# Sign Regulations in Westhampton Beach, New York

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Westhampton Beach, New York (NY)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/new-york/westhampton-beach
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/6845759#6845759)

## At a glance

Westhampton Beach, New York regulates 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Real Estate Open House Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall, 12 in x 18 in, and 18 in wide, with a At least 10 ft from pavement for off-site signs setback (Sec. 197-30C(18)). Most commercial signs in Westhampton Beach require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| B-1 Zoning District | 6 | 6 ft | 25% of window area | — |
| B-2 Zoning District, B-3 Zoning District, HC Zoning District | 6 | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| Residential District | 2 | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### B-1 Zoning District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | Set in at least 1 ft from each end of the front wall; must not project above eave or parapet line | Max 2 per business, only 1 ground sign | Affixed parallel to the exterior surface of a building | — | 197-30C(1)(a), 197-30C(20), 197-30F(1), 197-30E(1)-(2) |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from building and 10 ft from property line; only if building set back >40 ft from street line | 1 per lot | Freestanding, at least 10 ft from building, at least 10 ft from property line; permitted only if building is set back over 40 ft from street line | — | 197-30C(9), 197-30E(1)-(2), 197-30F(1) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area | — | — | — | Painted/mounted on window pane or within 12 inches of window; not temporary signs hung inside windows must be on clear materials | — | 197-30C(21) |
| Awning Sign | — | Lettering: covers no more than 8 ft in width, or 50% of the awning width, whichever is less | 8 ft or 50% of awning width, whichever is less | — | — | Painted on awning attached to building; minimum 7.5 ft above sidewalk/ground | — | 197-30C(4) |
| Hanging/Blade Sign | — | 2 sq ft | Projection max 4 ft from structure (including support) | — | 1 per business | Perpendicular to facade below second floor, above/adjacent to business entrance; at least 4 ft from edge of building or adjacent business | — | 197-30C(10) |
| Directory Sign | Ground: 6 ft | Wall: 2 sq ft (4 sq ft for 2+ businesses); Ground: 4 sq ft | — | Ground sign: setback at least 5 ft from property line | 1 per complex | For businesses obscured from thoroughfare/public parking lot | — | 197-30C(8) |

### B-2 Zoning District, B-3 Zoning District, HC Zoning District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | Set in at least 1 ft from each end of the front wall; must not project above eave or parapet line | Max 2 per business, only 1 ground sign | Affixed parallel to the exterior surface of a building | — | 197-30C(1)(a), 197-30C(20), 197-30E(2) |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from building and 10 ft from property line; only allowed if building set back >40 ft from street | 1 per lot | Freestanding, at least 10 ft from building, at least 10 ft from property line; permitted only if building is set back more than 40 ft from street line | — | 197-30C(9) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area | — | — | — | Painted/mounted on window pane or within 12 inches of window; nontemporary must be on clear materials | — | 197-30C(21) |
| Awning Sign | — | Lettering: covers no more than 8 ft in width, or 50% of the awning width, whichever is less | 8 ft or 50% of awning width, whichever is less | — | — | Painted on awning attached to building; minimum 7.5 ft above sidewalk/ground | — | 197-30C(4) |
| Hanging/Blade Sign | — | 2 sq ft | Projects max 4 ft from structure (including support) | — | 1 per business | Perpendicular to facade below second floor, above/adjacent to business entrance; at least 4 ft from edge of building or adjacent business | — | 197-30C(10) |
| Commercial Complex Identification Sign | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — | Same as ground sign | 1 per complex | Ground sign for complex with 4+ businesses | — | 197-30C(6), 197-30C(8)(e) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Construction Sign | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from property line | 2 per active construction site | Parallel to street, at least 20 ft from property line | — | 197-30C(7) |
| Address Sign | 4 ft | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling | Attached to building or on post max 4 ft high within property boundaries | — | 197-30C(2) |
| Announcement Sign (Temporary New Business) | — | Zone max | — | — | 1 per business | Fixed to window (inside or outside) | — | 197-30C(3)(a) |
| Announcement Sign (Temporary Promotion) | — | 18 x 24 in | — | — | 1 per activity | Inside window | — | 197-30C(3)(b) |
| Real Estate For Sale/For Rent Sign | 4 ft | 18 in x 18 in | 18 in (plus arm up to 19 in) | — | 1 per lot | On premises, facing public street/right-of-way (not water/golf course/open space) | — | 197-30C(17), 197-30F(1)(e)-(f) |
| Real Estate Open House Sign | 4 ft | 12 in x 18 in | 18 in | At least 10 ft from pavement for off-site signs | Up to 4 total per property per open house day | On subject property and up to 3 additional at nearby intersections within public right-of-way, min 10 ft from pavement | — | 197-30C(18) |
| Restaurant Menu Sign | 4 ft (if podium style) | 2 sq ft | 6 in (column) / 2 sq ft (reading surface) | — | 1 per restaurant | Mounted on wall or within property boundary on podium at storefront | — | 197-30C(19) |
| Emergency Service Facility (ESF) Sign | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — | At least 5 ft from property line | 1 ESF sign per facility | Ground/monument, setback at least 5 ft from property line, oriented perpendicular to flow of traffic | — | 197-30C(8.1) |

