Sign Regulations in County of Johnston, North Carolina
County of Johnston, North Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 26 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall/Fascia Sign, Window Sign, Residential Development Identification Sign - Monument (Option 1). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 28, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for County of Johnston, North Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in County of Johnston
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Development Identification Sign - Monument (Option 1) | 6 ft above finished grade | 60 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Residential Development Identification Sign - Ground (Option 1) | 6 ft above finished grade | 60 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Residential Development Identification Sign - Entry Wall Signs (Option 2) | 6 ft above finished grade (applies to entry wall-mounted alternative listed under monument and ground sign provisions) | 30 sq ft per display surface (two signs allowed on entry walls) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for County of JohnstonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
26
- Wall/Fascia Sign
- Window Sign
- Residential Development Identification Sign - Monument (Option 1)
- Residential Development Identification Sign - Ground (Option 1)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for County of Johnston
Other Cities in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
In County of Johnston, wall signs can be up to 6 ft above finished grade (applies to entry wall-mounted alternative listed under monument and ground sign provisions) and monument signs are limited to 6 ft above finished grade. 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 County of Johnston, 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 County of Johnston, regulated sign types include Wall/Fascia Sign, Window Sign, Residential Development Identification Sign - Monument (Option 1), Residential Development Identification Sign - Ground (Option 1), 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 County of Johnston 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 County of Johnston are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. County of Johnston has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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County of Johnston, North Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
County of Johnston, North Carolina regulates 26 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Home Occupation Sign (Wall)s in the Residential districts (AR, RR, R-MHP); planned development-housing developments zoning district are capped at Not to exceed roofline (general wall sign height limit in residential context) tall and 4 sq ft display surface, with a Minimum 20 ft setback setback (Sec. Sec. 14-508(2)). Most commercial signs in County of Johnston require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for County of Johnston, North Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in County of Johnston (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential districts (AR, RR, R-MHP); planned development-housing developments | 8 | 6 ft above finished grade | 60 sq ft per sign face | — |
| planned development-mixed use | 9 | 15 ft | 200 sq ft; also limited to 25% of wall area | — |
| Office/institutional district (OI); Community business district (CB); General business district (GB); Industrial-1 district (I-1); Industrial-2 district (I-2) | 6 | 20 ft (structure height); maximum overall sign height may not exceed 50 ft on locations adjoining U.S. 70 or I-95 | 500 sq ft display area for monopole design; 300 sq ft for non-monopole design | — |
| interstate highway interchange district (IHI) | 5 | 50 ft | 200 sq ft; also limited to 25% of wall area | — |
| 1 more zone in PermitPal — start free | ||||
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in County of Johnston(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residential districts (AR, RR, R-MHP); planned development-housing developments
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Development Identification Sign - Monument (Option 1) | 6 ft above finished grade | 60 sq ft per sign face | — | — | One freestanding sign per principal point of access | At each principal point of access to the subdivision, multifamily development, mobile home park, or planned development | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-508(1)b; Sec. 14-508(5) |
| Residential Development Identification Sign - Ground (Option 1) | 6 ft above finished grade | 60 sq ft per sign face | — | — | One freestanding sign per principal point of access | At each principal point of access to the subdivision, multifamily development, mobile home park, or planned development | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-508(1)c; Sec. 14-508(5) |
| Residential Development Identification Sign - Entry Wall Signs (Option 2) | 6 ft above finished grade (applies to entry wall-mounted alternative listed under monument and ground sign provisions) | 30 sq ft per display surface (two signs allowed on entry walls) | — | — | Two signs per principal point of access (mounted on entry walls) | Mounted on entry walls at principal points of access | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-508(1)b–c; Sec. 14-508(5) |
| Home Occupation Sign (Wall) | Not to exceed roofline (general wall sign height limit in residential context) | 4 sq ft display surface | — | Minimum 20 ft setback | One per zoning lot | On the dwelling or accessory building face | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-508(2) |
| Place of Worship Sign - Ground/Monument | 6 ft | 48 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from street right-of-way or easement line | — | On premises of place of worship; ground or monument type | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-508(3); Sec. 14-508(5) |
| Place of Worship Sign - Wall | Not to exceed roofline | 48 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from street right-of-way or easement line (applies to ground/monument; wall sign height limit to roofline) | — | On the building wall of the place of worship | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-508(3); Sec. 14-508(5) |
