Sign Regulations in Smithville, Missouri
Smithville, Missouri has specific sign regulations covering 23 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include General Sign Allowance (includes Temporary and Permanent), Temporary Sign, Permanent Sign (Wall, Ground, Projecting or Roof) – Non-Residential Use Only. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 15, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Smithville, Missouri
Sample Sign Requirements in Smithville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Sign Allowance (includes Temporary and Permanent) | < 20 ft (less than twenty feet) | 32 sq ft maximum display area per sign; 2 sq ft maximum for home occupation signs | Setback requirements for signs in this district shall be equal to the building setback requirements. |
| Temporary Sign | — | 16 sq ft maximum display area for temporary signs; 2 sq ft maximum for home occupation signs | — |
| Permanent Sign (Wall, Ground, Projecting or Roof) – Non-Residential Use Only | 8 ft maximum height | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for SmithvilleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
23
- General Sign Allowance (includes Temporary and Permanent)
- Temporary Sign
- Permanent Sign (Wall, Ground, Projecting or Roof) – Non-Residential Use Only
- Pole Sign – Non-Residential Use Only (Conditional Use Permit)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Smithville
Other Cities in Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
In Smithville, wall signs can be up to 8 ft maximum height. 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 Smithville, 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 Smithville, regulated sign types include General Sign Allowance (includes Temporary and Permanent), Temporary Sign, Permanent Sign (Wall, Ground, Projecting or Roof) – Non-Residential Use Only, Pole Sign – Non-Residential Use Only (Conditional Use Permit), 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 Smithville 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 Smithville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Smithville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Smithville, Missouri Sign Rules at a Glance
Smithville, Missouri regulates 23 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Ground or Pole Sign – Single Building or Single Business on Lots in the R-3 Multiple-Family Districts; Mixed Use Business District (B-1); B-1 Business District; Highway Business District (B-2); B-2 Business District; General Business District (B-3); B-3 Business District; Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2) zoning district are capped at ≤ 25 ft tall and ≤ 64 sq ft display area, with a As required by site plan/zoning (not numerically specified in 400.520(E)). setback (Sec. 400.520(E); 400.510(B); 400.530). Most commercial signs in Smithville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Smithville, Missouri
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Smithville (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural (A-1, A-R) | 1 | < 20 ft (less than twenty feet) | 32 sq ft maximum display area per sign; 2 sq ft maximum for home occupation signs | — |
| A-1 Agricultural District | 1 | < 20 ft (less than twenty feet) | 32 sq ft maximum display area per sign; 2 sq ft maximum for home occupation signs | — |
| Single-Family Residential (R-1A, B, D); R-1; Two-Family Residential (R-2); R-2 | 4 | 8 ft maximum height | 16 sq ft maximum display area for temporary signs; 2 sq ft maximum for home occupation signs | — |
| R-3 Multiple-Family Districts; Mixed Use Business District (B-1); B-1 Business District; Highway Business District (B-2); B-2 Business District; General Business District (B-3); B-3 Business District; Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2) | 7 | ≤ 25 ft | Must comply with the area limits for the underlying sign type in 400.520(E)-(F) (e.g., ≤64 sq ft, and percent-of-facade rules). | — |
| Central Business District (B-4); B-4 Central Business District | 4 | For ground/pole: ≤25 ft (through incorporation of B-1–B-3 standards). | Must comply with area limits for the underlying sign type (wall, ground, pole, etc.) as adopted from business/industrial or residential rules through 400.520(G). | — |
| Heritage District | 1 | As authorized in Heritage District regulations; cannot exceed B-4 limits. | As authorized in Heritage District regulations; cannot exceed what is allowed under B-4 rules for equivalent use. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | Controlled by underlying sign type (e.g., ground/pole ≤25 ft where applicable). | Controlled by underlying sign type and district limits (e.g., ≤64 sq ft and percent-of-facade rules). | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Smithville(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
