# Sign Regulations in Jacksonville, North Carolina

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Jacksonville, North Carolina (NC)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/north-carolina/jacksonville
- **Data last verified:** 2025-08-07
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.jacksonvillenc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/850/Unified-Development-Ordinance-Amended-May-2025?bidId=#page=366)

## At a glance

Jacksonville, North Carolina regulates 28 sign types across 14 zoning districts. Flag - Residential/Noncommercials in the Residential Single-Family 40 (RSF-40), Residential Single-Family 20 (RSF-20), Residential Single-Family 10 (RSF-10), Residential Single-Family 7 (RSF-7), Residential Single-Family 5 (RSF-5), Residential Multi-Family Low Density (RMF-LD), Residential Multi-Family High Density (RMF-HD), Residential Mobile Home (RMH) zoning district are capped at 15 ft. pole height tall, 5 ft. width, and 5 ft. wide, with a May not extend over public right-of-way setback (Sec. Section 5.12.E.1.8). Most commercial signs in Jacksonville require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (14 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Single-Family 40 (RSF-40), Residential Single-Family 20 (RSF-20), Residential Single-Family 10 (RSF-10), Residential Single-Family 7 (RSF-7), Residential Single-Family 5 (RSF-5), Residential Multi-Family Low Density (RMF-LD), Residential Multi-Family High Density (RMF-HD), Residential Mobile Home (RMH) | 8 | 15 ft. pole height | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Downtown Residential (DTR) | 8 | 10 ft. | 400 sq. ft. | — |
| Office and Institutional (OI), Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Corridor Commercial (CC), Industrial (IND) | 3 | 35 ft. (CC, IND); 15 ft. (OI, NC) | 150 sq. ft. per side | — |
| Downtown Business (DTB) | 8 | 10 ft. | 400 sq. ft. | — |
| Planned Development-Residential (PD-R), Planned Development-Commercial (PD-C), Planned Development-Traditional Neighborhood (PD-T) | 1 | To be specified in PD Master Plan | To be specified in PD Master Plan | — |
| Conditional Residential Single-Family 40 (RSF-40-C), Conditional Residential Single-Family 20 (RSF-20-C), Conditional Residential Single-Family 10 (RSF-10-C), Conditional Residential Single-Family 7 (RSF-7-C), Conditional Residential Single-Family 5 (RSF-5-C), Conditional Residential Mixed (RMX-C), Conditional Residential Multi-Family (RMF-C), Conditional Downtown Residential (DTR-C), Conditional Office and Institutional (OI-C), Conditional Neighborhood Commercial (NC-C), Conditional Downtown Business (DTB-C), Conditional Corridor Commercial (CC-C), Conditional Industrial (IND-C) | 1 | Per base district unless conditions apply | Per base district unless conditions apply | — |
| Billboard Overlay (BBO) | 1 | 40 ft. | 400 sq. ft. per side | — |
| Adult Business Overlay (ABO) | 3 | 25 ft. | 75 sq. ft. | — |
| Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO) | 1 | Per NCO district plan | Per NCO district plan | — |
| Historic Overlay (HTO) | 1 | Per HTO district plan | Per HTO district plan | — |
| Flight Path Overlay (FPO) | 1 | 100 ft. absolute max | Subject to <100 ft. structure height overall | — |
| Downtown Murals Overlay (DMO) | 1 | — | As authorized in permit issued under DMO | — |

_2 additional zoning districts are covered in PermitPal (free account)._

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 14 zones)

### Residential Single-Family 40 (RSF-40), Residential Single-Family 20 (RSF-20), Residential Single-Family 10 (RSF-10), Residential Single-Family 7 (RSF-7), Residential Single-Family 5 (RSF-5), Residential Multi-Family Low Density (RMF-LD), Residential Multi-Family High Density (RMF-HD), Residential Mobile Home (RMH)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Residential Use) | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per use | On dwelling or mailbox; attached to residential structure or mailbox/driveway | — | Section 5.12.D.1, Section 5.12.D.4, Section 5.12.E.1.1 |
| Temporary Sign - For Sale/Lease/Rent | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per frontage (2 if large property) | On property being offered for sale/lease/rent | — | Section 5.12.E.1.1 |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | Not specified | On property with active construction | — | Section 5.12.E.1.2 |
| Development Entrance Sign (Residential) | 6 ft. | 32 sq. ft. per side; 64 sq. ft. total both sides at one entrance | 10 ft. | — | 2 per entrance max | At principal vehicular entrance(s) to residential development | — | Section 5.12.J.3 |
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential Zone) | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | 20 ft. | — | 1 per street frontage | On premises with allowed/approved nonresidential use (church, park, major utility, etc.) | — | Section 5.12.F.1.a |
| Church Identification/Bulletin/Directional Sign | — | 15 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street | At church property, attached or freestanding | — | Section 5.12.D.8 |
| Temporary Sign - Noncommercial Message (Religious/Political) | — | 15 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per abutting street | On residential property | — | Section 5.12.D.10; Section 5.12.E.1.4; Section 5.12.E.1.5 |
| Flag - Residential/Noncommercial | 15 ft. pole height | 5 ft. width | 5 ft. | May not extend over public right-of-way | 1 per 50 linear feet frontage | On premises | — | Section 5.12.E.1.8 |

