Sign Regulations in Cambridge, Ohio
Cambridge, Ohio has specific sign regulations covering 9 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Ground Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 11, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Cambridge, Ohio
Sample Sign Requirements in Cambridge
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 25 square feet | — |
| Window Sign | — | 10 square feet | — |
| Home Occupation Sign | 2 feet | 4 square feet | 10 feet from public right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
9
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Ground Sign
- Window 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 Cambridge
Other Cities in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Cambridge 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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Ground Sign, Window 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cambridge has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cambridge, Ohio Sign Rules at a Glance
Cambridge, Ohio regulates 9 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the RM Residential Medical, OMC Office/Medical/Commercial, GSC General/Service Commercial District zoning district are capped at 15 feet tall and 30 square feet, with a 10 feet from public right-of-way setback (Sec. § 155.2307(A)(1)). Most commercial signs in Cambridge require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cambridge, Ohio
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cambridge (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | 25 square feet | — |
| Downtown Historical District | 4 | — | 10 square feet | — |
| Residentially Zoned Area (SF-1, SF-2, RM, MF) | 1 | 2 feet | 4 square feet | — |
| NC Neighborhood Commercial District | 3 | 15 feet | 15 square feet | — |
| CBD Central Business District | 3 | — | 20 square feet | — |
| RM Residential Medical, OMC Office/Medical/Commercial, GSC General/Service Commercial District | 3 | 40 feet | 80 square feet | — |
| CI Community Industrial District | 2 | 15 feet or maximum height of building | 100 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cambridge(sample of 3 of 7 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 | — | 25 square feet | — | — | — | Building wall facing street, parking lot, or service drive | — | Unlock | § 155.1609(A) |
| Ground Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On lot | — | Unlock | § 155.1609(B) |
| Window Sign | — | 10 square feet | — | — | — | Ground level windows | — | Unlock | § 155.1609(C) |
| Projecting Nameplate | — | — | — | — | — | Major street frontage | — | Unlock | § 155.1609(D) |
NC Neighborhood Commercial 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 | — | — | — | — | 1 per business | Building wall | — | Unlock | § 155.2305(A)(1) |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 feet | 15 square feet | — | — | 1 per building | Per building | — | Unlock | § 155.2305(A)(2) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 15 square feet | — | — | 1 per business | Per business | — | Unlock | § 155.2305(A)(4) |
RM Residential Medical, OMC Office/Medical/Commercial, GSC General/Service Commercial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 15 feet | 30 square feet | — | 10 feet from public right-of-way | 1 per building | Per building | — | Unlock | § 155.2307(A)(1) |
| Highway Sign | 40 feet | 80 square feet | — | 10 feet from public right-of-way | 1 per property | Within 500 feet of limited access highway | — | Unlock | § 155.2307(A)(2) |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | 3 per building | Building wall | — | Unlock | § 155.2307(A)(3) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Cambridge — 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 Cambridge — start freeProhibited Signs in Cambridge
- No person shall place any sign, display, advertisement, or other object which would obscure vision or hinder traffic within any public street, alley, highway, sidewalk, or curb lawn.
- No sign or signboard shall be erected that obstructs free access to or egress from any building or that obstructs any opening required for ventilation.
- No sign or signboard shall be erected so as to create a traffic hazard by obstructing the view of traffic at an intersection, curve, or bend, or by obstructing or confusing the view of traffic lights, railroad crossing lights, or warning signals.
- No permit will be issued for the installation of any new sign, the base of which is located between the sidewalk and curb or on city property.
- Billboard signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
- No sign shall be permitted to encroach on public right-of-way with the exception of projecting signs or wall signs which project from the wall more than six inches and are attached to a building.
- No signs are permitted on the rear of a commercial or industrial building unless the sign is intended to direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the parking area while on the same premises.
- No illumination involving movement or causing the illusion of movement by reason of the lighting arrangement or other services shall be permitted which may cause confusion or hazard to traffic or conflict with traffic control signs or lights.
- No sign shall contain or consist of banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers or similar moving devices.
Exempt Signs in Cambridge
- Official governmental signs and notices are exempt from provisions of this chapter.
- Bulletin boards for churches, schools, community, or other public, semi-public, or nonprofit institution shall be permitted without a sign permit, provided they do not exceed 30 square feet of announcement area.
- Permanent subdivision signs built at the entrance to a housing development, constructed of brick, stone, or other durable material and not causing any obstruction of driver vision at an intersection shall be permitted without a permit, provided that the sign is no taller than five feet.
- Signs clearly in the nature of decorations customarily associated with any national, local, or religious holiday, to be limited to 60 days in any one year and to be displayed not more than 60 consecutive days.
- Political signs or posters concerning candidates for elective office, public issues and similar matters to be decided by public election, to be displayed beginning no more than 45 days prior to election and to be removed no later than seven days after such election.
- Signs that indicate the sale, development, rental or lease of a particular structure or land area, to be limited in size to six square feet, with one sign allowed per street front.
- Exterior signs that are limited in size to 25% of the window area, or ten square feet, whichever is less and which are either not illuminated or are illuminated only from a concealed light source.
- Nameplates, provided that the nameplate does not exceed 1½ square feet, and is flush to building, and material must be appropriate to face of building.
- A sign which advertises the sale of personal property such as a garage, yard, porch or moving sale sign provided that it is limited to one sign, not greater than four square feet in size and which sign is located on the sale premises for a time period not greater than two consecutive days.
- Construction signs which display the identification of the construction project, including identification of the contractors, architects and other construction principals provided that such construction sign conforms to the size requirements of the zoning district in which it is located and is removed upon the completion of construction or the commencement of occupancy, whichever event occurs first.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cambridge
- Any sign covered by this chapter that would exceed these restrictions or any additional sign requested above the number permitted shall require a variance from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
- When a structure contains more than one business establishment or when the owners of two or more contiguous lots voluntarily agree to develop common signage, a common signage plan may be submitted and approved.
- All applications for a sign variance shall be made directly to the Planning Commission upon forms as prescribed by the Commission.
Source: amlegal municipal code