# Sign Regulations in Mocksville, North Carolina

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Mocksville, North Carolina (NC)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/north-carolina/mocksville
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-20

## At a glance

Mocksville, North Carolina regulates 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Open Space Residential, General Residential, Neighborhood Residential, Neighborhood Center, Town Center, TND, Campus Institutional, Campus Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial, Floodplain: 4 ft; Highway Commercial: 8 ft tall and Open Space Residential, General Residential, Neighborhood Residential, Neighborhood Center, Town Center, Floodplain: 24 sq ft; Highway Commercial, TND, Campus Institutional, Campus Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial: 32 sq ft, with a At least 5 ft from property line/ROW setback (Sec. § 8-3.6.11.9). Most commercial signs in Mocksville require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 23 | 40 ft or twice maximum building height, whichever is less | up to 32 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Center, Town Center, Highway Commercial, Traditional Neighborhood Development, Campus Institutional, Campus Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial | 8 | Neighborhood Center, Town Center, TND, Campus Institutional: 8 ft; Others: 15 ft | 75% of marquee | — |
| Open Space Residential, General Residential, Neighborhood Residential | 6 | 40 ft or twice building height, whichever is less | 32 sq ft | — |
| Floodplain | 8 | 40 ft or twice max building height, whichever is less | Up to 300 sq ft | — |
| General Industrial | 10 | 40 ft or twice the maximum building height, whichever is less | Up to 300 sq ft (subject to 1 sq ft per 1000 sq ft bldg area) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Directory Sign | Neighborhood Center: 4 ft; Campus Institutional/Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial, Floodplain: 6 ft; Town Center, Highway Commercial, TND: 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | Neighborhood Center, Town Center, TND, Special Purpose, Floodplain: 1; Highway Commercial, Campus Institutional/Business, General Industrial: 2 | Corners/along driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, exterior walls | — | § 8-3.6.11.3 |
| Kiosk Sign | Neighborhood Center, Campus Institutional/Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial, Floodplain: 6 ft; Town Center, Highway Commercial, TND: 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On-premises and centrally located area | — | § 8-3.6.11.7 |
| Monument Sign | Open Space Residential, General Residential, Neighborhood Residential, Neighborhood Center, Town Center, TND, Campus Institutional, Campus Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial, Floodplain: 4 ft; Highway Commercial: 8 ft | Open Space Residential, General Residential, Neighborhood Residential, Neighborhood Center, Town Center, Floodplain: 24 sq ft; Highway Commercial, TND, Campus Institutional, Campus Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial: 32 sq ft | — | At least 5 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per street front/development entrance | Perpendicular to street, at least 5 ft from property line; landscaping required at base | — | § 8-3.6.11.9 |
| Suspended Sign | Not lower than 7 ft above ground or in accordance with NC Building Code | No more than 0.5 times the nearest window or door size on the same facade | — | — | 1 per store front | 1 per store front, in front of entrance | — | § 8-3.6.11.11 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft + 2 sq ft rider | — | — | 1 per street front | Residential property for sale/lease | — | § 8-3.6.11.12(A)(5)(a),(e),(f) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Non-Residential) | 6 ft | up to 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front, possibly more for >850 ft frontage | Non-residential property for sale/lease | — | § 8-3.6.11.12(A)(5)(b),(e),(f) |
| Temporary Construction Sign (Residential) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft + 2 sq ft rider | — | — | 1 per street front | Residential construction site (excluding multi-family) | — | § 8-3.6.11.12(A)(6)(a),(e),(f) |
| Temporary Construction Sign (Non-Residential/Multi-Family) | 6 ft | up to 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front | On non-residential/multi-family construction site | — | § 8-3.6.11.12(A)(6)(b),(e),(f) |

