# Sign Regulations in Pleasant Valley, New York

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Pleasant Valley, New York (NY)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/new-york/pleasant-valley
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-24
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/14063391#14063391)

## At a glance

Pleasant Valley, New York regulates 49 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Temporary Sign - Subdivision Real Estate Sales in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 18 sq ft per sign (single‑sided only)., with a Minimum 10 ft from property line. setback (Sec. §98‑46G(2)(c)[1]–[2]). Most commercial signs in Pleasant Valley require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (9 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 4 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Conservation (CONS), Rural Agricultural (RA), Rural Residential (RR), Lower Density Residential (LDR), Medium Density Residential (MDR), Higher Density Residential (HDR), Hamlet Residential (HR) (Residential Districts) | 3 | 5 ft above ground level at highest point | 8 sq ft (sign area) | — |
| Hamlet - Pleasant Valley (H-PV), Hamlet — Washington Hollow (H-WH), Hamlet — Salt Point (H-SP), Mixed Use Commercial District (MC) (Hamlet Districts and MC) | 16 | Minimum ground clearance 8 ft; maximum ground clearance 10 ft | Up to 50% of valance area, or maximum 8 sq ft, whichever is less | — |
| Office/Industrial (OI), Quarry (Q), Special Flood Hazard (SFH) (Office Industrial, Quarry, and Special Flood Hazard Districts) | 5 | Minimum ground clearance 8 ft; maximum 10 ft above ground | 20% of total window area of principal facade or 20 sq ft, whichever is less | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones - Exempt Signs | 14 | — | No larger than any other exempt sign in §98‑46E (largest is 24 sq ft farm stand sign, but context suggests typical smaller signs; ordinance explicitly references size parity, not a number). | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones - Prohibitions and Design/Illumination | 2 | — | — | — |
| Hamlet Districts (H-PV, H-SP, H-WH) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| Office Industrial, Quarry, and Special Flood Hazard Districts (OI, Q, SFH) | 1 | — | — | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Any Permanent Sign (General) | — | — | — | — | — | Anywhere they are expressly permitted by §98-46 and consistent with applicable district rules | — | §98‑46C; §98‑46D; §98‑46J; §98‑46K; §98‑46M |
| Temporary Sign - Promotions/Events | — | Maximum aggregate total sign area per temporary sign permit: 18 sq ft (for up to two temporary signs combined). | — | — | Per permit: maximum 2 temporary signs. Per establishment: total display days across all such permits ≤ 90 days/year. | On the premises of the establishment conducting the promotion, sale, or event. | — | §98‑46G(1); §98‑46G(2)(a) |
| Temporary Sign - Grand Opening (Residential Districts) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | Maximum 1 grand‑opening temporary sign per establishment; maximum 1 such permit per business. | On private property of the establishment having the grand opening. | — | §98‑46G(2)(b) |
| Temporary Sign - Grand Opening (Nonresidential Districts) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | Maximum 1 grand‑opening temporary sign per establishment; maximum 1 such permit per business. | On private property of the establishment having the grand opening. | — | §98‑46G(2)(b) |
| Temporary Sign - Subdivision Real Estate Sales | 4 ft | 18 sq ft per sign (single‑sided only). | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line. | One sign per side of the property with highway/street frontage, or at each qualifying intersection, consistent with §98‑46G(2)(c)[1]. | One such sign may be located on each side of the property which has frontage on a Town, county, or state highway or street on which the subdivision fronts, or at the intersection of a newly created subdivision road and a Town, county or state highway/street. | — | §98‑46G(2)(c)[1]–[2] |
| Temporary Sign - Yard Sale or Similar | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per premises per sale; no more than 3 permits/year per property. | Located fully on the property on which the sale is being conducted; may not be affixed to utility poles; off‑premises yard sale signs are prohibited. | — | §98‑46G(2)(d) |

