Sign Regulations in Winston Salem, North Carolina
Winston Salem, North Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center, Attached Sign (Wall, Awning, Canopy, Window, Projecting, Suspended). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Winston Salem, North Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Winston Salem
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft | 75 sq ft | 1.5 ft from right-of-way; 200 ft between signs |
| Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center | 18 ft | 100 sq ft | 1.5 ft from right-of-way; 200 ft between signs |
| Attached Sign (Wall, Awning, Canopy, Window, Projecting, Suspended) | — | — | May project into right-of-way if set back 2 ft from curb and encroachment agreement obtained |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Winston SalemFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
21
- Freestanding Sign
- Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center
- Attached Sign (Wall, Awning, Canopy, Window, Projecting, Suspended)
- Attached 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 Winston Salem
Other Cities in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
In Winston Salem, monument signs are limited to 15 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 Winston Salem, 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 Winston Salem, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center, Attached Sign (Wall, Awning, Canopy, Window, Projecting, Suspended), Attached Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Winston Salem, monument signs typically require a 1.5 ft from right-of-way; 200 ft between signs 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 Winston Salem are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Winston Salem has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Winston Salem, North Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Winston Salem, North Carolina regulates 21 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the LB, CI, GO, CPO, IP zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 50 sq ft, with a 1.5 ft from right-of-way; 200 ft between signs setback (Sec. Table 6.5.1H, notes [4], [7], [8], [9]). Most commercial signs in Winston Salem require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Winston Salem, North Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Winston Salem (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSB, HB, GB, LI, GI, C, MRB-S | 3 | 18 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| LB, CI, GO, CPO, IP | 4 | 16 ft | 80 sq ft | — |
| LO, CB, PB, E | 3 | 16 ft | 80 sq ft | — |
| NB | 2 | 4 ft | 20 sq ft | — |
| NO | 1 | 6 ft (freestanding) | 8 sq ft (combined total for all freestanding and attached signs) | — |
| MU-S | 2 | As determined on individual project basis | As determined on individual project basis | — |
| RS, RM, MH, YR, AG | 5 | 6 ft | Lots <100 ft frontage: 36 sq ft; Lot frontage >=100 ft: 50 sq ft | — |
| H, HO, NCO, TO, AO, WO | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 35 ft | Size by location: up to 672 sq ft (+100 sq ft extension) outside center city (Interstate); 450 sq ft inside center city (Interstate); 300 sq ft on other National Highway System roads. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Winston Salem(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
LB, CI, GO, CPO, IP
| 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 | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | 1.5 ft from right-of-way; 200 ft between signs | 1 per frontage <300 ft; additional per 300 ft of frontage (see [9]) | On-premises, at primary entrance, minimum separation of 200 ft between signs. If more than 1 per street frontage (see [9]), extra signs max 6 ft high, 36 sq ft. | — | Unlock | Table 6.5.1H, notes [4], [7], [8], [9] |
| Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center | 16 ft | 80 sq ft | — | 1.5 ft from right-of-way; 200 ft between signs | As per Table 6.5.1H, shopping centers | At primary entrance of shopping center; outparcels over 800 sq ft: 36 sq ft, 6 ft high | — | Unlock | Table 6.5.1H.6 |
| Freestanding Sign - Entrance (CPO, LI, GI > 5 acres or multi-parcel) | 15 ft | 75 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per entrance | At primary development entrance | — | Unlock | Section 6.5.1H.6.f |
| Attached Sign (Wall, Awning, Canopy, Window, Projecting, Suspended) | — | — | — | May project into right-of-way if set back 2 ft from curb and encroachment agreement obtained | — | On any building wall. Projecting signs: may extend max 5 ft from wall, not within 2 ft of curb; wall sign must not extend above roofline except for parapet wall (to top of parapet or 2 ft above roof, whichever less). | — | Unlock | Table 6.5.1I, Section 6.5.1I.8, .9 |
