Sign Regulations in Saint Louis, Missouri
Saint Louis, Missouri has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Window Sign, Wall Sign, Ground 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 16, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Saint Louis, Missouri
Sample Sign Requirements in Saint Louis
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor General Advertising Device - General Prohibition/Allowance | Max 35 ft above highway grade for exempt highway-related devices | Max 1,200 sq ft per face where allowed under state-highway-related exemption | As detailed in 26.68.130(C)(10)(d) for highway-related devices (50 ft from lot property line, 30 ft from building, 100 ft from on-premise signs, etc.) |
| Wall Sign | Up to roof line of building to which attached | Hotels/Motels: 30 sq ft per sign; All other uses: total signage on premises max 30 sq ft | Set back from premises boundary lines same as building containing conforming use; may project into required setback the permitted depth. |
| Window Sign | Up to roof line of building to which attached | Hotels/Motels: 30 sq ft per sign; All other uses: total signage on premises max 30 sq ft | Building setback determines sign setback; may effectively “project” only as window placement allows. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Saint LouisFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Window Sign
- Wall Sign
- Ground Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Saint Louis
Other Cities in Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
In Saint Louis, wall signs can be up to Up to roof line of building to which attached. 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 Saint Louis, 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 Saint Louis, regulated sign types include Window Sign, Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Projecting 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 Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Saint Louis has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Saint Louis, Missouri Sign Rules at a Glance
Saint Louis, Missouri regulates 29 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Projecting Signs in the Neighborhood commercial district (Zone F), Zone district F zoning district are capped at Bottom ≥10 ft from grade; top no higher than the greater of 40 ft above grade or height of building at building line; no support may extend above cornice line. tall, No explicit per-sign area cap in F; subject to frontage-area formula and hotel/motel caps where applicable., and May project max 5 ft from building face wide, with a Projection limited to 5 ft from building; building itself subject to zoning setbacks. setback (Sec. 26.68.090(C, D, E(1), G); 26.68.020(15).). Most commercial signs in Saint Louis require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Saint Louis, Missouri
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Saint Louis (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | Max 35 ft above highway grade for exempt highway-related devices | Max 1,200 sq ft per face where allowed under state-highway-related exemption | — |
| Single-family dwelling district (Zone A), Two-family dwelling district (Zone B), Multiple-family dwelling district (Zone C), Multiple-family dwelling district (Zone D), Multiple-family dwelling district (Zone E), Zone districts A, B, C, D, and E | 4 | 6 ft above grade | Hotels/Motels: 30 sq ft per sign; All other uses: total signage on premises max 30 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood commercial district (Zone F), Zone district F | 7 | Max 30 ft above grade | Hotel/Motel: max 200 sq ft per sign; Other uses: as per frontage formula; free-standing signs excluded from frontage total. | — |
| Local commercial and office district (Zone G), Area commercial district (Zone H), Zone districts G and H | 9 | For joint identification signs: up to 35 ft above grade | As formula above, but overall: total all signs per front line ≤200 sq ft. | — |
| Industrial district (Zone J), Unrestricted district (Zone K), Zone districts J and K | 7 | Max 50 ft above grade | Electronic message center portion max 10 sq ft per side; overall sign area subject to frontage formula and any ground/roof sign limits; no more than 2 sides. | — |
| Central business district (Zone I), Jefferson Memorial district (Zone L), Zone districts I and L | 5 | Max 20 ft above grade | Parking lot ground sign: max 2 faces; max 30 sq ft per face (total max 60 sq ft if 2 faces). | — |
| Historic district | 1 | — | — | — |
| Chapter 353 Development Plans (Development Area) | 1 | As specified in the approved uniform sign standards | As specified in the approved uniform sign standards for the Development Area | — |