### Hamlet - Pleasant Valley (H-PV), Hamlet — Washington Hollow (H-WH), Hamlet — Salt Point (H-SP), Mixed Use Commercial District (MC) (Hamlet Districts and MC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Primary Sign - Projecting Sign (Single Establishment) | Minimum ground clearance 8 ft; maximum ground clearance 10 ft | 4 sq ft per face (two faces allowed) | Maximum projection 4 ft from building face | — | For a property with one establishment: not more than one primary sign of any allowed type, including this projecting sign, except as allowed in §98‑46I(1)(d) and (f). | On the establishment’s principal facade in Hamlet or MC district. | — | §98‑46I(1)(a)[1]; §98‑46J(3)(c) |
| Primary Sign - Window Sign (Single Establishment) | — | 20% of total window area of principal facade, or 20 sq ft, whichever is less | — | — | One primary window sign per establishment when chosen as the primary sign type. | On or within 3 ft behind the glass of windows on the principal facade, oriented to outside passersby. | — | §98‑46I(1)(a)[2]; §98‑46B (Window sign); §98‑46J(3)(e); §98‑46E(11) |
| Primary Sign - Post-and-Arm Sign (Single Establishment) | Pole height maximum 6 ft (no stone planter base) or 7 ft (with stone planter base) | 4 sq ft per face (two faces allowed) | — | — | One post‑and‑arm primary sign per property with one establishment (unless another primary type is chosen instead). | On the property of the establishment, typically near street frontage, outside right‑of‑way. | — | §98‑46I(1)(a)[4]; §98‑46B (Post‑and‑arm sign); §98‑46J(3)(b) |
| Primary Sign - Monument Sign (Single Establishment) | 6 ft from ground to highest point | 16 sq ft per face (two faces allowed) | — | Must not be located in any Town, county, or state right‑of‑way (§98‑46F(17)); placed to avoid visibility impairment (§98‑46J(3)(b)[1]). | One monument primary sign per property containing one establishment when selected. | Freestanding on the property of the establishment, outside any public right‑of‑way, in location not impairing visibility. | — | §98‑46I(1)(a)[6]; §98‑46B (Monument sign); §98‑46J(3)(b) |
| Primary Sign - Multi-Establishment Property (2–4 Establishments) - Option 2 (Shared Monument Sign) | 6 ft from ground | 16 sq ft per face (two faces allowed) for the shared monument sign (per cross‑reference to §98‑46I(1)(a)[6]). | — | Cannot be located in a public right‑of‑way; must not impair visibility. | One shared monument sign for the property (covering all establishments) under Option 2. | On the property, typically at primary entrance, identifying all establishments located on the property. | — | §98‑46I(1)(b)[2]; §98‑46I(1)(a)[6]; §98‑46J(3)(b) |
| Shopping Plaza Monument Sign (Plaza Identification) | 8 ft from ground to highest point | 40 sq ft (may be increased up to 60 sq ft by Planning Board if tenant panels require it) | — | Must be sited to avoid visibility impairment and outside any public right‑of‑way. | One plaza monument sign per shopping plaza. | Freestanding monument sign identifying the name of the plaza, located on the plaza property near primary access point, outside public right‑of‑way. | — | §98‑46I(1)(c)[2][a]–[e]; §98‑46J(3)(b) |
| Accessory A-Frame / Sandwich Board Sign | — | 6 sq ft per face (two faces allowed) | — | Base within 24 in of building face; not in public right‑of‑way; cannot obstruct sidewalk. | Each establishment is permitted one accessory A‑frame sign. | On sidewalk area immediately adjacent to establishment; base located no farther than 24 in from face of building; cannot be in any Town, county, or state road right‑of‑way. | — | §98‑46I(1)(e)[1]–[6]; §98‑46B (A‑frame sign); §98‑46J(3)(f) |
| Subdivision / Mobile Home Park / Multifamily Monument Sign (Hamlet/MC Districts) | 5 ft above ground at highest point | 8 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from edge of pavement of any public road. | One such monument sign per subdivision, mobile home park, or complex. | At entry to subdivision, mobile home park, or condominium/townhouse/apartment complex located within Hamlet or MC districts. | — | §98‑46I(1)(g); §98‑46H(2) |

