Sign Regulations in Forsyth, Montana
Forsyth, Montana has specific sign regulations covering 14 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Signs permitted in all districts without a permit, For Sale/Lease/Rent Sign, Identification Sign (Name/Number). Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 19, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Forsyth, Montana
Sample Sign Requirements in Forsyth
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| For Sale/Lease/Rent Sign | — | 12 sq ft (general); 6 sq ft (in all residential districts) | — |
| Bulletin Board (Church, School, Public, Religious, Educational) | — | — | 10 ft from right-of-way line |
| For Sale/Lease/Rent Sign (Residential) | — | 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
14
- Signs permitted in all districts without a permit
- For Sale/Lease/Rent Sign
- Identification Sign (Name/Number)
- Flag/Insignia Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Montana
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Forsyth 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 Forsyth, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Forsyth, regulated sign types include Signs permitted in all districts without a permit, For Sale/Lease/Rent Sign, Identification Sign (Name/Number), Flag/Insignia 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 Forsyth 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 Forsyth are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Forsyth has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Forsyth, Montana Sign Rules at a Glance
Forsyth, Montana regulates 14 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (On-site)s in the Business District, Industrial District zoning district are capped at 75 ft tall and Combined with wall sign: See formula, with a Not in required yards; min 50 ft from abutting residential side/rear lot line setback (Sec. 12-2-9(C)(1),(2),(4),(5)).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Forsyth, Montana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Forsyth (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | — | 12 sq ft (general); 6 sq ft (in all residential districts) | — |
| Residential District | 2 | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Business District, Industrial District | 5 | 75 ft | Total for all signs: 100 sq ft; Area per sign not specified | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Forsyth
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Sale/Lease/Rent Sign | — | 12 sq ft (general); 6 sq ft (in all residential districts) | — | — | — | On the premises being advertised | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B)(1) |
| Identification Sign (Name/Number) | — | — | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B)(2) |
| Flag/Insignia Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B)(3) |
| Governmental Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Where required by governmental authority | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B)(4) |
| Integral Decorative/Architectural Feature | — | — | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B)(5) |
| Traffic/Parking Directional Sign (On Private Property) | — | — | — | — | — | On private property | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B)(6) |
| Bulletin Board (Church, School, Public, Religious, Educational) | — | — | — | 10 ft from right-of-way line | — | Minimum 10 feet from right-of-way line | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B)(7) |
| Political/Campaign Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B)(8) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Sale/Lease/Rent Sign (Residential) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises being advertised | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B)(1) |
| Signs permitted in all districts without a permit | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B) |
Business District, Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | Total for all signs: 100 sq ft; Area per sign not specified | — | — | 1 wall sign per use | On wall of business/industrial building | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(C)(4),(5) |
| Freestanding Sign (On-site) | 75 ft | Combined with wall sign: See formula | — | Not in required yards; min 50 ft from abutting residential side/rear lot line | 1 per building | On property; not within required front, side or rear yard for the district | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(C)(1),(2),(4),(5) |
| On-site Sign (Accessory Use) | Sign clearance 8 ft if over sidewalk or walkway; height as per sign type | 100 sq ft | — | — | — | On-site, accessory to business/industrial use | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(C)(3),(5) |
| Off-site Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Not in required yards; min 50 ft from abutting residential side/rear lot line | — | Off-site | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(D)(2)-(4) |
| Signs permitted in all districts without a permit | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 12-2-9(B) |
Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Forsyth — with a free PermitPal account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Forsyth
- It is a violation to maintain an unsafe, dangerous, or abandoned sign.
- Failure to maintain any sign in an operable and safe condition constitutes a violation.
- No sign may be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving lights.
- No illuminated sign or lighting device may be placed or directed so the beams and illumination cause glare or reflection constituting a traffic hazard or nuisance.
- No sign may overhang or project over public rights of way in a manner that presents a traffic hazard.
- Abandoned signs must be removed within thirty (30) days after they become abandoned.
- Signs cannot be located where they obstruct traffic visibility at street or highway intersections.
Exempt Signs in Forsyth
- Signs advertising the sale, lease or rental of the premises upon which the sign is located, not exceeding specified area limits (twelve square feet, or six in residential districts).
- Signs bearing only property numbers, post box numbers, names of occupants, or other identification of premises without commercial connotations.
- Flags and insignia of any government except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
- Legal notices, identification, information or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights.
- Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, bearing no advertising matter.
- Bulletin boards for churches, schools, or other public, religious or educational institution, located at least 10 feet from the right-of-way and not obstructing traffic visibility.
- Political or campaign signs erected temporarily, provided they are removed no later than 15 days following the election.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Forsyth
- No mention is made of a master sign plan, formal sign plan requirement, or variance meeting requirement in the provided ordinance text.