# Sign Regulations in Manlius, New York

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Manlius, New York (NY)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/new-york/manlius
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/33444538#33444538)

## At a glance

Manlius, New York regulates 34 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Monument Sign (Type 1b)s in the Commercial District, Commercial 1 District, Industrial District zoning district are capped at 5 ft (base max 2 ft); 24 in min letter height above ground tall, 12 sq ft, and Base may protrude up to 12 in on each side from sign area wide, with a Min 4 ft from lot line or interior edge of sidewalk setback (Sec. §99-25(C)(3)(a)[2], (C)(8)(b)). Most commercial signs in Manlius 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 | 5 | 16 ft above ground level (building signs) / May not extend above first story | 4 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District, Commercial 1 District, Industrial District | 24 | 42 in | 60 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Districts: shopping centers | 2 | 16 ft (min 8 ft clearance above ground) | 30 sq ft (most tenants) | — |
| Residential District | 10 | 5 ft (if Type 1a or 1b, see C(3)(a)[1],[2]) | 32 sq ft | — |

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

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Illuminated Sign | 16 ft above ground level (building signs) / May not extend above first story | — | — | — | — | Prohibited to place glare/beams on public ROW or adjacent premises; Must not cover windows, doors, fixtures | — | §99-25(A)(1)-(17), (C)(8)(c) |
| Exposed Neon Tubing Sign (Window Sign) | 5 in per line (2-line option); 10 in (1-line option) | — | 18 in per line | — | 1 per business establishment | First-floor, interior location within three feet of a window | — | §99-25(A)(2)(a)-(b) |
| Freestanding Garage Sale Sign | — | 4 sq ft | 2 ft | — | Max 3 per sale | — | — | §59-5(A)-(B) |
| No Soliciting/Canvassing Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On or affixed to building or premises, visible to public view | — | §42-14 |
| Governmental/Legal Signs | — | — | — | — | — | As required by law or governmental function | — | §99-25(A)(12) |

### Commercial District, Commercial 1 District, Industrial District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Institutional Sign (places of worship, library, museum, school) | — | 16 sq ft | — | Min 4 ft from lot line (freestanding only) | 1 | Attached or freestanding; if freestanding no closer than 4 ft to lot line | — | §99-25(B)(2)(b), (C)(1) |
| Wall Sign (One Business Establishment) | 2 ft (horizontal format) / 8 sq ft (vertical format) | 60 sq ft | Length not to exceed 75% of facade width | — | 1 per establishment | Attached to building; not on roof or above first story | — | §99-25(C)(2)(a)[1][a-c], (C)(8)(c) |
| Projecting Sign (One Business Establishment) | Top of sign max 12 ft above ground; must not extend above first story; min 8 ft clearance above sidewalk | 12 sq ft | Projects max 3 ft from building | — | 1 | Perpendicular to building, at 90°, at sidewalk | — | §99-25(C)(2)(a)[2] |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building, First Floor) | 2 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per store | Attached to store front | — | §99-25(C)(2)(b)[1] |
| Corner Lot Wall Sign (Additional) | 2 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per qualifying corner facade | Not on same facade as primary sign | — | §99-25(C)(2)(c) |
| Freestanding Sign (Type 1a) | 5 ft | 12 sq ft | — | Min 4 ft from lot line or interior edge of sidewalk | 1 per building | Freestanding, minimum 2 ft above ground, setback min 4 ft from lot line or interior edge of sidewalk (whichever is greater) | — | §99-25(C)(3)(a)[1], (C)(8)(b) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Type 1b) | 5 ft (base max 2 ft); 24 in min letter height above ground | 12 sq ft | Base may protrude up to 12 in on each side from sign area | Min 4 ft from lot line or interior edge of sidewalk | 1 per building | Monument style, setback min 4 ft from lot line or interior edge of sidewalk | — | §99-25(C)(3)(a)[2], (C)(8)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Type 2, Shopping Center) | 16 ft | — | — | Min 10 ft from lot line or interior edge of sidewalk | 1 per shopping center | In shopping center, minimum 8 ft clearance above ground; setback at least 10 ft from lot line/sidewalk | — | §99-25(C)(3)(a)[3], (C)(8)(a)[2] |

