# Sign Regulations in Depew, New York

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Depew, New York (NY)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/new-york/depew
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/12867603#12867603)

## At a glance

Depew, New York regulates 31 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Construction Signs in the Residential Districts, R-1, R-2, Single-family districts, Multifamily districts zoning district are capped at 15 ft tall and 32 sq ft, with a 25 ft from lot line, 75 ft from any non-project dwelling setback (Sec. § 260-37D, Table). Most commercial signs in Depew require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts, R-1, R-2, Single-family districts, Multifamily districts | 8 | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Business Districts, C-1, C-2, MS | 17 | 30 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Districts, M-1, M-2 | 14 | 15 ft | 100 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### Residential Districts, R-1, R-2, Single-family districts, Multifamily districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Address Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling | On dwelling | — | § 260-37D, Table |
| Construction Sign | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 25 ft from lot line, 75 ft from any non-project dwelling | 1 per project | On premises being developed | — | § 260-37D, Table |
| Political Sign (Residential) | — | 16 sq ft cumulative | — | — | — | Private property only | — | § 260-37D |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential) | — | 8 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per building/lot (+1 if more than one roadway) | On premises | — | § 260-37D, Real Estate Sign |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Single-family) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from any lot line, not in clear vision triangle | 1 per side of entryway | Entryway to subdivision or residential development | — | § 260-37E, Table and narrative |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Multifamily) | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | — | 10 ft from lot line, not in clear vision triangle | 1 per entrance | At each entrance to development | — | § 260-37E, Table and narrative |
| Resident Professional Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling | Attached to exterior wall of dwelling | — | § 260-37D, Resident Prof. Occupation Sign |
| Garage Sale Sign | 4 ft | 4 ft x 4 ft (16 sq ft) | 4 ft | — | — | Freestanding, not on tree/pole/shrub | — | § 117-6 |

### Business Districts, C-1, C-2, MS

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Address Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel | On business premises | — | § 260-37D, Table |
| Construction Sign | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 25 ft from lot line, 75 ft from any dwelling not in project | 1 per project | On premises under construction | — | § 260-37D, Table |
| Fascia Sign | — | 18 sq ft | — | 8 ft above finished grade | 1 per business | Attached to soffit/under fascia | — | § 260-37E, Table |
| Hanging Sign (Under Canopy) | — | 2 sq ft | — | 8 ft above walk/grade | 1 per customer entrance | Perpendicular to wall, under structure canopy/awning/marquee | — | § 260-37D, Under Canopy/Hanging Sign |
| Marquee Sign | — | 50 sq ft cumulative per frontage with entrance | — | 8 ft above walkway | 1 per building frontage with entrance | On face of marquee, not projecting above/beneath face | — | § 260-37E, Marquee Sign |
| Projecting Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | 8 ft above walkway | 1 per frontage per business | Perpendicular to building | — | § 260-37E, Projecting Sign |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) | 8 ft | See notes | — | 50 ft from residential, 10 ft from street ROW | 1 per lot | On ground, not attached to building | — | § 260-37E, Ground Sign |
| Pole Sign/Pylon Sign | 30 ft | See notes | — | 50 ft from residential lot, 10 ft from ROW | 1 per lot | Freestanding, on pole(s), 8 ft above grade for bottom edge | — | § 260-37E, Pole Sign/Pylon Sign |

### Industrial Districts, M-1, M-2

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Address Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel | On premises | — | § 260-37D, Table |
| Construction Sign | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 25 ft from lot line, 75 ft from any dwelling not in project | 1 per project | On premises under construction | — | § 260-37D, Table |
| Real Estate Sign (Industrial) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/parcel (+1 per extra roadway) | On premises for sale/lease/rent | — | § 260-37D |
| Fascia Sign | — | 18 sq ft | — | 8 ft above grade | 1 per business | Under fascia | — | § 260-37E, Fascia Sign |
| Hanging Sign (Under Canopy) | — | 2 sq ft | — | 8 ft above grade | 1 per entrance | Under canopy/marquee, perpendicular to building | — | § 260-37D, Under Canopy Sign |
| Marquee Sign | — | 50 sq ft per building frontage with entrance | — | 8 ft above walkway | 1 per building frontage with entrance | On marquee face | — | § 260-37E, Marquee Sign |
| Projecting Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | 8 ft above walkway | 1 per frontage per business | Perpendicular to building | — | § 260-37E, Projecting Sign |
| Ground Sign | 8 ft | 80 sq ft for 1 business; 100/120/150/200 sq ft for multi-business (see requirements) | — | 50 ft from residential lot, 10 ft from ROW | 1 per lot | On ground, not attached to building | — | § 260-37E, Ground Sign |