### Neighborhood Center, Town Center, Highway Commercial, Traditional Neighborhood Development, Campus Institutional, Campus Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Canopy Sign | — | 10% of canopy/awning per facade or 10% of each umbrella | — | — | 1 per building side facing public right-of-way; 2 per umbrella | Only on canopy/awning/umbrella facing public right-of-way | — | § 8-3.6.11.1 |
| Contiguous Sign (Wall, Projecting, etc.) | — | 25% of wall area | — | — | 1 per street front or development entrance | On wall or facade | — | § 8-3.6.11.2 |
| Directory Sign | Neighborhood Center: 4 ft; Campus Institutional/Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial, Floodplain: 6 ft; Town Center, Highway Commercial, TND: 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | Neighborhood Center, Town Center, TND, Special Purpose: 1; Highway Commercial, Campus Institutional/Business, General Industrial: 2 | — | — | § 8-3.6.11.3 |
| Kiosk Sign | Neighborhood Center, Campus Institutional/Business, Special Purpose, General Industrial, Floodplain: 6 ft; Town Center, Highway Commercial, TND: 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On-premises and centrally located area. | — | § 8-3.6.11.7 |
| Marquee Sign | Shall not extend above/below marquee surface | 75% of marquee | — | — | 1 | On marquee | — | § 8-3.6.11.8 |
| Monument Sign | Neighborhood Center, Town Center, TND, Campus Inst/Bus, Special Purpose, General Industrial: 4 ft; Highway Commercial: 8 ft | Neighborhood Center, Town Center: 24 sq ft; Highway Commercial, TND, Campus Inst/Bus, Special Purpose, General Industrial: 32 sq ft | — | At least 5 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per street front/development entrance | Perpendicular to street with required setbacks and landscaping | — | § 8-3.6.11.9 |
| Planned Development Sign | Neighborhood Center, Town Center, TND, Campus Institutional: 8 ft; Others: 15 ft | Neighborhood Center, Town Center, TND, Campus Institutional: 24 sq ft; Other listed: up to 300 sq ft for all, subject to above formula | — | — | 1 per street front or development entrance (up to 3 signs for high commercial/industrial districts within area cap) | — | — | § 8-3.6.11.10 |
| Suspended Sign | At least 7 ft above ground | Up to 50% of nearest window/door size | — | — | 1 per store front | 1 per store front | — | § 8-3.6.11.11 |

### General Industrial

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Canopy Sign | — | 10% of canopy/awning per facade or 10% of umbrella | — | — | 1 per building side facing public right-of-way; 2 per umbrella | Only on canopy/awning/umbrella facing public right-of-way | — | § 8-3.6.11.1 |
| Contiguous Sign (Wall, Projecting, etc.) | — | 25% of wall area | — | — | 1 per street front or development entrance | On wall or facade | — | § 8-3.6.11.2 |
| Directory Sign | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 2 | — | — | § 8-3.6.11.3 |
| Identification Sign | 2 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 2 | — | — | § 8-3.6.11.6 |
| Kiosk Sign | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On-premises and centrally located area. | — | § 8-3.6.11.7 |
| Monument Sign | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | At least 5 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per street front or development entrance | Perpendicular to street, required setback and landscaping | — | § 8-3.6.11.9 |
| Planned Development Sign | 15 ft | Up to 300 sq ft (subject to 1 sq ft per 1000 sq ft bldg area) | — | — | Max 3 | — | — | § 8-3.6.11.10 |
| Civic Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front or entrance | — | — | § 8-3.6.18 |

