# Sign Regulations in Fernley, Nevada

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Fernley, Nevada, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Fernley, Nevada (NV)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/nevada/fernley
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/NV/Fernley/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=CD_ORD_TIT32DECO_CH32.10SI)

## At a glance

Fernley, Nevada regulates 9 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the Commercial (C1, MU) zoning district are capped at 6 feet tall and 32 sq. ft., with a See general setback/safe siting requirements (Sec. 32.10.100(e)(4)). setback (Sec. Sec. 32.10.100(b), Table 32.10.100-1; 32.10.100(d)). Most commercial signs in Fernley require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (11 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Rural (GR20) | 2 | 6 feet | 9 sq. ft. | — |
| Rural Residential (RR½, RR1, RR5) | 2 | 6 feet | 9 sq. ft. | — |
| Single-Family Residential (SF6, SF9, SF12, SF20) | 1 | 6 feet | 9 sq. ft. on each site frontage | — |
| Multifamily (MDR14, MF21, MF30, MU, C1, C2, EC) | 1 | 6 feet | 32 sq. ft. on each site frontage (excluding directory signs) | — |
| Public Facility (PF, OSP) | 3 | 16 feet | 200 sq. ft. | — |
| Commercial (C1, MU) | 4 | 30 feet | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| Commercial (C2, EC) | 4 | 35 feet or 60 feet if parcel is within 1500 feet of Interstate 80 right-of-way | 500 sq. ft. | — |
| Tourist Commercial (TC) | 4 | 35 feet or 60 feet if parcel is within 1500 feet of I-80 right-of-way. | 1,000 sq. ft. | — |
| Industrial (I, EC) | 4 | 35 feet | 250 sq. ft. | — |
| Planned Development (PD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 4 feet | Up to 50% of total area of all windows for the business | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 11 zones)

### Commercial (C1, MU)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 300 sq. ft. | — | — | No limit | Building wall, not to extend above/beyond wall or roof line. | — | Sec. 32.10.090(b), Table 32.10.090-1 |
| Projecting/Suspended Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Perpendicular to the front of the building | — | Sec. 32.10.090(b), Table 32.10.090-1; 32.10.090(d)(5) |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 32 sq. ft. | — | See general setback/safe siting requirements (Sec. 32.10.100(e)(4)). | 1 per parcel plus 1 special monument sign per entrance and 2 additional for drive-through | Per parcel | — | Sec. 32.10.100(b), Table 32.10.100-1; 32.10.100(d) |
| Freestanding Sign | 30 feet | 250 sq. ft. | — | Compliance with safe siting standards (see Sec. 32.10.100(e)(4)). | 1 per site frontage up to max 2 | 1 per site frontage up to maximum of 2 | — | Sec. 32.10.100(b), Table 32.10.100-2 |

### Commercial (C2, EC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 500 sq. ft. | — | — | No limit | Building wall, not to extend above/beyond wall or roof line. | — | Sec. 32.10.090(b), Table 32.10.090-1 |
| Projecting/Suspended Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Perpendicular to the front of the building | — | Sec. 32.10.090(b), Table 32.10.090-1; 32.10.090(d)(5) |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 32 sq. ft. | — | See general setback/safe siting requirements (Sec. 32.10.100(e)(4)). | 1 per parcel plus 1 special monument sign per entrance and 2 additional for drive-through | Per parcel | — | Sec. 32.10.100(b), Table 32.10.100-1; 32.10.100(d) |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 feet or 60 feet if parcel is within 1500 feet of Interstate 80 right-of-way | 500 sq. ft. | — | Safe siting and 100 ft. separation from other freestanding signs (see 32.10.100(e)(1)). | 1 per site frontage up to max 2 plus 1 special freestanding | 1 per site frontage up to maximum of 2 plus 1 special freestanding sign (see Sec 32.10.100(c)) | — | Sec. 32.10.100(b), Table 32.10.100-2; Sec. 32.10.100(c) |

