Sign Regulations in Matthews, North Carolina
Matthews, North Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 123 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Residential Development Message Board, Temporary Sign (Campaigns/Civic or Special Events), Temporary Sign (Business Use on Private Property). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Matthews, North Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Matthews
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign Near Sidewalks | If >5' tall, see setback rule | If >24 sq ft, see setback rule | ≥10' from sidewalk/multi-use path for freestanding signs over 5' tall or over 24 sq ft |
| Flags (Governmental or Organization) | Up to 10' over underlying district max building height OR 50', whichever is less | — | — |
| Incidental Sign (Driveway/Traffic Direction) | 3' | 4 sq ft | Within setback/yard or within 10' of property line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MatthewsFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
123
- Residential Development Message Board
- Temporary Sign (Campaigns/Civic or Special Events)
- Temporary Sign (Business Use on Private Property)
- Temporary Signs (Campaigns/Civic or Special Events)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Matthews
Other Cities in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
In Matthews, monument signs are limited to If >5' tall, see setback rule. 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 Matthews, 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 Matthews, regulated sign types include Residential Development Message Board, Temporary Sign (Campaigns/Civic or Special Events), Temporary Sign (Business Use on Private Property), Temporary Signs (Campaigns/Civic or Special Events), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Matthews, monument signs typically require a ≥10' from sidewalk/multi-use path for freestanding signs over 5' tall or over 24 sq ft setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Matthews are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Matthews has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Matthews, North Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Matthews, North Carolina regulates 123 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Incidental Sign (Driveway/Traffic Direction)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 3' tall and 4 sq ft, with a Within setback/yard or within 10' of property line setback (Sec. § 155.608.6.C). Most commercial signs in Matthews require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Matthews, North Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Matthews (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 31 | ≤12' | Per § 155.608.12.C; § 155.608.13.D tables | — |
| Single-Family Residential District (R-20); Single-Family Residential District (R-15); Single-Family Residential District (R-12); Single-Family Residential District (R-9); R-MH; R-15MF; R-12MF; Residential - Varied Styles (R-VS) | 24 | Freestanding signs ≤10' high unless otherwise limited | 40 sq ft (first sign); 25 sq ft (others) | — |
| Crestdale Conservation (CrC); Small Residential Neighborhood (SRN); Concentrated Multi-Family (C-MF) | 4 | 16 sq ft temporary if freestanding ≤6' | Varies by use: e.g., Church/School 40 sq ft (first), 25 sq ft (others); Multi-family ≤10 du/ac 9 sq ft; >10 du/ac 24 sq ft; Parks 40 sq ft; Subdivision entrance 9 sq ft; Misc nonresidential 24 sq ft; Bed & breakfast/Day care home 3 sq ft; Day care center 6 sq ft; etc. | — |
| Residential/Institutional District (R/I) | 9 | ≤10' | 40 sq ft | — |
| Office District (O) | 11 | Freestanding signs ≤10' high unless otherwise limited | 80 sq ft | — |
| HUC; B-1; B-3; B-D; B-H; B-H(CD); I-1; I-2; Mixed Use Development (MUD); Transit Supportive (TS); Shopping Center (B-1SCD); Family Entertainment (ENT); Adult Uses (AU) | 14 | Freestanding signs ≤10' high unless elevated monument signs permitted in designated corridors | 100 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Overlay District (DO) | 8 | 8' (allowed only when at least 10' from edge of public ROW and sidewalk) | 50 sq ft | — |
| Highway 51 Overlay (HO) | 1 | — | — | — |
| US 74/Independence Boulevard Sign Corridor | 28 | Up to 20' (elevated monument permitted) | 250 sq ft total per establishment | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Matthews(sample of 3 of 9 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 Near Sidewalks | If >5' tall, see setback rule | If >24 sq ft, see setback rule | — | ≥10' from sidewalk/multi-use path for freestanding signs over 5' tall or over 24 sq ft | — | At least 10' from any sidewalk or multimodal pathway when sign exceeds 5' in height OR 24 sq ft in area. | — | Unlock | § 155.608.5.E |
