Sign Regulations in Saranac Lake, New York
Saranac Lake, New York has specific sign regulations covering 11 sign types across 1 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include General – All Sign Types, Exempt Signs (Permit-Exempt, Still Regulated), Prohibited Signs (General Prohibition). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 24, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Saranac Lake, New York
Sample Sign Requirements in Saranac Lake
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Signs (Permit-Exempt, Still Regulated) | — | Real estate: 8 sq ft max. Professional nameplates: 2 sq ft max. Contractor/architect/engineer signs: 32 sq ft max. Occupational signs: 2 sq ft max. (Other listed exempt types have no explicit numeric size limit in the text.) | — |
| Temporary Use Signs (Banners, Pennants, Streamers, Feather Signs) | — | May not exceed the maximum size limitation for the type of sign it would be treated as if it were a principal use sign (e.g., if functioning as a ground sign, then ≤50 sq ft, or up to 70 sq ft for qualifying shopping center identification signs with directional area; if as a wall sign, then ≤2 sq ft per linear foot of frontage; if projecting, then ≤8 sq ft, etc.). | — |
| Temporary Movable Signs (Portable, Folding, A-Frame, Sandwich Board) | — | 8 sq ft maximum area. | Must not encroach on clear sidewalk path width as defined in §106-101; otherwise, no explicit numeric setback stated. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Saranac LakePartial Coverage
Sign Types Covered
11
- General – All Sign Types
- Exempt Signs (Permit-Exempt, Still Regulated)
- Prohibited Signs (General Prohibition)
- Temporary Use Signs (Banners, Pennants, Streamers, Feather Signs)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
1
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Saranac Lake
Other Cities in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Saranac Lake 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 Saranac Lake, 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 Saranac Lake, regulated sign types include General – All Sign Types, Exempt Signs (Permit-Exempt, Still Regulated), Prohibited Signs (General Prohibition), Temporary Use Signs (Banners, Pennants, Streamers, Feather Signs), 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 Saranac Lake 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 Saranac Lake are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Saranac Lake has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Saranac Lake, New York Sign Rules at a Glance
Saranac Lake, New York regulates 11 sign types across 1 zoning district. Ground Sign (Freestanding Sign)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 16 ft maximum total height above the level of the street on which the sign faces, or above adjacent ground level if ground is higher than street. tall and 50 sq ft maximum for standard ground signs. For shopping center/complex identification ground signs: base 50 sq ft + up to 10 sq ft per business for directional content, with an overall maximum of 70 sq ft for the complex/center., with a Cannot encroach into public right‑of‑way; must meet required setbacks when along a state highway (state regulations, not numerically specified here). setback (Sec. §106-86E(11)(a)–(d); §106-86E(5)(c)). Most commercial signs in Saranac Lake require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Saranac Lake, New York
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Saranac Lake (1 zone)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 16 ft maximum total height above the level of the street on which the sign faces, or above adjacent ground level if ground is higher than street. | May not exceed the maximum size limitation for the type of sign it would be treated as if it were a principal use sign (e.g., if functioning as a ground sign, then ≤50 sq ft, or up to 70 sq ft for qualifying shopping center identification signs with directional area; if as a wall sign, then ≤2 sq ft per linear foot of frontage; if projecting, then ≤8 sq ft, etc.). | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Saranac Lake
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Signs (Permit-Exempt, Still Regulated) | — | Real estate: 8 sq ft max. Professional nameplates: 2 sq ft max. Contractor/architect/engineer signs: 32 sq ft max. Occupational signs: 2 sq ft max. (Other listed exempt types have no explicit numeric size limit in the text.) | — | — | Not specified; only general content/size/temporary‑nature limits as described. | On the premises referenced (real estate, professional nameplate, contractor, occupational, memorial/building name, etc.), or as appropriate for traffic/municipal and gasoline pump integral signs. | — | Unlock | §106-86C(2)(a)–(i) |
