Sign Regulations in Barberton, Ohio
Barberton, Ohio has specific sign regulations covering 23 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (General), Window Sign (General), Projecting Sign (General). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 12, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Barberton, Ohio
Sample Sign Requirements in Barberton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (General) | Up to 20 ft, or the lowest of: top of parapet, highest point of the roof for wall signs on roofs, or sill of the second-floor window | — | N/A for wall signs |
| Window Sign (General) | — | Up to 40% of window surface area (cumulative for permanent and temporary) | N/A |
| Projecting Sign (General) | Up to 20 ft, or the lowest of: top of parapet, highest point of the roof, or sill of the second-floor window | Up to 12 sq ft (Under Canopy and Projecting signs) | Must comply with Vision Clearance Triangle restrictions (1240.02(e)(8)) |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for BarbertonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
23
- Wall Sign (General)
- Window Sign (General)
- Projecting Sign (General)
- Awning and Canopy Sign (General, excluding Under Canopy)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Barberton
Other Cities in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
In Barberton, wall signs can be up to Up to 20 ft, or the lowest of: top of parapet, highest point of the roof for wall signs on roofs, or sill of the second-floor window. 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 Barberton, 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 Barberton, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (General), Window Sign (General), Projecting Sign (General), Awning and Canopy Sign (General, excluding Under Canopy), 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 Barberton 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 Barberton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Barberton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Barberton, Ohio Sign Rules at a Glance
Barberton, Ohio regulates 23 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Wall Sign (Single- & Two-Family Residential - Permanent)s in the Residential District zoning district are capped at Up to 20 ft, or the lowest of parapet/roof/sill of second-floor window tall and 2 sq ft, with a N/A setback (Sec. Table 1230B(B)(1); Table 1230D(A); Table 1230E(A)(1) and footnote [b]; Table 1230F; 1230.04(b)(5); 1230.04(c)(7)(A)). Most commercial signs in Barberton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Barberton, Ohio
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Barberton (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | Up to 20 ft, or the lowest of: top of parapet, highest point of the roof for wall signs on roofs, or sill of the second-floor window | Up to 40% of window surface area (cumulative for permanent and temporary) | — |
| PO Preservation Overlay District | 4 | Up to 20 ft, or lowest of parapet/roof/sill of second-floor window | Up to 40% of face | — |
| Residential District | 9 | Up to 20 ft, or the lowest of parapet/roof/sill of second-floor window | 32 sq ft (up to 96 sq ft with bonuses) | — |
| Zoned Non-Residential | 3 | 8 ft | Up to 32 sq ft (up to 96 sq ft with bonuses) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Barberton(sample of 3 of 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (General) | Up to 20 ft, or the lowest of: top of parapet, highest point of the roof for wall signs on roofs, or sill of the second-floor window | — | — | N/A for wall signs | — | On exterior building wall or roof surface not exceeding roof line or parapet | — | Unlock | Table 1230E(A)(1) and footnote [b]; Table 1230F (Permanent Wall Signs); 1230.04(b)(5); 1230.04(c)(3)-(7); 1230.07(a)(1); Table 1230J |
| Window Sign (General) | — | Up to 40% of window surface area (cumulative for permanent and temporary) | — | N/A | No explicit numeric limit; subject to area limits and any land use-specific allowances | Inside or upon a window in a wall or door, visible from outside | — | Unlock | Table 1230D(B)(2)(c); 1230.04(c)(5)-(7); 1230.07(a)(1); Table 1230J |
| Projecting Sign (General) | Up to 20 ft, or the lowest of: top of parapet, highest point of the roof, or sill of the second-floor window | Up to 12 sq ft (Under Canopy and Projecting signs) | — | Must comply with Vision Clearance Triangle restrictions (1240.02(e)(8)) | — | Displayed on or from a wall where the sign or projection extends more than 1 ft from the wall | — | Unlock | Table 1230E(B); 1230.04(b)(6); Table 1230F; Table 1230G; 1230.04(c)(7)(B); 1230.07(a)(1) |