## Prohibited signs in Depew

- No person shall erect or maintain any sign over any sidewalk or over the exterior line of any street, avenue, lane, alley or public place in the Village.
- No signs shall be placed or erected, nor annexed to or supported by any tree, pole or other fixture located or embedded within the area between the curb or pavement line, and the sidewalk; or within or upon any portion of the sidewalk.
- No sign shall be less than eight feet from property line at sidewalk nor less than eight feet above ground level.
- No sign, banner or material shall be suspended across a street without written permit from the Mayor.
- No sign shall exceed 24 square feet (except for signs painted on or attached flush to a building).
- No flashing lights that hinder traffic or are a nuisance shall be permitted.
- No person shall erect or cause to be erected or maintained any public billboards in the Village.
- All signs not expressly permitted or exempt from regulation are prohibited in all districts.
- Banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or other similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices or strings of lights are prohibited.
- Rotating or revolving signs are prohibited.
- Beacons are prohibited.
- Signage on inoperable motor vehicles, or vehicles without current inspection or plate, or not principally used for business, or conspicuously parked for 24 hours on a lot or right-of-way is prohibited.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited.
- Signs advertising or identifying a business which is no longer operating are prohibited and must be removed within 30 days after the business ceases to operate.
- Roof signs placed, inscribed or supported upon or above the highest part of the roofline (except required directional devices) are prohibited.
- Signs that create a traffic hazard by obstructing view at intersections or resemble traffic control devices are prohibited.
- Signs that encroach into the clear sight triangle are prohibited.
- Signs in the public right-of-way or on other public property are prohibited.
- No illuminated sign or lighting device employing flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving light or lights.
- No illuminated sign or device shall be placed to direct beams or glare onto public street, highway, sidewalk, or adjacent premises so as to cause a traffic hazard or nuisance.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited and must be removed by the owner of the sign or premises.
- No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained any sign which is not structurally sound or creates an electrical hazard; exposed wires on a sign or its supporting members are prohibited.
- Signs erected without a permit or established inconsistent with code provisions are unlawful and considered a violation.

## Signs exempt from permit in Depew

- This article shall not apply to any religious, charitable or educational institution, nor to the designation of any railroad or bus transportation facilities, nor to any necessary or proper governmental or municipal service; permits for such may be issued at the discretion of the Board of Trustees without cost.
- Signs erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function.
- Signs prohibiting trespassing.
- Integral, decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters or trademarks.
- Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, that is not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line.
- Signs of a noncommercial nature (political signs) consistent with the free expression of ideas and protected speech.
- Address signs (one per dwelling, max 2 sq ft, not internally illuminated).
- Construction signs (subject to size, height, placement limits, and removal at end of project).
- Fuel pump signs (subject to size limit).
- Under canopy/hanging signs (subject to size and location limits).
- Resident professional occupation signs (one non-illuminated, max 2 sq ft, attached to dwelling).
- Incidental signs (max 4 sq ft, for traffic/parking, no advertising).
- Menu board signs (not legible from right-of-way or adjacent residential, maximum two per lane, max 36 sq ft each).
- Political signs (on private property, not blocking intersections, cumulative max sq ft varies by district).
- Real estate signs (subject to location, illumination, removal, and size limits).
- Window signs (max 50% of individual window area).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Any person desiring to erect or maintain a sign must file a written application with the Village Board, detailing the sign and its placement, including agreement to save the Village harmless from all claims for damages.
- No sign may be erected without a permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer, unless specifically exempted.
- Any portable sign must meet approval of the Enforcement Officer and have a permit.
- Permits for portable signs expire on December 31 following issuance.
- A bond of $10,000 is required for sign permits to indemnify the Village.
- The Board of Trustees may from time to time establish uniform plans for the erection, maintenance and continuance of signs and may revoke or suspend permits to enforce such plans.
- Additional internal directory signs not visible from the street may be permitted as part of a master sign plan.

## 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 4 zoning districts in Depew — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Depew+NY&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-depew

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