| Nonresidential Use Identification Sign - Freestanding | 6 ft (ground or monument) | 16 sq ft per display face | — | — | One per zoning lot | On premises of nonresidential uses permitted in residential districts or accessory in PD-H | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-508(4); Sec. 14-508(5) |
| Nonresidential Use Identification Sign - Wall | Not to exceed roofline | 16 sq ft per display face | — | — | One per zoning lot | On building wall of nonresidential use permitted in residential districts or accessory in PD-H | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-508(4); Sec. 14-508(5) |
planned development-mixed use
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Identification Sign - Monument (Option 1) | 6 ft above finished grade | 60 sq ft per sign face | — | — | One per principal access point | At each principal point of access to the planned development | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-510(1)b |
| Development Identification Sign - Ground (Option 1) | 6 ft above finished grade | 60 sq ft per sign face | — | — | One per principal access point | At each principal point of access to the planned development | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-510(1)c |
| Development Identification Sign - Entry Wall Signs (Option 2) | 6 ft above finished grade | 30 sq ft per display surface (two signs mounted on entry walls) | — | — | Two per principal access point | Entry walls at principal access points | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-510(1)b–c |
| Office Building Identification Sign (Wall) | — | 20 sq ft maximum | — | — | One per building | On office/institutional/commercial building walls within the PDMU | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-510(2) |
| Wall/Fascia Sign (Commercial uses in PDMU) | Cannot extend above parapet wall, eave line, or roofline | 200 sq ft; also limited to 25% of wall area | — | — | Multiple allowed subject to total area limits | On building walls within the planned development-mixed use | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-510(3); Sec. 14-509(b)(1); Sec. 14-511 |
| Freestanding Signs (Commercial uses in PDMU) - Pole | 15 ft | 40 sq ft | — | ≥ 20 ft from street right-of-way; ≥ 15 ft from interior side lot line; no portion may extend over property line or into public right-of-way | One per lot; two allowed under unified sign plan if frontage criteria met (only one may be a pole sign) | On commercial lots within the planned development-mixed use | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-510(3); Sec. 14-509(b)(2)a–f; Sec. 14-511 |
| Freestanding Signs (Commercial uses in PDMU) - Monument | 6 ft | 60 sq ft | — | ≥ 20 ft from street right-of-way; ≥ 15 ft from interior side lot line; no portion may extend over property line or into public right-of-way | One per lot; two allowed under unified sign plan if frontage criteria met | On commercial lots within the planned development-mixed use | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-510(3); Sec. 14-509(b)(2)a–f; Sec. 14-511 |
| Freestanding Signs (Commercial uses in PDMU) - Ground | 6 ft | 60 sq ft | — | ≥ 20 ft from street right-of-way; ≥ 15 ft from interior side lot line; no portion may extend over property line or into public right-of-way | One per lot; two allowed under unified sign plan if frontage criteria met | On commercial lots within the planned development-mixed use | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-510(3); Sec. 14-509(b)(2)a–f; Sec. 14-511 |
Office/institutional district (OI); Community business district (CB); General business district (GB); Industrial-1 district (I-1); Industrial-2 district (I-2)
| 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/Fascia Sign | Cannot extend above parapet wall, eave line, or roofline | 200 sq ft; also limited to 25% of wall area | — | — | Multiple allowed subject to total area limits | On building walls in OI, CB, GB, I-1, I-2 districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-509(b)(1); Sec. 14-511 |
| Freestanding Sign - Pole | 15 ft | 40 sq ft | — | ≥ 20 ft from street right-of-way; ≥ 15 ft from interior side lot line; no portion may extend over property line or into public right-of-way | One per lot; under unified sign plan and frontage criteria, two may be allowed (only one pole sign) | On lots within OI, CB, GB, I-1, I-2 | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-509(b)(2)a–f; Sec. 14-511 |
| Freestanding Sign - Monument | 6 ft | 60 sq ft | — | ≥ 20 ft from street right-of-way; ≥ 15 ft from interior side lot line; no portion may extend over property line or into public right-of-way | One per lot; two allowed under unified sign plan if frontage criteria met | On lots within OI, CB, GB, I-1, I-2 | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-509(b)(2)a–f; Sec. 14-511 |
| Freestanding Sign - Ground | 6 ft | 60 sq ft | — | ≥ 20 ft from street right-of-way; ≥ 15 ft from interior side lot line; no portion may extend over property line or into public right-of-way | One per lot; two allowed under unified sign plan if frontage criteria met | On lots within OI, CB, GB, I-1, I-2 | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-509(b)(2)a–f; Sec. 14-511 |
| Window Sign | — | Up to 25% of pane area | — | — | Multiple allowed per pane subject to coverage limit | On or behind window panes | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-509(b)(3) |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard) - GB, I-1, I-2 only | 20 ft (structure height); maximum overall sign height may not exceed 50 ft on locations adjoining U.S. 70 or I-95 | 500 sq ft display area for monopole design; 300 sq ft for non-monopole design | 50 ft maximum length | ≥ 50 ft and ≤ 200 ft from public right-of-way | — | Only along U.S. 70 (except Clayton bypass from Wake County line to U.S. 70/U.S. 70 Business split at Cole Road) and Interstate 95 within GB, I-1, I-2 zoning; not permitted/visible from Interstate 40 or the Clayton bypass section of U.S. 70 described | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-514(a)–(f) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in County of Johnston — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for County of Johnston — start freeProhibited Signs in County of Johnston
- All signs not expressly permitted by the sign ordinance are prohibited.
