Sign Regulations in Highlands, North Carolina
Highlands, North Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 31 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Multi-Family Development), Freestanding/Wall/Hanging Sign (Customary Incidental Home Occupation or Tourist Home), Nameplate Sign (Residential Off-premises). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Highlands, North Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Highlands
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Multi-Family Development) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Permanent Sign (Churches) | 8 ft | 16 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Freestanding/Wall/Hanging Sign (Customary Incidental Home Occupation or Tourist Home) | — | 4 sq ft per sign face | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
31
- Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Multi-Family Development)
- Freestanding/Wall/Hanging Sign (Customary Incidental Home Occupation or Tourist Home)
- Nameplate Sign (Residential Off-premises)
- Temporary Sign (Yard Sale)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Highlands
Other Cities in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
In Highlands, monument signs are limited to 6 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Multi-Family Development), Freestanding/Wall/Hanging Sign (Customary Incidental Home Occupation or Tourist Home), Nameplate Sign (Residential Off-premises), Temporary Sign (Yard Sale), 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 Highlands 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 Highlands are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Highlands has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Highlands, North Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Highlands, North Carolina regulates 31 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Planned Development Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 24 sq ft per sign face, with a 10+ ft setback (Sec. Sec. 13.5.1.C). Most commercial signs in Highlands require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Highlands, North Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Highlands (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 18 | 42 in | 32 sq ft (4ft x 8ft) | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts | 4 | 6 ft | 24 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Commercial Zoning Districts, B-2 Business District, B-3 Business District, GI Governmental/Institutional District | 8 | 10 ft | 64 sq ft per sign face | — |
| B-1 Business District | 8 | — | 32 sq ft per sign | — |
| B-4 Business District | 2 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Highlands(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Multi-Family Development) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft per sign face | — | — | Maximum 2 per development | One at each major entrance, not to exceed two per subdivision or multi-family development; not within public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.A |
| Permanent Sign (Churches) | 8 ft | 16 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 | On church property | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.4.2.A |
| Temporary Sign (Real Estate For Sale/Lease) | — | 4 sq ft per building | — | Not within 10 ft of road wear surface | 1 | On commercial or residential property for sale/lease | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.4.1.C |
| Temporary Sign (Real Estate For Sale/Lease - In Setback Area) | — | 4 sq ft | — | Variable, as needed | 1 | In required setback area (if can't meet 10 ft setback) | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.1.B |
| Temporary Construction Identification Sign (Residential) | — | 4 sq ft | — | Out of public right-of-way | 1 | Attached to building under construction or affixed to a secure temporary post, out of public ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.4.1.G |
| Construction Project Informational Sign (Major Projects) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft (4ft x 8ft) | 8 ft | — | 1 | On property, cannot hinder sight lines, not erected until Zoning Certificate/Watershed Permit is issued | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.4.1.K |
| Planned Development Sign | 10 ft | 24 sq ft per sign face | — | 10+ ft | Varies (typically 1 per street) | 10+ ft from street wear surface (not in ROW); up to 2 signs for projects with ≥80 ft on more than one street | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.1.C |
| Permanent Sign (Private Commercial Traffic/Entrance/Exit Signs) | 42 in | 2 sq ft | — | At least 3 ft from wear surface | 1 per entrance/exit | Minimum 3 ft from wear surface of thoroughfare, adjacent to entrances/exits | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.4.2.B.1 |
Commercial Zoning Districts, B-2 Business District, B-3 Business District, GI Governmental/Institutional 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Single Business) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per sign face | — | 15 ft from wear surface | 1 or 2 (if meets highway condition) | Not in public ROW nor within 15 ft of wear surface (unless right-of-way defined); 2 allowed if fronts 2 major highways | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.D.1 |
| Wall Sign (or Hanging Sign) (Single Business) | — | 32 sq ft for any single sign; aggregate per building frontage | — | — | See formula and limits | On building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.D.2 |
| Wall Sign (Rear Entrance) (Single Business) | — | 32 sq ft for any single sign; aggregate per building frontage | — | — | See formula and limits | Rear of building (only for businesses with public rear entrance) | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.D.3 |
| Rear Sign - Wall or Hanging (No Rear Entrance) | — | 2 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 | Rear of building (businesses without public rear entrance) | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.D.4 |
| Freestanding Sign (Shopping Center) | 10 ft | 64 sq ft per sign face | — | 15 ft from wear surface | 1 or 2 (if meets highway frontage condition) | Identifying shopping center; not in ROW nor within 15 ft of wear surface | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.G.1, G.2 |
| Wall Sign (Shopping Center - Individual Business) | — | 32 sq ft max per sign; aggregate per building frontage | — | — | Per frontage | On wall; if not readily visible from main thoroughfare, may be on exterior wall facing thoroughfare | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.G.3 |