| Temporary Use Signs (Banners, Pennants, Streamers, Feather Signs) | — | May not exceed the maximum size limitation for the type of sign it would be treated as if it were a principal use sign (e.g., if functioning as a ground sign, then ≤50 sq ft, or up to 70 sq ft for qualifying shopping center identification signs with directional area; if as a wall sign, then ≤2 sq ft per linear foot of frontage; if projecting, then ≤8 sq ft, etc.). | — | — | Generally one temporary use sign per calendar year per person/entity, except when each sign advertises different content. | Wherever a principal sign of equivalent type could be located, but must not block traffic or pedestrian movement; Village‑wide applicability. | — | Unlock | §106-86E(8)(a)–(c) |
| Temporary Movable Signs (Portable, Folding, A-Frame, Sandwich Board) | — | 8 sq ft maximum area. | — | Must not encroach on clear sidewalk path width as defined in §106-101; otherwise, no explicit numeric setback stated. | One movable sign per business. | Must be displayed on the same premises as the business it is promoting or in the public right‑of‑way directly adjacent to the business. | — | Unlock | §106-86E(9)(a)–(e) |
| Roof Sign | — | Two square feet of sign surface area per linear foot of business frontage. | — | — | Counts toward the two principal use sign maximum and one per type per frontage limitation (implicitly, as a principal sign). | Mounted on and limited to the roof of the premises of the business or profession it advertises. | — | Unlock | §106-86E(10)(a)–(d) |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding Sign) | 16 ft maximum total height above the level of the street on which the sign faces, or above adjacent ground level if ground is higher than street. | 50 sq ft maximum for standard ground signs. For shopping center/complex identification ground signs: base 50 sq ft + up to 10 sq ft per business for directional content, with an overall maximum of 70 sq ft for the complex/center. | — | Cannot encroach into public right‑of‑way; must meet required setbacks when along a state highway (state regulations, not numerically specified here). | Per business, counts toward the two principal use sign total and limited to one ground sign per frontage under the rule of “no more than one of each type.” | On private property outside the public right‑of‑way; when along a state highway, must comply with state highway setback requirements. | — | Unlock | §106-86E(11)(a)–(d); §106-86E(5)(c) |
| Wall Sign | — | Two square feet per linear foot of frontage of the business or profession advertised on the premises. | — | No explicit setback; projection may not exceed six inches beyond wall plane. | Counts toward two principal use sign limit; at most one wall sign per frontage under “no more than one of each type” rule. | On the exterior wall of the building on the premises of the business or profession advertised. | — | Unlock | §106-86E(12)(a)–(d); §106-86E(5)(c) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 8 sq ft maximum area. | — | Minimum 18 inches from curbline or curb; vertical clearance: ≥10 ft over sidewalks, ≥15 ft over driveways/alleyways/thoroughfares. | Counts toward two principal use sign limit; at most one projecting sign per frontage under “no more than one of each type” rule. | Projecting from the building wall over sidewalks, driveways, alleyways, or thoroughfares, within private property airspace but potentially extending over public way subject to clearance and setback constraints. | — | Unlock | §106-86E(13)(a)–(d); §106-86E(5)(c) |
| Off-Premises Sign (Directional/Identification) | — | 6 sq ft maximum area. | — | Must be on private property (not in public ROW); no additional numeric setbacks specified. | One off‑premises sign per establishment. | Off the premises of the establishment being identified; must not be located on a public right‑of‑way. | — | Unlock | §106-86E(15)(a)–(e) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Saranac Lake are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Saranac Lake
- No sign shall be constructed, erected or installed in the Village without administrative approval, except for signs expressly listed as exempt in §106-86C(2).
- Any sign that is unsafe, insecure, a menace to the public, or maintained or constructed in violation of §106-86 or any provision under it is prohibited and subject to removal by the Director at the owner’s expense.
- An obsolete sign (i.e., a sign no longer representing an active use) must be removed by the owner, agent, or beneficial user of the building or structure within 12 months after it becomes obsolete; failure to remove after notice allows the Village to remove and lien the property for costs.