## Prohibited signs in Westhampton Beach

- No signs shall be placed atop any berm or on the side slope of any berm to the extent that the sign reaches a height greater than four feet above the natural existing grade at the base of the berm.
- No hedge, shrub or other growth and no fence, wall, sign or other structure and no vehicle, object or any other obstruction with a height greater than two feet shall be planted, erected, placed, parked or maintained on a corner lot within a sight triangle, except that trees whose branches are maintained at a height of no less than 10 feet.
- Any sign not specifically permitted is prohibited and shall be removed within the time specified by the Building Inspector.
- Signs which have been constructed, erected, installed, placed in use and/or maintained which do not conform to the provisions of this section.
- Any sign designated, constructed or located in such a manner so that it is not physically attached to a building or set into the ground in accordance with the Building Code and/or is not in compliance with the provisions of this section.
- Any sign of a commercial nature located on a parcel of property used for residential purposes in any residential district, except a permitted home occupation sign.
- Revolving, moving, sound-producing or animated signs, including signs which have the capability of motion in whole or in part, including pinwheels, pennants, balloons and banners. (Signs which display temperature and/or time exclusively are permitted.)
- Signs utilizing reflective and/or fluorescent paint or reflective and/or fluorescent materials.
- The outlining by direct illumination, including neon lighting, of and affixed to all or any part of the exterior of a building or structure, including, but not limited to, a gable, roof, side, wall, window, corner or sign, or affixed to the interior part of a window, door, entrance or exit, except for any lighting typically representative of the festive atmosphere limited to a given holiday period, but under no circumstances more than 45 days during a calendar year.
- Signs placed so that they or any part of them project above the eave line of the pitched roof of any building, or the roofline on a gable end, or the top parapet line of the flat roof of any building.
- Any sign painted, erected, affixed or maintained on a light or utility pole, trash container, stone, tree or other natural object or on the face of another sign.
- Signs which cover architectural details, such as, but not limited to, arches, sills, moldings, cornices and transom windows.
- Signs made of paper, cardboard, cloth or similar temporary materials affixed to the glass of windows or doors, except for signs announcing a charitable or non-profit event.
- Billboards: signs which direct attention to a business, commercial activity, commodity, service or entertainment attraction offered elsewhere than upon the same lot where such signs are displayed or if such activity is only incidentally on such lot.
- Flashing signs: illuminated signs on which the artificial source of light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity or color at all times.
- Illuminated signs on vending machines or equipment.
- Internally illuminated signs (not including back-lit signs), except as expressly permitted.
- Mobile signs: signs that are capable of being moved by any means without any structural alterations, including signs on a vehicle or trailer if said vehicle or trailer is located in a stationary position on a lot for more than four days, and the vehicle or trailer is in open view of any road or public right-of-way located in any commercial district.
- Murals: abstract or pictorial representation, including, but not limited to, trompe l'oeil and fresco, that is displayed, painted on or affixed to a building, structure, wall or fence.
- Neon signs: signs consisting of tubular arrangement containing a rarefied gas which, when permeated by electric charge, causes the production of light. (Exterior neon signs and interior neon signs containing any letter, work, model, banner, pennant insignia, device, trade flag or graphic representation which are affixed to a window, door, exterior wall or are located within five feet of a window, door, exterior wall or other opening to the exterior).
- Pylon or pole signs: signs attached to a single pole or pylon that is set into the ground.
- Sandwich signs: freestanding signs consisting of two signs attached to each other at the top.
- Triple-faced or triangular faced signs.
- Tubular signs: signs consisting all or in part of a tubular arrangement directly lit by lighting which is a structural part thereof.
- Temporary or permanent signs resting on, attached to or inside any vehicles, buildings, fences, telephone poles or any other structures or means of support or otherwise displayed in any manner designed to circumvent the restrictions in this article.
- The use of neon or day-glow-type colors on signage.
- No description of products or services, addresses or telephone numbers are permitted on awning signs.
- Awnings may not be back lit.
- No sign shall be erected or displayed or any lawfully existing sign moved, altered, redesigned or enlarged until a permit has been issued unless specifically exempted.
- Historic marquees are subject to special rules; otherwise, internally illuminated signs are generally prohibited after compliance/amortization deadlines.
- No owner or real estate agency/brokerage 'For Sale' or 'For Rent' signs shall be placed on any part of a lot facing the water, golf course or public open space.
- "Sold" or "In Contract" real estate signs are prohibited in all districts.

