Sign Regulations in Glens Falls, New York
Glens Falls, New York has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Illuminated Sign, Roof 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 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Glens Falls, New York
Sample Sign Requirements in Glens Falls
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | May not extend above building façade. | — | — |
| Roof Sign | No sign may project above roof line or be erected/installed on the roof. | — | — |
| Window/Door Sign | — | Maximum 20% of the area of the window or door. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Glens FallsFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
22
- Projecting Sign
- Illuminated Sign
- Roof Sign
- Attention-Getting Devices
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Glens Falls
Other Cities in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Glens Falls 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 Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls, regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Illuminated Sign, Roof Sign, Attention-Getting Devices, 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 Glens Falls 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 Glens Falls are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Glens Falls has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Glens Falls, New York Sign Rules at a Glance
Glens Falls, New York regulates 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Portable Sign (A-Frame/Sandwich Board)s in the Business Zone (Limited Business, Central Business), Commercial Zone, Industrial Zone (Light Industry, Heavy Industry), Light-Industrial Zone, Heavy-Industrial Zone zoning district are capped at 3 ft tall, 2 ft wide x 3 ft high x 3 ft deep (base); max 2 faces, and 2 ft wide, with a Various - see restrictions in §180-6G(9) setback (Sec. §180-6G). Most commercial signs in Glens Falls require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Glens Falls, New York
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Glens Falls (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | May not extend above building façade. | Maximum 20% of the area of the window or door. | — |
| Residential Zone (One-Family Residential, Two-Family Residential, Garden Apartments, Multifamily Residential), Cultural Professional Zone | 5 | 7 ft above grade | 6 sq ft per face (max 2 faces, faces must be parallel) | — |
| Business Zone (Limited Business, Central Business), Commercial Zone, Industrial Zone (Light Industry, Heavy Industry), Light-Industrial Zone, Heavy-Industrial Zone | 9 | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Glens Falls
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illuminated Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §180-4A |
| Projecting Sign | May not extend above building façade. | — | May project maximum 3 feet from the building face. | — | — | Affixed to building, must not be suspended solely by means of wires. | — | Unlock | §180-4B |
| Roof Sign | No sign may project above roof line or be erected/installed on the roof. | — | — | — | — | Prohibited on roof. | — | Unlock | §180-4C |
| Attention-Getting Devices | — | — | — | — | — | Prohibited | — | Unlock | §180-4D |
| Window/Door Sign | — | Maximum 20% of the area of the window or door. | — | — | — | Placed on or inside window/door visible from public street/sidewalk. | — | Unlock | §180-4E |
| Wall Sign - Painted | — | — | — | — | — | Painted on exterior wall | — | Unlock | §180-4F |
| Temporary Sign - Political/Election | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Private property, not public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | §180-4G(3) |
| Garage Sale Sign | — | 2 ft x 2 ft (4 sq ft) | 2 ft | — | — | On property where sale is conducted; not on public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | §170-23B–D |
Residential Zone (One-Family Residential, Two-Family Residential, Garden Apartments, Multifamily Residential), Cultural Professional Zone
| 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 - Option 1 | — | 6 sq ft per face (max 2 faces, faces must be parallel) | — | — | 1 per permitted use | Attached to building wall, pillars or post; may project up to 2 feet from surface | — | Unlock | §180-5A; §180-5A(1)-(3) |
| Freestanding Sign - Option 2 | 7 ft above grade | 6 sq ft per face (max 2 faces, faces must be parallel) | — | 9 ft from inside sidewalk/front property line; 10 ft from all other property lines. | 1 per permitted use | On one or two freestanding posts; posts must be at least 9 ft from inside edge of sidewalk or front property line (whichever is more restrictive) and at least 10 ft from all other property lines. | — | Unlock | §180-5A(1)-(3) |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Apartment Houses with more than 4 units, boarding, B&B, etc.) | 7 ft for freestanding | 6 sq ft per face (max 2 faces, faces must be parallel) | — | See above for freestanding | 1 per qualifying facility | As above - attached or on posts | — | Unlock | §180-5A(4) |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 6 sq ft per face (max 2 faces, faces must be parallel) | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | §180-5A(7) |
| Wall/Freestanding Signs (Multiple uses on premises) | — | 3 sq ft x number of uses per face | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §180-5A(5)-(6) |
Business Zone (Limited Business, Central Business), Commercial Zone, Industrial Zone (Light Industry, Heavy Industry), Light-Industrial Zone, Heavy-Industrial Zone
| 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 | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | On building frontage facing public street/lot/etc.; one per frontage | — | Unlock | §180-6A |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than top of first story | — | — | — | — | Front of building; not on rear/side unless facing public space | — | Unlock | §180-6B, §180-4B |
| Freestanding Sign (General/Heavy/Light Manufacturing, Auto Dealership, Large Business Complex) | 25 ft | 100 sq ft per face (max 2 faces) | — | Not beyond front property line; 10 ft from other lot lines; 5 ft from sidewalk triggers height requirement. | 1 per building | Same lot as building; must not project beyond front property line or within 10 ft of any other lot line. If within 5 ft of sidewalk, sign must be at least 10 ft above grade. | — | Unlock | §180-6E; §180-6F(1) |
| Freestanding Sign (Businesses with 100+ ft frontage) | 25 ft | 25 sq ft per face (max 2 faces) | — | Same as above | 1 per building | Same lot as building; location restrictions as above. | — | Unlock | §180-6F(2) |
| Freestanding Sign (Businesses with <100 ft frontage) | 25 ft | 12 sq ft per face (max 2 faces) | — | Same as above | 1 per building | Same lot as building | — | Unlock | §180-6F(3) |
| Directional/Enforcement Sign | — | 2 sq ft each | — | — | — | At driveways, parking lots, or attached to building as applicable. | — | Unlock | §180-6D |
| Portable Sign (A-Frame/Sandwich Board) | 3 ft | 2 ft wide x 3 ft high x 3 ft deep (base); max 2 faces | 2 ft | Various - see restrictions in §180-6G(9) | 1 per business | Directly in front of business; may be on sidewalk adjacent to building or ~3 ft from curb (if 6 ft pedestrian clearance maintained). If sidewalk isn't wide enough, must be on owner's property. | — | Unlock | §180-6G |
| Reader Board (as part of Freestanding Sign) | — | 15 sq ft per face (up to 2 faces; counts toward total freestanding sign area) | — | — | 1 per property | Only as part of approved freestanding sign; must be installed beneath main body of sign. | — | Unlock | §180-6J, §180-4L |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Glens Falls are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Glens Falls
- No sign shall contain flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving lights; no flashing signs are permitted.