## Prohibited signs in Mocksville

- Signs extending into the public right-of-way other than those expressly permitted by this article or otherwise approved by the Town Manager, if placed along public streets.
- Roof signs.
- Portable signs as defined in this article (for example: trailer signs, balloon signs and the like).
- Flashing, fluttering, swinging, wind-activated or rotating signs, not to include non-flashing time and/or temperature signs.
- Any sign which obstructs the view of motorists, pedestrians or cyclists using any street, sidewalk, bike path or driveway or which obstructs the approach to any street intersection or railroad crossing or which interferes with the effectiveness of any traffic sign, device or signal.
- Illuminated or highly reflective signs which hamper the vision of motorists or cyclists.
- Any sign which resembles traffic signals, traffic signs or emergency vehicle lights and any other sign not erected by a public authority which may be erroneously construed as governmental signs or emergency warning signs.
- Beacons, pennants and strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, except those permitted as temporary signs.
- Any sign which interferes with free passage from or obstructs any fire escape, downspout, window, door, stairway, ladder or opening intended as a means of ingress or egress or providing light or air except for permitted window signs.
- Any sign placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, hydrant, bridge, tree or other structure or surface located on, over or across any public street right-of-way or property unless expressly authorized by this article or the Town Manager.
- Off-premises signs advertising adult establishments.
- Off-premises signs on parcels of land which are zoned residential, used primarily for residential purposes or which do not include an active permitted use as established by this article.
- Inflatable devices or balloons. Any air- or gas-filled balloons or other similar devices and permanent signs made of paper, cloth or other non-durable materials, except as specifically approved by special permit in accordance with this article.
- Any off-premise directional, directory or kiosk sign that displays direction to business, uses or attractions placed within the public right-of-way is prohibited unless the sign is erected and maintained by the town, State of North Carolina or an agent of such.
- High intensity search lights.
- Pole signs.
- Any object not defined in this article as a legitimate sign displayed in a manner which is intended to attract attention to a site, product or event.
- Signs attached to trees.
- Outdoor neon signs (indoor window signs that are neon are allowed, but must adhere to all window sign regulations).
- Backlit, internally illuminated awnings are prohibited.
- Any sign made of temporary materials (paper, cardboard and the like) or designed to advertise a temporary event (grand opening, sales, going out of business, new subdivisions and the like) that is, freestanding or otherwise placed in the right-of-way or on another property owner's property.
- Any sign not expressly permitted by this article.
- Parking of advertising vehicles. No business shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or public property or on private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon, any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same premises or any other premise. Delivery and business vehicles should be parked in the side or rear of the building.
- No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct the clear sight triangle at a street intersection nor shall any sign obstruct the view of motorists entering or leaving an off-street parking area.
- Signs shall not project above the edge of the rooflines and should not obstruct windows and/or doorways.
- The location and extent of signs and advertising should not obstruct scenic views.
- Signs on awnings: Backlit, internally illuminated awnings are prohibited.
- Paper and cloth signs are not suitable for outside because they deteriorate quickly.
- Neon, argon and similar lighting fixtures shall not be used anywhere on the exterior of a building; however, the signs if non-flashing and non-moving may be mounted on the inside of store windows.
- Forfeiture of illegal signs placed on or over public property: Any sign installed or placed on or over public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this article, shall be forfeited to the public and be subject to confiscation and disposal.
- Signs should not be located so that they cover or interrupt the architectural details or ornamentation of a building's facade.
- Signs shall relate in their placement and size to other building elements without obscuring building elements such as windows, cornices or decorative details, except that signs may be placed on the inside of windows.
- All signs shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the North Carolina State Building Code.

## Signs exempt from permit in Mocksville

- Signs for the sole purpose of displaying street numbers as may be required by other ordinances and other signs required by law.
- Signs erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his or her duty including, but not limited to, public notices, safety signs, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic and street signs, memorial plaques and signs of historical interest.
- Signs on private property prohibiting trespassing in accordance with state law.
- Any sign not visible from public thoroughfares or any sign within a business, office, mall or totally enclosed area.
- One official sign per road frontage, as required by the State of North Carolina, identifying vehicle emissions inspection stations licensed by the State of North Carolina.
- Signage on courtesy benches, trash receptacles, newspaper boxes, automated teller kiosks and phone booths, not exceeding eight square feet of sign area and not located within the required front yard setback for the zoning district. Limited to one bench sign and one trash receptacle sign per lot.
- Signage on coin-operated beverage dispensers, limited to three per lot and not located within the required front yard setback for the zoning district.
- Off-premises public sign kiosks or directory signs that display a directory of businesses, uses or attractions may be placed within the public right-of-way; provided that, the sign kiosk or directory sign is erected and maintained by the town or state or an agent of such.
- Historical markers, civic signs, regulatory signs, public interest signs and warning signs erected and maintained by the town or state or an agent of such.
- Incidental signs (§ 8-3.6.11.6).
- Flags on permanent poles as permitted by height restrictions.
- Any sign not legible or easily noticeable from public property or a public right-of-way and obviously not intended to attract the attention of the public.
- Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance.
- Traffic control signs on private property, the face of which meet Department of Transportation standards and which contain no commercial message of any kind.
- On-premise directional signs that navigate customers through parking area, sidewalk networks and building campuses. Signs may not exceed four feet in height or six square feet in area, unless the sign is a monument sign in which case it shall not exceed nine square feet in sign area.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Except as specifically excluded from the provisions of this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to post, display, substantially change or erect a sign within the town zoning jurisdiction without first having obtained a sign permit.
- A comprehensive sign program for all signs in a shopping center should be developed for new and remodeled shopping centers.
- Any sign not expressly listed as permitted without a permit shall require the issuance of a valid zoning permit prior to installation.
- All discontinued signs, except pole and monument signs, shall be removed within 10 days of discontinuance; for monument signs, provisions for removal or covering apply until a new sign permit is applied for and approved.
- Temporary signs that require a permit (such as banners in Commercial/Mixed Use Districts or planned development signs) must have a valid zoning permit before posting.
- Only one permit shall be required for all temporary planned development signs for each planned development.

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

---

PermitPal — AI sign code research. Full HTML page: https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/north-carolina/mocksville