| Incidental Sign (Driveway/Traffic Direction) | 3' | 4 sq ft | — | Within setback/yard or within 10' of property line | 1 per driveway | Within required setback/yard or within 10' of any property line. | — | Unlock | § 155.608.6.C |
| Temporary Off-Premise Real Estate Directional Sign | 4' | 3 sq ft | — | ≥11' from edge of pavement/back of curb; ≥50' from intersections; ≥20' from private drives | Max 2 | ≥11' from edge of pavement/back of curb; not within 50' of intersection; not within 20' of private drive; ground-mounted only. | — | Unlock | § 155.608.6.F.4 |
| Intermittent Weekly Use Signs | 6' | 16 sq ft | — | Behind street right-of-way | Up to 3 | On property of the intermittent use. | — | Unlock | § 155.608.6.K |
| Feather Signs (General allowance outside DO and HO conditions) | ≤12' | ≤30 sq ft | — | ≥10' from any public ROW/driveway/sidewalk/multi-use path | Up to 5 | Private property only; not obstructing visibility. | — | Unlock | § 155.608.6.S; § 155.608.14.F; § 155.504.B.13 (HO reference) |
| Portable A-Frame Sign (outside DO) | ≤4' overall | ≤8 sq ft per face | — | ≥10' from public ROW/sidewalk; not in sight triangles | 1 per establishment | On same parcel; near pedestrian entrance; not in paved vehicular/parking areas; not in sight triangles; ≥10' from public ROW line or sidewalk generally parallel to street. | — | Unlock | § 155.608.6.U |
| Residential Development Message Board | ≤5' | ≤12 sq ft | — | Not in sight triangle | 1 per main entrance | Within or at main entrance; may be near clustered mailbox units, community amenities; in ROW only with Town encroachment agreement when on Town-maintained street. | — | Unlock | § 155.608.6.V |
| Joint Identification Sign (Multi-tenant property) | Per underlying district; not within sight triangles | Per § 155.608.12.C; § 155.608.13.D tables | — | Behind ROW; not in sight triangles | 1 per street front | Behind ROW; outside sight triangles. | — | Unlock | § 155.608.7.A; § 155.608.9.C |
Single-Family Residential District (R-20); Single-Family Residential District (R-15); Single-Family Residential District (R-12); Single-Family Residential District (R-9); R-MH; R-15MF; R-12MF; Residential - Varied Styles (R-VS)
| 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 Identification Sign (Day Care Center) | ≤10' | 6 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | 1 | Behind street ROW; out of sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.10.D (Day care center) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Arboretum) | ≤10' | 6 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | 1 per major entrance | 1 per major entrance; behind ROW; out of sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.10.D (Arboretum) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Church/School/Similar Uses) | ≤10' | 40 sq ft (first sign); 25 sq ft (others) | — | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | Identification: 1 per street front (freestanding) OR 1 per building (attached); Bulletin board: 1 | Behind street ROW; out of sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.10.D (Church/school identification; bulletin board) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Electric/Utility Facilities) | ≤10' | 6 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | 1 | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.10.D (Electric and gas substations etc.) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Fire or Police Station - Monument) | ≤10' | 40 sq ft (monument) | — | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | 1 per street front (freestanding) and 1 per building (attached) | 1 per street front (freestanding) and 1 per building (attached) | — | Unlock | § 155.608.10.D (Fire or police station) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Outdoor Recreation Facilities) | ≤10' | 6 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | 1 | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.10.D (Outdoor recreation facilities) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Manufactured Home Park) | ≤10' | 6 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | 1 per major entrance | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.10.D (Manufactured home park) |
| Identification Sign (Miscellaneous Nonresidential Uses) | ≤10' (freestanding) | 24 sq ft (freestanding); 24 sq ft (attached) | — | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | 1 freestanding and 1 attached | Behind ROW; out of sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.10.D (Miscellaneous nonresidential uses) |
US 74/Independence Boulevard Sign Corridor