- Signs erected on or located on any street or public right-of-way, curb, curbstone, hydrant, lamp post, trash receptacle, tree, barricade, telephone, telegraph or electrical light pole, or other utility pole, public fence, or a fixture of a fire alarm or police system are prohibited, except public directory and information signs or temporary use signs specifically permitted by the Director.
- Signs illuminated with revolving, rotating or oscillating light are prohibited unless permitted by the Director as a temporary use sign.
- Rotating signs are prohibited, except barber poles advertising an existing barbershop, unless permitted as temporary use signs.
- Internally lighted or neon signs are prohibited, except for 'vacancy' or 'no vacancy' signs and window signs, unless permitted as temporary use signs.
- Signs placed upon a structure in any manner so as to disfigure or conceal any window, door or fire escape are prohibited.
- One-way vision signs are prohibited.
- Private signs on publicly owned property are prohibited, except for temporary use signs pursuant to a permit issued by the Director.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape, and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or at any location where its position, shape, color or illumination may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or that uses words, phrases, symbols or characters such as 'stop', 'look', or 'danger' in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses traffic.
- It is unlawful to maintain any sign using gooseneck reflectors, spotlights or floodlights that interfere with the safe operation of motor vehicles.
- It is unlawful to erect any ground sign with a total height greater than 16 feet above the level of the street on which the sign faces or above the adjoining ground level if that ground level is above street level.
- The surface area of a ground sign shall not exceed 50 square feet, except that shopping center/complex identification signs may not exceed a total of 70 square feet including directional area.
- No part of a ground sign may be located on the public right-of-way.
- When positioned along a state highway, ground signs must comply with required setbacks; noncompliance is prohibited.
- No wall sign may cover wholly or partially any wall opening or extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.
- A wall sign shall not exceed a maximum surface area of two square feet per linear foot of frontage of the business or profession which it advertises and upon which premises it is located.
- A wall sign shall not project more than six inches beyond the face of the wall or extend above the second-floor windowsill line.
- No wall sign shall be attached to a wall at a height of less than 10 feet above the sidewalk or ground.
- A projecting sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area.
- A projecting sign shall not extend more than four feet from the building and shall not extend above the windowsill line of the second floor.
- Every projecting sign over a public sidewalk must be placed at least 10 feet above the sidewalk.
- Every projecting sign over public driveways, alleyways or thoroughfares must be placed at least 15 feet above such surfaces.
- Projecting signs must be set back from the curbline or curb a minimum of 18 inches.
- Window signs may not use blinking, flashing or chasing light sources.
- Window signs are only allowed on ground-story windows and doors; placing window signs on upper-story windows is prohibited.
- Window signs may not obstruct more than 30% of the total window area or more than 30% of a single pane of glazing.
- Off-premises signs are limited to the establishment name, directional arrow and informational symbol; additional content is prohibited.
- Off-premises signs shall not exceed six square feet in area.
- Each establishment is limited to one off-premises sign; additional off-premises signs are prohibited.
- Off-premises signs shall not be illuminated by a light source connected with or facing upon the sign.
- Off-premises signs shall not be located on a public right-of-way.
- All principal and supplemental use signs must be constructed of wood, metal, or a composite material of similar texture, appearance and durability, with lettering restricted to raised, painted, indented, or carved characters or designs; use of other materials or methods of lettering is prohibited.
- Two principal use signs (wall, ground or projecting) are the maximum permitted for each business, profession, trade or service establishment, with no more than one of each type per street or public-access frontage; additional principal signs beyond these limits are prohibited.
- Movable (portable, folding, a‑frame or similar) signs that advertise a business are limited to one per business; more than one movable sign is prohibited.
- Movable signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area.
- Movable signs may only be displayed during the business’s regular hours of operation and must be removed when the business is closed.
- Movable signs may not encroach on the clear path width of any public sidewalk or obstruct/limit village operations; encroaching or obstructive placement is prohibited.
- Temporary use signs (banners, pennants, streamers, feather signs) may only be displayed for a period not to exceed 30 days; display beyond 30 days is prohibited.
