Sign Regulations in Southampton, New York
Southampton, New York has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Identification Sign, Detached/Ground Identification Sign, Awning 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 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Southampton, New York
Sample Sign Requirements in Southampton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Home Professional Office or Home Occupation) | 6 feet above natural ground level | 2 square feet | At least 5 feet from all property lines |
| Announcement Sign (Church or Place of Worship) | — | 12 square feet | At least 5 feet from front property line and at least 25 feet from all other property lines |
| Announcement Sign (Parish House, Club, School, Public or Semipublic Building) | — | 6 square feet | At least 5 feet from front property line and at least 25 feet from all other property lines |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
17
- Wall Identification Sign
- Detached/Ground Identification Sign
- Awning Sign
- Window Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Southampton
Other Cities in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Southampton 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 Southampton, 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 Southampton, regulated sign types include Wall Identification Sign, Detached/Ground Identification Sign, Awning Sign, Window 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 Southampton 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 Southampton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Southampton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Southampton, New York Sign Rules at a Glance
Southampton, New York regulates 17 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Identification Sign (Home Professional Office or Home Occupation)s in the Residence Districts zoning district are capped at 6 feet above natural ground level tall and 2 square feet, with a At least 5 feet from all property lines setback (Sec. §116-13B(1), §116-13G). Most commercial signs in Southampton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Southampton, New York
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Southampton (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Districts | 7 | 6 feet above natural ground level | 12 square feet | — |
| Village Business Districts, Highway Business Districts | 7 | 6 feet | 60 square feet | — |
| Nonresidential Districts (other than Village Business and Highway Business Districts) | 7 | 6 feet | 40 square feet | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 4 feet | 200 square inches | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Southampton(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residence Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Home Professional Office or Home Occupation) | 6 feet above natural ground level | 2 square feet | — | At least 5 feet from all property lines | One per street frontage | On building wall or in front yard (at least 5 ft from property lines) | — | Unlock | §116-13B(1), §116-13G |
| Announcement Sign (Church or Place of Worship) | — | 12 square feet | — | At least 5 feet from front property line and at least 25 feet from all other property lines | One per street frontage | Fixed on main building wall or in required front yard | — | Unlock | §116-13B(2), §116-13G |
| Announcement Sign (Parish House, Club, School, Public or Semipublic Building) | — | 6 square feet | — | At least 5 feet from front property line and at least 25 feet from all other property lines | One per street frontage | Fixed on main building wall or in required front yard | — | Unlock | §116-13B(3), §116-13G |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential District) | 4 feet | 3 square feet | — | — | One per lot | Parallel to street, off the Village right-of-way, may be at property line | — | Unlock | §116-13G(1)(a), §116-13I(1) |
| Construction Sign (Residential District) | — | 3 square feet (5 square feet for special construction sign) | — | — | One per lot | Facing street, off the Village right-of-way, may be at property line | — | Unlock | §116-13I(2), §116-13G(1) |
| Garage Sale Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | One per property | On property where sale is being conducted (not on Village right-of-way) | — | Unlock | §116-13I(3) |
| Political Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Off Village right-of-way | — | Unlock | §116-13I(4) |
Village Business Districts, Highway Business Districts
| 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 Identification Sign | — | 60 square feet | 75% of the horizontal measurement of the wall | — | One per public street frontage | Attached to or incorporated in a building wall | — | Unlock | §116-13C(1)(a)(b)(c)(d), §116-13G |
| Detached/Ground Identification Sign | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — | At least 10 feet from all property lines (or average setback within block if less than 10 ft) | One per public street frontage | Required front yard, only where building is set back 40 ft or more from street line | — | Unlock | §116-13C(2)(a)(b)(c)(d), §116-13G |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Awning attached to building wall | — | Unlock | §116-13C(3) |
| Window Sign | — | 10% of door glass area per business; 20% of window area; aggregate w/ posters max 25%-30% | — | — | — | Affixed to/within 1 ft of glass of door or window | — | Unlock | §116-13E(1), §116-13G(1)(d) |
| Menu Box Sign | — | As small as practicable | — | — | One per business | Attached to building wall | — | Unlock | §116-13E(2) |
| Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential District) | 4 feet | 4 square feet | — | — | One per lot | Parallel to street, off the Village right-of-way, may be at property line | — | Unlock | §116-13I(1), §116-13G(1) |
