Sign Regulations in Salem, Ohio
Salem, Ohio has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Roof 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 Salem, Ohio
Sample Sign Requirements in Salem
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-site Sign | — | 8 square feet | — |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 square feet | — |
| Open House Sign | — | 8 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
18
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Roof Sign
- Post Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Salem
Other Cities in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Salem 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 Salem, 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 Salem, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Roof Sign, Post 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 Salem 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 Salem are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Salem has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Salem, Ohio Sign Rules at a Glance
Salem, Ohio regulates 18 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Post Signs in the RA Residential District zoning district are capped at 6 feet tall and 8 square feet per face, with a No portion of a post sign shall extend closer than ten feet to a lot line. setback (Sec. 1195.05(b)(2)). Most commercial signs in Salem require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Salem, Ohio
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Salem (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | — | 8 square feet | — |
| Residential Districts | 3 | — | 8 square feet | — |
| RA Residential District | 2 | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — |
| C-3 District | 2 | — | — | — |
| C-1, C-2, C-4, M-1 and M-3 Districts | 8 | 30 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| M-2 District | 1 | 25 feet | 400 square feet | — |
| RS Districts | 2 | — | — | — |
| Commercial and Industrial Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Salem(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Residential Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 square feet | — | — | 1 | Located only upon residential property to which the sign refers. | — | Unlock | 1195.04(b)(2) |
| Open House Sign | — | 8 square feet | — | — | 1 | Located on private residential property with permission of the property owner. | — | Unlock | 1195.04(b)(6) |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 1 square foot | — | — | 1 | Mounted flat against the wall of the dwelling. | — | Unlock | 1195.04(e) |
RA 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 | — | 24 square feet | — | — | 1 | Attached to the building. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(b)(1) |
| Post Sign | 6 feet | 8 square feet per face | — | No portion of a post sign shall extend closer than ten feet to a lot line. | 1 | At approved conditional uses per Section 1171.02. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(b)(2) |
C-1, C-2, C-4, M-1 and M-3 Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On the building or premises. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(d)(1) |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On the building. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(d)(2) |
| Projecting Sign | 30 feet | — | — | — | — | On the building. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(d)(3) |
| Marquee Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On the building. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(d)(4) |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On the building. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(d)(5) |
| Free-standing Sign | 30 feet | — | — | No portion of a free-standing sign shall extend closer than ten feet to a lot line. | 1 | On the property. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(d)(6) |
| Post Sign | 6 feet | 8 square feet per face | — | No portion of a post sign shall extend closer than ten feet to a lot line. | 1 | On the property. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(d)(7) |
| Ground Sign | 6 feet | 32 square feet | — | No portion of a ground sign shall extend closer than ten feet to a lot line. | 1 | On the property. | — | Unlock | 1195.05(d)(8) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Salem — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Salem — start freeProhibited Signs in Salem
- No sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving light or lights.
- No sign shall employ any parts or elements which revolve, rotate, whirl, spin or otherwise make use of motion to attract attention.
- No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or other similar moving devices.
- No sign shall be installed, erected, or attached in any form, shape or manner to a fire escape or any door or window giving access to any fire escape.
- No sign shall be placed in any City right-of-way except City owned signs, such as traffic control signs and directional signs.
- No advertising signs shall be attached to or supported by a tree, utility pole, trash receptacle, bench, vending machine or public shelter.
- Signs and sign structures that project above the building line shall be prohibited with exception of roof signs in approved districts.
- No vehicle or trailer may be parked on a business premises or a lot for the purpose of advertising a business product.
- No sign shall be located on a vacant lot unless used for the purpose of advertising the lot for sale or lease, or for such purpose as the notification of present danger or the prohibition of trespassing.
- Signs not located on the same site as the advertised business shall not be permitted.
- No signs shall be located nearer than eight feet vertically, or four feet horizontally from any overhead electric wires or conductors.
- No sign shall contain words, statements or graphic descriptions of an obscene, indecent or immoral nature.
- Billboards shall not be permitted in the City of Salem, Ohio.
- No sign advertising or promoting an activity, service or product no longer available shall be permitted.
Exempt Signs in Salem
- The repainting, changing of parts during normal preventive maintenance of signs shall not be deemed alterations requiring a sign permit.
- Temporary signs may be displayed in or attached to the inside of show or display windows.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Salem
- All new signs or replacement signs in District C-3 must apply for a permit from the Salem Zoning Office. In addition, sign design plans must be submitted and approved by the Design Review Board to ensure standards in the historic district are upheld.
- All new signs or replacement signs in all RS Districts must apply for a permit from the Salem Zoning Office. In addition, sign design plans must be submitted and approved by the Design Review Board to ensure standards in the historic district are upheld, if the RS property is in an historic district.
- No sign permit shall be issued for any sign to be erected or placed within a preservation district or for any sign to be attached to or erected upon any landmark unless a certificate of appropriateness has been issued for that sign.
Source: amlegal municipal code