Sign Regulations in Sleepy Hollow, New York

Sleepy Hollow, New York has specific sign regulations covering 23 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Political Sign (Temporary), Wall Sign (Principal), Wall Sign (Secondary). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.

Data last verified: April 28, 2025

Sign Regulation Overview for Sleepy Hollow, New York

Sample Sign Requirements in Sleepy Hollow

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Wall Sign (Principal)24 in
Wall Sign (Secondary)24 in
Temporary Window Sign1.5 sq ft per display window

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for Sleepy HollowFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

23

  • Political Sign (Temporary)
  • Wall Sign (Principal)
  • Wall Sign (Secondary)
  • Awning Sign
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

3

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Sleepy Hollow

Municipal Code3 permit application links available

Frequently Asked Questions

In Sleepy Hollow, wall signs can be up to 24 in. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.

To get a sign permit in Sleepy Hollow, 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 Sleepy Hollow, regulated sign types include Political Sign (Temporary), Wall Sign (Principal), Wall Sign (Secondary), Awning Sign, 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 Sleepy Hollow 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 Sleepy Hollow are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Sleepy Hollow has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Sleepy Hollow, New York Sign Rules at a Glance

Sleepy Hollow, New York regulates 23 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Gasoline Station Sign (Auxiliary and Product Signs)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Freestanding sign: max top 20 ft; min bottom 10 ft above grade tall and Auxiliary: 4 sq ft each (2 allowed); Price/promotional: 12 sq ft each or 6 sq ft/side, with a set no closer than 10 ft to edge of pavement, bottom not below 10 ft from grade setback (Sec. §338-5J). Most commercial signs in Sleepy Hollow require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Sleepy Hollow, New York

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Sleepy Hollow (3 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
Commercial District1024 in75 sq ft (total sign directory)
Residential District (R Districts)55 ft6 sq ft
General Regulations For All Zones9Freestanding sign: max top 20 ft; min bottom 10 ft above gradeR Districts: 20 sq ft; Commercial: subject to zone max

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Sleepy Hollow

Commercial District

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign (Principal)24 in20 ft1 per facade (maximum 2 on corner lots)Affixed to building facade, parallel to facade, principal sign per facadeUnlock§338-6C, §338-6E, §338-6F
Wall Sign (Secondary)24 in75% of street frontage, max 20 ft1 per businessOn front flap of awning, front door, or in window of second-floor businessUnlock§338-6C(2)
Awning Sign1 secondary sign per businessOn front valance/flap of awningUnlock§338-6C(2), §338-23
Window Sign (Illuminated or Nonilluminated)1 per businessIn window (interior, visible from outside, within 5 feet of glass)Unlock§338-6L, §338-3, §338-6J
Temporary Window Sign1.5 sq ft per display windowUp to 4 per facadeInside windowUnlock§338-5H, §338-6G
Freestanding Sign (Temporary)Under 10 ft, over 3 ft above ground1.5 sq ft per display windowCommercial properties excluding Beekman Avenue, Cortlandt Street, Valley StreetUnlock§338-6G(5)
Sign Directory75 sq ft (total sign directory)1 directory sign per plaza/buildingOff-street shopping plazas or multi-tenant buildingsUnlock§338-6I
Parking Area Condition/Identity Sign9 sq ft1 (2 if property is on a corner)At parking areaUnlock§338-6N(2)

Residential District (R Districts)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign (Name Plate/Identification)1 sq ft (single-family); 6 sq ft (multi-dwelling structure)1 per dwelling (2 if corner lot)Flat against front of building, projecting not more than 6 inchesUnlock§338-7A(1), §338-7B, §338-7C(1)(a)-(b)
Wall Sign (Sale, Rental, or Development)6 sq ft1 per propertyFlat against building or as unrelated freestanding sign as per setback req.Unlock§338-7C(2)(a)-(b), §338-7B
Freestanding Sign (Name Plate/Identification)5 ft1 sq ft (for residents, see exemption)15 ft from front lot lineDirectly in front of, but not attached to, building. Minimum 15 ft from front lot lineUnlock§338-7A(2), §338-7B
Freestanding Sign (Private Driveway)1.5 sq ftAt private drivewayUnlock§338-7C(3)(a)
Political Sign (Temporary)3 sq ftResidential district, location as per permit applicationUnlock§338-9D, §338-9A, §338-9E

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Number/Name Plate (Resident)1 sq ft (house/apartment/mailbox); 1 sq ft or 2 sq ft double-faced (lawn sign)On house, apartment, mailbox, or as lawn signUnlock§338-5E, §338-5F
Temporary Sign (Private Sale/Garage Sale/Auction)1.5 sq ftOn-premises onlyUnlock§338-5G
Holiday DecorationsAny districtUnlock§338-5I
Construction Sign6 sq ft1On premises where construction in progressUnlock§338-5M
Gasoline Station Sign (Auxiliary and Product Signs)Freestanding sign: max top 20 ft; min bottom 10 ft above gradeAuxiliary: 4 sq ft each (2 allowed); Price/promotional: 12 sq ft each or 6 sq ft/sidePrice/promotional signs: set no closer than 10 ft to edge of pavement, bottom not below 10 ft from gradeAuxiliary: 2; Price/promotional: 2On gasoline pump, pump island, or as freestandingUnlock§338-5J
Trademark SignTop max 20 ft, bottom max 10 ft above ground3 ft x 3 ft (8 in deep)3 ft1 per lotFront yard, not closer to side lot lines than required side yardUnlock§338-5K
Event SignR Districts: 20 sq ft; Commercial: subject to zone maxImmediate site of eventUnlock§338-5O
Official Government and Warning SignsWhere required for public notification or directionUnlock§338-5N, §338-5P

Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Sleepy Hollow are available with a free PermitPal account.

