Sign Regulations in Clemmons, North Carolina
Clemmons, North Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 40 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Temporary Type 1 Sign, Temporary Type 2 Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Clemmons, North Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Clemmons
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance and Exit Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
| Historical Marker | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| Wall Sign (YR) | 5 ft | 48 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ClemmonsFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
40
- Wall Sign
- Temporary Type 1 Sign
- Temporary Type 2 Sign
- Temporary Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
18
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Clemmons
Other Cities in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
In Clemmons, wall signs can be up to 5 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 Clemmons, 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 Clemmons, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Temporary Type 1 Sign, Temporary Type 2 Sign, Temporary Wall 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 Clemmons 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 Clemmons are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Clemmons has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Clemmons, North Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Clemmons, North Carolina regulates 40 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Temporary Type 1 Sign (YR)s in the Residential Districts (YR, RS, RM, MH, RSQ) zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 6 sq ft, with a Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way setback (Sec. Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A). Most commercial signs in Clemmons require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Clemmons, North Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Clemmons (18 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 3 ft | 12 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts (YR, RS, RM, MH, RSQ) | 13 | 5 ft | 48 sq ft | — |
| Agricultural Districts (AG) | 3 | 5 ft | 48 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Office (NO) | 8 | 5 ft | 30% of the awning surface area | — |
| Limited Office (LO), General Office (GO) | 12 | 10 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Business (NB) | 7 | 5 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
| Pedestrian Business (PB) | 15 | 10 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Limited Business (LB) | 13 | 10 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Shopping Center Business District (NSB) | 12 | 15 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Highway Business (HB), General Business (GB) | 14 | 15 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Central Business (CB) | 1 | — | 200 sq ft | — |
| Mixed Use (MX) | 1 | — | 200 sq ft | — |
| Campus Office (CPO) | 1 | — | 200 sq ft | — |
| Major Retail Business—Special Use (MRB-S) | 1 | — | 200 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial (LI), Corporate Park Industrial (CPI), General Industrial (GI) | 7 | 15 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Institutional and Public (IP) | 2 | 5 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District (C) | 1 | — | 200 sq ft | — |
| Historic District (H) | 1 | — | 200 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Clemmons(sample of 3 of 18 zones)
Residential Districts (YR, RS, RM, MH, RSQ)
| 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 Sign (YR) | 5 ft | 48 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On structure | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
| Temporary Type 1 Sign (YR) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way | 1 | Minimum 5' setback from the right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
| Temporary Type 2 Sign (YR) | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way | 1 | Minimum 5' setback from the right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
| Temporary Wall Sign (YR) | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On structure | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
| Wall Sign (RS, RM, MH, RSQ) | 5 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On structure | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
| Development Identification Sign (RS, RM, MH, RSQ) | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1/Neighborhood entrance | Adjacent to the neighborhood entrance | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
| Temporary Type 1 Sign (RS, RM, MH, RSQ) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way | 1 | Minimum 5' setback from the right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
| Temporary Type 2 Sign (RS, RM, MH, RSQ) | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way | 1 | Minimum 5' setback from the right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
Pedestrian Business (PB)
| 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 Sign | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1/business | On structure | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Projecting Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On structure | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B; general section for projecting sign limits |
| Multi-tenant Sign | 10 ft | 36 sq ft | — | — | 1/entrance | Adjacent to entrance | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B; general for multi-tenant |
| Development Identification Sign | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1/entrance | Adjacent to neighborhood entrance | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Cantilevered Sign | 5 ft | 9 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Adjacent to frontage | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Temporary Type 1 Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | 5 ft | 1 | Min 5' setback from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Temporary Type 2 Sign | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — | 5 ft | 1 | Min 5' setback from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Temporary Type 3 Sign (Sandwich Board/A-Frame) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1/customer entrance | Outside entrance, not blocking flow | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
Highway Business (HB), General Business (GB)
| 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 Sign | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1/business | On structure | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Ground Sign (<4,000 sf bldg) | 5 ft | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Along frontage | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Ground Sign (≥4,000 sf <25,000 sf bldg) | 10 ft | 36 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Along frontage | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Ground Sign (≥25,000 sf bldg) | 15 ft | 54 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Along frontage | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Multi-Tenant Sign | 10 ft | 36 sq ft | — | — | 1/entrance | Adjacent to entrance | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Cantilevered Sign | 5 ft | 9 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Adjacent to frontage | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B and general rules |
| Temporary Type 1 Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | 5 ft | 1 | Min 5 ft from r/w | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Temporary Type 2 Sign | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — | 5 ft | 1 | Min 5 ft from r/w | — | Unlock | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
PermitPal covers all 18 zoning districts in Clemmons — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 18 zones for Clemmons — start freeProhibited Signs in Clemmons
- Signs are prohibited in all Districts unless constructed pursuant to a valid sign and electrical or building permit if required, and authorized under the Sign Regulations section of this Ordinance.
- Off-premise signs, including but not limited to both digital and static billboards or other large outdoor advertising structures, are prohibited both on-premise and off-premise.
- Temporary signs are prohibited except as specifically permitted in this Ordinance.
- Hand-carried commercial signs (including costumed persons advertising) are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- Air-activated/wind signs (e.g., banners, streamers, pennants, wind-blown propellers, feather flags, spinners, strung light bulbs), except as specifically permitted, are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs, inflatable devices, and signs designed to appear as inflatable signs (e.g., plastic balloons), are prohibited.
- Signs located in such a manner as to constitute a nuisance are prohibited.