R-3 Multiple-Family Districts; Mixed Use Business District (B-1); B-1 Business District; Highway Business District (B-2); B-2 Business District; General Business District (B-3); B-3 Business District; Industrial Districts (I-1, I-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 / Projecting / Roof Sign – Single Building or Single Business on Lot | — | ≤ 10% of facade area (or 10% of largest facade for roof signs) and in all cases ≤ 64 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to 3 wall/projecting/roof signs (within a total of 4 permanent signs) per lot with only one business. | Attached to building facades or roof of primary building on lot. | — | Unlock | 400.520(E); 400.510(B); 400.530 |
| Ground or Pole Sign – Single Building or Single Business on Lot | ≤ 25 ft | ≤ 64 sq ft display area | — | As required by site plan/zoning (not numerically specified in 400.520(E)). | 1 ground or pole sign per lot (single business). | On the ground on the lot, meeting any applicable setback/site plan conditions. | — | Unlock | 400.520(E); 400.510(B); 400.530 |
| Temporary Sign – Single Building or Single Business on Lot | ≤ 5 ft to bottom of display area when placed on ground; in all cases no taller than the facade of the wall upon which attached when attached to a building. | ≤ 32 sq ft, unless permitted as oversize per 400.505(F) | — | — | 1 temporary sign at any one time per lot (single business). | On the lot; may be placed on ground or temporarily attached to building. | — | Unlock | 400.520(E); 400.505(B),(E),(F),(G),(H) |
| Wall / Projecting / Roof Sign – Multiple Buildings or Multiple Businesses on Lot | — | ≤ 10% of portion of facade associated with the business/tenant; in all cases ≤ 64 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to 2 wall/projecting/roof signs per tenant or business. | On the building facades or roof, associated with each tenant’s/business’s occupied portion. | — | Unlock | 400.520(F); 400.510(B); 400.530 |
| Ground or Pole Sign – Multiple Buildings or Multiple Businesses on Lot | — | Per tenant/business panel: ≤ 64 sq ft; total of all panels: ≤ 400 sq ft | — | — | 1 ground or pole sign for the entire lot (shared by all tenants/businesses). | On the lot as a shared sign for all tenants/businesses. | — | Unlock | 400.520(F); 400.510(B); 400.530 |
| Temporary Sign – Multiple Buildings or Multiple Businesses on Lot | ≤ 5 ft to bottom of display area when placed on ground; overall height not to exceed the facade upon which it is attached when attached to building. | ≤ 32 sq ft per temporary sign, unless oversize sign permit obtained per 400.505(F) | — | — | 1 temporary sign per tenant or business. | On the lot, associated with each tenant/business. | — | Unlock | 400.520(F); 400.505(B),(E),(F),(G),(H) |
| Electronic / LED / Digital Sign – R-3, B-1, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2 | Must comply with height limits of underlying sign type (e.g., ≤25 ft for ground/pole). | Must comply with the area limits for the underlying sign type in 400.520(E)-(F) (e.g., ≤64 sq ft, and percent-of-facade rules). | — | — | No separate numeric allowance beyond the underlying sign type limits. | On any permitted permanent sign structure (ground, pole, wall, projecting, roof) in R-3, B-1, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2. | — | Unlock | 400.525(A),(B),(E); 400.510(C); 400.520(E),(F) |
Central Business District (B-4); B-4 Central Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signs – B-4 (Non-Heritage Area, Commercial Use) | For ground/pole: ≤25 ft (through incorporation of B-1–B-3 standards). | Same as applicable Business (B-1, B-2, B-3) or Industrial (I-1, I-2) requirements when the use is commercial, i.e., up to 4 permanent signs, wall/projecting/roof signs at ≤10% facade and ≤64 sq ft, ground/pole signs at ≤64 sq ft and ≤25 ft height, etc. | — | — | As allowed in corresponding business/industrial categories (e.g., up to 4 permanent signs per lot with one business, etc.). | On B-4 zoned land outside the Heritage District, based on the use of the property (commercial). | — | Unlock | 400.520(G); 400.520(E),(F); 400.510(B) |
| Signs – B-4 (Non-Heritage Area, Residential Use) | For R-1/R-2 non-residential permanent signs: ≤8 ft; for R-3 residential/multi-family, the business/industrial style rules apply but for residential use the residential side governs. | Same as residential district requirements (R-1/R-2/R-3), depending on residential zoning standards applied for sign regulation. | — | — | Per applicable residential district limits. | On B-4 land when the property is used residentially. | — | Unlock | 400.520(G),(D) |
