Sign Regulations in Maplewood, Missouri
Maplewood, Missouri has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign - One Entrance, Wall Sign - Rear Entrance (Parking Lot). 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 Maplewood, Missouri
Sample Sign Requirements in Maplewood
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign - One Entrance | No higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; top of sills of the first level of windows above the first story; lowest point of adjacent road surface; or top of parapet for one-story buildings. | — | — |
| Wall Sign - Rear Entrance (Parking Lot) | — | 40 sq ft | — |
| Pole Sign/Post Sign | 25 ft or roofline, whichever is lower | — | No part of sign may project beyond a 1-ft setback from any property line. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MaplewoodFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
30
- Ground Sign
- Wall Sign - One Entrance
- Wall Sign - Rear Entrance (Parking Lot)
- Wall Sign - Second-Floor Business
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Maplewood
Other Cities in Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
In Maplewood, wall signs can be up to No higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; top of sills of the first level of windows above the first story; lowest point of adjacent road surface; or top of parapet for one-story buildings.. 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 Maplewood, 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 Maplewood, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign - One Entrance, Wall Sign - Rear Entrance (Parking Lot), Wall Sign - Second-Floor Business, 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 Maplewood 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 Maplewood are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Maplewood has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Maplewood, Missouri Sign Rules at a Glance
Maplewood, Missouri regulates 30 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Commercial District, Special Business District, Districts zoned NB, CB, PB, AB, LM and HM zoning district are capped at 5 ft including foundation or planter box tall, 32 sq ft per side, and 8 ft wide, with a Minimum 1 ft from street lot line setback (Sec. Sec. 6-49(b)(3); Sec. 6-76(a)(7)). Most commercial signs in Maplewood require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Maplewood, Missouri
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Maplewood (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial District, Special Business District, Districts zoned NB, CB, PB, AB, LM and HM | 16 | Lesser of applicable sign type or 35 ft | Lesser of applicable sign type or 72 sq ft | — |
| Multifamily Apartment Complexes | 1 | 5 ft (including foundation or planter box) | 22 sq ft per side | — |
| Institutional Properties | 2 | 5 ft (including foundation or planter box) | 32 sq ft | — |
| Residential District | 3 | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Planned Unit Development (PUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | — | 40 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Maplewood(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Commercial District, Special Business District, Districts zoned NB, CB, PB, AB, LM and HM
| 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 - One Entrance | No higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; top of sills of the first level of windows above the first story; lowest point of adjacent road surface; or top of parapet for one-story buildings. | — | — | — | One per office/store (two for corner lots) | Erected on wall of building parallel to the fronting street(s) | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-49(b)(1) |
| Pole Sign/Post Sign | 25 ft or roofline, whichever is lower | — | — | No part of sign may project beyond a 1-ft setback from any property line. | One per building | On same property as building/use | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-49(b)(2); Sec. 6-76(a)(10) |
| Ground Sign | 5 ft including foundation or planter box | 32 sq ft per side | 8 ft | Minimum 1 ft from street lot line | One per building | Subject to all requirements of 6-76(a)(7); not set nearer to street lot line than 1 foot; must not obstruct access/egress. | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-49(b)(3); Sec. 6-76(a)(7) |
| Awning Sign (Ground Floor Tenant) | If valance is 11+ inches high: letters max 8 in tall. If valance is 10 in or less: letters max 7 in tall. | — | Text (including logo) cannot exceed 75% of valance length. | — | One facing each street (corner lots); possible second if no other signage exists. | On valance of first-floor level canvas awning facing street | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-49(b)(5) |
| Projecting Sign (Historic Sutton Boulevard Building) | Up to 8 ft above ground, with width not exceeding 4 ft 6 in, height not exceeding 5 ft 6 in | 16 sq ft | 4 ft 6 in | — | One per building (if requirements met) | On building on Sutton Blvd | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-49(b)(6)a |
| Projecting Sign (Special Business District First Floor Location) | Top of sign no higher than sills of first level windows above first story; 8 ft minimum clearance above ground, max height 5 ft 6 in | 16 sq ft | 4 ft 6 in | — | One per business | First floor businesses in Special Business District | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-49(b)(6)b |
| Fuel Filling Station Pump Sign | 20 in | Width of pump by 20 in high | — | — | One per pump | Top of each fuel pump | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-49(b)(9)c |
| Billboard | Lesser of applicable sign type or 35 ft | Lesser of applicable sign type or 72 sq ft | — | Min 90 ft from right-of-way, 90 ft from property line, 250 ft from on-site signs, 1,000 ft from other billboards/free standing on-site signs/residential land/public use/etc., 100 ft from structures, 90 ft from power lines | One per lot | Within 660 ft of interstate/primary highway in commercial district (NB, CB, PB, AB, LM, HM) | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-49(c) |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Yard Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Yard, residential property | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-31(c)(3) |
| For Sale/For Lease Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | At least 5 ft back from property line | One per property | Front yard; at least 5 ft back from property line; not attached to building | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-72(4) |
| Garage/Basement Sale Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | Max two per year | Residential property | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-72(5) |
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 Announcement/Development Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | Behind building line | One per vacant property | Vacant property | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-72(1) |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per project | At construction site | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-72(2) |
| Temporary For Sale/For Lease Sign (Nonresidential) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | One per property | Nonresidential property | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-72(3) |
| Temporary Miscellaneous Sign | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | One per building | Wall of building (any zone, public works approval) | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-72(6) |
| Banner (Temporary, Nonresidential) | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | Four per year | Any nonresidential building | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-72(7) |
| Directional Sign (Public Parkway) | — | 18 in x 24 in | — | — | — | On parkway or side of public street, alley, or place | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-73 |
| Window Sign (Product Ad, Interior) | — | No more than 20% of total display window area | — | — | Max 4 per window area | Placed on inside of ground floor display window | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-31(c)(4) |
| Front Door Sign (Business/Institutional) | — | 33% of door area | — | — | One per entrance | Front door | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-31(c)(5) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Maplewood — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Maplewood — start freeProhibited Signs in Maplewood
- Paper posters applied directly to the wall of a building or pole or other support, and advertising printed or applied directly to the wall or surface of a building are prohibited.