- Searchlights, strobe lights, rotating beacon lights, and flashing lights visible from the public right-of-way are prohibited except as otherwise expressly allowed or required by law.
- Signs which emit smoke, bubbles or foam, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odor are prohibited.
- Signs that prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or required exit, or prevent free access from one part of a roof to another are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited (signs erected, constructed, painted, or placed upon or over a roof or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partly supported by the building or roof structure).
- Portable signs are prohibited (not permanently embedded in ground or affixed to a structure), except as specifically permitted.
- Pole/pylon signs are prohibited (freestanding sign mounted on one or more poles, not with bottom edge in direct contact with a solid base or ground).
- Cabinet/box signs when used as wall signs are prohibited.
- Pavement marking for purposes other than traffic control are prohibited except as specifically permitted.
- Wraparound or other continuous wall signs that extend around a building corner or radius, except as specifically permitted, are prohibited.
- V-shaped signs (sign structures with multiple sign facings placed at angles, oriented in different directions) are prohibited.
- Signs located in or projecting into public rights-of-way unless permission is granted by the Village Council (and, if applicable, NCDOT) or as required by Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for authorized work.
- Snipe signs (signs placed on trees, fences, light posts, utility poles, parking meters, bridges, overpasses, or other signs) are prohibited.
- Digital changeable copy or image that scrolls, blinks, or flashes is prohibited, except for time, date, temperature, weather, or similar information as specifically permitted.
- Signs attached to or painted on an inoperable or unregistered vehicle located in view of the rights-of-way are prohibited.
- Signs attached to or painted on a licensed motor vehicle for business promotion are prohibited if the vehicle is parked closer to the street than the nearest building wall (with some exceptions).
- No sign may use words, phrases, symbols, or characters likely to be confused with official traffic signage (e.g., STOP, SLOW, CAUTION, DANGER).
- No sign may be erected so that by its location, color, nature, or message, it is likely to be confused with or obstruct the view of traffic signals or other signs.
- No signage is permitted on rooftop penthouses or enclosed screening of rooftop mechanical equipment.
- Wall, awning, canopy, projecting, and shingle signs may only encroach over a public sidewalk and not a street/alley, with an approved encroachment agreement, but must not encroach on or over any street or alley.
- All signs must be on-premise and located on private property unless specifically exempted.
- Signs must be located outside any required sight distance triangle.
- Signs, sign structures, and awnings are prohibited from obstructing building openings to such extent that light, ventilation, or exhaust are reduced below code minimums.
- Signs, sign structures, and awnings are prohibited from interfering with the use of any fire escape, means of egress, standpipe, or attaching to a fire escape.
Exempt Signs in Clemmons
- Signs bearing only property identification numbers and names, post office box numbers, names of occupants, or identification of premises not of a commercial nature, provided the signs are not illuminated and do not exceed two signs per zoning lot and two square feet per display surface.
- Flags or insignias for existing governments when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion.
- Legal notices, identification and informational signs, and traffic directional or regulatory signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body.
- A sign located within the interior of a building, court, lobby, athletic field, stadium, or other structure which is not intended to be seen from the exterior.
- Memorial signs, plaques, tablets, or cornerstones/cornices with inscriptions of dedication date and building names.
- Signs stating that a business is open and/or closed, provided only one such sign per business establishment, any illumination is steady (not blinking/flashing), and the sign does not exceed three square feet.
- Hand-carried signs containing no commercial subject matter.
- A sign affixed to a vehicle or trailer used on a regular basis for the normal transport of goods or persons.
- A sign not legible from a public walkway, trail, or public or private street.
- Non-commercial signs not covered by other exemptions, provided such signs are located on private property and are non-illuminated.
- Ghost signs or restored ghost signs.
- Murals, provided they: (a) do not require a sign permit, (b) must not contain logos, slogans, trademarks, or advertising messages, (c) must not cover up or interrupt architectural elements of a building.
- Fence wrap signs when affixed to perimeter fencing at permitted construction sites, must be removed at Certificate of Occupancy or within 24 months, whichever is sooner; may not display advertising other than by persons directly involved in the construction with no compensation.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Clemmons
- A sign permit is required for most signs, except those specifically exempted; applications must include scaled drawings, a detailed site plan, and other info as deemed necessary.
- A Comprehensive Sign Plan is required for development projects containing more than three (3) principal uses or establishments (see Section B.3-2.1(B)(5)(a)).
- A Comprehensive Sign Plan must show all signs located or proposed on the development project, and demonstrate harmony and consistency regarding number, size, placement, material, color, style, and illumination.
- Any non-conforming signs on properties included in a Comprehensive Sign Plan must be brought into compliance as part of the plan.
- For institutional use campuses (three or more facilities designed for a campus setting), specific signage types are allowed, and the Comprehensive Sign Plan provision applies.
- For permanent wall-mounted temporary signs, a zoning permit is required.
- For wall-mounted temporary signs on certain uses/buildings, a zoning permit is required.
- For site plan review and compliance, submittal of a sign plan, landscaping/planting plan, and setbacks/circulation details may be required in accordance with Section B.7 or by Planning Board/Director.
- Variances/Alternative Compliance: Alternative compliance plans for sign placement, landscaping, bufferyards, or building spacing may require submission of a site plan or other plans per Section B.7, often subject to Planning Board approval, especially if seeking deviations from standard requirements (see e.g., alternate compliance for bufferyards, landscaping, building spacing).
Source: municode municipal code