Sign Regulations in Southampton Town, New York

Southampton Town, New York has specific sign regulations covering 15 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, Window 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 Town, New York

Sample Sign Requirements in Southampton Town

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Freestanding Sign10 ft (8 ft if set back less than 20 ft)26 sq ft20 ft from all property lines unless typical building setback on the block is less than 10 ft, in which case the sign may match that setback, but never allowed within corner clearances.
Professional Sign6 ft (if on wall), 3 ft (if in front yard)2 sq ft10 ft from all property lines
Announcement Sign (Place of Worship, School, Club, Public/Semi-Public Building)6 ft above natural grade18 sq ft (place of worship); 6 sq ft (school, club, other public/semi-public building); 32 sq ft for temporary special event sign for 30 days20 ft from front, 25 ft from all other property lines

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

PermitPal Coverage for Southampton TownFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

15

  • Freestanding Sign
  • Wall Sign
  • Window Sign
  • Professional Sign
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

8

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Southampton Town

Municipal Code3 permit application links available

Frequently Asked Questions

In Southampton Town, monument signs are limited to 10 ft (8 ft if set back less than 20 ft). 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 Southampton Town, 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 Town, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, Window Sign, Professional Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.

In Southampton Town, monument signs typically require a 20 ft from all property lines unless typical building setback on the block is less than 10 ft, in which case the sign may match that setback, but never allowed within corner clearances. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.

Digital and LED signs in Southampton Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Southampton Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Southampton Town, New York Sign Rules at a Glance

Southampton Town, New York regulates 15 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Village Business zoning district are capped at 10 ft (8 ft if set back less than 20 ft) tall and 26 sq ft, with a 20 ft from all property lines unless typical building setback on the block is less than 10 ft, in which case the sign may match that setback, but never allowed within corner clearances. setback (Sec. §330-206A, §330-205B, §330-207A, §330-208). Most commercial signs in Southampton Town require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Southampton Town, New York

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Southampton Town (8 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
Village Business310 ft (8 ft if set back less than 20 ft)26 sq ft
Highway Business312 ft (may exceed up to 16 ft, with one additional ft height for every 5 ft sign exceeds required setback)32 sq ft (max 40 sq ft for lots with 5+ businesses, see General Regulations)
Office310 ft (if set back 20 ft or more); 8 ft if set back less than 20 ft32 sq ft
Hamlet Office and Hamlet Commercial36 ft20 sq ft
Shopping Center Business and Light Industrial312 ft32 sq ft (max 40 sq ft for lots with 5+ businesses, per general regulations)
Motel and Resort Waterfront Business310 ft32 sq ft
Residential46 ft (if on wall), 3 ft (if in front yard)18 sq ft (place of worship); 6 sq ft (school, club, other public/semi-public building); 32 sq ft for temporary special event sign for 30 days
General Regulations For All Zones88 ft32 sq ft

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Southampton Town(sample of 3 of 8 zones)

Village Business

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Freestanding Sign10 ft (8 ft if set back less than 20 ft)26 sq ft20 ft from all property lines unless typical building setback on the block is less than 10 ft, in which case the sign may match that setback, but never allowed within corner clearances.1 per lotOnly permitted if the building is set back at least 40 ft from the front line; must comply with general setback requirements (usually 20 ft from property line unless adjacent setbacks are less than 10 ft); not allowed within corner clearances.Unlock§330-206A, §330-205B, §330-207A, §330-208
Wall Sign75% of wall width1 per wall facing public street per businessAffixed to building wall facing public street; cannot project more than 1 ft from wall nor extend above roofline; may be allowed on mansard roof or parapet if no façade available.Unlock§330-205A, §330-208
Window Sign1 per window/door; if >2 per wall, max 2 per wallAffixed to interior or exterior of window/door; interior window signs up to 4 ft from window and visible from outside.Unlock§330-205C, §330-203A(13)

Residential

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Professional Sign6 ft (if on wall), 3 ft (if in front yard)2 sq ft10 ft from all property lines1 per residenceOn wall or in front yard of residence. Must be set back at least 10 ft from all property lines.Unlock§330-206G(1)
Announcement Sign (Place of Worship, School, Club, Public/Semi-Public Building)6 ft above natural grade18 sq ft (place of worship); 6 sq ft (school, club, other public/semi-public building); 32 sq ft for temporary special event sign for 30 days20 ft from front, 25 ft from all other property lines1 per frontageOn building wall or in front yard. Setback: at least 20 ft from front property line and 25 ft from all other property lines.Unlock§330-206G(2)
Residential Development Identification Sign6 ft above natural grade12 sq ft20 ft from front, 25 ft from other property lines; corner clearance applies.1 per subdivision/developmentSet back at least 20 ft from front property line and 25 ft from all other property lines; must comply with corner clearance requirements.Unlock§330-206G(3)
Wall Sign (Business or Industrial Use in Residential District)30% of wall width1 per wall facing street per businessAffixed to building wall facing street.Unlock§330-206G