| Signage Plan Overlay District | 1 | As established by the overlay district’s uniform standards | As established by the overlay district’s uniform sign standards | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Saint Louis(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
Neighborhood commercial district (Zone F), Zone district F
| 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 | Up to roof line of building to which attached | Hotel/Motel: max 200 sq ft per sign; Other uses: as per frontage formula; free-standing signs excluded from frontage total. | — | Same as building setback; projection into setback allowed up to permitted depth. | — | On same property as conforming use; set back same as building; may project into required setback space the permitted depth of sign; on-premises only. | — | Unlock | 26.68.090(A–D, E(1), G). |
| Window Sign | Up to roof line of building | Hotel/Motel: max 200 sq ft per sign; others limited by formula total per frontage. | — | Aligned with building façade. | — | Within 3 ft of window interior on same property as conforming use. | — | Unlock | 26.68.090(A–D, E(1), G); definition 26.68.020(27). |
| Ground Sign | Max 30 ft above grade | If 2 faces: max 75 sq ft per face; if >2 faces: total of all faces max 150 sq ft; premises with front line ≥200 ft may have 2 ground signs. | — | Min 3 ft from every premises boundary line. | Premises with front line ≥200 ft may have 2 ground signs; smaller frontages: 1 ground sign (by implication). | On same property as conforming use; at least 3 ft from every boundary line of premises. | — | Unlock | 26.68.090(A, D(6), E(2), F(2), G). |
| Marquee Sign | By definition of marquee sign: sign height on marquee ≤7 ft; bottom ≥10 ft above sidewalk; may not project below face of marquee. | Subject to frontage-based area limits and 200 sq ft per-sign limit for hotels/motels. | — | Marquee projects over sidewalk as allowed by building/other codes; no special yard setback given beyond general sign location rules. | — | On or attached to a permanent overhanging shelter projecting from face of building and supported entirely by building. | — | Unlock | 26.68.090(C, D(3), E(1), G); 26.68.020(12). |
| Roof Sign | Max 5 ft above roof line or parapet wall (whichever is higher); if sign >100 sq ft, must provide 4 ft clear space between lowest part of sign and roof and then sign cannot exceed 9 ft above roof line or parapet; otherwise, no clearance required. | Hotel/Motel: per-sign max 200 sq ft; other uses limited by frontage formula | — | — | — | On roof of building with conforming use; on same property as use. | — | Unlock | 26.68.090(C, D, E(3), G). |
| Projecting Sign | Bottom ≥10 ft from grade; top no higher than the greater of 40 ft above grade or height of building at building line; no support may extend above cornice line. | No explicit per-sign area cap in F; subject to frontage-area formula and hotel/motel caps where applicable. | May project max 5 ft from building face | Projection limited to 5 ft from building; building itself subject to zoning setbacks. | Max 1 projecting sign per entrance door to a business. | Attached to building at an angle; on same property as conforming use; compliant with definition 26.68.020(15)(a–e). | — | Unlock | 26.68.090(C, D, E(1), G); 26.68.020(15). |
| Any Sign Type - Animation Restriction (Zone F) | — | — | — | — | — | Zone F | — | Unlock | 26.68.090(H). |
Local commercial and office district (Zone G), Area commercial district (Zone H), Zone districts G and H
| 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 | Up to roof line of building to which attached | Hotels/Motels: 100 sq ft for ≤100 ft frontage; otherwise 1 sq ft per linear ft of street front, max 300 sq ft per street front and per sign. Other uses: as per frontage formula; free-standing signs excluded from that total. | — | May project into setback the permitted depth; otherwise follows building setback. | — | On same premises as conforming use; on-premises only; may project into required setback space the permitted depth of sign. | — | Unlock | 26.68.100(A–E(1), G). |
| Window Sign | Up to roof line of building | Subject to total frontage-based cap; no additional per-sign cap stated. | — | Aligned with building façade. | — | Within 3 ft of window interior; on same premises as conforming use. | — | Unlock | 26.68.100(C, D(2–5), E(1), G); 26.68.020(27). |
| Ground Sign | Max 30 ft above grade | If 2 faces: max 100 sq ft per face; if >2 faces: total of all faces max 200 sq ft. Premises with front line ≥200 ft may have 2 ground signs. | — | Min 3 ft from all boundary lines. | Premises with front line ≥200 ft may have 2 ground signs; smaller frontages implicitly limited to 1. | On same premises as conforming use; must be set in at least 3 ft from every boundary line of premises. | — | Unlock | 26.68.100(C, D(6), E(2), F, G). |
