Sign Regulations in Concord, North Carolina
Concord, North Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Nonresidential Use), Freestanding Ground Sign, Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: August 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Concord, North Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Concord
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 Freestanding Temporary Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per side | — |
| Type 2 Freestanding Temporary Sign | 4 ft | 18 sq ft per side | — |
| Type 3 Freestanding Temporary Sign | 8 ft | 16 sq ft per side | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ConcordFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
17
- Wall Sign (Nonresidential Use)
- Freestanding Ground Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Canopy Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Concord
Other Cities in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
In Concord, monument signs are limited to 4 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 Concord, 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 Concord, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Nonresidential Use), Freestanding Ground Sign, Projecting Sign, Canopy 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 Concord 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 Concord are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Concord has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Concord, North Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Concord, North Carolina regulates 17 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Outdoor Advertising (Billboard)s in the C-2 General Commercial District, I-1 Light Industrial District, I-2 General Industrial District zoning district are capped at 30 ft tall and 378 sq ft (I-85); 150 sq ft (other roads), with a Min 50 ft from ROW/private road; additional separation per ordinance. setback (Sec. 12.5). Most commercial signs in Concord require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Concord, North Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Concord (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | 50 ft pole | 20% of the glazed area (first floor) in CC; elsewhere, combined with wall signage, cannot exceed 8% of wall area limit for the frontage | — |
| AG Agricultural District, RE Rural Estate District, RL Residential Low Density, RM-1 Residential Medium Density, RM-2 Residential Medium Density, RV Residential Village, RC Residential Compact, R-CO Residential County Originated, CS Conservation Subdivision District, MHP Manufactured Home Park District, MHD Manufactured Home Park District | 3 | Valance max 12 in high | 16 sq ft (32 sq ft for Public/Civic use or MF >200 units) | — |
| B-1 Neighborhood Commercial/Office District, TND Traditional Neighborhood Development District, CC City Center District | 4 | Valance max 12 in high | 16-32 sq ft (based on building size) | — |
| O-I Office-Institutional District, C-1 Light Commercial and Office District | 4 | 6 ft | 32-64 sq ft | — |
| C-2 General Commercial District, I-1 Light Industrial District, I-2 General Industrial District | 5 | 30 ft | 378 sq ft (I-85); 150 sq ft (other roads) | — |
| PUD Planned Unit Development District, PID Public Interest District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Concord(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 Freestanding Temporary Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per side | — | — | One per parcel or group of adjacent parcels under common ownership/tenancy | Any district, any use including vacant land. | — | Unlock | 12.3.3.B |
| Type 2 Freestanding Temporary Sign | 4 ft | 18 sq ft per side | — | — | One per parcel or group of adjacent parcels under common ownership/tenancy | Parcels with multi-family (24+ units), group living, public/civic use, outdoor recreation, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit land. | — | Unlock | 12.3.3.C |
| Type 3 Freestanding Temporary Sign | 8 ft | 16 sq ft per side | — | — | Up to two per parcel (with separation requirements); one per road frontage at intersections | Household living use group (min 3 acres), unoccupied/undeveloped land, or any other category/use group with 100+ ft of public street frontage. | — | Unlock | 12.3.3.D |
| Type 4 Freestanding Temporary Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | One per entrance; max two per tenant space along the same building frontage | Only displayed by uses in the Commercial use category. | — | Unlock | 12.3.3.E |
| Wall Mounted Temporary Sign | — | Greater of 18 sq ft or 25% of max permitted permanent wall signage, not to exceed 72 sq ft | — | — | One per single tenant building or tenant space with separate entrance | Buildings housing a principal use within Public/Civic, Commercial or Industrial use categories, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit buildings. | — | Unlock | 12.3.4 |
| Window Sign (Temporary or Permanent) | — | 20% of the glazed area (first floor) in CC; elsewhere, combined with wall signage, cannot exceed 8% of wall area limit for the frontage | — | — | Not limited by number, only by area | First floor windows and doors of building frontage. | — | Unlock | 12.4.7.B |
| Permanent Flag Display (Residential Use) | 30 ft pole | — | — | — | Up to 3 flags | Parcel or building associated with residential use | — | Unlock | 12.4.8 |
| Permanent Flag Display (Non-Residential Use) | 50 ft pole | — | — | — | Up to 3 flags | Parcel or building associated with a nonresidential use | — | Unlock | 12.4.8 |
B-1 Neighborhood Commercial/Office District, TND Traditional Neighborhood Development District, CC City Center District
| 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 (Nonresidential Use) | — | 8% of building wall area (max 30 ft wall height) | — | — | One per building wall with qualifying entrance | Building wall with customer/public entrance, facing qualifying parking area, or within 100 ft of street right-of-way/private drive | — | Unlock | 12.4.2 |
| Freestanding Ground Sign | 4 ft | 16-32 sq ft (based on building size) | — | — | One per road frontage | Per road frontage; 100 ft separation required between signs | — | Unlock | 12.4.4.E.3 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 16 sq ft (B-1/TND); 12 sq ft (CC) | — | — | One per eligible wall; restrictions on corner placement | On building wall where wall sign permitted, or at corner of two walls | — | Unlock | 12.4.5.D-G |
| Awning Sign | Valance max 12 in high | — | 80% of valance width | — | One per awning covering customer entrance | On awning covering customer entrance | — | Unlock | 12.4.3 |
C-2 General Commercial District, I-1 Light Industrial District, I-2 General Industrial District
| 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 (Nonresidential Use) | — | 8% of building wall area (max 30 ft wall height) | — | — | One per building wall with qualifying entrance | Building wall with customer/public entrance, facing qualifying parking area, or within 100 ft of street right-of-way/private drive | — | Unlock | 12.4.2 |
| Freestanding Ground Sign | 6 ft (10 ft for signs exceeding 50 sq ft or limited access highway frontage) | 50-100 sq ft (based on building size), or up to 150 sq ft for limited access highway frontage | — | — | One per road frontage (+ one along limited access highway, if applicable) | Per road frontage; 100 ft separation between signs. Limited access highway frontage allowed one additional sign. | — | Unlock | 12.4.4.E.1, D, and I |
| Projecting Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | One per eligible wall; restrictions on corner placement | On building wall where wall sign permitted, or at corner of two walls | — | Unlock | 12.4.5.D-G |
| Canopy Sign | — | Up to 24 sq ft | 10% of valance area | — | One per side of canopy | On canopy covering vehicular use area | — | Unlock | 12.4.6 |
| Outdoor Advertising (Billboard) | 30 ft | 378 sq ft (I-85); 150 sq ft (other roads) | — | Min 50 ft from ROW/private road; additional separation per ordinance. | One per side; see separation distances | Only in I-1 or I-2 districts and only with Conditional Use Permit | — | Unlock | 12.5 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Concord — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Concord — start freeProhibited Signs in Concord
- Signs which approximate official highway signs, warning signs, or regulatory devices.