- No sign visible from a public right-of-way may be erected, displayed, or substantially altered without complying with the ordinance and obtaining a sign permit, unless specifically exempt.
- No sign or part of a sign may be located within the clear-vision/sight triangle area.
- Signs may not use words, phrases, symbols, or characters (e.g., “stop,” “slow,” “caution,” “danger”) or be designed/located in a way likely to be confused with traffic regulatory signs/signals or emergency/public safety vehicle warning lights, or that obstruct their view.
- Except to display time and temperature, flashing lights on signs are prohibited.
- Except where specifically exempted, sign content must be related to the premises (off-premises advertising prohibited); when the related use ceases, advertising material must be removed within 30 days and the sign within 12 months unless reused by a new conforming use.
- No sign, including supports/frames/hardware/embellishments, may be located within any public right-of-way or easement, nor attached, affixed, or painted on any utility pole, light standard, telephone/telegraph pole, tree, rock, or other natural object.
- Sign illumination sources (e.g., floodlighting, spotlights) must not be directly visible from any public right-of-way, residential zoning district, or adjacent properties.
- Animated, rotating, moving, or apparently moving signs are prohibited.
- Banners, streamers, pennants, balloons, wind-blown propellers, moored blimps, strung light bulbs, and similar devices are prohibited unless approved by the planning director for noncommercial events.
- No sign may be erected, painted, or mounted on a roof or above the eaves, border, or overhang.
Exempt Signs in County of Johnston
- Noncommercial premises identification signs (property numbers/names, occupant names) not illuminated; max 2 sq ft per face or 6 ft height if freestanding.
- Government flags and insignia not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion; max 100 sq ft per face; max 75 ft height; at least 10 ft setback.
- Legal notices, identification/information signs, and traffic directional/regulatory signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body; no limits on area, height, or setback.
- Memorial signs/tablets and names/construction dates cut into masonry; must meet area, height, and setback limits for wall or freestanding signs, as appropriate.
- Private-property traffic/parking directional signs (no advertising; not illuminated or indirectly illuminated); max 4 sq ft per face or 6 ft height if freestanding; no size/height/setback limits when on public property.
- Real estate signs for sale/rental/lease of the premises (removed immediately after transaction): residential max 16 sq ft per face or 6 ft height; nonresidential max 32 sq ft per face or 8 ft height.
- Construction/project site identification signs (limited to project info; removed within 7 days of certificate of occupancy); max 20 sq ft per face; must meet height/setback limits for wall or freestanding signs.
- Yard/garage sale signs (removed within 7 days of sale); max 4 sq ft per face; max 4 ft height.
- Public or nonprofit special event announcements (removed within 7 days after event); max 32 sq ft per face; max 8 ft height.
- Grand opening signs for new businesses (attached to the business building; displayed no more than 30 days); max 32 sq ft per face; must meet height/setback limits for banner, wall, or freestanding signs, as appropriate.
- Open/closed signs (no more than one per business); max 4 sq ft per face; must meet height/setback limits for wall or freestanding signs.
- Political signs (not erected prior to 60 days before the election; removed within 7 days after; mounted on poles/stakes; not in public right-of-way or sight-distance triangle; not on trees or utility poles; max 48 sq ft per face; max 8 ft height; must comply with state right-of-way requirements, G.S. 136-32).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for County of Johnston
- Unified sign plan required for owners/developers of two or more contiguous lots or any multitenant commercial property (e.g., shopping centers, convenience centers, office complexes); must be approved by the planning department; no sign permit applications accepted until approval.
- Unified sign plan application must specify standards of consistency (colors; letter/graphics style with registered trademark allowance up to 12 sq ft copy; locations; materials; maximum dimensions/proportions; other standards). Approved plan kept on file; applicant/property owner must enforce the plan.
- If a new or amended unified sign plan is filed for a property with existing signs, the amended plan must include a schedule to bring nonconforming signs into conformance within three years.
- After a unified sign plan is approved, all signs on the property must conform to the approved plan (binding effect).
- With an approved unified sign plan, certain districts (OI, GB, CB, I-1, I-2, IHI) may allow two freestanding signs on lots/developments with specified frontage; total freestanding sign area limited; only one may be a pole sign.
- For outdoor advertising signs that are replaced or substantially replaced/repaired to more than 50% of current assessed value, a sign plan showing location, size, height, and style is required before the planning director will issue a permit; applicable state DOT permits also required.
Source: amlegal municipal code