# Sign Regulations in Cleveland, Ohio

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Cleveland, Ohio, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Cleveland, Ohio (OH)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/ohio/cleveland
- **Data last verified:** 2025-09-23
- **Source:** [amlegal municipal code](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-14947)

## At a glance

Cleveland, Ohio regulates 31 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Nameplate - Free-standings in the Limited One Family (L1F), One Family (1F), Two Family (2F) zoning district are capped at 3 ft. tall and 2 sq. ft., with a Min. 5 ft from all lot lines setback (Sec. §350.13(a)). Most commercial signs in Cleveland require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (9 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Limited One Family (L1F), One Family (1F), Two Family (2F) | 8 | 6 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — |
| Townhouse (RA), Multi-Family (MF), Mobile Home Park District (MHP) | 6 | 10 ft. | 48 sq. ft. (Townhouse), 64 sq. ft. (Multi-Family & Mobile Home Park) | — |
| Residence Office (RO) | 1 | As per retail districts: 12 or 25 ft. for free-standing | Based on frontage | — |
| Local Retail Business (LR), University (College) Retail (UR), Shopping Center (SC), Limited Retail Business (LLR), General Retail Business (GR) | 9 | 12 ft. (Local Retail), 25 ft. (Other Retail) | 96 sq. ft. (free-standing or wall or window) | — |
| Residence-Industry (RI), Semi-Industry (SI), General Industry (GI), Unrestricted Industry (UI) | 11 | 50 ft. (or permitted building height) | 820 sq. ft. | — |
| Institutional-Research District (IR), Downtown Residential (DR) | 1 | — | As per residential and/or industrial/retail districts depending on facility type | — |
| Open Space & Recreation (OSR) | 1 | — | As per residential districts: Information or Identification signs' size and type per §350.13(a) | — |
| Central Business District, Flats-Oxbow Business Revitalization District (portion north of the Detroit-Superior Bridge and east of the Cuyahoga River), Public Land Protective District, Landmark District, Business Revitalization District, Urban Renewal District, Overlay District | 2 | — | Minimum 80% of wall area, unless exceptions apply | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | Building height + 20 ft. | Max 40 sq. ft. | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 9 zones)

### Limited One Family (L1F), One Family (1F), Two Family (2F)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate - Wall | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | Min. 5 ft from all lot lines | Max 2 per dwelling unit | Residential use only, attached to dwelling unit | — | §350.13(a) |
| Nameplate - Free-standing | 3 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — | Min. 5 ft from all lot lines | Max 2 per dwelling unit | Residential use only, displayed on lot of dwelling | — | §350.13(a) |
| Information - Wall or Free-standing | 2 ft. | 1 sq. ft. | — | Min. 5 ft from all lot lines | Minimum necessary as approved | Residential use only | — | §350.13(a) |
| Identification - Wall, Free-standing, or Canopy | 5 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — | 20 ft. from lot lines, 35 ft. from occupied dwelling | 1 per vehicular entrance | 1 per vehicular entrance to subdivision | — | §350.13(a), Note 2 |
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary) - Free-standing or Window | 6 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | 2 ft. from every lot line and dwelling | 1 per lot | 1 per lot | — | §350.13(a), §350.04(a)(4) |
| Garage Sale/Open House Sign (Temporary) - Free-standing or Window | 4 ft. | 4 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. min. from lot line | 1 per lot | 1 per lot or unit | — | §350.13(c) |
| Temporary Directional Sign (Garage Sale/Open House) - Free-standing | 3 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — | 1 ft. from curb and sidewalk | 4 per event, max 2 per block | Tree lawn areas at corner lots or street intersections | — | §350.13(d) |
| Political Sign (Temporary) | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Private property only | — | §350.11(b), §350.04(a)(5) |