| Marquee Sign | Per marquee definition: sign height ≤7 ft; bottom ≥10 ft above sidewalk; cannot project below face of marquee. | Subject to frontage-based caps (and hotel/motel caps where applicable). | — | — | — | On or attached to permanent marquee projecting from building face and supported entirely by building. | — | Unlock | 26.68.100(C, D(3), E(1), G); 26.68.020(12). |
| Roof Sign | Including supports: max 10 ft above roof line or parapet; if sign >100 sq ft, 4 ft clear space required; with clearance, sign cannot exceed 14 ft above roof or parapet; also limited to 50% of building height. | Subject to frontage-based caps and any hotel/motel overall limits. | — | — | — | On roof of building with conforming use; on same premises. | — | Unlock | 26.68.100(C, D, E(3), G). |
| Projecting Sign | Bottom ≥10 ft above grade; top no higher than the greater of 40 ft above grade or height of building at building line; no support may extend above cornice line. | No explicit per-sign cap; governed by frontage-based limits and hotel/motel caps. | May project max 5 ft from building | Projection limited to 5 ft from wall. | Max 1 projecting sign per entrance door. | Attached to building at an angle; on same premises as conforming use. | — | Unlock | 26.68.100(C, D, E(1), G); 26.68.020(15). |
| Joint Identification Sign - Wall | For joint identification signs: up to 35 ft above grade | As formula above, but overall: total all signs per front line ≤200 sq ft. | — | Same as wall signs; must be on premises; no additional setback detail given. | 1 joint identification sign per front line. | On same premises as 3 or more conforming uses (excluding parking); one joint identification sign allowed per front line. | — | Unlock | 26.68.100(I)(1–3,4,6). |
| Joint Identification Sign - Ground | Max 35 ft above grade | As above; and total all signs per front line ≤200 sq ft. | — | Min 3 ft from every boundary line of premises. | 1 joint identification sign per front line. | On premises with 3 or more conforming uses; must be at least 3 ft from every boundary line of premises. | — | Unlock | 26.68.100(I)(1–6). |
Industrial district (Zone J), Unrestricted district (Zone K), Zone districts J and K
| 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 | Up to roof line of building to which attached | As per frontage formula; free-standing signs excluded from that total. | — | Same as conforming structure setback; selective projection into setback allowed. | — | On same premises as conforming use; set back same as structure; wall signs may project into required setback the permitted depth. | — | Unlock | 26.68.110(A–D, E(1), G). |
| Window Sign | Up to roof line of building | Within formula caps per frontage. | — | — | — | Within 3 ft of window interior; on same premises as conforming use. | — | Unlock | 26.68.110(C–D, E(1), G); 26.68.020(27). |
| Ground Sign | Max 50 ft above grade | If 2 faces: max 125 sq ft per face; if >2 faces: total all faces max 150 sq ft. Premises with front line ≥250 ft may have 2 ground signs. | — | Min 3 ft from any boundary line of premises. | Premises with front line ≥250 ft may have 2 ground signs; others effectively 1. | On same premises as conforming use; may be anywhere provided sign is at least 3 ft from any boundary line of premises. | — | Unlock | 26.68.110(C–D(4), E(2), F(2), G). |
| Roof Sign | Roof sign including supports: max 35 ft above roof line or parapet; if sign >100 sq ft, 4 ft clear space required and sign cannot exceed 39 ft above roof/parapet; also limited to 50% of building height. | Governed by frontage formula; numeric limit of 1 per building (or 1 per group of buildings under same ownership). | — | — | 1 roof sign per building (or per building group under same ownership). | On roof of building with conforming use; on same premises. | — | Unlock | 26.68.110(C–D(5), E(3), G). |
| Projecting Sign | Per general projecting sign definition: bottom ≥10 ft above grade; top no higher than greater of 40 ft above grade or height of building at building line; no support above cornice line. | No explicit per-sign cap beyond frontage-area limit. | Projection max 5 ft from building | Projection limited to 5 ft; building itself controls setback. | Max 1 projecting sign per entrance door. | Attached at angle to building; on same premises as conforming use. | — | Unlock | 26.68.110(C, D, E(1), G); 26.68.020(15). |
| Marquee Sign | Sign height on marquee ≤7 ft; bottom ≥10 ft above sidewalk; cannot project below face of marquee. | Within frontage-based cap. | — | — | — | On or attached to permanent marquee projecting from building and supported entirely by building. | — | Unlock | 26.68.110(C–D, E(1), G); 26.68.020(12). |
