Sign Regulations in Big Timber, Montana
Big Timber, Montana has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Permanent Signs, Off-premises Sign, Freestanding 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 19, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Big Timber, Montana
Sample Sign Requirements in Big Timber
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Permanent Signs | 30 feet, or 6 feet above the roofline of the building to which the sign is affixed, whichever is lower | 150 square feet OR 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage (whichever is less) | Freestanding signs: minimum 10 feet from the property line to nearest point of sign. |
| Off-premises Sign | — | 32 square feet | — |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | Min 10' from property line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
18
- All Permanent Signs
- Off-premises Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Projecting Sign / Canopy / Awning / Marquee
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Montana
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Big Timber 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 Big Timber, 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 Big Timber, regulated sign types include All Permanent Signs, Off-premises Sign, Freestanding Sign, Projecting Sign / Canopy / Awning / Marquee, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Big Timber, monument signs typically require a Min 10' from property line setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Big Timber are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Big Timber has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Big Timber, Montana Sign Rules at a Glance
Big Timber, Montana regulates 18 sign types across 4 zoning districts. All Permanent Signs in the HB, MI zoning district are capped at 30 feet, or 6 feet above the roofline of the building to which the sign is affixed, whichever is lower tall and 150 square feet OR 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage (whichever is less), with a minimum 10 feet from the property line to nearest point of sign. setback (Sec. §151.09(A)(1), (B), (D), §151.05, §151.07, §151.08, §151.10). Most commercial signs in Big Timber require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Big Timber, Montana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Big Timber (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HB, MI | 4 | 30 feet, or 6 feet above the roofline of the building to which the sign is affixed, whichever is lower | 150 square feet OR 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage (whichever is less) | — |
| CBD | 4 | 30 feet, or 6 feet above the roofline of the building to which the sign is affixed, whichever is lower | 100 square feet OR 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage (whichever is less) | — |
| Residential District | 6 | — | 25 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | — | 20 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Big Timber(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
HB, MI
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Permanent Signs | 30 feet, or 6 feet above the roofline of the building to which the sign is affixed, whichever is lower | 150 square feet OR 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage (whichever is less) | — | Freestanding signs: minimum 10 feet from the property line to nearest point of sign. | — | On the zone lot | — | Unlock | §151.09(A)(1), (B), (D), §151.05, §151.07, §151.08, §151.10 |
| Off-premises Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | — | Max 3 per zone lot | Not on the same lot as advertised activity/business | — | Unlock | §151.09(A)(2) |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | Min 10' from property line | — | — | — | Unlock | §151.09(C)(1) |
| Projecting Sign / Canopy / Awning / Marquee | — | — | — | No extension closer than 18" from back of curb, min 7.5' clearance above sidewalk | — | May extend over sidewalk, not closer than 18 inches from back of adjacent curb, not lower than 7.5 feet above sidewalk. | — | Unlock | §151.09(C)(2), (D) |
CBD
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Permanent Signs | 30 feet, or 6 feet above the roofline of the building to which the sign is affixed, whichever is lower | 100 square feet OR 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage (whichever is less) | — | Freestanding signs: minimum 10 feet from the property line to nearest point of sign. | — | On the zone lot | — | Unlock | §151.09(A)(1), (B), (D), §151.05, §151.07, §151.08, §151.10 |
| Off-premises Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | — | Max 3 per zone lot | Not on the same lot as advertised activity/business | — | Unlock | §151.09(A)(2) |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | Min 10' from property line | — | — | — | Unlock | §151.09(C)(1) |
| Projecting Sign / Canopy / Awning / Marquee | — | — | — | No extension closer than 18" from back of curb, min 7.5' clearance above sidewalk | — | May extend over sidewalk, not closer than 18 inches from back of adjacent curb, not lower than 7.5 feet above sidewalk. | — | Unlock | §151.09(C)(2), (D) |
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 Exemption) | — | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | 4 per zone lot | — | — | Unlock | §151.11(A) |
| Special Event Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §151.11(B) |
| Identification Sign (Exemption) | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per zone lot | On property (wall sign) | — | Unlock | §151.11(C) |
| Official Governmental Flags | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §151.11(D) |
| Historical Marker | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §151.11(E) |
| Freestanding/Hung Sign (Inside Building) | — | — | — | — | — | Located inside a building | — | Unlock | §151.11(F) |
| Public Property Information/Warning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On public property | — | Unlock | §151.11(G) |
| Incidental Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §151.11(H) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Big Timber — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Big Timber — start freeProhibited Signs in Big Timber
- It is unlawful to erect, construct, or change the use of any sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the City-County Planning Officer/Office, except as provided for exempt signs.
- Temporary, lighted ground signs over 24 square feet; banners; or balloon signs are prohibited.
- Animated, rotating, revolving beacons or searchlights, flashing signs, signs which have moving parts are prohibited, except signs denoting the correct time and temperature so long as the only moving parts relate to the display of time or temperature and only the name of the business or individual maintaining the sign is displayed.
- Strings, lines, or streamers of exposed light bulbs are prohibited, except as temporary holiday decorations.
- Signs which emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Notices, political posters, handbills, advertisements, or any other signs attached, erected, or painted on any tree; power, telephone, or any utility pole; bridge; fire hydrant; or official public sign in any public right-of-way are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs are to be removed within 60 days of the close of the business.
- No symbols, signs, or other graphic representations of marijuana leaves, plants, joints, or other marijuana paraphernalia shall be placed in a public location to advertise, identify, or locate a medical marijuana caregiver’s growing, sale, or production location.
Exempt Signs in Big Timber
- Temporary signs such as 'for sale,' political campaign signs, garage sales, and the like, not to exceed six square feet per sign, limited to four signs per zone lot, and which shall be removed within one week after the designated event, do not require a permit.
- Signs denoting special events that are otherwise prohibited by this chapter may be displayed two weeks before and not to exceed one week after the event, and do not require a permit.
- One identification sign per zone lot not to exceed 20 square feet bearing only property number, post box numbers, and names of occupants of premises (must be a wall sign) does not require a permit.
- Official governmental flags do not require a permit.
- Historical markers with approval of the City-County Planning Officer/Office do not require a permit.
- Freestanding or hung signs located inside a building do not require a permit.
- Signs placed on public property by public or quasi-public entities giving information or warnings do not require a permit.
- Incidental signs do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Big Timber
- All applications for sign permits must be accompanied by plans, designs, specifications, or drawings stating specifically all dimensions, animations (if any), lighting, colors, and a plan of installation stating clearances and setbacks.
- Any changes from the original plans, submitted at the time of application, must be approved, in writing, by the City-County Planning Officer/Office.
- There is no mention of a master sign plan, variance meeting, or similar in the ordinance.