# Sign Regulations in Clemmons, North Carolina

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Clemmons, North Carolina, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Clemmons, North Carolina (NC)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/north-carolina/clemmons
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-07
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/NC/Clemmons/codes/Unified_Development_Code?nodeId=CHBZOOR_ARTIIIOTDEST_3-2SIRE)

## 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.

## Sign rules by zoning district (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 (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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (YR) | 5 ft | 48 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On structure | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
| Temporary Wall Sign (YR) | 5 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On structure | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |
| Wall Sign (RS, RM, MH, RSQ) | 5 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On structure | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)A |

### Pedestrian Business (PB)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1/business | On structure | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Projecting Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On structure | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Cantilevered Sign | 5 ft | 9 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Adjacent to frontage | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1/business | On structure | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Ground Sign (<4,000 sf bldg) | 5 ft | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Along frontage | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Ground Sign (≥4,000 sf <25,000 sf bldg) | 10 ft | 36 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Along frontage | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Ground Sign (≥25,000 sf bldg) | 15 ft | 54 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Along frontage | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Multi-Tenant Sign | 10 ft | 36 sq ft | — | — | 1/entrance | Adjacent to entrance | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |
| Cantilevered Sign | 5 ft | 9 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Adjacent to frontage | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | Table 3-2.1(B)(3)B |

## Prohibited 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.

## Signs exempt from permit 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

- 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).

## 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 18 zoning districts in Clemmons — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Clemmons+NC&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-clemmons

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