Sign Regulations in Hilliard, Ohio
Hilliard, Ohio has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign (Primary Street), Wall Sign (Secondary Street). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 11, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Hilliard, Ohio
Sample Sign Requirements in Hilliard
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation Sign | 6 ft above grade | 3 sq. ft. | — |
| Ground Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | 7 ft above grade, including 18–24 in base | 50 sq. ft. | Minimum 15 ft from all property lines |
| Subdivision Model Home Sign | 4 ft above grade | 6 sq. ft. (2 ft x 3 ft) | 20 ft from right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for HilliardFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
24
- Ground Sign
- Wall Sign (Primary Street)
- Wall Sign (Secondary Street)
- Awning Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Hilliard
Other Cities in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Hilliard 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 Hilliard, 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 Hilliard, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign (Primary Street), Wall Sign (Secondary Street), Awning 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 Hilliard 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 Hilliard are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hilliard has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hilliard, Ohio Sign Rules at a Glance
Hilliard, Ohio regulates 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Subdivision Model Home Signs in the Residential Districts (R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) and Special Purpose Districts (S-1, HCD) zoning district are capped at 4 ft above grade tall, 6 sq. ft. (2 ft x 3 ft), and 3 ft wide, with a 20 ft from right-of-way setback (Sec. Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Residential Districts, Including Special Purpose Districts). Most commercial signs in Hilliard require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hilliard, Ohio
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hilliard (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) and Special Purpose Districts (S-1, HCD) | 5 | 7 ft above grade, including 18–24 in base | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Business Districts (B-1 Neighborhood Business, B-2 Community Business, B-3 Office/Institutional, B-4 I-270 Corridor); PUD retail/office/service uses default to B-4 per §1117.04 | 13 | 12 ft | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Industrial Districts (M-1 Restricted Industrial, M-2 General Industrial) | 3 | 7 ft above grade, including 18–24 in base | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Old Hilliard District (OH-MD Old Hilliard Mixed-Use, OH-RD Old Hilliard Mixed-Use Residential) | 7 | 7 ft above grade, includes 18–24 in base | Limited to wall sign limitations. Display area limited to 45% of face. | — |
| All Districts | 3 | 7 ft above grade | 32 sq. ft. per face (double-sided permitted, each face max 32 sq. ft., back-to-back, max 12 in apart) | — |
| 1 more zone in PermitPal — start free | ||||
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hilliard(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential Districts (R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) and Special Purpose Districts (S-1, HCD)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation Sign | 6 ft above grade | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | Maximum one | Mounted flush on the wall facing the major traffic thruway. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Residential Districts, Including Special Purpose Districts |
| Ground Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | 7 ft above grade, including 18–24 in base | 50 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 15 ft from all property lines | Maximum of one per property for any establishment; a second sign allowed on a secondary street frontage of ≥200 linear ft | Minimum setback 15 ft from all property lines | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Residential Districts, Including Special Purpose Districts |
| Wall Sign (Non-Residential Uses) (Primary Street) | — | — | — | — | Max 1 per property; per street frontage if bldg fronts more than one street | On wall of building identified by the sign, facing street, parking area, or service drive. Min 18 in from building corner. Min 6 ft from other wall sign. Below uppermost line or parapet of flat roof or lower edge of eave/gable/rake of sloped roof. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Residential Districts, Including Special Purpose Districts |
| Wall Sign (Non-Residential Uses) (Secondary Street) | — | — | — | — | Max 1 per street frontage | See above. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Residential Districts, Including Special Purpose Districts |
| Subdivision Model Home Sign | 4 ft above grade | 6 sq. ft. (2 ft x 3 ft) | 3 ft | 20 ft from right-of-way | 1 per property | Min setback 20 ft from right-of-way line. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Residential Districts, Including Special Purpose Districts |
Business Districts (B-1 Neighborhood Business, B-2 Community Business, B-3 Office/Institutional, B-4 I-270 Corridor); PUD retail/office/service uses default to B-4 per §1117.04
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | May not project above roof-line or parapet | Limited to wall sign allowance; display area limited to 45% of total face area of awning | — | — | 1 per storefront | Single-story or first level of multi-story buildings; may project over public sidewalk <=48 in or within 24 in of curb; see further location controls. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Business Districts |