### General Regulations For All Zones - Exempt Signs

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Historical Marker / Memorial / Building Name Plate (Exempt) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On site of historical or memorial feature or on building indicating name/date of erection. | — | §98‑46E(1) |
| On-Premises Directional or Traffic Control Signs Painted on Road Surface (Exempt) | — | — | — | — | Limited to minimum necessary per Planning Board. | Painted on road surface on private property. | — | §98‑46E(2) |
| Nonilluminated Warning / Private Drive / Posted / No Trespassing Signs (Exempt) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On private property to which warning applies. | — | §98‑46E(3) |
| Number and Name Plates on House / Apartment / Mailbox (Exempt) | — | 1 sq ft total | — | — | — | Mounted on a house, apartment, or mailbox. | — | §98‑46E(4) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign - For Sale / For Rent (Exempt) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per premises. | On property being offered for sale or rent. | — | §98‑46E(5) |
| Temporary Construction / Renovation / Repair Identification Sign (Exempt) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per site. | On premises while construction, renovation, or repair is in progress. | — | §98‑46E(6) |
| Farm Stand / U-Pick / Agricultural Operation Signs (Exempt) | — | 24 sq ft total (aggregate of all such signs on premises) | — | — | One or more, provided aggregate area ≤ 24 sq ft. | On premises of farm stand, u‑pick, or similar agricultural operation. | — | §98‑46E(12) |
| Nonilluminated Secondary Signs (Exempt) | — | 1 sq ft total per establishment | — | — | As many as fit within 1 sq ft total per establishment. | On establishment, typically near entrance (e.g., "open/closed," hours). | — | §98‑46E(14); §98‑46B (Secondary sign) |

## Prohibited signs in Pleasant Valley

- All signs not specifically permitted by §98-46 are prohibited.
- Bench signs are prohibited, except commemorative plaques.
- Billboards are prohibited (except nonconforming billboards predating the chapter, which are subject to abandonment/removal rules).
- Electronic changeable signs are prohibited.
- Fluttering devices such as streamers, ribbons, balloons, spinners, pennants and groupings of flags are prohibited, except as expressly allowed for decorative/seasonal flags and certain temporary promotions/events and grand openings.
- Handwritten signs promoting a business, commodity, service, or entertainment are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs are prohibited.
- Internally illuminated signs, including neon signs, are prohibited except as permitted for a menu board sign for a drive-through food service establishment.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited, except those mandated by a governmental unit (which are exempt).
- Pole signs are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited (including signs displayed on vehicles/trailers whose primary purpose is advertising).
- Posters temporarily affixed to buildings, telephone poles, and similar structures are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Rotating or otherwise moving signs are prohibited.
- Televisions used outdoors in conjunction with a nonresidential use as a sign or display are prohibited.
- No sign may be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, changing, rotating, or moving lights.
- No sign may be erected which may be confused with or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign or signal, or which obstructs the sight distance triangle at any street intersection.
- No sign shall be placed in or extend into any Town, county, or state highway right-of-way.
- No illuminated sign or lighting device may be placed so that light is directed onto a public street, highway, sidewalk, or adjacent premises in a manner that creates glare, reflection, a traffic hazard, or other nuisance.
- No sign may be attached to a building wall or structure that projects horizontally or at a right angle more than nine inches from the face of the building, except for projecting signs that comply with the specific projecting sign standards in §98-46I.
- No advertising message may be extended over a succession of signs placed along a street or highway.
- No temporary sign may be painted directly on a window surface.
- Signs shall not be internally illuminated, except as specifically allowed (drive-through menu board).
- Fluorescent colors on signs are prohibited (artwork integral to a logo is exempt from the color-count restriction but not expressly from the fluorescent ban).
- All bare light sources and immediately adjacent reflective surfaces, including solar panels used with signage, must be shielded from normal view.
- No illuminated sign or lighting device shall cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or other nuisance.
- Off‑premises yard sale signs are prohibited.
- Temporary signs that are not removed by their permit expiration may be removed by the Town at the owner’s cost, and security deposits may be forfeited.
- Obsolete signs (including abandoned billboards) must be removed within specified time frames or may be removed by the Town, with costs charged to the property.
- Signs must be kept in good repair and safe, neat, and clean condition; failure to repair within 30 days of notice may result in removal by the Town and penalties.
- Any sign erected or maintained in violation of the chapter is subject to enforcement, removal, and fines, with each week of an uncorrected or repeated violation constituting a separate offense.

