Sign Regulations in Statesville, North Carolina

Statesville, North Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 25 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Wall Sign, Temporary Sign (Pole/Post or Monument), Monument 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 Statesville, North Carolina

Sample Sign Requirements in Statesville

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Monument Sign (Subdivision or Multi-Family Project)6 ft.20 sq. ft. per sign face
Identification Sign (Residential Use)1.5 sq. ft.
Wall Sign (Customary Home Occupation)1.5 sq. ft.

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for StatesvilleFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

25

  • Temporary Wall Sign
  • Temporary Sign (Pole/Post or Monument)
  • Monument Sign
  • Wall, Awning, Marquee, or Projecting Sign
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

7

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Statesville

Frequently Asked Questions

In Statesville, 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 Statesville, 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 Statesville, regulated sign types include Temporary Wall Sign, Temporary Sign (Pole/Post or Monument), Monument Sign, Wall, Awning, Marquee, or Projecting 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 Statesville 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 Statesville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Statesville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

AI-Powered Research

Ready to Research Statesville Sign Permits?

Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Statesville, North Carolina sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.

No credit card required · Get results in seconds

Statesville, North Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance

Statesville, North Carolina regulates 25 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Monument Sign (Non-Residential Use)s in the R-A, R-20, R-15, R-15M, R-10, R-10M, R-8, R-8M, R-8MF, R-5, R-5M, R-5MF zoning district are capped at 6 ft. tall and 32 sq. ft., with a 5 ft. minimum from right-of-way setback (Sec. Section 6.07 Table 6-13). Most commercial signs in Statesville require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Statesville, North Carolina

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Statesville (7 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
R-A, R-20, R-15, R-15M, R-10, R-10M, R-8, R-8M, R-8MF, R-5, R-5M, R-5MF76 ft.32 sq. ft.
O-1, O & I-2, B-1, B-2512 ft. for pole/post; 5 ft. for monument base100 sq. ft.
B-3, B-4, B-5625 ft. for pole/post120 sq. ft. Shopping Center Signs
CB, CBP, MSD, H-11596 ft.Not more than 25% of window/storefront glass area.
LI, HI825 ft.500 sq. ft.
PUD1
General Regulations For All Zones3Directional: 4 ft.Directional: 4 sq. ft.; Warning: 4 sq. ft.; Hospital Directional: 15 sq. ft.; Government signs as needed; Address: 1.5 sq. ft.

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Statesville(sample of 3 of 7 zones)

R-A, R-20, R-15, R-15M, R-10, R-10M, R-8, R-8M, R-8MF, R-5, R-5M, R-5MF

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Monument Sign (Subdivision or Multi-Family Project)6 ft.20 sq. ft. per sign face1 per street entrance1 per street entrance to subdivision or multi-family projectUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13; Section G
Identification Sign (Residential Use)1.5 sq. ft.1 per dwellingOn dwellingUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Wall Sign (Customary Home Occupation)1.5 sq. ft.1 per street frontUnder eave of buildingUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Monument Sign (Non-Residential Use)6 ft.32 sq. ft.5 ft. minimum from right-of-way1 per street front1 per street frontUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Wall Sign (Non-Residential Use)32 sq. ft. total sign area1 per lotUnder eave of buildingUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Temporary Sign (Pole/Post or Monument)5 ft.4 sq. ft. per sign face1 per street front1 per street frontUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13; Section K
Temporary Wall Sign4 sq. ft. per sign face1 per street front1 per street front, under eaveUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13

CB, CBP, MSD, H-115

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Monument Sign6 ft.0-39 L.F. frontage: 15 sq. ft.; 40-69 L.F.: 25 sq. ft.; 70+ L.F.: 32 sq. ft.Behind street right-of-way1 per street frontage1 per street frontageUnlockSection 6.07 R (4) (6)
Projecting Pole Mounted Sign6 ft. above average grade; total height up to 8 ft.See additional requirementsUnlockSection 6.07 R (5)(b)
Two-Pole Mounted Sign6 ft. above average grade; total height up to 8 ft.See additional requirementsUnlockSection 6.07 R (5)(c)
Wall Sign1 per building side with entrance or visible from streetAttached flush to building; on each side with entrance or visible from streetUnlockSection 6.07 R (7)
Window Sign (Permanent)Not more than 25% of window/storefront glass area.In windowsUnlockSection 6.07 R (8)
Projecting Sign2% of storefront area, max 15 sq. ft.Max. projection: 4 ft. from building wallOn building, perpendicular or at street cornerUnlockSection 6.07 R (10)
Sandwich Board Sign4 ft.8 sq. ft. max, 4 ft. height max1 per businessSidewalk or private propertyUnlockSection 6.07 R (13)
Temporary Wall Sign16 sq. ft. per face1 per storefront1 per storefront, under eaveUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13

LI, HI

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Monument Sign8 ft.32 sq. ft. per sign face5 ft. minimum from right-of-way1 per street front1 per street frontUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Wall, Awning, Marquee, or Projecting Sign500 sq. ft.Any number; projecting sign limitUnder eave or parapetUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Wall Sign (Non-Flush Mounted)100 sq. ft.1 per lotCannot exceed rooflineUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Industrial Park Entrance Sign (49 acres or less)8 ft.64 sq. ft.5 ft. minimum from right-of-way1 per entrance1 per entranceUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Industrial Park Entrance Sign (over 50 acres)25 ft.64 sq. ft. each side of sign (limited to 4 sides)5 ft. minimum from right-of-way1 per entrance1 per entranceUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Off-premise Directional Sign (Industrial Park, over 50 acres)25 ft.64 sq. ft.5 ft. minimum from right-of-way1 per entrance1 per entranceUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Temporary Sign (Pole/Post or Monument)25 ft.32 sq. ft. per face1 per parcel1 per parcelUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13
Temporary Wall Sign32 sq. ft. per face1 per parcel1 per parcel, under eaveUnlockSection 6.07 Table 6-13

PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Statesville — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

See all 7 zones for Statesville — start free

Prohibited Signs in Statesville

  • Signs with flashing, moving, rotating, pulsating or glaring parts, including LED signs not specifically authorized by this Code except for time and temperature.
  • Signs which resemble traffic control signs or devices or use the words "stop", "slow", "danger", "caution" or the like which may confuse motorists and cause traffic hazards.
  • Strings of lights, pennants, strings and loops of strings or ribbons, garlands, search lights, beacons, paper posters applied directly to a wall, pole, fence or building surface, and banners and streamers are prohibited, except as allowed as a temporary sign in and for vehicle sales lots with a temporary use permit.
  • Abandoned signs or signs advertising a business, service or product no longer offered on the premises.
  • Signs containing obscene messages, scenes or graphics, or false or misleading advertising or information.
  • Portable or temporary signs other than those specifically permitted herein.
  • Snipe signs or signs attached to trees, telephone poles, public benches, streetlights, utility poles, fences, or placed on any public property or public right-of-way, except as authorized by the City.
  • Signs placed on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said sign.
  • Signs placed on or extending over public right-of-way, except as otherwise allowed by this section.
  • Any sign on which the illuminating or lighting device is so placed as to reflect or shine directly into the adjacent highways or streets in such a manner as to hamper the vision of a motor vehicle operator.
  • Roof signs, except mansard roofs.
  • Business, company, or other non-governmental flags displayed on roof-mounted poles.
  • Mobile billboards or street blimps parked in any zoning district for more than one (1) hour in a twenty-four (24) hour period.
  • No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to, or egress from, any door, window, or fire escape; nor shall any sign be attached to any stand pipe or fire escape.
  • Off-premises signs except as permitted in Section 6.07, Sign Regulations.
  • Handheld signs.
  • New billboards.

Exempt Signs in Statesville

  • Non-illuminated residential signs not exceeding 1.5 square feet in area that are customarily associated with residential use and are not of a commercial nature, except for permitted home occupations.
  • Signs erected by, or on behalf of, or pursuant to the authorization of a governmental body.
  • Flags as defined (US, state, local, religious, noncommercial) per code, with regulation on size, number, and projection; certain districts have additional rules.
  • Holiday season decorations and signage; historic plaques, corner stones and commemorative plaques; and integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works or art, provided they contain no letters, trademarks or moving parts.
  • On-premises, directional signs containing no commercial message visible from an abutting street, provided they do not exceed 4 square feet per sign face or 4 feet in height.
  • Incidental signs used in conjunction with equipment or other functional elements of a use or operation (drive-thru window menu boards, ATMs, gas pumps, drop boxes, vending machines, etc.), not to exceed 32 sq ft (menu boards up to 52 sq ft in certain locations).
  • Directional signs on hospital premises not exceeding fifteen (15) square feet.
  • Signs painted on or otherwise permanently attached to currently licensed and operable motor vehicles, not stored in open areas or primarily used as signs.
  • Signs expressing constitutionally protected speech not otherwise addressed herein.
  • Traffic signs authorized by the City Council or other public agency.
  • Signs indicating transportation locations (bus stop, taxi stand, etc.) not to exceed 3 square feet.
  • Warning, no trespassing, no hunting and similar signs not exceeding 4 sq ft.
  • Wall signs one (1) square foot and smaller.
  • Signs not visible from any public right-of-way or adjacent property.
  • Signs required by law (federal, state, or City Code).
  • Real estate signs, subject to specific number, size, and placement limitations.
  • Construction signs (one per site, up to 32 sq ft), with timing limitations.
  • Special event signs (temporary, related to on-site events), with time and size restrictions.
  • Noncommercial, civic, non-profit event signs/banners (one per lot, with owner permission; can be in required yards).
  • Political signs (non-illuminated, limited in area, removed after campaign), subject to location restrictions.
  • Temporary signs for lots with at least 95% outdoor inventory (vehicle dealer lots, etc.), subject to duration, size and number limits.
  • Temporary signs for road construction projects, under specified conditions.
  • Existing billboards (except for replacement/conversion—see code).

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Statesville

  • All applications for new construction or reconstruction of shopping centers, business and industrial parks and other multi-tenant developments shall be accompanied by a master signage or common signage plan or amendments thereto.
  • A master signage plan is required for applicable multi-tenant developments and must include plot plan, location of buildings, drives, all signs, setbacks, sign dimensions, computations, landscaping, etc.
  • Maximum allowable sign area for multi-tenant developments may be increased by 10% if the Master Signage Plan demonstrates uniformity in signage.
  • In PUD (Planned Unit Development) districts, plans must include detailed descriptions of all signs and undergo the same review and approval process as other aspects of the development; all signs must be designed, erected, and maintained in accordance with an approved plan.
  • Multi-tenant buildings in the CB and CBP Districts are required to have a uniform sign plan approved by the Design Review Committee (DRC) before any sign permit is issued; this plan must show size, types, placement, color, material, and lighting details for all tenants and that the total signage as divided among all tenants does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the facade.
  • PUD sign plans (or master signage plans) may be required as part of PUD application and approval.

Source: municode municipal code