| Signs – Heritage District within B-4 | As specified in Heritage District regulations; if none exist, then B-4 (business/industrial or residential) height limits apply. | Limited to sizes authorized in the Heritage District regulations; if no such regulations exist, then B-4 district requirements apply (which defer to business/industrial or residential rules based on use). | — | — | As allowed by Heritage District regulations, but not more permissive than B-4 limits. | Areas located in the Heritage District within the B-4 Central Business District. | — | Unlock | 400.520(G) |
| Electronic / LED / Digital Sign – B-4 | Must comply with underlying sign height limits (e.g., ground/pole ≤25 ft for commercial-type standards). | Must comply with area limits for the underlying sign type (wall, ground, pole, etc.) as adopted from business/industrial or residential rules through 400.520(G). | — | — | No separate numeric allowance beyond underlying sign allocations. | On any permitted sign structure in the B-4 district. | — | Unlock | 400.525(A),(B),(C); 400.520(G); 400.510(C) |
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 Sign (General) | ≤ 5 ft above ground to bottom of display area when on ground; when attached to building, not taller than facade of wall upon which attached. | ≤ 32 sq ft total area; oversize temporary sign: >32 sq ft and ≤64 sq ft for certain cases; >64 sq ft allowed only when attached to building or trailer side | — | — | Numeric limits are per-district in 400.520; this entry captures general size/duration rules. | On ground or temporarily attached to building; must be within permitted zoning district. | — | Unlock | 400.505(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G),(H); 400.505(A) |
| Permanent Sign – Structural Design Types | — | — | — | — | Per-district limits in 400.520. | Anywhere in the City where permanent signs are allowed per 400.520. | — | Unlock | 400.510(A)-(E); 400.515; 400.530 |
| Electronic / LED / Digital Signs – General Requirements | Controlled by underlying sign type (e.g., ground/pole ≤25 ft where applicable). | Controlled by underlying sign type and district limits (e.g., ≤64 sq ft and percent-of-facade rules). | — | — | No independent numeric cap beyond the host sign entitlements. | Only in districts and contexts allowed by 400.525 and 400.520. | — | Unlock | 400.525(A)-(E); 400.510(C) |
| Prohibited Signs / General Prohibitions | — | Billboard signs: effectively 0 sq ft allowed under prohibition in 400.500(C). | — | — | — | Prohibitions apply City-wide. | — | Unlock | 400.500(A)-(I) |
| Exempt Signs (No Permit Required) | — | Varies by type: e.g., directional signs ≤3 sq ft; contractor signs ≤18 in × 24 in; real estate signs as defined; other exemptions often not size-limited explicitly. | — | — | — | Generally on private property; specific location rules per type (e.g., real estate signs on property to be sold; directional signs; subdivision monument signs at subdivision entrances). | — | Unlock | 400.540(A)(1)-(14); 400.490 definitions for Contractor Sign and Real Estate Sign |
| Maintenance Requirements | — | — | — | — | — | All signs City-wide. | — | Unlock | 400.535 |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Smithville — 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 Smithville — start freeProhibited Signs in Smithville
- No sign may be installed, erected, or set in place unless an application has been filed with the City and a permit has been issued, or the Community Development Department has determined that no permit is required. All signs erected after the adoption of this Division must comply with this Division.
- No sign may contain flashing lights, fluttering flags, balloons, or any other distracting or attention‑attracting device. The Community Development Department is the sole arbiter of what constitutes a violation of this provision.
- No billboard sign may be erected in the City of Smithville that has any display area greater than zero square feet.
- No sign permit may be issued for any lewd, obscene, indecent, illegal, or immoral matter. The Community Development Department is the sole arbiter of what constitutes a violation of this provision.
- No person, other than a public officer or City employee (or someone acting on their behalf in the performance of municipal duties), may affix any sign, banner, bill, poster, advertising statement, or notice of any kind on any curb, lamppost, traffic sign, sidewalk, street, utility pole or structure, bridge or tree, or inside or upon a public street, sidewalk, or other right‑of‑way or easement within City limits.