### Local Retail Business (LR), University (College) Retail (UR), Shopping Center (SC), Limited Retail Business (LLR), General Retail Business (GR)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Free-standing Identification/Business Sign | 12 ft. (Local Retail), 25 ft. (Other Retail) | As above | — | 25 ft. from Residential district lines, 3 ft. from Street R.O.W., 5 ft. from side/rear | 1 per lot; Shopping Centers may add extras for entrances | 1 per lot | — | §350.14(b), §350.14(d) |
| Wall Identification/Business Sign | — | As regulated by formula | — | — | 1 per building/unit | 1 per building/unit | — | §350.14(b) |
| Window Sign (Permanent/Temporary) | — | 25% of window area (see §350.121); Temporary may be up to 75% for new businesses for up to 62 days | — | — | 1 per building side/unit | Each building side/unit | — | §350.14(b), §350.121, §350.20(c) |
| Canopy Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. if hanging from soffit | — | — | As per retail schedule | Canopy | — | §350.14(b) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 12 sq. ft. (standard), or up to 36 sq. ft. with planning permission | Max projection 4 ft. (or 8 ft. with approval) | — | As per retail schedule | Projecting from building | — | §350.14(g) |
| Directional & Information Sign | 3 ft., or 6 ft. for public facilities | 4 sq. ft., up to 12 sq. ft./6 ft. height for public facilities by Commissioner approval | — | 5 ft. Street R.O.W., 5 ft. from side/rear | Minimum necessary | Minimum necessary, location as approved | — | §350.14(b), Note 5 |
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | 10 ft. | 48 sq. ft. (free-standing or wall or window), 12 sq. ft. for window | — | 3 ft. from Street R.O.W. | 1 per street frontage/side/unit | 1 per street frontage, building side, or unit | — | §350.14(b), §350.04(a)(4) |
| Development Sign (Temporary) | 12 ft. | 96 sq. ft. (free-standing or wall or window) | — | 3 ft. from Street R.O.W. | 2 per lot | 2 per lot (total) | — | §350.14(b), Note 6 |

### Residence-Industry (RI), Semi-Industry (SI), General Industry (GI), Unrestricted Industry (UI)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Free-standing Identification/Business Sign | 25 ft. | Max 125 sq. ft. | — | 25 ft. from Residential, 3 ft. from Street R.O.W., 5 ft. from side/rear | 1 per lot | 1 per lot | — | §350.15(b), Note 1 |
| Wall Identification/Business Sign | — | As regulated by formula | — | — | 1 per building/unit | 1 per building/unit | — | §350.15(b) |
| Window Sign (Permanent/Temporary) | — | 25% of window area | — | — | 1 per building/unit | Each building side/unit | — | §350.15(b), §350.121 |
| Directional & Information Sign | 3 ft., or 6 ft. for public facilities | 4 sq. ft., up to 12 sq. ft./6 ft. height for public facilities | — | 5 ft. Street R.O.W.; 5 ft. side/rear | As needed, approved by Commissioner | As necessary; location as approved | — | §350.15(b), Note 5 |
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | 10 ft. | 48 sq. ft. or 12 sq. ft. for window | — | 3 ft. from Street R.O.W. | 1 per street frontage/side/unit | 1 per street frontage, building side, or unit | — | §350.15(b), §350.04(a)(4) |
| Development Sign (Temporary) | 12 ft. | 96 sq. ft. (free-standing or wall or window) | — | 3 ft. from Street R.O.W. | 2 per lot | 2 per lot (total) | — | §350.15(b), Note 6 |
| Industrial Park Identification Sign | 12 ft. | 60 sq. ft. plus 20 sq. ft. for each tenant above 3, to max 120 sq. ft. | — | — | One per street frontage entrance to the park | At vehicular entrance | — | §350.15(d) |
| Billboard - Free-standing, Wall, or Roof (General Industry/Unrestricted Industry only) | 50 ft. (or permitted building height) | 820 sq. ft. | — | 25-200 ft. from various lines depending on specific situation | Strict spacing rules | As permitted by zone, not in residential, landmark, or special districts | — | §350.10 |