| Awning and Canopy Sign (General, excluding Under Canopy) | Up to highest point of awning/canopy/panel on which sign is displayed | Up to 40% of face area (theatre marquees excepted from this limit) | — | N/A | — | On awning or canopy faces/panels | — | Unlock | Table 1230D(B)(2)(a) and (D)(1)(f); 1230.04(c)(3)-(6); 1230.05(e); 1140.01(b)(4) |
| Under Canopy Sign (General) | — | Up to 12 sq ft | — | N/A | — | Projecting from and beneath a canopy or awning | — | Unlock | Table 1230D(B)(2)(b); Table 1230F; 1230.04(b)(6); 1230.04(c)(5)-(7) |
| Ground Sign (General) | Permanent Entrance Signs: 8 ft for all non-retail uses; 12 ft for retail/principal parking uses. Other permanent ground signs: 6 ft. Temporary ground signs: 6 ft (higher may be approved as Conditional Use). | — | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; additional setbacks per Vision Clearance Triangles; 20 ft from any Residential District if sign area >200 sq ft | — | On the ground, supported by poles/pylons or base anchored to ground (not on trailers/moveable supports) | — | Unlock | 1230.04(a)(1); Table 1230E(C); 1230.05(b); 1230.05(a)(1)-(3); 1230.04(b)(2)(A)-(B); 1230.04(b)(6); Table 1230G |
| Portable A-Frame/Sandwich Board Sign (Temporary sidewalk) | — | — | — | Must comply with Vision Clearance Triangles and right-of-way regulations | — | On sidewalks along frontages where principal building is within 2 ft of street right-of-way (e.g., Downtown) | — | Unlock | 1230.02(c)(1); 1230.04(b)(1); 1230.05(c); Table 1230H; 1230.04(c)(7)(A) |
Residential District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Single- & Two-Family Residential - Permanent) | Up to 20 ft, or the lowest of parapet/roof/sill of second-floor window | 2 sq ft | — | N/A | 1 per dwelling unit (DU) | Facade (wall/door) of dwelling | — | Unlock | Table 1230B(B)(1); Table 1230D(A); Table 1230E(A)(1) and footnote [b]; Table 1230F; 1230.04(b)(5); 1230.04(c)(7)(A) |
| Ground Sign - Temporary (Single- & Two-Family Residential) | 6 ft | 4 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; comply with Vision Clearance Triangles | Up to 2 per lot | On the ground on same lot | — | Unlock | Table 1230B(B)(2); Table 1230E(C)(2)(b); Table 1230H; 1230.02(d)(12); footnote [c] to Tables 1230B/1230C; 1230.05(c)(4) |
| Entrance Sign (Single- & Two-Family Residential Development Entry) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft (up to 96 sq ft with bonuses) | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; comply with Vision Clearance Triangles | 1 per street entrance to development/neighborhood (not per lot), plus one additional per 300 ft of frontage for large frontage developments | At street entrances to qualifying residential developments/neighborhoods | — | Unlock | Table 1230C(B)(1) and footnotes [e]-[g]; Table 1230D(A)(1)(b); Table 1230E(C)(1)(b); Table 1230G; footnote [c] |
| Entrance Sign (Multi-Family Residential) | 8 ft | Up to 32 sq ft (96 sq ft with bonuses) | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; comply with Vision Clearance Triangles | 1 per frontage; one additional per 300 ft (or fraction) of additional frontage for large frontage developments | At lot frontage entrances serving multi-family residential | — | Unlock | Table 1230C(C)(1); Table 1230D(A)(1)(c); Table 1230E(C)(1)(b); footnote [g]; Table 1230G |
| Building Identification Sign (Multi-Family Residential) (Facade/Awning/Projecting) | Wall/Projecting up to 20 ft (subject to lowest of parapet/roof/sill of second-floor window); Awning/Canopy up to highest point of awning/canopy face | Up to 8 sq ft (up to 14.8 sq ft with bonuses) | — | N/A | 1 per building | On building facade, awning/canopy, or as projecting sign for building identification | — | Unlock | Table 1230C(C)(1) (second row); Table 1230D(B)(1)(b), (B)(2)(a)-(b); Table 1230E(A)(1), (B); Table 1230F; Table 1230G; 1230.04(b)(5); 1230.04(c)(7)(B) |
| Ground Sign - Other Permanent (Multi-Family Residential) (Without Permit) | 6 ft | 8 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; comply with Vision Clearance Triangles | Up to 2 per lot | On the ground on same lot | — | Unlock | Table 1230B(C)(1); Table 1230D(A)(2)(c)(2) (permanent signs max area 8/24); Table 1230E(C)(2)(a); 1230.04(c)(7)(A); 1230.04(b)(2)(A)-(B) |