| Electronic Message Center Sign (Zones J & K) | Follows applicable type height limit (e.g., ground or wall) where installed; no unique height value given beyond zone rules. | Electronic message center portion max 10 sq ft per side; overall sign area subject to frontage formula and any ground/roof sign limits; no more than 2 sides. | — | Follows applicable type (e.g., ground sign: min 3 ft from boundary). | Max 1 electronic message center sign per premises. | On same premises as conforming use in J or K; must not be within 500 ft of any premises used as a dwelling unit or zoned residential. | — | Unlock | 26.68.110(C)(1–4), D, G. |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Saint Louis — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Saint Louis — start freeProhibited Signs in Saint Louis
- Placement of any sign on any vacant or unoccupied building or structure owned by the City or the Land Reutilization Authority, on any traffic control device or signal, or on any utility pole is prohibited. (26.68.055.A)
- Outdoor general advertising devices are non-conforming and prohibited in all districts except as may be specifically allowed under the outdoor general advertising device provisions. (26.68.130.A)
- Any sign that is not specifically permitted by the title is prohibited. (26.68.170)
- Signs which emit any odor, noise, amplified sound, radio frequencies or visible matter other than light are prohibited. (26.68.170.A)
- It is unlawful to allow any sign to fall into non‑use by failing to display a message or public information message for 60 days or more; such a sign must be removed or re‑used as ordered by the Building Commissioner. (26.68.135)
- Placement, erection, attachment or setting up of any prohibited sign within or on a public right‑of‑way or public easement is prohibited. (26.68.180.A)
- Roof signs located on the roof of a building or non‑sign structure are prohibited for outdoor general advertising devices located within 660 feet of interstate or primary highways under the State‑coordinated regulations. (26.68.130.C.10.d.iii)
- Outdoor general advertising devices may not use message surfaces made entirely or partly of LEDs or similar lighting technology, trivision, electronic, digital, projection or other changeable message technologies, except where nonconforming status is specifically grandfathered. (26.68.130.C.10.b.iii)
- Outdoor general advertising devices may not emit scent, odor, amplified sound, noise, radio frequencies or visible matter other than light. (26.68.130.C.10.b.vi)
- Outdoor general advertising devices may not use interactive technology that allows electronic communications with viewers except for communication necessary for repairs. (26.68.130.C.10.b.vii)
- No sign or outdoor general advertising device may be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of, or obscures, an official traffic sign, device, or signal. (26.68.130.C.10.b.v, 26.68.090.G, 26.68.100.G)
- No sign may be located in such manner as to obstruct or physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal or device, or to obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator’s view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic. (26.68.130.C.10.d.f)
- No revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light that simulates an emergency light or device is permitted as part of any outdoor general advertising device; flashing, intermittent or moving lights are prohibited, with limited public‑service exceptions. (26.68.130.C.10.b.i)
- Outdoor general advertising devices must not be located within specified minimum distances from residential property, parks, playgrounds, schools, libraries, hospitals, churches, historic districts, landmarks, safety rest areas, or within specified spacings from other signs, and violation of these spacing/location rules is prohibited. (26.68.130.C.10.d.i–iv)
- Failure to remove a device that has lost its nonconforming status, within 7 days of such loss, is prohibited. (26.68.130.B.8)
- It is a violation to maintain an outdoor general advertising device that has been damaged more than 60% of its value or is otherwise required to be removed under the nonconforming‑device standards. (26.68.130.B.1–2, B.3, B.6)
- Abandonment, violation of the title, or destruction/damage over 60% of value terminates the right to maintain a nonconforming sign; continuing such a sign afterward is prohibited. (26.68.150.B.4)
- The application, by stencil or other similar means, of words, letters, numbers, or graphic advertising designs on plywood or other material used to secure openings in buildings (board‑up signage) is prohibited, except for the City and the Land Reutilization Authority. (26.68.175.A–B)