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
Pole Sign8 ft16 sq ftSetback as freestanding signs (20 ft typical, see §330-205B(2))See per lot restriction on freestanding signsSetback per freestanding sign requirements.Unlock§330-205B(4)
Monument Sign6 ft (embellishments excluded up to 12 inches any side)32 sq ftSetback as freestanding signs (20 ft typical, see §330-205B(2))See per lot restriction on freestanding signsSetback per freestanding sign requirements.Unlock§330-205B(5)
Awning/Canopy SignOn awning or canopy as per above.Unlock§330-205H
Temporary Business Sign4 ft above grade (unless on existing sign)4 sq ft20 ft from property line or legally permitted setback, whichever is less.1 per business per parcelOn parcel for which a certificate/compliance/permit is applied for.Unlock§330-205I
Real Estate Sign4 ft above grade (residential), 6 ft (nonresidential), 6 ft (freestanding on residential as single-pole 2 sq ft)4 sq ft (residential), 8 sq ft (nonresidential)Freestanding: within property lines; see above for details.1 per propertyOn owner's property, not in or interfering with right-of-way, not on other properties.Unlock§330-205E
Construction Sign8 sq ft1 per construction siteOn site, not in or interfering with right-of-way.Unlock§330-205F
Subdivision/Site Plan Sign24 sq ft20 ft from all property linesSubject to approvalAs approved by Planning/Architectural Review Board.Unlock§330-205G
Parking Sign2 sq ft (except as required by NY DOT)On propertyUnlock§330-205D

PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Southampton Town — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in Southampton Town

  • No roof signs are permitted.
  • Neon or neon-type signs are prohibited, except historic neon signs, certain interior neon signs, or as permitted under specific sections.
  • Billboards or any other off-premises signs, including off-premises real estate or other directional signs, are prohibited.
  • Outside banners, pennants, ribbons, flags (except exempted flags), streamers, spinners, inflatables, or similar devices, including those shaped as products for sale, are prohibited.
  • Sandwich boards are prohibited.
  • Directional window signs or flag displays are prohibited.
  • Balloons filled with gas, helium, air, or similar matter are prohibited.
  • Flashing or moving signs are prohibited, except those providing only time or temperature information.
  • Projecting or blade signs are prohibited.
  • Temporary or permanent signs resting on, attached to, or inside any vehicles, buildings, fences, telephone poles, or other structures, or otherwise displayed in a manner designed to circumvent restrictions are prohibited (with some exceptions).
  • Any exempt signs that exceed number, size, or other stated limitations are prohibited.
  • Pole signs are prohibited, except where specifically permitted.
  • Blank signs are prohibited.
  • No signs are allowed within the right-of-way lines of a public street unless erected by a governmental agency or permitted as certain awning/canopy signs.
  • No lettering is allowed on sign supports.
  • No sign shall be located so as to detract from or obstruct historical buildings from public view.
  • Direct or indirect outlining illumination of all or part of a building (e.g., gable, roof, etc.) is prohibited except during the winter holiday season.
  • Obsolete signs and their supporting structures must be removed within 14 days after their use or the property is vacant.

Exempt Signs in Southampton Town

  • Residence nameplate or street number sign not exceeding two square feet in area.
  • Up to two property management information signs (e.g., security warnings, delivery information), each not exceeding one square foot in area.
  • "Beware" or "caution" sign not exceeding four square feet in area for one- or two-family residential buildings.
  • Nonilluminated "open," "closed," "vacancy," or "no vacancy" signs not exceeding four square feet.
  • Nonilluminated "warning," "private drive," "posted," or "no trespassing" signs not exceeding two square feet.
  • Flags of the United States.
  • Flags of any other political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization (no more than two per commercial location, not exceeding 60 square feet, and not displayed from the top or roof of any building).
  • Historical markers, memorial signs and plaques, names of buildings and dates of erection, and emblems installed by governmental agencies, not exceeding six square feet.
  • On-premises directional signs for the general public identifying parking, fire zones, entrances, exits, not exceeding four square feet in area and six feet in height.
  • Temporary private homeowner garage sale, open house, and yard sale signs on the homeowner’s property, not exceeding four square feet and displayed for no more than seven consecutive days.
  • At gasoline and service stations, integral graphics or attached price signs on gasoline pumps and auxiliary service signs (e.g., air, water, restrooms, state inspections) not exceeding two square feet, and other signs required by federal or state law.
  • Political signs.
  • Interior signs, whether illuminated or not, intended solely for internal consumption and not visible from the exterior of the building.
  • Historic neon signs (provided no modifications or alterations are made after the effective date).
  • Parking, real estate, or construction signs that meet the requirements of specified sections (§ 330-205D through F).
  • Window signs meeting requirements of § 330-205C (except illuminated window signs except as permitted under § 330-207B).

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Southampton Town

  • A master sign plan is a specific set of design standards established for unifying signs associated with a multi-use building or complex of buildings.
  • All signage relating to a project where a master sign plan has been approved by the Planning Board requires approval from the Planning Board (§ 330-208A(2)(c)).
  • Subdivision or site plan signage must be approved and comply with conditions imposed by the Planning Board or Architectural Review Board as required (§ 330-205G).
  • All signs in the Town of Southampton (except exempt or amortized signs) require a permit from the Building Department, with applications including plans, specifications, and drawings.
  • Signs subject to Planning Board approval include those relating to projects requiring Planning Board approval and for which a certificate of occupancy has not been issued (§ 330-208A(2)).
  • Signs subject to Planning Board review (including those with master sign plans) are not eligible for administrative permits (§ 330-208B(2)).
  • All requests for variances from the requirements of the article must be made to the Zoning Board of Appeals (§ 330-210E).

Source: ecode360 municipal code