- Illuminated signs or lighting devices or projected signs on sidewalks may not direct or beam illumination upon a public street, highway, sidewalk, or adjacent premises without approval.
- No projecting signs may extend more than three feet from the front of a building or above its facade; they must be firmly affixed, not suspended solely by wires, and must follow height restrictions over driveways/walkways.
- No signs shall be erected or installed on the roof or surface of any building; no sign shall project above the roof line.
- No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similar moving, fluttering, or revolving devices.
- No signs, banners, or other devices extending across any public sidewalk or street shall be allowed except as specifically described.
- Signs in windows or doors facing public sidewalks or streets shall not occupy more than 20% of the window or door area.
- Electronic and video display monitors, reader boards, and similar devices shall not be placed upon or within three feet behind a window or within a door’s glazing where visible to the public.
- No sign or graphic description may be painted on exterior walls unless an exception is granted by the Sign Review Board.
- No temporary sign (e.g., political, event, banner) shall be displayed more than 60 days prior to an event; must be removed within five days after; temporary permit required.
- Only one temporary sign permit per applicant may be active at a time; maximum of five per calendar year, total 60 days per year.
- Political signs or election notices are limited to six square feet, must be on private property, and require a deposit.
- No signs shall employ any motion, including revolving or moving images (including moving text lines), unless exception is granted for time, temperature, or similar messages.
- No sign, printed bill, or advertising matter shall be affixed to any fence, utility pole, tree, or any part of the natural landscape.
- Portable signs are only permitted in commercial or industrial zones and are subject to specific regulations.
- Reader boards are not permitted at designated historical sites or districts, or at residential, apartment, or condominium properties used for habitation.
- No sign of any type may be located so as to cause a visual obstruction for vehicular or pedestrian traffic; specific height and placement restrictions apply.
- Portable signs may not be illuminated by internal or external light sources.
- No sign may be erected without a permit, except as otherwise provided.
- All signs must be kept clean, free from hazards, and maintained in a safe, neat condition.
- Failure to comply is a violation punishable by fine or imprisonment; each day is a separate violation.
Exempt Signs in Glens Falls
- Signs erected and maintained pursuant to any governmental function or required by law, ordinance, or government regulation.
- Signs or bulletin boards customarily incident to places of worship, libraries, and museums, not exceeding 12 square feet, illuminated only by constant light, located on the premises (with possible off-premises special permit).
- Nonilluminated signs advertising the sale, lease, or rental of premises; up to four square feet in residential/business/light-industrial zones; up to 20 square feet in heavy-industrial zone; no more than one sign per property.
- One indirectly illuminated professional nameplate not exceeding one square foot per professional practice.
- One nonilluminated sign denoting architect, engineer, or contractor at construction, repair, or renovation sites, not exceeding 18 square feet.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and dates of erection, when cut into masonry or constructed of bronze, stainless steel, or similar material.
- Any sign necessary for direction, information, welfare, or safety of the public (not for business/commercial/private advertising), as approved by the Code Enforcement Officer and majority of the Review Board.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Glens Falls
- All signs, except as exempted, require a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
- Applications for sign permits must include detailed drawings, construction details, lighting position, and a location plan.
- The Code Enforcement Officer must submit permit applications to the Sign Review Board for review and recommendation.
- The Review Board (Sign Review Board) may grant exceptions for painted wall signs, flashing/moving signs for time/temperature/messages, and may review certain color or design issues.
- The Sign Review Board hears appeals and can grant variances after denial by the Code Enforcement Officer, upon evidence of hardship or lack of negative aesthetic impact.
- Freestanding sign posts in residential or Cultural Professional Zones exceeding specified dimensions require Sign Review Board approval.
- All signs in nonconforming use or form must obtain permits for a limited time (nonconforming sign permit for up to tenure, 5 years, or depreciable life—whichever is soonest).
- Portable signs placed on public sidewalks or walkways also require permit and must meet specification requirements under the City Code’s Street and Sidewalk Encroachments.
- Special permits are required for temporary signs, with a deposit to ensure timely removal.
- Large-scale business developments may require consolidated sign plans to ensure uniformity in shared signage (size, style, and composition).
Source: ecode360 municipal code