Sign Regulations in Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Murfreesboro, North Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 15 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Development Identification Sign, Home Occupation Sign. 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 Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Murfreesboro
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Identification Sign | 6 ft | 16 sq ft per display surface | — |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — |
| Nonresidential Use Sign | — | 16 sq ft per display surface | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
15
- Freestanding Sign
- Development Identification Sign
- Home Occupation Sign
- Nonresidential Use Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Murfreesboro
Other Cities in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Murfreesboro vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Murfreesboro, 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 Murfreesboro, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Development Identification Sign, Home Occupation Sign, Nonresidential Use Sign, 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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Murfreesboro has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Murfreesboro, North Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Murfreesboro, North Carolina regulates 15 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Development Identification Signs in the R-20 Residential District (R-20), R-20-MH Residential District (R-20-MH), R-15 Residential District (R-15), R-15-MH Residential District (R-15-MH), R-10 Residential District (R-10), R-6 Residential District (R-6), Mobile Home Park District (MHP) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 16 sq ft per display surface (Sec. Sec. 15-533(b)(4)a.2.(ii)). Most commercial signs in Murfreesboro require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Murfreesboro (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-20 Residential District (R-20), R-20-MH Residential District (R-20-MH), R-15 Residential District (R-15), R-15-MH Residential District (R-15-MH), R-10 Residential District (R-10), R-6 Residential District (R-6), Mobile Home Park District (MHP) | 6 | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| Historic District (H) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic Commercial District (HC) | 1 | — | As per R-20 district, see above | — |
| Historic Residential District (HR) | 1 | — | As per R-15 district, see above | — |
| Central Business District (C-1) | 2 | — | 36 sq ft or 10% of building facade, whichever is less | — |
| Highway Commercial District (C-2) | 1 | 25 ft | 75 sq ft (or 20% of building facade) per sign; up to total of 100 sq ft for all signs per establishment. Up to 3 signs allowed per establishment. | — |
| Office and Institutional District (O-I) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-L), Heavy Industrial District (I-H) | 1 | 30 ft above natural grade level | 50 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | 72 sq in | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Murfreesboro(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
R-20 Residential District (R-20), R-20-MH Residential District (R-20-MH), R-15 Residential District (R-15), R-15-MH Residential District (R-15-MH), R-10 Residential District (R-10), R-6 Residential District (R-6), Mobile Home Park District (MHP)
| 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 | 6 ft | 16 sq ft per display surface | — | — | One sign per access | One freestanding sign at each principal point of access to the development | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(4)a.2.(ii) |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | Wall sign per lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(4)a.2.(iii) |
| Nonresidential Use Sign | — | 16 sq ft per display surface | — | — | One per zoning lot | One freestanding or wall sign per zoning lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(4)a.2.(iv) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | 5 ft from any property line | — | On the property proposed for sale or rent | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(1)l. |
| Church and Community Identification Sign | — | 25 sq ft | — | 5 ft from any property line | — | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(1)2. |
| Announcement Sign - Home Occupation / Professional | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per professional or home occupation | On the wall of the building | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(1)k. |
Central Business District (C-1)
| 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 | — | 36 sq ft or 10% of building facade, whichever is less | — | — | — | Yard space of establishment | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(4)c.1 |
| Wall Sign | — | 36 sq ft or 10% of facade (whichever is less) | — | — | — | Face of building | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(4)c.3-5 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Political Sign | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(1)b. |
| Small Directional / Convenience Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | On property as needed | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(1)i. |
| Address Sign | — | 72 sq in | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-533(b)(1)j. |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Murfreesboro — 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 Murfreesboro — start freeProhibited Signs in Murfreesboro
- No rooftop signs or billboards and no portable signs are permitted.
- Animated, rotating or other moving or apparently moving signs are prohibited.
- No sign or billboard shall be located within 50 feet of any residentially zoned lot.
- No flashing sign shall be located within 300 feet of any residentially zoned lot.
- No sign or billboard may obstruct the view of, cause confusion or otherwise interfere with any authorized traffic sign, signals, or other safety devices.
- No sign, or part thereof, shall be located within a clear-vision area.
- No sign shall make use of the terms 'stop,' 'slow,' 'caution,' 'danger' or similar terms in a manner as is likely to be confused with traffic signs.
- No sign or light shall be erected so that by its location, color, nature or message it is likely to be confused with or obstruct the view of traffic signals or signs or is likely to be confused with the warning lights of an emergency or public safety vehicle.
- Except as used to display time and temperature, no sign shall contain flashing lights.
- Signs which are no longer functional or are abandoned shall be removed or relocated by the owner within 30 days following the dysfunction.
Exempt Signs in Murfreesboro
- Governmental signs, such as traffic or similar regulatory devices, legal notices or warnings.
- Political signs for upcoming campaigns no larger than 40 square feet and posted no more than 60 days prior and must be removed 14 days after any primary, general or special elections.
- Flags or emblems not used as commercial advertising.
- Temporary signs, totaling not over two square feet of surface area on any lot not used as commercial advertising, and for a period not to exceed 14 days in any quarter calendar year.
- Temporary off-site signs advertising a commercial activity such as a grand opening, going out of business sale, significant change in business situation, etc., with owner's consent, allowed up to 90 days (not allowed in the historic district).
- Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical tablets and similar devices.
- Noncommercial signs posted in conjunction with doorbells or mailboxes and not exceeding eight square inches in surface area.
- Sign required by law to be posted, unless specifically prohibited, limited or restricted.
- Small un-illuminated signs, not exceeding two square feet in surface area, displayed strictly for the direction, safety or convenience of the public.
- Address signs, not exceeding 72 square inches in surface area and showing only the numerical address designation of the premises.
- Small un-illuminated announcement signs concerning the practice of a profession, an incidental home occupation or authorized occupation (not over two square feet, mounted flat to main wall).
- Temporary un-illuminated real estate signs not over six square feet in area, displayed on the property for sale or rent and no closer than five feet to any property line.
- Signs for church and community identification no larger than 25 square feet in area located on private property but no closer than five feet to any property line.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Murfreesboro
- The application for a building permit for a sign or for a building which includes a sign shall be accompanied by a drawing which shows the size, location, and design of all proposed signs. That drawing shall become part of the application. Any sign not covered by the requirements of this section must be approved by the planning board and the town council using the intent and standards of this section.
- Site plan requirements for commercial, multi-family, and other specified developments require the location of on-site advertising sign and the distance of the sign from the closest property line to be shown as part of the site plan to be reviewed by the planning board and the town council.
- All applications for signs (and conditional uses in any district) are evaluated under the specific criteria and may require a site plan as part of the application to ensure compliance with ordinance.
Source: municode municipal code