### Downtown Residential (DTR)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential, Subdivision Entrances, Multi-Family) | — | 400 sq. ft. | — | — | Up to 3 sign types per nonresidential use per facade | Principal facades of nonresidential, subdivision entrance, multi-family | — | Article 3, 3.6.B.7(p), DTR signage standards |
| Channel Set Lettering (Nonresidential) | — | — | — | — | — | Secondary/principal nonresidential building facades | — | Article 3, 3.6.B.7(p) |
| Window Sign (Storefront) | — | — | — | — | — | Storefront windows, nonresidential | — | Article 3, 3.6.B.7(p) |
| Transom Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Transom glass area, nonresidential | — | Article 3, 3.6.B.7(p) |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Awnings on nonresidential uses | — | Article 3, 3.6.B.7(p) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 20 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | Nonresidential buildings | — | Article 3, 3.6.B.7(p) |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft. | 120 sq. ft. | 12 ft. | — | 1 per development | Nonresidential development | — | Article 3, 3.6.B.7(p) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. per face | — | At least 5 feet of unencumbered sidewalk | 1 per building | Outside nonresidential buildings | — | Article 3, 3.6.B.7(p) |

### Downtown Business (DTB)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Principal Facade) | — | 400 sq. ft. | — | — | Up to 3 sign types per nonresidential use per (street) facade | Principal building facade of nonresidential, subdivision, or multifamily development | — | Article 3, Section 3.6.E.6(p)(1)(i) |
| Wall Sign - Channel Set Lettering (Secondary Facade) | — | — | — | — | — | Principal or secondary facades | — | Article 3, Section 3.6.E.6(p)(1)(ii) |
| Window Sign (Storefront) | — | — | — | — | — | Storefront windows | — | Article 3, Section 3.6.E.6(p)(1)(iii) |
| Transom Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Transom glass area | — | Article 3, Section 3.6.E.6(p)(1)(iv) |
| Awning Sign (Printed/Painted) | — | — | — | — | — | Awnings on nonresidential buildings | — | Article 3, Section 3.6.E.6(p)(1)(v) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 20 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | Exterior, perpendicular to building facade | — | Article 3, Section 3.6.E.6(p)(1)(vi) |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft. | 120 sq. ft. (derived from 10 ft x 12 ft) | 12 ft. | — | 1 per development | On site, along frontage for nonresidential, subdivision, or multifamily development | — | Article 3, Section 3.6.E.6(p)(1)(vii) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. per face | — | 5 ft. sidewalk clearance | 1 per building | Sidewalk in front of business | — | Article 3, Section 3.6.E.6(p)(1)(viii) |