| Hanging Sign (Shopping Center - Individual Business) | — | 8 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 | On or over pedestrian walkway by individual business | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.G.3 |
| Rear Sign - Wall or Hanging (Shopping Center, Individual Business with Rear Entrance) | — | 2 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 | Rear of building | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.G.4 |
B-1 Business 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 (Single Business) | — | 32 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | Building wall; no projection above roof, no more than 12 in from wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.C.1 |
| Hanging Sign (Single Business) | — | 8 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 | Over walkway | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.C.2 |
| Wall Sign (Rear Entrance) | — | 32 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | Rear of building (for businesses with public rear ingress/egress) | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.C.3 |
| Wall or Hanging Sign (Rear - No Public Rear Entrance) | — | 2 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 | Rear of building (no public ingress/egress from rear) | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.C.4 |
| Wall Sign (Shopping Center Identification) | — | 32 sq ft total surface area | — | — | 1 | On shopping center | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.F.1 |
| Wall Sign (Shopping Center - Individual Business) | — | 32 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | On wall, or on another exterior wall facing the thoroughfare if not visible from main thoroughfare | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.F.2.a |
| Hanging Sign (Shopping Center - Individual Business) | — | 8 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 | On or over walkway | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.F.2.b |
| Rear Sign - Wall or Hanging (Shopping Center, Individual Business with Rear Entrance) | — | 2 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 | Rear of building (businesses with rear entrance) | — | Unlock | Sec. 13.5.2.F.3 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Highlands — 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 Highlands — start freeProhibited Signs in Highlands
- No sign shall be erected or maintained that is not permitted under the ordinance.
- Prohibition of any sign which is not located on the premises that it identifies or advertises, except specific exempted cases.
- Prohibition on roof signs or any sign which extends above the parapet or roof line.
- Prohibition on signs that may be confused with or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic signals or signs, extend into the public right-of-way, obstruct the sight distance triangle at intersections, or constitute a traffic hazard.
- Prohibition on signs posted within public rights-of-way, except specified exemptions (e.g., governmental and limited residential or commercial signs).
- Prohibition on portable signs not permanently affixed to the building, stationary structure, or ground.
- Prohibition on message board signs using changeable lettering or numbering, except for specific exempted uses (church, service station, movie theater, restaurant message boards).
- Prohibition on any moving or animated sign or device to attract attention, including moving devices powered by wind or mechanical means, with certain exemptions (traditional barber poles, specified open signs).
- Prohibition on flashing signs or devices displaying flashing/intermittent/changing-intensity lights.
- Prohibition on string or tube lighting in commercial zoning districts, with exceptions for seasonal displays.
- Prohibition on displaying oversized product facsimiles as signs (e.g., three-dimensional structures like buckets, human figures, cans).
- Prohibition on internally illuminated signs, with specific exemptions (certain restaurant message boards and real estate listings in commercial windows).
- Prohibition on neon signs or any sign illuminated by neon, LEDs, or similar electronic devices.
- Prohibition on wireless communication facilities displaying signage, logos, decals, symbols, or messages except those required by law.
- Prohibition on signs at outdoor displays.
- No person other than those authorized by the Town may damage, trim, destroy, or remove vegetation on public right-of-way or property not under their control for the purpose of increasing sign visibility, unless expressly authorized by the property owner.
Exempt Signs in Highlands
- All classes of government signs including, but not limited to, traffic, health and public safety; crime control and prevention; official notices/advertisements related to court action; underground utility locations; historical markers/monuments; any other community service signs approved or provided by the Town, including wayfinding signage, corridor entrance signage, and Town-sponsored event signage.
- Flags, badges, or insignia of government or any charitable, civic, fraternal, patriotic, religious, or other nonprofit organization.
- Signs posted on private property related to trespassing or public safety, such as danger from animals.
- Signs denoting a product being sold out of a vending machine, telephone booth, or newspaper stand, and actually located on the vending machine, booth, or stand.
- Signs displayed inside a business that are not visible from any public street or walkway.
- Signs attached to commercial vehicles.
- "For Sale" signs on private vehicles.
- Names and lettering on mail boxes and newspaper tubes.
- Manufacturer's signs displaying brand names or emblems located on gasoline pumps at service stations.
- Wireless Communication Facilities may include a small provider identification message and emergency telephone numbers, as required by law.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Highlands
- A site plan is required when requesting a variance for signs with angle projections up to forty-five (45) degrees due to specific site conditions or signage design. Applicants must submit a letter and site plan to the Planning and Development Director, and provide additional information as requested.
- There is no reference to a required master sign plan or general requirement for a sign plan for standard permitting; submission requirements are addressed for specific variances or exceptions only.
Source: municode municipal code