| Construction Sign (Nonresidential District) | — | 3 square feet (5 square feet for special construction sign) | — | — | One per lot | Facing street, off the Village right-of-way, may be at property line | — | Unlock | §116-13I(2), §116-13G(1) |
Nonresidential Districts (other than Village Business and Highway Business Districts)
| 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 Identification Sign | — | 40 square feet | 75% of the horizontal measurement of the wall | — | One per public street frontage | Attached to or incorporated in a building wall | — | Unlock | §116-13D(1) |
| Detached/Ground Identification Sign | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — | At least 20 feet from all property lines (or average setback within block if less than 10 ft) | One per public street frontage | Required front yard, only where building is set back 40 ft or more from street line | — | Unlock | §116-13D(2) |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Awning attached to building wall | — | Unlock | §116-13D(3) |
| Window Sign | — | 10% of door glass area per business; 20% of window area; aggregate w/ posters max 25%-30% | — | — | — | Affixed to/within 1 ft of glass of door or window | — | Unlock | §116-13E(1), §116-13G(1)(d) |
| Menu Box Sign | — | As small as practicable | — | — | One per business | Attached to building wall | — | Unlock | §116-13E(2) |
| Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential District) | 4 feet | 4 square feet | — | — | One per lot | Parallel to street, off the Village right-of-way, may be at property line | — | Unlock | §116-13I(1), §116-13G(1) |
| Construction Sign (Nonresidential District) | — | 3 square feet (5 square feet for special construction sign) | — | — | One per lot | Facing street, off the Village right-of-way, may be at property line | — | Unlock | §116-13I(2), §116-13G(1) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Southampton — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Southampton — start freeProhibited Signs in Southampton
- No rooftop signs shall be permitted in any district.
- The outlining by direct illumination of all or part of a building, such as a gable, roof, wall, side or corner, is prohibited except during the Christmas season.
- Portable signs are prohibited in all districts.
- No sign shall distract from or obstruct historical buildings and sites and unique natural or scenic features from public view.
- Billboard signs are prohibited in all districts, except that the municipality may establish special public information centers with approved directional signs for businesses.
- No flashing or moving signs shall be permitted in any district, except if approved by the Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation as contributing to a building's architectural or historic significance.
- Neon and neon-type signs visible from the street are prohibited in all districts, except if approved by the Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation as contributing to a building's architectural or historic significance.
- Interior-lit translucent signs visible from the street are prohibited in all districts, unless necessary to direct public attention to an emergency service facility.
- A detached or ground sign shall not be supported by a pylon or metal pole.
- No sign shall be erected within the Village of Southampton without first obtaining a permit from the Building Inspector and paying the required fee for such permit, except as specifically exempted.
- No existing sign shall be structurally altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, relocated or modified in any way except in conformity with the provisions of this section.
- Any sign requiring a permit which does not have such a permit or which has had its permit revoked shall be deemed to be illegal.
- No permit for a sign shall be issued by the Building Inspector until the design has been approved by the Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation or an authorized committee.
Exempt Signs in Southampton
- Residence nameplates, street number signs, and 'beware' or 'caution' signs, all not exceeding two square feet and accessory to one-family and two-family dwellings, do not require a permit.
- A real estate sign (other than a real estate agency/brokerage sign) advertising a one-family or two-family dwelling for sale or rent does not require a permit.
- 'Exit' and 'entrance' signs that do not exceed four feet in height and 200 square inches in area and say only 'exit' or 'entrance' do not require a permit.
- A sign indicating the property has an alarm system, not exceeding one square foot, does not require a permit.
- Window signs that consist of posters for special events or special sales/promotion, per § 116-13E(1)(d) and (e), do not require a permit.
- A garage sale sign, pursuant to ordinance, does not require a permit.
- A political sign, pursuant to ordinance, does not require a permit.
- Nothing in the chapter prohibits the municipality or governmental agency from erecting and maintaining public signs deemed necessary in the public interest.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Southampton
- Applications for sign permits must include plans, specifications, and information as required by the Building Inspector.
- All sign designs must be approved by the Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation or its authorized committee prior to permit issuance.
- A sign permit is required for the sign area incorporated into an awning; the Board may consider the design of the awning (including color and material) along with the sign area.
- No permit shall be issued unless proposed signs comply with all chapter requirements and other applicable regulations.
- If a sign requires a variance, approval from the Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation is needed.
Source: ecode360 municipal code