RS, RM, MH, YR, AG
| 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 (Church, School) | 6 ft | Lots <100 ft frontage: 36 sq ft; Lot frontage >=100 ft: 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 if <100 ft frontage; 2 if >=100 ft frontage | Church or school only; 1 sign for <100 ft frontage, 2 for >=100 ft frontage (per principal entrance, not to exceed 2 per street). | — | Unlock | Table 6.5.1H & I, RS/RM/MH/YR/AG row |
| Freestanding Sign (Recreational Use) | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Recreational uses only; 1 sign per street frontage | — | Unlock | Table 6.5.1H, RS/RM/MH/YR/AG row |
| Freestanding Sign (Residential Subdivision, Multifamily, Planned Res. Dev, etc.) | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — | — | 2 per principal entrance, not more than 2 per frontage | 2 signs at each principal entrance, not more than 2 per street frontage (single-faced only as per note [6]) | — | Unlock | Table 6.5.1H, note [6] |
| Freestanding Sign (All Other Uses) | 6 ft | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 | 1 sign per use | — | Unlock | Table 6.5.1H, RS/RM/MH/YR/AG row |
| Attached Sign (All Other Residential/Nonresidential Uses) | — | — | — | — | 1 | Only one freestanding or attached sign allowed. | — | Unlock | Table 6.5.1I, RS/RM/MH/YR/AG row |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal use | CB, PB, NB, MU-S only; sidewalk must leave 5 ft for pedestrians | — | Unlock | Section 6.5.1E.11 |
| Menu Board | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On-premises, drive-through lane only | — | Unlock | Section 6.5.1E.6 |
| Vehicular Entrance/Exit Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 entrance, 1 exit per driveway | At each vehicular entrance/exit, per driveway | — | Unlock | Section 6.5.1E.7 |
| Incidental Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | On-premises | — | Unlock | Section 6.5.1E.8 |
| Construction, Development, and Lender Sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft (≤5 acres); 64 sq ft (>5 acres) | — | — | 1 per development (<5 acres), 2 per frontage if >5 acres with 500 ft+ frontage | On-premises, temporary | — | Unlock | Section 6.5.1E.12 |
| Real Estate Sign | 10 ft (for 32 sq ft size) | Agricultural/Residential districts: <2 acres: 6 sq ft; ≥2 acres: 32 sq ft, 10 ft high. All other: 32 sq ft, 10 ft high. | — | — | — | On-premises; off-premises directional signs Fri noon-Mon noon | — | Unlock | Section 6.5.1E.13 |
| Builder Sign | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On-premises | — | Unlock | Section 6.5.1E.14 |
| Off-Premises Freestanding Sign (Billboard) | 35 ft | Size by location: up to 672 sq ft (+100 sq ft extension) outside center city (Interstate); 450 sq ft inside center city (Interstate); 300 sq ft on other National Highway System roads. | — | Min 1/2 of principal building setback from property lines; see Section 6.5.1J.4 for more | Max 2 faces; number and location regulated by spacing/ | Only in HB, LI, GI, CI on designated roads (see Section 6.5.1J.3), not in view corridors (see Table 6.5.1J). Within 660 ft of road centerline. | — | Unlock | Section 6.5.1J |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Winston Salem — 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 Winston Salem — start freeProhibited Signs in Winston Salem
- All signs not expressly permitted by this Ordinance are prohibited.
- Off-premises advertising signs are prohibited, except where regulation is controlled by State or Federal law.
- No portion of a sign shall be located within the public right-of-way or sight distance triangles except as permitted by this Ordinance or applicable laws, and with required approval.
- No sign shall be located in a manner which creates a traffic hazard.
- No sign shall be located in a manner that impairs ingress and egress through windows, doors, or other means of entering or exiting from a structure or building.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited and must be brought into conformance or removed within 365 days after notification.
- A sign that extends higher than the roof of a building or is attached to/painted on a roof structure, panels, or walls constructed to screen rooftop mechanical equipment or a roof top penthouse is prohibited.
- Temporary and portable signs not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure are prohibited unless otherwise provided for in this Ordinance.