| Fuel Pricing Sign | — | 10 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per property | On ground sign at service stations or fuel sales businesses | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Business Districts |
| Ground Sign | 7 ft above grade, incl. 18–24 in base | 50 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft from all property lines | Max 1 per property per business; Max 1 per shopping center/shared parking. Second sign allowed on secondary street frontage ≥200 ft | Min 15 ft from all property lines. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Business Districts |
| Menu Sign | 7 ft from paved surface to top | 4.5 ft display area (top to bottom), max width 8 ft | 8 ft | — | 1 per drive-through lane | Not in front of principal building, not visible from street, 1 per drive-through lane | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Business Districts |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 5 ft max height | 6 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft from right-of-way | 1 per property | No closer than 5 ft from right-of-way; not permitted in parking lots of strip centers/shopping malls; must be removed to an enclosed area after business hours. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Business Districts |
| Commercial Real Estate Sign (<200 ft frontage) | 7 ft | 16 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft from front property line | 1 per property for sale | Min 5 ft from front property line; outside visibility triangle; can't be in right-of-way or public easement. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Business Districts |
| Commercial Real Estate Sign (>=200 ft frontage) | 7 ft | 32 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft from front property line | 1 per property for sale | See above. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Business Districts |
| Temporary Yard Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Outside of right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Business Districts |
Old Hilliard District (OH-MD Old Hilliard Mixed-Use, OH-RD Old Hilliard Mixed-Use 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | May not project above roof-line or parapet. | Limited to wall sign limitations. Display area limited to 45% of face. | — | — | 1 per storefront | Single-story buildings or first level only of multi-story buildings. May project up to 48 in over sidewalk or within 24 in of curb. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Old Hilliard District |
| Ground Sign | 7 ft above grade, includes 18–24 in base | 24 sq. ft. per face | — | 5 ft from right-of-way | 1 per property per business; 1 per shopping center/shared parking | Min setback 5 ft from right-of-way; min setback for zoning district if adjoining R district. Perpendicular to street. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Old Hilliard District |
| Wall Sign (Primary Street) | — | — | — | — | 1 per business, per street frontage | Above storefront; min 18 in from corner; min 6 ft from any other wall sign; below facade/parapet/eave/gable/rake/mansard. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Old Hilliard District |
| Wall Sign (Secondary Street) | — | — | — | — | See above | See above | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Old Hilliard District |
| Projecting Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | 3 ft projection from building | — | 1 per commercial building or business | Front or front corner facade. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Old Hilliard District |
| Sandwich Board | 5 ft | 6 sq. ft. (rectangular shape) | — | — | 1 per property | Not within right-of-way except where building is at sidewalk, then City approval required. Not on sidewalk unless building at sidewalk; not in parking lots of strip centers/malls. | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Old Hilliard District |
| Secondary Identification Sign | — | 1 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per upper floor tenant | — | — | Unlock | Table 1129-5 Schedule of Permitted Signs by District - Old Hilliard District |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Hilliard — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Hilliard — start freeProhibited Signs in Hilliard
- No sign shall be installed, erected, constructed or maintained in violation of any of the terms of this Chapter.
- No sign shall be permitted in any district except as provided by the ordinance.
- Only one sign is permitted for each property or use in any zoning district unless otherwise provided.
- All signs must be erected by a registered sign erector, unless otherwise permitted.
- No homemade lettered signs are permitted, whether or not a permit is required.
- No sign shall exceed the maximum sign area allowed for the district.
- No signs shall be placed within a clear vision triangle required by Section 1121.03(c).
- No signs shall be placed in any public easement, right-of-way, utility easement, sight triangle, or no build zone except as expressly authorized.
- No sign shall be constructed, located, positioned or illuminated so as to block from view, imitate or interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device or official public sign.
- No sign shall closely resemble or approximate the shape, form and color of official traffic signs, signals and devices.
- No sign shall be so placed as to obstruct or interfere with a required doorway, ingress/egress, or traffic visibility.