- Electronic Message Boards / Dynamic Signs / Electronic Time and Temperature Displays displaying blinking, flashing or intermittent lights, animation, and moving parts, unless otherwise expressly permitted.
- Portable signs as defined by this Ordinance.
- Wrap-around signs or other continuous wall signs that extend around building corners or radii.
- Facsimile signs, as defined by this Ordinance.
- Vertically displayed banner signs or flags mounted or attached to poles, where the height of the banner or flag exceeds 25% of the height of the pole when erected in its display position.
- Signs placed within any required sight triangle.
- Signs attached to or painted on utility poles, telephone poles, trees, parking meters, bridges and overpasses, rocks, other signs, benches and refuse containers.
- Roof signs.
- Pavement markings for purposes other than traffic control.
- Signs placed within or extending into the right-of-way of city and state maintained streets and roads, except signs erected by a government body or expressly permitted by this Ordinance, NC General Statutes, or an encroachment agreement.
- Signs that contain language and/or pictures obscene to the general public in accordance with NCGS 14-190.1.
- Indirect illumination for signs (such as floodlights) erected in a manner that causes glare impairing driver vision on streets/roadways, pilot vision at Concord Regional Airport, or nuisances to adjoining property.
- Signs that obstruct fire escapes, windows, doors or other openings used as means of egress or required legal ventilation.
- Signs containing or consisting of pennants, ribbons, streamers, festoon lighting, balloons (or inflatable signs), spinners, or windblown devices.
- Signs that do not conform to the provisions of these regulations, except as otherwise provided in this Article.
- Any sign installed or placed on public property or within a public right-of-way, except in conformance with this Article, is subject to confiscation and forfeiture.
- Temporary signs shall not be illuminated or have electric service.
- Temporary signs shall not be placed within any public street right-of-way, including medians, unless expressly permitted.
- Temporary signs shall not obstruct clear site distance (within required sight triangle) for motorists at intersections or driveways.
- Temporary signs shall not be affixed to a permanent sign or its supporting structure, including both building mounted and freestanding permanent signs.
- Temporary signs, other than Type 4 Temporary Signs, shall not be placed upon sidewalks or pedestrian walkways.
- Temporary signs shall not be placed on the roof of a building, or affixed to a tree, utility pole, street sign or parked motor vehicle (unless registered and parked in a parking space).
- Temporary signs attached to building walls (other than permitted temporary window signs) shall not obstruct any window, door, fire department sprinkler connection, or street number sign.
Exempt Signs in Concord
- Official signs installed by units of local government having jurisdiction within the City of Concord, agencies of the State of North Carolina and federal government agencies are exempt, provided they are installed upon public property or within a right-of-way owned/maintained by the governmental agency and comply with safety provisions.
- Certain signs that are small, unobtrusive, and incidental to the principal use of the lot may be allowed without a permit, subject to substantive requirements.
- Small incidental signs, permanently installed and smaller than two (2) square feet in area, may be displayed without limitation as to number or location, provided they are mounted or affixed to an occupiable building or other code-regulated structure and installed greater than 30 feet from a street right-of-way.
- Signs required to be installed by any local, state, or federal rule, regulation or ordinance (e.g., required building address signs and fire safety signage) may be displayed in accordance with standards for their size and placement.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Concord
- For any lot on which the owner proposes to erect one or more signs requiring a permit or for a combined or multi-tenant development, a signage plan is required showing property/buildings, max sign area/number, and location of present/future signs (requiring a permit or not).
- Comprehensive sign packages (master sign plan) are required as an alternative for developments with 250,000+ sq. ft. of gross floor area or 10+ acres. May be required/approved as part of conditional district zoning or by Special Use Permit.
- Common signage plans are required where multiple building mounted signs of the same type (wall, projecting, awning) are proposed for display on a building/group of buildings on the same property or within a common development (e.g., shopping center).
- Sight triangles must be shown on all submitted plans depicting the location of signage for sign permit applications.
- Permits or registration required prior to installation or placement of any sign, unless expressly exempted.
- Certificate of Appropriateness is required for repair, replacement, or replicas of historic wall or projecting signs in the Center City District.
Source: other municipal code