- Signs with blinking, chasing, flashing, or moving effects, or displaying intermittent or flashing lights similar to those used in governmental traffic signals or emergency vehicles are prohibited, except as specified for certain districts.
- Windblown, fluttering, spinning, or inflatable devices used as signs are prohibited except as allowed for flags and special event banners.
- Signs using the words 'stop', 'danger', or any word, phrase, symbol, or character similar to public safety warnings or traffic signs are prohibited.
- Signs exhibiting matter depicting or relating to specified anatomical areas, specified sexual activities, or sexually oriented devices as defined by NC statute are prohibited.
- Signs displayed upon the surface of the ground are prohibited (ground surface signs).
- Signs must not cast direct light onto any residential district or create a safety hazard through illumination.
- Signs must be maintained in sound and safe condition; unsafe signs must be repaired or removed immediately after notice.
Exempt Signs in Winston Salem
- Local, state, and national flags are exempt from size limits.
- One corporate or organizational flag may exist with an American flag and must be no larger than the American flag.
- Government required, safety, warning, traffic, or other government approved signs are exempt from size requirements.
- Historical markers (up to 12 sq ft) erected by authorized nonprofits or government are exempt.
- Church directional signs per applicable city ordinance are exempt.
- Signs that are an integral part of gasoline pumps, ATMs, or vending machines (displaying prices, name, trademark, or logo) are exempt.
- Drive-through restaurant menu boards (subject to size/location limits) are exempt.
- One vehicular entrance and exit sign per driveway, up to 6 sq ft each, noncommercial content only, are exempt.
- Incidental on-premises signs (e.g., entrance, exit, building addresses, private parking) up to 12 sq ft, 6 ft height, noncommercial content only, are exempt.
- Information, directional, and identification signs installed or approved by government are exempt (up to 36 sq ft/6 ft height, limits on commercial content).
- One on-premises home occupation sign per dwelling (max 1 sq ft; no neon or illuminated signs visible from outside) is exempt.
- Sandwich board signs (meeting use and size/location requirements) are exempt.
- One temporary on-premises construction or development sign per development under construction is exempt (within size/height limits).
- On-premises real estate signs (subject to district, size, and duration limits) are exempt.
- On-premises builder signs (subject to size/height and removal after sale) are exempt.
- Up to two off-premises agricultural directional signs for produce grown and sold on premises are exempt.
- Political signs (up to 2 sq ft, subject to time restrictions and additional local rules) are exempt.
- One on-premises yard sale sign (up to 2 sq ft, limited time, one per lot); off-premises directional yard sale signs are permitted Friday noon to Monday noon.
- On-premises temporary special event signs or banners for certain nonprofit organizations (one per street frontage per event, time/process limits) are exempt.
- Signs inside buildings, including electronic message boards visible through doors or windows, are exempt except for signs expressly prohibited.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Winston Salem
- There is no general city-wide requirement for a master sign plan or a sign plan for all zones, but all signs must comply with their permit, zoning, and overlay district requirements.
- A zoning permit is required from the Zoning Officer before construction, reconstruction, erection, enlargement, relocation, structural alteration, repair, or removal of a sign (unless exempt).
- Signs in H and HO districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness before permit issuance.
- Signs in NCO, TO, or AO overlay districts may need additional approvals and requirements as specified in those overlay district sections.
- A historic sign requires classification and approval by the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission before permit issuance, with a submitted application for historic classification and findings.
- A development with a multi-tenant building may erect an attached development identification or joint identification sign, but no additional sign area is provided.
- For the MU-S District, provisions for signage (including freestanding and attached) will be determined on an individual project basis, which may involve a sign plan as stipulated by the project approval.
- In overlay and special districts or for certain project-based districts (e.g. MU-S), sign requirements may depend on additional plans or project approvals.
- A variance or special approval may be required if sign standards cannot be met, as per the general zoning/variance process, but not universally for all signs.
Source: other municipal code