| 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 Identification Sign (Single User GFA 40,000–74,999 sq ft) | Up to 20' (elevated monument permitted) | 150 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; not on berm; not in sight triangle | 1 (with exceptions per § 155.608.7.C) | Behind ROW; not in sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.16.B.1.a; Table 1; notes (1)–(3) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Single User GFA 75,000–99,999 sq ft) | Up to 20' (elevated monument permitted) | 200 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; not on berm; not in sight triangle | 1 (with exceptions per § 155.608.7.C) | Behind ROW; not in sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.16.B.1.a; Table 1; notes |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Single User GFA ≥100,000 sq ft) | Up to 20' (elevated monument permitted) | 240 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; not on berm; not in sight triangle | 1 (with exceptions per § 155.608.7.C) | Behind ROW; not in sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.16.B.1.a; Table 1; notes |
| Freestanding Identification/Business Signs (Lot Size 5.0–7.49 ac) | Up to 20' (elevated monument permitted) | 150 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; not on berm; not in sight triangle | 1 (with exceptions per § 155.608.7.C) | Behind ROW; not in sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.16.B.1.b; Table 2; notes |
| Freestanding Identification/Business Signs (Lot Size 7.5–14.99 ac) | Up to 20' (elevated monument permitted) | 200 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; not on berm; not in sight triangle | 1 (with exceptions per § 155.608.7.C) | Behind ROW; not in sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.16.B.1.b; Table 2; notes |
| Freestanding Identification/Business Signs (Lot Size ≥15.0 ac) | Up to 20' (elevated monument permitted) | 240 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; not on berm; not in sight triangle | 1 (with exceptions per § 155.608.7.C) | Behind ROW; not in sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.16.B.1.b; Table 2; notes |
| Freestanding Identification/Business Signs (Single User in Two Buildings ≥15,000 sq ft each) | ≤10' (elevated monument permitted) | 150 sq ft (all freestanding signs combined) | — | Behind ROW; not on berm; not in sight triangle | 1 (with exceptions per § 155.608.7.C) | Behind ROW; not in sight triangles | — | Unlock | § 155.608.16.B.1.d; Table 4; notes |
| Freestanding Identification Signs (ENT District Recreation Capacity 500–999) | ≤10' (elevated monument permitted) | 150 sq ft | — | Behind ROW; not on berm; not in sight triangle | 1 (with exceptions per § 155.608.7.C) | Behind ROW; not on berm; not in sight triangle | — | Unlock | § 155.608.16.B.1.e; Table 5; notes |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Matthews — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Matthews — start freeProhibited Signs in Matthews
- Any sign not expressly permitted by the ordinance is prohibited
- Signs which constitute a hazard to public health or safety
- Roof signs
- Flashing signs, including signs with intermittent illumination or changing intensity (except date/time/temperature displays; changeable copy may not change more than once every 4 hours)
- Vehicular signs
- Moving, inflatable, rotating, undulating, animated, or pseudo-animated signs, or signs using light beams to appear to move
- Signs displaying obscene, indecent, or immoral matter
- Signs that by size, location, content, color, or illumination obstruct motorists’ vision or interfere with traffic control devices
- Signs using traffic-control words or shapes (e.g., Stop, Yield) or similar symbols/colors that may confuse traffic
- Signs displayed within or extending over public right-of-way (including attachment to sign posts or utility poles), except those erected/authorized by the appropriate government agency
- Signs obstructing ingress or egress from any fire escape, door, window, or other exit/entrance
- V-shaped or triangular permanent signs (double-faced back-to-back allowed if less than a 70° angle and essentially identical faces)
- Signs painted directly on trees, rocks, fences, and other objects/structures (except walls and except boulders at public schools used for student decoration/messages)
- Signs situated on an artificially created berm
- Airborne signs
- Pennants
- Pylon signs
- Advertising signs
- Billboard signs
- Freestanding signs over 5 feet high or larger than 24 square feet are prohibited within 10 feet of any sidewalk or multimodal path
- Exposed electrical wiring on any sign element is prohibited; electrical components must be in rigid conduit or enclosed in poles/raceways
- Signs and any concealed support elements are prohibited within any sight triangle