- Signs must be constructed to withstand a wind pressure of at least 30 pounds per square foot.
- No display or advertising sign shall be attached to the standard of a ground sign, other than the display surface originally constructed as part of the sign.
- No sign shall be attached to or painted or otherwise displayed on a light standard, gasoline pump, fence, wall, post or other structure, or to any supporting device, except as specifically authorized.
- Unsafe or insecure signs must be immediately repaired or removed upon written notice.
- Signs pertaining to closed or abandoned businesses must be removed or replaced with a blank face within 14 days of closure.
- The following sign types are prohibited: flashing, moving, rotating, strobe light, intermittently lighted signs, beacons, strings of lights, projected images, animated signs, portable signs, pole signs, roof signs, billboards, off-premise signs (except as authorized), off-site directional signs (except city-authorized), electronic variable message signs (except as listed), pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, whirligigs, balloons (except as authorized), externally visible neon and neon look-alike signs (with listed exceptions), searchlights or laser lights, certain vehicle/trailer signs, directional signs, any look-alikes of these prohibited sign types.
- Prohibited sign locations include: public right-of-way or easement (unless authorized), no-build zones, public parks or property (unless authorized), on traffic control signs, construction signs, fences, utility poles, street signs, trees or natural objects (unless authorized), locations obstructing traffic visibility, residential areas (unless permitted), without property owner permission, blocking doorways or fire escapes.
- Signs may not be installed in locations where view of approaching/intersecting traffic is obstructed or where they interfere with vehicles/pedestrians entering, leaving, or crossing a public right-of-way.
- No sign may include advertising material in official public signs or traffic/parking regulatory signs.
Exempt Signs in Hilliard
- Public notices by governmental bodies and other official signs and notices are exempt from the provisions of this section.
- The Planning Director or designee may authorize other signs necessary for the regulation of traffic and parking areas on private property in nonresidential districts, provided they relate only to traffic flow and safety, do not include advertising, and are not larger than required.
- Residential real estate signs meeting specific size, placement, and time limitations.
- Street number/address signs that meet required format and size.
- Window signs up to 10% of window area with specific lighting and placement qualifications.
- Flags meeting standards for number, height, and placement by district.
- Decorative signs that do not include the name of a business or business logo.
- Ornamental banners, flags, pictures, shapes, decorations, and sculptures in residential districts that do not include a business name or logo.
- Motor vehicles displaying business graphics, except where prohibited under Section 1129.04.
- Garage/yard sale signs, if not located in public right-of-way or on public infrastructure.
- One small informational sign (less than two square feet) per non-residential tenant for building occupant identity.
- ATM signage limited to one square foot and up to four colors, with specific background and logo limitations.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hilliard
- Permit fees (Exhibit A - Municipal Fee Schedule): Electrical signs $150.00; Non-electrical signs $100.00; Temporary signs (except Community Activity Signs) $35.00. Failure to obtain a permit before erection results in double the applicable fee.
- Permit timeline: The Planning Director or designee shall make a decision within 14 days of submission (§1129.07(d)). Sign permits are valid for one year from date of issuance; void if sign not erected within that period.
- All signs are required to be reviewed for approval prior to installation, implying a sign permit application is required in nearly all cases except for those specifically exempted.
- A professionally prepared sign application must include site and elevation plans, drawings, materials, contractor information, and other required details (Section 1129.07).
- If a sign application does not meet requirements, applicant may apply for modification by submitting to the Planning and Zoning Commission—a public hearing is required (Section 1129.08).
- Requests for signs not conforming to the ordinance require approval as a modification by the Planning and Zoning Commission, including a noticed public hearing.
- Sign permits are required for all signs described in Section 1129.05 (permanent or temporary), with exceptions as noted in Section 1129.03 (exempt signs).
- If application is denied, applicant may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals (Section 1129.13).
- A master or coordinated sign plan is not expressly required by these sections; however, the site plan and elevations with all existing/proposed signs are required in the submittal package.
- For damaged nonconforming signs, a pre-application meeting is required within 14 days of damage, to determine whether the sign must be brought into conformity (Section 1129.10).
Source: municode municipal code