| Ground Sign - Other Permanent (Multi-Family Residential) (With Permit) | 6 ft | 8 sq ft (up to 24 sq ft with bonuses) | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; comply with Vision Clearance Triangles | Up to 4 per lot | On the ground on same lot | — | Unlock | Table 1230C(C)(2); Table 1230D(A)(2)(c)(2); Table 1230E(C)(2)(a); 1230.04(b)(2)(A)-(B) |
| Temporary Sign - Ground (Multi-Family Residential) | 6 ft | 12 sq ft (up to 36 sq ft with bonuses) | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; comply with Vision Clearance Triangles | 1 per lot | On the ground on same lot | — | Unlock | Table 1230B(C)(2); Table 1230C(C)(3); Table 1230D(A)(2)(c)(1); Table 1230E(C)(2)(b); 1230.05(c)(2)-(5); Table 1230H |
Zoned Non-Residential
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance Sign (Vacant or Agricultural) | 8 ft | Up to 32 sq ft (up to 96 sq ft with bonuses) | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; comply with Vision Clearance Triangles | 1 per lot frontage; plus one additional per 300 ft (or fraction) of additional frontage for large frontage developments | At lot frontage entrances serving vacant/agricultural land | — | Unlock | Table 1230C(A)(1); Table 1230D(A)(1)(a); Table 1230E(C)(1)(b); footnote [g]; Table 1230G |
| Ground Sign - Other Permanent (Vacant or Agricultural - Zoned Non-Residential) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft (up to 72 sq ft with bonuses) | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; comply with Vision Clearance Triangles | 1 per frontage | On the ground on same lot frontage | — | Unlock | Table 1230D(A)(2)(a)(1); Table 1230E(C)(2)(a); Table 1230B(A)(1); Table 1230C(A)(2); Table 1230G; footnote [c] |
| Temporary Sign - Ground (Vacant or Agricultural) | 6 ft (Building Commissioner may specify different maximum for safety) | 12 sq ft (without permit); with permit, allowable per Table 1230D applies if specified by Building Commissioner | — | Minimum 5 ft from street lines; comply with Vision Clearance Triangles | 1 per frontage (without permit) | On the ground on same lot frontage | — | Unlock | Table 1230B(A)(2); Table 1230C(A)(3); Table 1230E(E) and (C)(2)(b); 1230.05(c)(2)-(5); Table 1230H; 1230.04(b)(1)-(2) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Barberton — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Barberton — start freeProhibited Signs in Barberton
- Air-activated signs are prohibited citywide (both permanent and temporary).
- Festoons are prohibited except during recognized holiday periods, seasonal festivals, or special community events.
- Flashing signs are prohibited except on canopy signs.
- Moving signs are prohibited.
- Vehicle signs (vehicles parked primarily to display a sign) are prohibited.
- Signs on lighting or utility poles are prohibited.
- Signs on trees are prohibited.
- Street bench signs are prohibited.
- Signs displayed on bus shelters are prohibited.
- Cold-air inflatable balloon signs are prohibited.
- Signs containing strobe lights visible beyond the property line are prohibited.
- Temporary ground signs with changeable copy areas are prohibited.
- Markings on street pavements, curbs, or sidewalks are prohibited except Government/Utility signs or child play-related temporary markings.
- Signs that violate any City regulation on emission of noise, odor, or particulate or gaseous matter are prohibited.
- Right-of-way signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- No sign or associated light fixture may be located within, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way except where expressly permitted by the code (e.g., Table 1230F or 1230.02(c)(1)).
- Signs must not significantly obstruct driver vision or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic signal or control device.
- Signs may not obstruct fire escapes, doors, entrances/exits, or windows required for ventilation.
- No sign may interfere with overhead utility lines or cause hazards related to them.
- Illumination by bare bulbs is prohibited except for neon or similar tubing, shielded external lighting, changing signs, theatre marquees, and Landmark Signs.
- External lighting for signs must be shaded/shielded to avoid glare on surrounding properties and streets; sign lighting may not create a traffic hazard.
- Projecting signs may not have internal illumination.
- Signs may not resemble traffic control devices or signals in a way that could interfere with traffic movement or safety.
- Multiple signs may not be arrayed together to create the visual effect of a sign exceeding maximum permitted area.