- Temporary use signs may not exceed the maximum size allowed for the equivalent principal use sign type and are subject to all lighting restrictions; oversize or improperly lit temporary signs are prohibited.
- No person may erect more than one temporary use sign in a calendar year unless each additional sign advertises or promotes a different event, business, service, trade, profession or other content.
- A movable sign must be displayed on the same premises as the business it promotes or in the public right-of-way directly adjacent to the business; placement elsewhere is prohibited.
- Roof signs without a special use permit issued by the Development Board are prohibited.
- Roof signs shall not exceed a maximum surface area of two square feet per linear foot of frontage of the business or profession which they advertise and must not extend beyond the ends of the roof to which they are attached.
- Ground signs identifying a shopping center or complex may not exceed a total of 70 square feet, inclusive of additional area for business identification and directional information.
Exempt Signs in Saranac Lake
- Real estate signs not exceeding eight square feet in area that advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which they are located and are temporary in nature are exempt from administrative approval, but must otherwise comply with §106-86.
- Professional nameplates not exceeding two square feet in area are exempt from administrative approval, but must otherwise comply with §106-86.
- Signs denoting the architect, engineer or contractor when placed upon work under construction during the period of construction, and not exceeding 32 square feet in area, are exempt from administrative approval, but must otherwise comply with §106-86.
- Occupational signs denoting only the name or profession of an occupant in a commercial building, public institution building or dwelling house and not exceeding two square feet in area are exempt from administrative approval, but must otherwise comply with §106-86.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into a masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials are exempt from administrative approval, but must otherwise comply with §106-86.
- Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger signs and such temporary, emergency or nonadvertising signs are exempt from administrative approval, but must otherwise comply with §106-86.
- Displays of automotive maintenance merchandise by gasoline stations located between the principal building and a gasoline pump on the premises are exempt from administrative approval, but must otherwise comply with §106-86.
- Signs integral to gasoline pumps and racks for the display of automotive maintenance merchandise are exempt from administrative approval, but must otherwise comply with §106-86. (However, separate signs displaying automotive fuel prices that are not integral to fuel pumps are treated as signs and not exempt.)
- Names on a building or building complex that are permanently placed on a building are exempt from administrative approval, but must otherwise comply with §106-86.
- Temporary use signs used during promotions and events initiated by the Board of Trustees, the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce, or Village advisory boards are exempt from the temporary sign permit requirement, but must otherwise comply with all temporary sign regulations in §106-86E(8).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Saranac Lake
- All signs (except those explicitly exempted in §106-86C(2)) require administrative approval before construction, erection or installation; this functions as a sign-permit process administered by the Director.
- Applications for sign approval must be submitted on forms provided by the Director and must include: applicant contact information; location of the building/lot; position of the sign relative to nearby structures; a scaled drawing with graphics, materials, illumination method, size, height and setback; the installer’s name; written owner consent; and any additional information required by the Director.
- A temporary sign permit is required for temporary use signs (banners, pennants, streamers, feather signs) unless they are for promotions/events initiated by the Board of Trustees, the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce, or Village advisory boards; the permit application must include applicant information, sign dimensions and type, erection and removal dates, and proposed location.
- Roof signs require a special use permit administered by the Development Board; issuance of this permit is subject to Development Board review and approval and consideration of historic significance for nonconforming roof signs.
- A separate permit must be obtained for a multiple-use (complex or property identification) sign where more than one business, profession, trade or service establishment is located on the same property; this permit is in addition to permits for individual principal use signs.
- A sign permit granted under §106-86 may be transferred to a new holder only if the sign remains unchanged; any alteration of regulated components requires review and approval of an amendment to the sign permit.
- If erection, relocation or alteration of a sign is not completed within six months of permit issuance, the sign permit expires and becomes null and void, requiring a new approval for further work.
- The Director may refuse to issue any building permit to a responsible person who has failed or refused to pay costs incurred by the Village for removal or alteration of a sign found to be unsafe, unlawful or obsolete, effectively conditioning future sign approvals on payment of outstanding sign-related charges.
Source: ecode360 municipal code