Sign Regulations in Findlay, Ohio
Findlay, Ohio has specific sign regulations covering 11 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Low Profile Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 11, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Findlay, Ohio
Sample Sign Requirements in Findlay
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 70 sq ft + 5 sq ft for each additional 10 ft of frontage | — |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — |
| Off-Premise Sign - Non-Digital Billboard | 40 ft | 300 sq ft per sign face | Front: 25 ft, Side: 10 ft, Rear: 30 ft |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
11
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Low Profile Sign
- Sandwich Board Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Findlay
Other Cities in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Findlay 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 Findlay, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Findlay, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Low Profile Sign, Sandwich Board 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 Findlay 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 Findlay are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Findlay has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Findlay, Ohio Sign Rules at a Glance
Findlay, Ohio regulates 11 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Non-Residential Use Signs in the A-1 Residential District, R-1 Residential District, R-2 Residential District, R-3 Residential District, R-4 Residential District, M-1 Residential District, M-2 Multi-Family Residential zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 50 sq ft, with a 10 ft from all property lines setback (Sec. 1161.12.7).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Findlay, Ohio
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Findlay (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-3 District, Downtown Business District (C-3) | 4 | — | 70 sq ft + 5 sq ft for each additional 10 ft of frontage | — |
| C-1 Local Business District, C-2 General Business District, I-1 Light Industrial District, I-2 General Industrial District | 4 | 90 ft | 300 sq ft per sign face | — |
| A-1 Residential District, R-1 Residential District, R-2 Residential District, R-3 Residential District, R-4 Residential District, M-1 Residential District, M-2 Multi-Family Residential | 1 | 6 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| O-1 Offices & Institutions, C-1 Local Commercial, C-2 General Commercial, I-1 Light Industrial, I-2 General Industrial | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Findlay(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
C-3 District, Downtown Business District (C-3)
| 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 | — | 70 sq ft + 5 sq ft for each additional 10 ft of frontage | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 1161.12.9(a) |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | — | 6 ft from curb face | — | Unlock | 1161.12.9(b) |
| Low Profile Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Integrated into site landscaping | — | Unlock | 1161.12.9(c) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per store front | In line with street furniture or adjacent to business entryway | — | Unlock | 1161.12.9(d) |
C-1 Local Business District, C-2 General Business District, I-1 Light Industrial District, I-2 General Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Premise Sign - Non-Digital Billboard | 40 ft | 300 sq ft per sign face | — | Front: 25 ft, Side: 10 ft, Rear: 30 ft | — | — | — | Unlock | 1161.12.17(a) |
| Off-Premise Sign - Digital Billboard | 40 ft | 300 sq ft | — | Front: 25 ft, Side: 10 ft, Rear: 30 ft | — | — | — | Unlock | 1161.12.17(b) |
| Interstate High-Rise Sign | 90 ft | 300 sq ft | — | — | 1 per site | Within 1500 ft of I-75 rights-of-way | — | Unlock | 1161.12.11 |
| Roof Sign | Cannot exceed maximum building height | 100 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 1161.12.13 |
A-1 Residential District, R-1 Residential District, R-2 Residential District, R-3 Residential District, R-4 Residential District, M-1 Residential District, M-2 Multi-Family 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Residential Use Sign | 6 ft | 50 sq ft | — | 10 ft from all property lines | 1 per non-residential use | — | — | Unlock | 1161.12.7 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Findlay — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Findlay — start freeProhibited Signs in Findlay
- All signs are prohibited unless they are expressly permitted.
- No sign shall be placed within the public right-of-way of any public street unless with Council approval.
- No sign shall obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway, or any opening intended to provide air, egress or ingress for any building or structure.
- Digital signage is prohibited except those permitted under Electronic Message Boards and Billboards.
- Placement of all signs, regardless of size or design, shall be prohibited on all City-owned property, including street rights of way, boulevards and thoroughfares within the City.
- No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any street any unauthorized sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be, is an imitation of or resembles a traffic control device or railroad sign or signal.
Exempt Signs in Findlay
- All governmental agencies are specifically excepted from the prohibition of sign placement on City-owned property.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Findlay
- Landscaping plans shall be included with the permit application for low-profile signs.
Source: amlegal municipal code