## Signs exempt from permit in Pleasant Valley

- Historical markers, tablets, statues, memorial signs, and plaques indicating names of buildings and dates of erection, not exceeding six square feet, are exempt from sign permit and Planning Board approval requirements (but must comply with all other provisions).
- On-premises directional or traffic control signs painted on the road surface that identify parking areas, fire zones, entrances, exits and similar directions, without business or personal names, are exempt from permit and Planning Board approval (subject to Planning Board limitation on number and compliance with other provisions).
- Nonilluminated warning signs such as "private drive," "posted," or "no trespassing," not exceeding one square foot, are exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- Number and name plates identifying residents, mounted on a house, apartment, or mailbox, not exceeding one square foot total, are exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- Temporary nonilluminated "For Sale" or "For Rent" real estate signs and similar signs, not exceeding two square feet and limited to one per premises, concerning the premises on which they are located, are exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- One temporary sign, not exceeding four square feet, listing the architect, engineer, and/or contractor on premises while construction, renovation, or repair is in progress, is exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- Temporary signs announcing or supporting political candidates or issues in connection with any election, posted on private property and no larger than other exempt signs under §98‑46E, are exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- Any sign mandated by a governmental unit (i.e., government-required signs) is exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- Lettering or signage on commercial motor vehicles used primarily for related business transportation (with vehicles registered and insured) is exempt from sign permit and approval requirements.
- Decorative or seasonal flags that do not contain advertising messages (other than the word "open"), limited to one per establishment and displayed only during business hours, are exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- Temporary indoor window signs, affixed to or visible through the glass, restricted to a maximum of 25% of the total square footage of all windows on the principal facade or six square feet, whichever is greater, are exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- On-premises sign(s) for a farm stand, "u-pick," or similar agricultural operation, not exceeding a total of 24 square feet in sign area, are exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- Noncommercial signs, no larger than any other exempt sign permitted in §98‑46E, are exempt from permit and approval requirements.
- Nonilluminated secondary signs totaling not more than one square foot in size per establishment are exempt from permit and approval requirements.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign of any type may be placed, erected, constructed, painted, altered, relocated, enlarged, reconstructed, displayed, lit, or maintained only as expressly permitted in §98‑46 and only after issuance of a sign permit by the Zoning Administrator or deputy, unless the sign is specifically listed as exempt in §98‑46E.
- Unless otherwise specified in §98‑46, all permanent signs (in all districts) require review and approval of the Planning Board as part of the sign permit process.
- Temporary signs of a non‑exempt type require a temporary sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator; Planning Board approval is generally not required for temporary signs except when fluttering devices (balloons, groupings of flags, etc.) are proposed in conjunction with temporary signs under the promotions/events or grand opening provisions.
- Applications for permanent signs must include a scaled drawing and, if a new or altered permanent sign is proposed, a plan drawn to scale showing placement, orientation, relation to property lines, buildings, roads, driveways, other signs, lighting fixtures, walls, fences, and demonstrating that the sign is not in any public right‑of‑way. This functions as a sign layout/placement plan submitted with each permanent sign application.
- For shopping plazas (five or more establishments on a single lot), an additional shared monument sign for the plaza is allowed; such plaza‑wide signage (including number and size of tenant panels and any increase up to 60 square feet) is subject to Planning Board review under the permanent sign standards. This effectively requires a coordinated sign arrangement for the plaza but is handled through the standard sign permit/Planning Board review process, not through a separately named master sign plan.
- Directional signs for internal traffic circulation in shopping plazas and in OI, Q, and SFH districts require Planning Board review and approval of necessity and number as part of the sign permit process, indicating a coordinated review of overall on‑site sign placement.
- Relief from the requirement that any permanent sign in a nonresidential district be located on the establishment’s principal facade may be granted by the Planning Board under §98‑46N. The applicant must provide documentation supporting the request; the Planning Board may approve an additional sign visible from a public street in addition to the principal facade sign, subject to size and type limits. This relief is granted through Planning Board action, not through a separate variance board.
- Subdivision real estate sales signs require: (a) a temporary sign permit, (b) adherence to size, height, and placement standards, and (c) a cash security deposit to ensure removal. Any extension of the display period beyond one year must be approved by the Planning Board upon written application, effectively requiring a limited sign‑specific review for subdivision marketing signage.
- Monument signs must provide details on decorative rock/stone bases and required landscaping in and around the base; these design elements are reviewed and may be required by the Planning Board as part of the permanent sign approval, functioning as a site‑specific sign design plan requirement.
- All permanent signs must comply with general design principles and criteria (materials, lettering coverage, word count, colors, illumination restrictions). Compliance with these design standards is reviewed by the Planning Board for each permanent sign application, ensuring consistency across all signs on a site rather than a formal master sign plan document.
- Existing primary signs that predate Local Law No. 8 of 2009 may remain only if they were legal, are not obsolete, and are properly maintained; however, any change to sign copy, structure, or business use triggers a requirement for conformance with the current code and therefore a new sign permit and Planning Board review where applicable, effectively forcing existing sites toward an updated, code‑compliant sign scheme over time.

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

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