- No portion of a sign may overhang or extend over any part of a public right-of-way or public use realm unless specifically allowed elsewhere and with required encroachment approvals
- Illuminated signs shall not be positioned/maintained so light beams or illumination are directed off-site causing glare or a traffic hazard
- Illuminated signs in or within 100 feet of single-family residential districts may not be illuminated between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM unless the associated use is open
- Obsolete signs (business no longer in existence, products/services no longer offered) must be removed within 90 days; if the sign structure is nonconforming, the face may be covered/removed for no more than 1 year before reuse or removal is required
- Window signs may not cover more than 25% of glass area if opaque/translucent, or more than 50% if composed of open symbols without background
Exempt Signs in Matthews
- Flags of the U.S., State of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, Town of Matthews, other governmental units, or religious/civic/nonprofit organizations (up to 4 per lot; not considered moving signs; height limits apply). Other flags limited in number/height; area of flag may count against freestanding sign area
- Customary holiday or recognized local special event decorations displayed for no more than 60 days
- Incidental on-premise directional/regulatory signs near property lines: maximum 1 per driveway, up to 4 sq ft area and 3 ft height, with no more than 50% of area used for business identification
- Incidental interior site signs (on-site information only, not easily visible off-site, not primarily advertising): up to 12 sq ft area; directory signs in vehicular areas up to 8 ft height
- Menu board signs: one per drive-through lane up to 48 sq ft and 8 ft height (if more than one, each up to 40 sq ft); not readable off-premise
- Real estate and construction signs on the advertised property with size limits by property type/frontage; corner-lot intersection setbacks; removal within 7 days of transaction completion or construction completion; provisions for properties without frontage (within access easement with owner permission); off-premise weekend/holiday directional real estate signs with strict size, timing, spacing, and placement limits; construction fence wraps with temporary signage exemption up to 24 months (with content limits)
- Temporary political/campaign issue signs on private property: up to 6 sq ft in single-family districts and 16 sq ft in other districts; allowed within setbacks but not in sight triangles or ROW; display no more than 60 days before election and remove within 5 days after
- Temporary signs for limited-duration civic, religious, charitable, fraternal, and similar events on private property: up to 16 sq ft and 6 ft height; within setbacks but not in sight triangles or ROW; display no more than 30 days before event and remove within 7 days after
- Temporary signs for seasonal farm product sales: one on-premise sign up to 20 sq ft; up to three 2 sq ft directional signs on private property; remove within 7 days after sales end
- Off-premise signs for qualifying public assembly uses and farmers' markets (with conditions on use type, visibility constraints, and placement): up to 36 sq ft and 6 ft height; not in sight triangles or within 50 ft of thoroughfare intersections; property owner permission required
- Temporary signs for intermittent uses occurring on a regular weekly schedule (e.g., church using school space): up to 3 on-premise signs, each up to 16 sq ft and 6 ft height; place no more than 24 hours before event and remove within 12 hours after; must comply with land use in the zoning category
- Government-established wayfinding signs and building/site historical markers and similar public instruction/direction signs on public or private property (size/placement standards apply; off-premise on private property require easement; kiosks/wall displays for public info in Downtown/ENT up to 24 sq ft)
- Nonprofit farmers' market mural identification/directional signage in HUC district: mural may include up to 40 sq ft of sign area (only the identification/direction portion counts as sign area)
- Sponsorship signs at properly established recreational or institutional facilities: unlimited number; must be behind minimum setbacks; oriented inward (with limited outward orientation allowed on certain fencing >300 ft from ROW); up to 12 sq ft; not illuminated
- Temporary contractor/service provider signs at residences where work is actively underway: one per property, up to 4 sq ft; allowed in front yard but not in sight triangle; must be registered; displayed only during the project up to 30 days; not more than 2 days after completion
- Street address numbers (including ranges/suites) as required by ordinance