## Prohibited signs in Jacksonville

- No sign may be located so that it substantially interferes with the view or vision necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or to enter onto or exit from public streets or private roads.
- Signs that revolve or are animated or that utilize movement or apparent movement to attract the attention of the public are prohibited, except as specifically noted for certain signs such as official time/date/weather displays.
- No sign may be erected so that by its location, color, size, shape, nature, or message it would tend to obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic signs or other signs erected by governmental agencies.
- Freestanding signs that are not securely fastened to the ground or to some other substantial supportive structure so that there is virtually no danger that either the sign or the supportive structure may be moved by the wind or other forces of nature and cause injury to persons or property are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited (unless otherwise specified).
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Signs located within public rights-of-way (except governmental and informational signs as exempted) are prohibited.
- Signs that are posted on any telegraph pole, telephone pole, electric light pole, or any tree along any street are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct ingress or egress to any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress for any room or building as required by law are prohibited.
- Strings of lighting, pennants, and similar devices are prohibited.
- All other signs not permitted within this section are prohibited.
- No sign or supporting structure shall be established within an existing or future right-of-way unless attached to a building with an encroachment permit.
- No sign or supporting structure may be located within or over any easement unless an encroachment has been obtained from the easement holder.
- No sign attached to a building may project more than 18 inches from the building wall.
- No sign may be erected to a height exceeding the maximum allowed for the zoning district (varies by district, generally 15 feet except 35 feet in CC/IND, 40 feet for billboards).
- No sign may be illuminated in a manner that exceeds 0.5 foot-candles at the property line of a residential zone (including those within 150 feet of a residential zone).
- Illuminated tubing or strings of lights that outline property lines, sales areas, roof lines, doors, windows or similar areas are prohibited (except for approved temporary holiday signs).
- No sign may contain or be illuminated by flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity (except as permitted for certain temporary displays).
- Signs that revolve or are animated or utilize movement to attract attention are prohibited (except flags/welcome banners and permitted time/date/weather signs).
- Cutting, damaging, trimming, destroying or removing trees or shrubs for the purpose of increasing or enhancing visibility of any sign is prohibited unless authorized.
- No sign may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or substantially altered except in accordance with the provisions of this section (permits required except for exempted signs).

## Signs exempt from permit in Jacksonville

- Signs not exceeding four square feet in area that are customarily associated with residential use and that are not of a commercial nature, such as property identification names or numbers, names of occupants, mailbox or newspaper tube signs, and private property parking/trespass/danger signs.
- Signs erected by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and informational signs, and traffic, directional, or regulatory signs.
- Official signs of a noncommercial nature erected by public utilities.
- Flags or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works of art, so long as such features or works do not contain letters, trademarks, moving parts, or lights.
- Murals within the Downtown Mural Overlay District, provided all standards found within the ordinance are met. All other murals are prohibited.
- Signs, up to 4 feet in height and 4 square feet in area on both sides of the driveway, maximum of one per each side of the driveway.
- Church bulletin boards, church identification signs, and church directional signs that do not exceed one per abutting street and 15 square feet in area and that are not illuminated.
- Signs painted on or otherwise permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles that are not primarily used as signs.
- Signs proclaiming religious, political, or other noncommercial messages (other than those specifically regulated as temporary signs) that do not exceed one per abutting street and 15 square feet in area and that are not illuminated.
- Sign face replacement utilizing an existing frame/sign.
- Temporary real estate signs on lots for sale/lease/rent, in accordance with size/location requirements.
- Temporary construction site identification signs during the construction period, under size and timing requirements.
- Temporary holiday lights, decorations, or displays without commercial message for up to 45 days before and 10 days after holidays/celebrations.
- Temporary political campaign signs, following standards of NC General Statutes.
- Temporary signs for festivals, special events, and fundraising for civic or non-profit organizations, under time and size limitations.
- Temporary 'Welcome Home' military banners, for 5 days before and after return of unit.
- Flags, other than government/nonprofit, if they meet specific location, size, and number standards and do not extend into right-of-way.
- Signs directing/guiding traffic on private property that do not exceed 16 square feet.
- Interior campus/directional signs for colleges/universities.
- Alphanumeric parking lot identification signs that do not exceed 8 square feet.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Planned Developments (PD-R, PD-C, PD-T districts) require an approved Master Plan which must include, among other elements, a plan for signage.
- Sign permit applications are governed by zoning permit standards (Section 2.3.H).
- Signs located in the DTR (Downtown Residential) and DTB (Downtown Business) districts must conform to the design and dimensional standards described in their respective zoning district sections in addition to the general sign regulations.
- Billboards require an annual billboard permit and are allowed only in the Billboard Overlay Zone, subject to detailed regulations.
- Changes to building facades (where signage is involved) in Downtown districts may require review and determination of compliance with design standards.
- Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO) districts may impose unique, district-specific design and development standards, including signage, for new construction and expansion of existing structures.
- Any development that proposes signage must ensure that it is coordinated as required within college/university campuses, per the signage coordination requirement for parcels of 30+ acres with 10+ buildings.
- Non-exempt signs require a zoning sign permit, and sign plans may be required for developments with multiple tenant spaces or as otherwise required by the City Manager or their designee.

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

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