## Signs exempt from permit in Westhampton Beach

- Any sign erected or authorized by the Village, town, county, state or other governmental authority, including all signs pertaining to traffic regulations, parking regulations, fire zones and petroleum price signs which are subject to the rules and regulations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law shall be exempt from the provisions of this section, except where maximum size, lettering, color, exact on-site location are not specifically determined by the law permitting the sign, such characteristics of the sign shall be subject to Architectural Review Board Approval.
- The flags or insignia of any nation or group of nations or of any governmental agency are expressly excluded from the definition of a sign.
- Address signs not exceeding one square foot in area. No permit is required for residential use or for the street address number required by Chapter 144.
- Temporary promotion/announcement signs (announcing a charitable or nonprofit event, not to exceed 30 days, and placed inside the window of a building; no more than one such sign for the same activity in a 90-day period, not larger than 18x24 inches and not more than 25% of the window area); No permit required.
- Construction signs when a building permit is displayed in full view, subject to size, height, location, and removal standards; no permit is needed, but illegal construction signs may be removed by the Building Inspector.
- Information signs: signs which contain information intended exclusively as a public service and of a noncommercial nature, such as 'rest room', 'entrance', 'exit', 'open' or 'closed.' Such signs shall be one square foot or less in area and contain no commercial copy. No permit is required.
- Removal of temporary, announcement, or political signs that are in violation of the provisions and not permanently affixed to ground, building, or structure by any Village Enforcement Officer immediately without notice.
- Historic marquee signs are exempted from the amortization/removal of preexisting nonconforming internally illuminated signs.
- Signs that comply with administrative sign standards contained in §197-30F(2), as well as those signs that comply with a master sign plan previously approved by the ARB, address signs, announcement signs or information signs and 'For Sale' or 'For Lease' and construction signs if they comply with the provisions hereof, are exempt from ARB approval.
- Emergency service facility (ESF) signs, when a special exception is granted, are exempt from general prohibitions on internally illuminated signs and from ARB approval (although the Trustees may elect to refer the application to ARB).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A master sign plan is a sign plan for a building with multiple tenants, or a group of buildings, to create harmonious and aesthetically pleasing signage effect within a commercial building or buildings with multiple tenants.
- All applications for a sign permit must include, at minimum, a plan, in duplicate, showing a scale drawing of the proposed sign, specifying dimensions, materials, illumination, letter sizes, colors, support systems and location of the proposed sign on the building or land, along with photographs.
- All signs require Architectural Review Board approval before a permit is issued, except for those that comply with administrative sign standards, those that are subject to a previously approved master sign plan, address signs, announcement signs, information signs, and 'For Sale' or 'For Lease' and construction signs, provided they comply.
- Where there is an application for a sign in a complex of two or more businesses, the Architectural Review Board may request, within 30 days of the submission of the sign application, a master sign plan for the whole complex.
- If a master sign plan is requested, in addition to standard plan submission, the following shall be required: a site plan of the proposed location, types and sizes of each existing and proposed sign, and elevations of all existing and proposed buildings with proposed signage locations.
- A comprehensive amendment to a master sign plan shall require the submission of a new master sign plan that conforms to all other requirements; after approval, no sign may be erected, placed, or modified except in conformance with such plan or amended plan.
- For signs subject to an approved master sign plan, if the Building Inspector cannot find that a sign complies with the specific design standards of the master sign plan, the sign application shall be referred to the ARB for review to determine consistency with the design concept of the plan prior to approval.

## 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 4 zoning districts in Westhampton Beach — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Westhampton+Beach+NY&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-westhampton-beach

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