### Industrial (I, EC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 250 sq. ft. | — | — | No limit | Building wall, not to extend above/beyond wall or roof line. | — | Sec. 32.10.090(b), Table 32.10.090-1 |
| Projecting/Suspended Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Perpendicular to the front of the building | — | Sec. 32.10.090(b), Table 32.10.090-1; 32.10.090(d)(5) |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 32 sq. ft. | — | See general setback/safe siting requirements (Sec. 32.10.100(e)(4)). | 1 per parcel plus 1 special monument sign per entrance and 2 additional for drive-through | Per parcel | — | Sec. 32.10.100(b), Table 32.10.100-1; 32.10.100(d) |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 feet | 250 sq. ft. | — | Safe siting and 100 ft. separation from other freestanding signs (see 32.10.100(e)(1)). | 1 per site frontage up to max 2 plus 1 special freestanding | 1 per site frontage up to maximum of 2 plus 1 special freestanding sign | — | Sec. 32.10.100(b), Table 32.10.100-2; Sec. 32.10.100(c), 32.10.100(f) |

## Prohibited signs in Fernley

- It is unlawful to display, erect, place, establish, paint, or maintain a nonexempt sign except in conformance with the standards, requirements, limitations and procedures of this chapter.
- All signs are prohibited except as permitted by this chapter.
- Signs not specifically permitted in or which violate any provision in this chapter are prohibited.
- Signs attached to official signs and their sign structures, trees or poles or standards used for purposes other than sign structures, or utility structures are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Any display or sign that imitates or resembles an official traffic signal, sign device or other official warning signs is prohibited.
- Interactive signs are prohibited.
- Signs on wind machines, cellular towers or other equipment except for logos not exceeding eight square inches are prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed in any ditch, storm drain facility or flood channel, except for official signs or signs by utilities regarding easements or dangers.
- No sign shall be displayed in any right-of-way or on public property except for specified exempt types (official signs, building markers/address, city directional/community directory signs, certain café umbrellas).
- No sign shall be placed on a lot without express permission of the owner.
- No sign may resemble, simulate or conflict with the proper functioning of any official sign, or use yellow or red blinking or intermittent lights resembling danger or warning signals.
- Signs which produce odor, sound, smoke, flame or other emissions are prohibited.
- No sign shall obstruct or impair access to public sidewalk, street, driveway, traffic control sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, or other street furniture; block light and ventilation of residences on adjoining properties zoned for residential use; or mislead/confuse roadway users.
- All signs shall comply with building and municipal codes.
- All signs (except for residential, election period, temporary, window, and special monument signs) shall be permanently attached to the ground, building, or structure.
- Sign illumination: The light source for indirect illumination signs must be shielded to prevent beams/rays from being directed at roadway or abutting property. The intensity and brilliance must not interfere with official signs or impair/distract roadway users.
- No sign shall use a beacon, strobe light, racing/traveling or exposed individual light source (excluding LED/neon) exceeding 75 watts.
- No sign shall extend over a property line to another site.
- No sign shall extend into any public right-of-way.
- It is unlawful to build or alter a sign not strictly conforming to the permit, permit conditions, application, or standards and requirements of this chapter.

## Signs exempt from permit in Fernley

- Official signs.
- Holiday decorations that do not include a commercial message and are removed within 30 days after the holiday.
- Incidental signs not greater than two square feet or as specified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
- Handicap parking signs.
- Signs posted on or near easements held by public utilities warning/informing about easements or location of public utilities.
- Building identification signs showing only street address and/or building number/name.
- Nameplates on residences or mailboxes.
- Civic displays.
- Up to four flags not exceeding a cumulative size of 216 square feet.
- Signs located within a structure not visible from a public street, sidewalk, or alley.
- Building markers not exceeding four square feet.
- Signs or copy permanently embroidered, screened, dyed, stenciled, or painted into fabric of umbrellas set up in sidewalk cafes.
- Signs painted on or integral to vending machines, fuel dispensing pumps, or fuel storage tanks.
- Signs painted on the flat surface of a roof only visible from the air.
- Murals.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Sign permits are required for all signs except those specifically exempted in section 32.10.040 or as otherwise provided in this chapter (e.g., residential signs, special monument signs, election period signs).
- Temporary signs generally require a temporary sign permit, except for certain owner-posted signs on vacant buildings not exceeding 80 sq ft.
- A sign permit must be obtained from the city before construction or installation of a sign if required.
- A building permit may also be required under Title 8 of the Fernley Municipal Code depending on the nature/size of the sign; when required, it is included as part of the sign permit application.
- No variances, major or minor deviations, or modifications from the provisions of this chapter may be granted for signs (section 32.10.170).
- Approval of a sign plan (master sign plan) or other collective process is not explicitly required in these sections; sign regulation is enforced on permit basis per sign/site unless otherwise provided.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 11 zoning districts in Fernley — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Fernley+NV&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-fernley

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