- Signs required by law; traffic/transportation facility signs; parking identification on public or private property
- Works of art without commercial messages or logos; religious symbols/identification emblems
- Feather signs (outside the Downtown Overlay and outside the NC 51 Overlay undisturbed buffer): up to 30 sq ft and 12 ft height; maximum 5 per property; at least 10 ft from ROW/driveways/sidewalks/paths and not obstructing visibility; limited to 5 consecutive days with at least 5-day gaps; maximum 60 days per calendar year; content may not otherwise qualify as a temporary advertising sign except for size
- Warning signs (e.g., no trespassing, beware of dog): up to 2 sq ft each; maximum 4 per lot (additional by Administrator under special circumstances)
- Portable A-frame signs (outside Downtown Overlay): up to 8 sq ft per face and 4 ft height; one per establishment; displayed only while the business is open; must be on the same parcel, at least 10 ft from ROW/sidewalk, not in parking/drives/sight triangles; content must be more than establishment identification
- Residential Development Message Board signs at main entrances to residential subdivisions/developments/complexes: up to 12 sq ft and 5 ft height; not in sight triangles; may require Town encroachment agreement if in ROW
- Temporary advertising signs on private property: up to 16 sq ft (and 6 ft height if freestanding), on the same site as the advertised business/product/service; up to 60 days total per calendar year with at least 14 days between different displays; registration with Town required; no permit required
- Temporary signs on public property/right-of-way for special events: allowed up to 72 hours with prior registration and written approvals as required; subject to location/size/lighting approvals
- Emergency Services Uses (Town Fire and Police): may utilize internally or externally illuminated signage regardless of underlying zoning district; district brightness limits still apply
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Matthews
- Master Sign Plan required: For any individual property with more than one existing or proposed principal nonresidential structure or use; any individual property with more than one existing or proposed nonresidential tenant; or two or more nonresidential properties designed and/or developed jointly (including properties under a single zoning petition). The master sign plan must be submitted by the owner(s) prior to issuance of any sign permit for any of the property
- Master Sign Plan contents must include: scaled site plan with locations of buildings, parking, loading, drives, and required landscaping; computations and locations of existing freestanding and attached signs; list of any existing signs not requiring a permit; anticipated sign area and general locations for proposed attached and detached signage; and statement if a 15% bonus is requested
- Window signage coverage to be included if window signs are existing or potential (plan must indicate area of windows to be covered by window signs per building or establishment)
- 15% bonus sign area available under a Master Sign Plan if: there is no more than one freestanding sign per street front incorporating unified and tenant identification; owner imposes consistent design restrictions (e.g., colors, lettering, lighting, materials, locations, proportions); and the plan includes a schedule to bring all existing nonconforming signs into compliance within one year (and to conform to owner restrictions, if more stringent)
- Master Sign Plan approval procedure: may be submitted as part of a zoning application or independently to the Board of Commissioners; when submitted independently, the Board will review at a regular public meeting within 60 days
- Master Sign Plan binding effect: after approval, no sign may be erected or revised except in conformance with the plan; amendments require filing a new master sign plan
- Multi-tenant properties: individual businesses within a multi-tenant nonresidential property are not allowed individual freestanding signs; a joint identification sign is permitted; a multi-tenant property may request approval of a master sign plan
- Rezoning/site plan submittals (Parallel Traditional districts): site-specific plans must show the proposed number, type, and location of signs along with other physical improvements
- Rezoning/site plan submittals (Conditional-Only districts): site-specific plans must show the proposed number, type, and location of signs; for early designation Conditional-Only districts, no permits or land-disturbing activity may occur until Board-approved site plan and/or elevation plan is obtained, which must include how all conditions (including sign-related) are met
Source: other municipal code