Sign Regulations in Manhattan, Montana
Manhattan, Montana has specific sign regulations covering 36 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Illuminated Sign, Projecting Sign, Wall 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 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Manhattan, Montana
Sample Sign Requirements in Manhattan
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | Lettering/designs max 8 inches in height | First awning sign excluded from lot maximum; additional counted as wall signs | — |
| Marquee Sign | — | Counted as wall signs | — |
| Master Signage Plan (All Signs) | — | Max total sign area increases by 50% per additional business, but no individual sign or sign height may exceed district allowance. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
36
- Illuminated Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan, 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 Manhattan, regulated sign types include Illuminated Sign, Projecting Sign, Wall Sign, Freestanding 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Manhattan has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Manhattan, Montana Sign Rules at a Glance
Manhattan, Montana regulates 36 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (25+ ft setback)s in the L-1 Light Industrial District zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 50 sq ft per sign, with a 25 ft setback (Sec. 10-15-4.H.4.b.1). Most commercial signs in Manhattan require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Manhattan, Montana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Manhattan (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 23 | Lettering/designs max 8 inches in height | Max total sign area increases by 50% per additional business, but no individual sign or sign height may exceed district allowance. | — |
| AG Agricultural District | 6 | 12 ft (with 6 ft clearance) | 32 sq ft (all signs on a lot) | — |
| RR Rural Residential District | 3 | 6 ft | 16 sq ft max total on lot (conditional uses) | — |
| R-1 Low Density Residential District, R-3 Medium Density Residential District | 1 | — | 8 sq ft max total on lot (conditional uses only) | — |
| CBD Central Business District | 6 | 24 ft (max); min 8 ft clearance over sidewalk/walkway; min 14 ft clearance over driveway/alley | 200 sq ft (all signs on a lot) | — |
| NHB Neighborhood Highway Business District | 5 | Maximum elevation 4312.25 ft above sea level | 400 sq ft (all signs on a lot) | — |
| L-1 Light Industrial District | 6 | 15 ft max height; min 8 ft clearance over sidewalk/walkway | 200 sq ft (all signs on a lot) | — |
| RT Residential Transitional District | 1 | — | 8 sq ft (all signs on a lot) | — |
| 10-7A District, 10-7B District, 10-7C District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Manhattan(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | Lettering/designs max 8 inches in height | First awning sign excluded from lot maximum; additional counted as wall signs | — | — | — | On valance at base or vertical portion of awning | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.A.1 |
| Marquee Sign | — | Counted as wall signs | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.A.6 |
| Freestanding Sign (Master Signage Plan) | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.A.7.c |
| Master Signage Plan (All Signs) | — | Max total sign area increases by 50% per additional business, but no individual sign or sign height may exceed district allowance. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.A.7.d |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On building; can be on fascia of canopy or object under canopy (regulated) | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.A.13 |
| For Sale Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises advertised | — | Unlock | 10-15-3.C |
| Information Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | On public or private property | — | Unlock | 10-15-3.G |
| Sidewalk Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Immediately in front of business | — | Unlock | 10-15-3.J |
CBD 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | 24 ft (max); min 8 ft clearance over sidewalk/walkway; min 14 ft clearance over driveway/alley | 24 sq ft per projecting sign | — | — | 2 | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.F.2 |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.F.3 |
| Window Sign | — | May cover no more than 25% surface area of window/door; considered wall sign for area calculation | — | — | — | Window/door | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.F.4 |
| Freestanding Sign | 16 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.F.5 |
| Illuminated Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.F.6 |
| All Signs (CBD District) | — | 200 sq ft (all signs on a lot) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.F.1 |
L-1 Light 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | 15 ft max height; min 8 ft clearance over sidewalk/walkway | 24 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.H.2 |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.H.3 |
| Freestanding Sign (25+ ft setback) | 8 ft | 50 sq ft per sign | — | 25 ft | 1 per 100 ft frontage per abutting street | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.H.4.b.1 |
| Freestanding Sign (under 25 ft setback) | 8 ft | 34 sq ft per sign | — | less than 25 ft | 1 per 100 ft frontage per abutting street | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.H.4.b.2 |
| Illuminated Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.H.5 |
| All Signs (L-1 District) | — | 200 sq ft (all signs on a lot) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 10-15-4.H.1 |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Manhattan — 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 Manhattan — start freeProhibited Signs in Manhattan
- No sign or portion thereof may consist of or contain moving devices, including, but not limited to, banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers or spinners.
- Roof signs are prohibited in all districts.
- No sign may be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights, except for portions of a sign that indicate the current time or temperature.
- No illuminated sign or lighting device may be placed or directed so that the illumination causes glare or reflection beyond the property lines of the lot.
- No exposed light bulbs are allowed except for Christmas decoration.
- Freestanding signs shall not be placed within the sight distance triangle required for traffic safety.
- Portable signs, except for sidewalk signs, are prohibited in all districts. Portable signs that have changeable copy are allowed up to thirty (30) days per organization.
- Unauthorized signs, signals, markings or devices purporting to be or resembling official traffic-control devices or railroad signs are prohibited in view of any street.
- No traffic sign or signal bearing any commercial advertising may be placed or maintained on any street.
- No wall sign shall project more than one foot (1') from the face of the building to which it is attached. Wall signs attached to a protective canopy or apparatus shall not extend beyond the edges of the fascia or apparatus.
Exempt Signs in Manhattan
- Architectural decoration that is integral to the design of a building (excluding moving parts, flashing lights, or letters/trademarks indicating occupants or business).
- Campaign signs erected no sooner than sixty (60) days before an election and removed no later than fifteen (15) days after the election.
- For sale, lease or rental signs on the premises, not exceeding six (6) square feet.
- Flags, banners, symbols, or other insignia of governmental bodies or political subdivisions.
- Holiday decorations (decorative lights and visual elements associated with traditional public or religious holidays displayed only during the normal holiday season).
- Identification signs bearing only property numbers, postbox numbers, names of occupants, or other identification of premises, not exceeding one square foot.
- Information signs for directing, informing or guiding pedestrians or vehicles (no advertising matter), not exceeding two (2) square feet.
- Legal notices posted by or required by governmental bodies.
- Preexisting signs (erected prior to the effective date), unless altered in external appearance.
- Sidewalk signs that are not illuminated and only displayed during business hours, not exceeding six (6) square feet.
- Temporary signs in any zoning district (subject to use and removal times, per regulations).
- Historic signs erected at least twenty five (25) years prior to the effective date and maintained/restored to original condition, with granted historic sign permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Manhattan
- A master signage plan is required, at the discretion of the planning board, for all signs on two (2) or more contiguous lots, or for all signs on one lot with two (2) or more uses or business establishments.
- Sign applications eligible for consideration as part of a master signage plan may be required to be submitted as a master signage plan by the planning board.
- Application and review procedures for a master signage plan are the same as for a single sign permit, including requirements for documentation and adherence to the submittal and approval process in section 10-15-6.
- For applications requesting deviations from the standard sign regulations, a public hearing before the planning board and town council is required for both individual and master signage plan applications.
- An application for deviation from sign regulations must include sufficient documentation to illustrate the superior environment, landscape quality or architectural character expected from the deviation.
- Historic sign permits are subject to public hearing procedures and must document the sign’s original erection date and alterations.