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Prohibited Signs in Sleepy Hollow

  • No off-premises sign shall be allowed other than as permitted under the exempt sign provision.
  • No sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent or rotating or moving lights.
  • No sign shall emit smoke, vapors, or particles, sound or colors.
  • No sign shall impair or cause confusion of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in its design, color or placement, nor impair visibility for motorists at a street corner or intersection.
  • No sign or sign support shall be placed on the roof of any building.
  • No sign or exterior display shall consist of banners, pennants, flags, ribbons, streamers, spinners or similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices.
  • No more than one illuminated sign may be located closer than five feet to a display window, and such illuminated sign shall not exceed 18 inches on any side.
  • Signs located in or projecting over a street, except those erected by a governmental body, are prohibited.
  • Exterior signs containing products or service advertising, trade names or logotypes separate from the name of the business are prohibited.
  • The use of vacuum plastic formed faced signs or letters is prohibited.
  • Portable signs are prohibited.
  • Commercial pan signs are prohibited, except for three-dimensional letters/logos.
  • Any illuminated tubing or strings of lights outlining roof lines, doors, windows, wall edges or architectural features of any building is prohibited.
  • Any sign that obscures a sign displayed by public authority for the purpose of giving traffic instructions, directions or other information is prohibited.
  • Any sign that uses the word 'stop' or 'danger' or otherwise presents or implies the need or requirement of stopping or caution or the existence of danger, or which is a copy or imitation of, or likely to be confused with any sign displayed by a public authority is prohibited.
  • Any sign that causes direct glare into or upon any dwelling is prohibited.
  • With the exception of government signs and those pertaining to traffic and parking regulations, no signs may be located within or upon the right-of-way of any public road or on public land.
  • No utility pole, light pole, parking meter, structure or tree located in any public right-of-way, publicly owned land, or public easement shall be used for posting of signs.
  • No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
  • Any sign which at any time no longer advertises a bona fide business or activity on the premises or a product/service offered on the premises is prohibited.
  • Self-illuminated product and brand name advertising signs are prohibited on the building exterior or window within five feet of the glass or arranged to be seen by passersby.
  • The use of metallic, iridescent, and day-glo bright colors is prohibited (except natural metals and genuine gold/silver leaf are permitted).
  • No trademark sign or part of a trademark sign shall project over any property line.
  • No trademark sign shall be installed on a lot containing a freestanding sign.

Exempt Signs in Sleepy Hollow

  • Historical markers, tablets and statues, memorial signs and plaques; names of buildings and dates of erection cut into masonry or constructed of bronze, stainless steel or similar material; emblems installed by governmental agencies or religious/nonprofit organizations not exceeding six square feet.
  • Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
  • On-premises directional signs for the convenience of the general public, identifying public areas, fire zones, entrances and exits and similar signs, internally or externally illuminated (business names allowed, excluding advertising messages).
  • Nonilluminated warning, private drive, posted or no-trespassing signs, not exceeding 1.5 square feet.
  • Number and nameplates identifying residents, mounted on a house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding one square foot.
  • Lawn signs identifying residents, not exceeding one square foot (or two square feet if double-faced); nonilluminated except by an integral lamppost light, with no advertising.
  • Private-owner merchandise sale signs for garage sales and auctions, not exceeding 1.5 square feet for up to seven days.
  • Temporary, nonilluminated window signs and posters, placement not to exceed 30 days.
  • Holiday decorations, including lighting, displayed in any district without permit until 10 days after the holiday.
  • At gasoline stations: integral graphics or attached price signs on pumps; two auxiliary signs each not exceeding four square feet; up to two price/product/promotional signs each not exceeding 12 square feet (or 6 sf/side) under certain placement conditions; freestanding product signs with 10-foot vertical clearance and height limits.
  • Trademark signs (with size, placement, and number conditions as specified in the ordinance).
  • Directional signs for meetings, conventions and other assemblies, provided all signs are removed within 10 days after the event.
  • One sign not exceeding six square feet listing the architect, engineer, contractor and/or owner on premises where construction is in progress (to be removed promptly upon project completion).
  • Official notices or advertisements posted or displayed by or under the direction of any public officer or court officer in the performance of official duties (to be removed within 10 days after required display period ends).
  • Signs advertising only the name, time, and place of any bona fide fair, carnival, festival, bazaar or similar event by public agency or qualified civic/religious/fraternal/charitable groups, subject to district-specific size and location requirements and removal within 10 days after event.
  • Any informational or directional sign erected by a public agency or under its authorization.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Sleepy Hollow

  • Except as specifically exempted by § 338-5, no sign may be erected or displayed on a building facade, awning or on or within a window without first obtaining a permit from the Building Inspector (§ 338-13).
  • The permit application requirements include drawings, samples, photographs, owner's consent, and any additional documentation required by the Building Inspector (§ 338-14).
  • All complete applications are forwarded to the Architectural Review Board for review (§ 338-14A).
  • Awnings must be included in a site plan application with required drawings, photographs and samples (§ 338-23).
  • An applicant may appeal a refusal or order regarding a sign permit to the Architectural Review Board within 15 days (§ 338-15), triggering a public hearing.
  • Variances from chapter provisions may be granted by the Architectural Review Board per specific findings (§ 338-16).
  • Any sign not conforming to the provisions of this chapter must be brought into compliance within 18 months of adoption (nonconforming signs; § 338-11).

Source: ecode360 municipal code