32 square feet in NC or nonresidential in residential districts | — | — | — | CBD, C-1, C-2, PD, M-1, M-2, NC, or nonresidential in residential districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(g) |
| A-frame Sign | 48 inches | 8 square feet per sign face | 30 inches | — | — | On the sidewalk in front of the place of business | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(h) |
| Directional Sign | — | 6 square feet | — | — | No more than two on-premises directional signs per public street entrance | On-premises or off-premises as specified | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(j) |
RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and RMH Districts
| 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 | 5 feet | 40 square feet | — | — | 2 per arterial street entrance | 2 per arterial street entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(b) |
NC, Nonresidential Uses in Residential Zones, AG, AG-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 | 12 feet | 120 square feet | — | — | 1 per street front | 1 per street front | — | Unlock | Sec. 25-137(b) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Cape Girardeau — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Cape Girardeau — start freeProhibited Signs in Cape Girardeau
- No sign other than an official traffic sign shall be placed within any public right-of-way, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations of the city.
- Signs projecting over public walkways shall be permitted to do so only subject to the projection and clearance limits either defined herein or, if not so defined, at a minimum height of ten feet from grade level to the bottom of the sign.
- No sign or sign structure shall be erected within 30 feet of the paved portion of the intersection of any street or in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location whereby its position, shape or color it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
- Signs that advertise goods or services not located on the same premises as the sign are not allowed, except as authorized elsewhere in this article.
- Any sign structure that has no message or no sign face for a continuous period of one year or more, or for which has advertisement that no longer applies shall be considered an abandoned sign.
- Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
- Signs which blink, flash or are animated by lighting in any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights, or emergency vehicle warnings from a distance.
- Banner signs, except as otherwise specifically authorized in this code.
Exempt Signs in Cape Girardeau
- Official notices authorized by a court, public governmental body or public safety official.
- Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal, state or municipal governments.
- Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure.
- The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a school.
- Street address signs and combination nameplate and street address signs that contain no advertising copy and which do not exceed six square feet in area.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cape Girardeau
- Master sign plan required. All landlord or single-owner controlled multiple-occupancy developments on parcels exceeding three acres in size shall submit to the code official a master sign plan prior to issuance of new sign permits.
Source: municode municipal code