- Signs painted directly on the front walls of buildings are prohibited.
- Any signs which are no longer applicable to the property or building upon which such signs are located must be removed within 30 days after becoming nonapplicable.
- Signs containing flashers, animators, or mechanical movement/contrivances of any kind (except clocks) are prohibited.
- Signs or devices that by color, location, or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Billboards, except as permitted by section 6-49(c), are prohibited.
- Projecting signs, except as permitted in section 6-49(b)(6), are prohibited.
- Reader boards (signs with individually mounted and removable letters and numbers inserted into channels) are prohibited except for price signs at fuel filling stations and approved signs at religious and institutional properties.
- Detached and portable signs, whether or not trailer mounted, are prohibited.
- Streamers, pennants, and balloons hung from any building, structure, pole, or vehicle; placards or window markings on vehicles for sale at commercial property are prohibited.
- Any sign or banner erected in the public right-of-way or public easement except as provided in this article is prohibited.
- Any signs or banners not specifically permitted under this article are prohibited.
- No windows may be covered with paper or cloth except when the property is under construction and not open to the public.
- Illegal signs existing at the time of the effective date of the ordinance must be removed upon a change of business ownership, change of use of building, damage exceeding 50 percent of the original sign value, or exterior building renovation.
- A sign shall not be illuminated by other than electrical means, and electrical devices and wiring must comply with the National Electrical Code.
- A sign shall not be erected, constructed, or maintained to obstruct fire escapes, required exit ways, windows, or doors used for egress or fire-fighting access.
- A sign shall not be attached so as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation (except transom windows when not in Code violation).
- Ground signs shall not be set nearer to the street lot line than one foot.
- No ground sign may exceed five feet in height and eight feet in length (with a sign area limit of 32 square feet per side), except as specifically permitted elsewhere by the code.
- Wall signs shall not project more than 15 inches from the wall, nor beyond the top or end of the wall to which attached (except as specifically permitted).
- Pole sign maximum height is 25 feet or the roofline, whichever is lower, with specific setback and projection restrictions.
- No more than one pole sign per building, except as otherwise provided.
- All signs must be of high artistic quality enhancing surroundings (subject to design approval).
- Any unsafe or insecure sign or one damaging to neighboring property is prohibited.
- Trimming or removing trees/vegetation solely for the purpose of improving billboard visibility is prohibited.
- Any sign that is a nuisance due to lack of maintenance, unsightliness, or safety risks is prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Maplewood
- "For sale" or "for lease" (including garage or basement sales) signs not exceeding six square feet are exempt from permit fees.
- Temporary signs announcing civic events approved by the director of public works are exempt from permit fees.
- Temporary yard signs in residential districts (other than "for sale" or "for lease" signs), not exceeding six square feet and limited to being erected no more than 30 days before and removed two days after the applicable event, are exempt from permit fees.
- Window signs placed on the inside of a ground floor display window (both temporary and permanent), advertising only specific products available or services provided therein, with a maximum of four signs per display window area and not exceeding 20 percent of the total display window area, are exempt from permit fees.
- Front door signs limited to business/building/institution name, address, phone number, business/service provided, and hours of operation, not exceeding 33 percent of door area, are exempt from permit fees.
- Interior signs intended to provide information for persons inside the building or store are exempt from ground floor display window sign requirements.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Maplewood
- No sign may be erected or altered without a permit issued by the director of public works after filing an application with plans and specifications, including dimensions, material, and construction details.
- Drawings of proposed permanent-type signs, showing colors and specifications as required, must be submitted with permit applications; such drawings are subject to review and approval by the design and review board.
- Applications for billboard sign permits must include plans showing size, shape, location, setbacks, lighting, colors, materials, and method of support, along with certifications from licensed professionals and a certified survey.
- Before a billboard permit is issued, the applicant must submit and receive approval of a lighting and landscape plan from the director of public works.
- In Planned Unit Developments (PUD), provisions of sections 6-31 (permits) and 6-49 (permanent signs) may be superseded by Article III, if approved by the design and review board.
- For awning signs for tenants above the ground floor, the size and appearance of the sign must be approved by the design and review board.
Source: municode municipal code