Exempt Signs in Saint Louis
- All on‑premises signs are exempt from the outdoor general advertising device provisions of Section 26.68.130. (26.68.130.C.1)
- Notices of judicial or public proceedings posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties pursuant to laws, ordinances, court orders, regulations, policies and procedures are exempt from the outdoor general advertising device provisions. (26.68.130.C.4)
- Signs required or specifically authorized for a public purpose by law, statute, regulation or ordinance are exempt from the outdoor general advertising device provisions. (26.68.130.C.6)
- Signs of government, public utility, public service or railroad companies, or their contractors, which aid safety, indicate installations or repairs, or show the location of underground facilities are exempt from the outdoor general advertising device provisions. (26.68.130.C.7)
- Devices that lawfully encroach in the public right‑of‑way and have been lawfully erected are exempt from the outdoor general advertising device provisions. (26.68.130.C.8)
- Any lawfully erected or proposed outdoor advertising device within 660 feet of interstate or primary highways, in areas zoned commercial or industrial, that complies with Missouri state permit requirements and the listed lighting/size/spacing rules is exempt from the general prohibition on outdoor general advertising devices and is allowed. (26.68.130.C.10)
- Signs located within the redevelopment project area established by Ordinance No. 65668 (October 18, 2002) are exempt from the outdoor general advertising device prohibition, subject to that ordinance’s framework. (26.68.130.C.11)
- The City of St. Louis and the Land Reutilization Authority are exempt from the prohibition on board‑up signage (graphics on board‑up materials). (26.68.175.B)
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Saint Louis
- Permits are required in all districts: no person may erect a sign (other than those described as already allowed) until the Building Commissioner issues a building permit confirming compliance with sign regulations and the Building Code. Applications must include an 8"×10" photo showing all existing signs and any other information required by the Building Commissioner. (26.68.060)
- For signs in historic districts, no sign may be erected unless it meets the requirements of the applicable historic district ordinance and accompanying development plan approved by the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor. (26.68.070)
- Chapter 353 Development Plans: A developer with an approved Chapter 353 Development Plan may promulgate uniform sign standards for its development area. These standards become effective upon approval by resolution of the Board of Aldermen, after review and favorable recommendation by the Planning Commission (or its delegate). The standards govern placement, location, size, type and appearance of signs placed by or on behalf of the developer and remain in effect for the term of the development agreement. (26.68.160.A)
- Signage Plan Overlay Districts: A Signage Plan Overlay District may be created by ordinance to establish uniform sign standards for a designated district, allowing flexibility in size, height, type, placement and number of signs. (26.68.160.B.1)
- Applicants may apply to establish a Signage Plan Overlay District for any property or project area zoned F (Neighborhood Commercial) or higher, with a minimum of two acres and in accordance with regulations set by the Planning Commission. (26.68.160.B.2)
- A Signage Plan Overlay District must be approved by ordinance by the Board of Aldermen after a recommendation from the Planning Commission. (26.68.160.B.3)
- The redevelopment project area established under Ordinance No. 65668 is automatically deemed a Signage Plan Overlay District if the designated developer promulgates uniform sign standards regarding placement, location, size, height, type, and number of signs; those standards are effective upon approval by resolution of the Board of Aldermen. (26.68.160.B.4)
- Joint identification signs for three or more conforming uses on the same premises in districts G and H require application to, and issuance of, a sign permit by the Building Commissioner and are subject to specific conditions (additional to all other signs). (26.68.100.I.1–2)
- Nonconforming signs and devices: reconstruction of a nonconforming sign must bring it into conformity with current district regulations; replacement of a nonconforming outdoor general advertising device requires a permit and must meet strict same‑location/size/type constraints. (26.68.150.A, 26.68.130.B.7)
Source: municode municipal code