## Prohibited signs in Cleveland

- Strips of pennants, propellers, pinwheels, streamers, balloons and similar small objects are prohibited except as temporary displays specifically authorized for carnivals and open-air festivals and for new businesses under specified exceptions.
- Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs and signals are prohibited.
- Signs attached to trees, rocks or natural formations, or public property including but not limited to utility poles, benches, trash containers and parking meters, are prohibited unless specifically authorized by the City.
- Moving, revolving or flashing signs are prohibited except as specifically allowed in designated sections for certain sign types or locations.
- Signs attached to condemned structures or structures declared nuisances are prohibited.
- Signs are prohibited from obstructing any means of egress, openings necessary for required light, ventilation, fire fighting or escape, or passage from one part of a roof to another.
- Signs cannot be attached to exterior stairways, fire escapes, fire tower balconies, or balconies serving as a horizontal exit.
- Signs must not interfere with the free operation of fire escape sections.
- Signs cannot obstruct traffic views at intersections, curves, or bends, or confuse the view of traffic lights, railroad crossing lights or warning signs.
- Signs may not be of such character or inscription that they might be mistaken for a highway sign or mark.
- No signs may obstruct adequate views at railroad crossings in designated critical areas.
- No combustible ground sign exceeding specified area or height restrictions in designated districts.
- No roof sign may exceed the height permitted by Zoning Code for the location.
- Temporary signs cannot be erected as roof signs.
- No more than four permits for temporary signs shall be issued on the same premises per calendar year.
- All permanent and temporary signs must be kept in safe conditions; hazardous or unpermitted signs are subject to removal by the City at owner's expense.
- Automatic changeable copy signs are prohibited in all Residence Districts.
- Billboards are prohibited except as specifically authorized in certain industrial districts.
- Banners displayed in the public right-of-way are not subject to these regulations.
- Holiday decorations containing advertising are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Cleveland

- Normal maintenance, repainting or change of message or sign face which does not alter the size, placement or structure of a sign is exempt from permit, except for on-premises signs in Design Review Districts, Landmark Districts, or on Landmark properties.
- Nameplates and information signs for residential uses are exempt from permit requirements.
- Temporary window signs mounted on the inside window surface are exempt from permit requirements.
- Temporary real estate and development signs not exceeding forty-eight (48) square feet in area are exempt from permit requirements.
- Political signs not exceeding forty-eight (48) square feet in area are exempt from permit requirements.
- Garage sale and real estate open house signs regulated under specified provisions are exempt from permit requirements.
- The American, Ohio, and Cleveland flags and flags of other nations or nationality groups, except where used as part of a sign advertising a product or service, are exempt.
- Governmental signs providing traffic control information and similar public information are exempt.
- Signs that are part of the original construction of vending machines, fuel pumps or similar devices are exempt.
- Any monument within a cemetery is exempt.
- Cornerstones and permanent building plaques displaying construction date, architect name, building name, historical info, and not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area are exempt.
- Signs in non-residential districts displaying only street address and not exceeding two (2) square feet in area are exempt.
- Holiday decorations (excluding advertising) displayed for reasonable and customary durations are exempt.
- Vehicles regularly and customarily used for business transportation are exempt.
- Works of art that do not include a commercial message are exempt.
- Signs identifying the name and sponsoring agency of a children's day care center up to one per facility and not exceeding ten (10) square feet are exempt.
- Legal notices and house numbers are exempt.
- Temporary signs on buildings under construction are exempt from permit requirements.
- Noncombustible tablets built into walls for inscriptions or memorials are exempt.
- Posting bills, signs, or posters on legal billboards or display structures is exempt.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- For signs in Design Review Districts, Landmark Districts, or Business Revitalization Districts, a permit application may require approval from the applicable Commission if standards are to be varied; such approval may adopt stricter or less strict standards based on architectural or historic compatibility, and the specific regulation not met must be identified in records.
- A variance is required (with a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing) for electronically-changeable copy signs for community facilities in residential districts; placement and design must also be approved by the City Planning Commission and Landmarks Commission.
- No permanent sign identifying a shopping center or identifying two or more businesses within a shopping center and no permanent identification sign in a Shopping Center District shall be erected or altered without approval of the City Planning Commission or its Director, ensuring graphic/architectural quality and design compatibility.
- Larger projecting signs require approval from the City Planning Commission based on design quality and compatibility; notice must be given to the City Council member in whose ward the proposed sign would be located in advance of the meeting.
- Automatic changeable copy signs in Local Retail Districts require a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals and approval of placement and design by City Planning Commission or Landmarks Commission.
- Wall murals require a permit, and if located in a landmark district or on a landmark, approval from the Landmarks Commission; otherwise, approval from the Planning Commission or the City Planning Director under rules of the Planning Commission.
- Wall mural permit applications require a detailed submission including all materials required by sign permit section, details about design/location, building wall conditions, address, owner consent, and images.
- Permit applications for billboards are referred to the City Planning Department Director for determination of compliance with location, spacing, and setback rules.
- Applicants for sign permits (except those determined to be inapplicable by the Director) must submit scaled elevation drawings and site plan showing sign location, dimensions, construction, illumination, etc.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 9 zoning districts in Cleveland — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Cleveland+OH&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-cleveland

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