### Residential District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Real Estate Sign (On-Premises) - Temporary | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On property | — | §99-25(L)(1), (B)(1)(a) |
| Real Estate Open House Sign (Off-Premises) - Temporary | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 2 | Off-premises, not public right-of-way | — | §99-25(L)(1), (B)(1)(b) |
| Nameplate Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Attached to building | — | §99-25(L)(1), (B)(1)(c) |
| Address Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Attached to building | — | §99-25(L)(1), (B)(1)(d) |
| Construction/Architect's Sign - Temporary | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On property under construction/renovation | — | §99-25(L)(1), (B)(1)(e) |
| Traffic Control Sign (Private Property) | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | 2 per curb cut | Curb cut/driveway | — | §99-25(L)(1), (B)(2)(a) |
| Institutional Sign (places of worship, library, museum, school) | — | 16 sq ft | — | 4 ft (freestanding) | 1 per use | Attached or freestanding; if freestanding min 4 ft from lot line | — | §99-25(L)(1), (B)(2)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Multiple Dwelling Development Site) | 5 ft (if Type 1a or 1b, see C(3)(a)[1],[2]) | 32 sq ft | — | Min 4 ft from lot line or edge of sidewalk | 1 per development site | Freestanding on development site | — | §99-25(L)(2), (C)(3)(a)[1],[2] |

## Prohibited signs in Manlius

- Any illuminated sign must employ lights of constant intensity; flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving lights are prohibited.
- Illuminated signs may not cause glare or reflection onto public streets, highways, sidewalks, or adjacent premises so as to constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.
- Strings of lights may not be used for advertising, outlining buildings, or attracting attention, except holiday lights in season.
- Exterior exposed neon tubing is generally not permitted in signage except as specified.
- Neon signs advertising registered trademarks or products are not permitted.
- No sign shall extend above the base of the roofline or above the first story of a multistory building, and no sign shall extend more than 16 feet above ground level.
- No sign shall be placed, wholly or in part, on, over, or above any roof or roof structure.
- No portable or temporary sign shall be erected or maintained, except as permitted.
- No signs containing banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similar moving, fluttering, or revolving devices are permitted.
- Signs may not be located in such a manner as to restrict vision or impair safety.
- Entrance markers, subdivision signs, decorative lamps, or similar structures designating subdivisions are prohibited on public or Village property.
- No sign may be erected on or project into the street or public right-of-way, except as permitted.
- No person may post or affix any notice, poster, or other device to any building, structure, or premises except as authorized or required by law.
- Signs must not cover or obscure windows, doors, architectural features, or permanent fixtures of a building, except as provided.
- Signs for advertising products, services, or businesses other than those located or available on the premises are prohibited, except as otherwise provided.
- Internally lighted signs are not permitted, except as specifically allowed for certain sign types in designated districts.
- All signs and supporting parts must be constructed of durable materials and maintained in good condition.
- All three-dimensional, raised lettering must be the same color on the front and sides.
- All signs must comply with applicable provisions of the New York State Building Construction Code.
- Projecting signs into the public right-of-way require a bond and/or insurance for Village protection.
- Signs must be kept clean, neatly painted, free from hazards, and maintained so as not to be detrimental to public health or safety.
- Any sign that becomes unsafe or a menace to the public must be removed or repaired within 15 days of notice or may be removed by the Codes Enforcement Officer.
- Signs that no longer advertise an existing business or product must be removed by the property owner within 15 days of notice.
- All portable freestanding and window signage must be brought into compliance within one year from effective date of relevant ordinance.

## Signs exempt from permit in Manlius

- Signs erected and maintained pursuant to the discharge of any lawful governmental function or required by any valid law, ordinance, or governmental regulation.
- Certain temporary signs for property for sale, lease, or rental (one per property, non-illuminated, no greater than four square feet, to be removed within seven days after sale/rental), without permit.
- Temporary 'Open' signs for real property for sale at other locations (two per property, not before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on days of open inspection), without permit.
- Non-illuminated nameplate denoting the name and occupation or profession of occupant (one per premises, not exceeding two square feet), without permit.
- Non-illuminated sign denoting name/address of occupant(s) (one per premises, not exceeding one square foot), without permit.
- Temporary non-illuminated sign for architect/engineer/contractor during construction, repair, renovation (one per premises, not exceeding 12 square feet), without permit.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- The Village Planning Board reviews and approves sign directories for groups of businesses; standards may be developed for type, size, and design of such directories.
- Application for a sign permit must include plans, specifications, and relevant data for Codes Enforcement Officer review.
- All signs must conform to the Village Commercial District Design Guidelines regarding sign design, as interpreted and applied by the Village Planning Board.
- Requests for signs exceeding ordinance limits or requiring a variance are referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation for action by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Temporary signs or banners installed while a business awaits permanent signage may be subject to Planning Board extension and approval.
- Any sign projecting into the public right-of-way requires review for bonding/insurance, subject to Village Board approval.
- The Planning Board may regulate sign directories for groups of establishments as part of district planning harmony and according to any official master or development plan adopted by the Village.

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

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