- No sign may be erected that obstructs free and clear vision at any intersection of two or more streets, or that is constructed so as to appear to be a traffic sign installed by a governmental agency.
- A permanent sign may not be moved from the location approved in its permit without first applying for and obtaining a new sign permit.
- No sign may be erected or constructed using tires, junk, refuse, or other items of personal property as part of the sign or its structure.
- All display areas of signs must be removed within 60 days after the applicant or business advertised leaves the location or goes out of business, and any exposed lighting or electrical equipment must also be removed at that time.
- All signs must be designed and constructed in compliance with the adopted Building Code (including Appendix H), and nothing in the Building Code may be construed to authorize any sign type, size, design, or location not otherwise approved or mentioned in this Division.
- Any structural sign design type other than ground signs, pole signs, wall signs, projecting signs, or roof signs is expressly prohibited.
- All signs must be maintained in working order and repaired within the timelines specified in the Maintenance section; failure to maintain a sign or repair damage can result in termination of the permit and constitutes a violation subject to penalties.
- Any sign not specifically prohibited from illumination may be illuminated only in accordance with the illumination requirements in the City’s site plan review process; illumination that does not comply with the site plan review standards is prohibited.
- Violations of this Division include erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, improving, removing, converting, demolishing, equipping, using, or maintaining any sign or sign structure contrary to this Division, or causing or permitting the same to be done.
Exempt Signs in Smithville
- Painting, repainting, or cleaning an advertising structure, or changing the advertising copy or message on a sign designed for frequent message alteration, does not require a sign permit unless a structural change is made.
- Signs located entirely within a building do not require a sign permit unless otherwise restricted by this Division.
- Memorial signs, historical signs or plaques, and tablets displayed on private property do not require a sign permit.
- Political signs, as defined in the Division, do not require a sign permit.
- Real estate signs, as defined in the Division, do not require a sign permit.
- Temporary signs from a designated charitable, fraternal, or civic organization that has obtained such designation from the Board of Aldermen are exempt from temporary sign permitting fee requirements (though other regulations still apply).
- Directional signs, as defined in the Division, not exceeding three square feet, do not require a sign permit.
- Municipal signs, government‑oriented signs, legal notices, trespassing signs, and signs to aid safety do not require a sign permit.
- Open or closed signs for a business establishment do not require a sign permit.
- Credit card and burglar alarm signs or decals do not require a sign permit.
- Garage sale and yard sale signs do not require a sign permit.
- Contractor signs, as defined in the Division (meeting the size and time limits in the definition), are allowed without a permit.
- Businesses that must store merchandise outdoors are allowed to place temporary signs identifying the specific location of products displayed outdoors without a permit, so long as the signs are not visible from off the property; if the signs are visible from off the property and appear intended to attract customers from outside the property, then all temporary sign regulations and permitting requirements apply.
- Subdivision monument or ground signs that only provide the name of the subdivision and are located at the entrance(s) to the subdivision do not require a sign permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Smithville
- All signs are subject to the City’s general site plan review process for illumination; any illuminated sign must comply with the illumination requirements established during site plan review.
- Electronic, LED, or digital signs require a permit that includes all information required for permanent sign applications plus detailed photometric and control specifications; issuance and continuation of the permit is contingent on performance reviews and compliance with light‑intensity standards.
- Temporary signs (except exempt categories such as certain real estate or charitable organization signs) require a temporary sign permit prior to erection or re‑erection.
- Permanent signs and replacement signs require a permit application with detailed information on location, design, materials, structural supports, and electrical plans; a list of all other permanent signs on the property is also required.
- Electronic signs in residential districts (R‑1 and R‑2) and pole signs in R‑1/R‑2 districts may only be authorized after receiving a conditional use permit from the City of Smithville under the conditional use permit procedures of Section 400.570.
- Electronic signs in the B‑4 Zoning District must meet the general electronic sign requirements and additional locational and time‑of‑illumination limits; these conditions function as supplemental approval criteria tied to the sign permit.
- Signs that are part of larger development projects are implicitly tied to the zoning‑district‑based limits in Section 400.520 and to any applicable site plan or conditional use approvals for the underlying land use, which may constrain number, type, size, and illumination of signs.
Source: ecode360 municipal code