- Permanent ground signs must be permanently attached to the ground (not mounted on trailers or other movable supports).
- Permanent signs (other than flags or awning signs) may not be fabricated from canvas, cloth, or flexible vinyl.
- Displaying a sign on private property without the written permission of the property owner is prohibited.
- Displaying signs on public property is prohibited unless allowed by the relevant public agency; signs in street rights-of-way must comply with Right-of-Way provisions; Government/Utility signs are exempt from these restrictions.
Exempt Signs in Barberton
- Displays not regulated by the sign chapter (exempt from all provisions): non-sign displays; cornerstone inscriptions or integral masonry signs on older buildings; signs on moving vehicles/boats/aircraft except vehicle signs; very small signs under 1 sq ft (e.g., address numbers, security stickers, store hours, credit card emblems, membership seals); vending machine signs up to 20 sq ft per lot; signs accompanying outdoor retail displays totaling less than 10 sq ft per display; manufacturer signage on merchandise/packaging in outdoor sales displays where such displays are otherwise permitted; signs/accessories to juvenile activities (e.g., lemonade stands, child play markings); graffiti; displays inside store show windows; non-affixed signs under 1 sq ft within window merchandise displays; other interior signs not attached to a window/door and not legible beyond the lot/building site; bulletin boards and bulletin board signs; Government/Utility signs; cemetery monuments or monument sales lots; City Council-designated works of art; outdoor storage/display of signs for sign fabricators where outdoor storage/display is permitted; signs on umbrellas at outdoor cafe tables; distinctive architectural treatments; clocks/thermometers/meters; displays in the interior of roofless buildings intended to be seen only from inside (e.g., stadium scoreboards); Landmark Signs; and other similar displays as judged by the Building Commissioner.
- Government/Utility signs are not subject to the provisions of the sign chapter.
- Landmark Signs are exempt from the sign chapter and are not considered nonconforming (alterations require a Certificate of Appropriateness; unsafe conditions may trigger repair/removal orders).
- Decorative lighting that does not constitute a sign (e.g., facade illumination, neon accent lighting, backlit awnings without sign copy, holiday lights) is not subject to the sign chapter (though may be subject to other City regulations).
- Temporary signs do not require a Temporary Use Permit (they may still require a Sign Permit unless exempted).
- Signs exempt from permit requirement (still subject to other sign standards): signs listed as permit-exempt in Table 1230B; copy changes on changeable copy areas; bill/poster changes on panel-type signs (e.g., billboards, bulletin boards); maintenance/cleaning/repair or in-kind replacement of worn/broken parts not involving removal/reinstallation or alteration of support structure; existing signs that did not require a Sign Permit prior to the effective date of the chapter.
- Grandfathering: the chapter does not apply retroactively to legally installed signs prior to its effective date, except for maintenance requirements and any applicable transition provisions (noting Section 1230.06 was repealed).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Barberton
- No master sign plan requirement is specified in Chapter 1230.
- A Sign Permit is required for most signs citywide unless specifically exempt (1230.07(a)(1); 1230.02(a)-(b)).
- Sign Permit applications must include a site/plat plan showing the position of the proposed sign relative to structures/rights-of-way/grade and the locations and areas of all existing and proposed signs on the same premises (Table 1230J).
- A refundable deposit/financial guarantee is required with Sign Permit applications for permanent signs; a deposit/financial guarantee may also be required to assure removal of temporary signs that require a permit (1230.07(a)(5); 1230.05(c)(4)).
- Variances to area, height, location, number, or sign form may be approved per 1310.03(a) when needed for reasonable visibility due to topography/landscaping/existing development (1230.07(c)(1)).
- Special Design Exceptions may be approved by the Planning Commission with written findings when literal conformance would be detrimental to a sign of unusual/outstanding design quality (1230.07(c)(2)).
- Exceptions for replicated historic signs may be allowed by the Design Review Board upon documentation that the sign once existed on the property and contributes to historic character (1230.07(c)(4)).
- A Certificate of Appropriateness may be required for signs or actions in the PO Preservation Overlay District and for alterations to Landmark Signs (1230.02(a) note; 1230.05(d); 1310.08).
- ODOT-regulated signs must comply with applicable ODOT regulations; the more restrictive standard between ODOT rules and the chapter applies (1230.04(g)(8)).
Source: amlegal municipal code