Sign Regulations in Tallmadge, Ohio
Tallmadge, Ohio has specific sign regulations covering 50 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Electronic Message Center (EMC) - Monument or Wall, Wall Sign, Awning/Canopy Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 2, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Tallmadge, Ohio
Sample Sign Requirements in Tallmadge
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs - Location/Placement Standards | — | — | Freestanding signs: minimum 5 ft from right-of-way; 25 ft from any interior side lot line; 30 ft from any residential district; and outside sight triangles (Sec. 1108.06(E) footnote ³; 1108.05(A)(2)). |
| Wall Sign - General Placement/Height | Top no higher than eave or bottom of second-story windowsill, whichever is less | — | — |
| Awning/Canopy Sign - General | Lowest edge ≥8 ft above grade; Max height at eave line or bottom of second-story windowsill (whichever lower) | Up to 20% of front/side valance faces; single emblem/logo ≤3 sq ft on angled/top | Shall not project into right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for TallmadgeFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
50
- Electronic Message Center (EMC) - Monument or Wall
- Wall Sign
- Awning/Canopy Sign
- Window 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 Tallmadge
Other Cities in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
In Tallmadge, wall signs can be up to Top no higher than eave or bottom of second-story windowsill, whichever is less. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Tallmadge, 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 Tallmadge, regulated sign types include Electronic Message Center (EMC) - Monument or Wall, Wall Sign, Awning/Canopy 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 Tallmadge 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 Tallmadge are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Tallmadge has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Tallmadge, Ohio Sign Rules at a Glance
Tallmadge, Ohio regulates 50 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Projecting Sign - Generals in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Clearance: bottom ≥8 ft above grade tall and 12 sq ft, with a ≥5 ft from ROW/easement (outermost portion) setback (Sec. Sec. 1108.06(C)(1)-(7)). Most commercial signs in Tallmadge require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Tallmadge, Ohio
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Tallmadge (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 16 | Flagpoles max 30 ft | Each additional freestanding sign must comply with Sec. 1108.06 area limits; aggregated signs may have up to 150% of the maximum area permitted for a single sign face when combining permissible sign area into fewer signs | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, PRD) | 8 | Per Sec. 1108.06(F): max 5 ft; copy 6 in below top and 12 in above grade | Up to 100% of allowable wall/monument sign area (must meet host sign limit) | — |
| Non-Residential Districts (C-3, C-4, C-5, I-1) | 10 | Up to 15 ft (per frontage tier and 75% of tallest building) | Up to 90 sq ft (per frontage tier) | — |
| West Avenue Overlay District (O-WA) | 8 | Max 10 ft | Per Sec. 1108.06(B) | — |
| Southeast Gateway Overlay District (O-SE) | 5 | 10 ft | Per Sec. 1108.06(B) | — |
| Neighborhood Center Overlay District (O-NC) | 7 | 10 ft | Per Sec. 1108.06(B) | — |
| Innovation and Employment Overlay District (O-IE) | 5 | 8 ft | Per Sec. 1108.06(B) | — |
| Design Control Overlay District (O-DC) | 6 | Clearance ≥8 ft | Per Sec. 1108.06(B) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Tallmadge(sample of 3 of 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning/Canopy Sign - General | Lowest edge ≥8 ft above grade; Max height at eave line or bottom of second-story windowsill (whichever lower) | Up to 20% of front/side valance faces; single emblem/logo ≤3 sq ft on angled/top | — | Shall not project into right-of-way | — | Centered over primary architectural elements (to extent practicable); may project ≤4 ft from façade; shall not project into ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.06(B)(1)-(6) |
| Projecting Sign - General | Clearance: bottom ≥8 ft above grade | 12 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from ROW/easement (outermost portion) | 1 per tenant space or building frontage | Per tenant space or building frontage; min 25 ft separation from any other projecting sign on same site/building | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.06(C)(1)-(7) |
| Freestanding Signs - General Standards (Pole, Monument, Shared/Complex) | Pole: 12 ft (with 4-ft clearance); Monument: 6 ft; Shared: up to 15 ft and also limited to ≤75% of tallest building height on site | Pole: 60 sq ft; Monument: 24 sq ft (sign area fully incorporated into monument with ≥2-inch decorative trim); Shared: up to 90 sq ft (see frontage tiers) | — | ≥5 ft from ROW/easement; ≥25 ft from any interior side lot line; ≥30 ft from any residential district (Sec. 1108.06(E) footnote ³; Sec. 1108.06(E)(5)(ii)-(v)) | Pole: 1 per lot; Monument: 1 per road frontage; Shared: 1 per complex entry | Ground-mounted; supported by ground/structure other than principal building; cannot be on sites without street frontage; cannot occupy required unobstructed areas | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.06(E) incl. Table 1108.06-01; Sec. 1108.06(E)(6) incl. Table 1108.06-02 |
| Wall Signs on Entry Fences or Walls (General) | Max 5 ft above grade; copy min 6 in below top of wall and 12 in above ground | Up to 24 sq ft total; not to cover more than 40% of the landscape wall/fence background area | — | — | Multiple allowed up to 24 sq ft total (if two signs, min 50 ft separation) | Mounted to a decorative wall/fence running generally parallel to street | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.06(F)(1)-(5) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) - General | Same as height limit for the host sign type/location | Not to exceed maximum allowable size for the host monument or wall sign | — | Must meet host sign setback/location requirements | Max 1 per street frontage; up to 2 per property | Permitted only as part of freestanding monument signs and wall signs | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.06(H)(1)-(5); 1108.06(E)(4) |
| Portable Sandwich Board / A-frame | Max 3.5 ft; Max width 2 ft | 7 sq ft per sign face | 2 ft | — | 1 per establishment | - Maintain ≥36 in unobstructed sidewalk clearance. - Within 8 ft of the primary public entrance of the establishment it advertises; within the tenant’s frontage width and ≤5 ft from building façade where multiple tenants. - Not within required sight triangle; remove during non-operational hours and inclement weather; weighted/secured. | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.09(A)-(B) |
| Directional Signs (Exempt) | Max 5 ft | Max 4 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | On private property; may include campus signage on corporate/institutional campuses | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.04(O) |
| Flags (Government, Service Branch) (Exempt) | Flagpoles max 30 ft | Max flag size 35 sq ft | — | — | As above | Not within ROW or easement; may encroach into setback areas | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.04(I) |
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, PRD)
| 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 - Wall/Window Sign | At or below eave line or bottom of second story of principal structure | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Window or wall on principal structure | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.10(B)(1)-(2) and Table 1108.10-01 (Home Occupations) |
| Residential Subdivisions/Apartment Complexes/Multi-Family/Condominiums - Freestanding (Monument) | 8 ft (text); Table shows placement 5 ft from ROW | 15 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from ROW | 1 per lot | Monument at entries; mounted outside ROW | — | Unlock | Table 1108.10-01 (Residential Subdivisions...); Sec. 1108.10(C)(2)-(4) |
| Residential Subdivisions/Apartment Complexes/Multi-Family/Condominiums - Wall Signs | — | 5% of façade | — | — | 1 per façade | On building façades within development | — | Unlock | Table 1108.10-01 (Residential Subdivisions...) |
| Residential Subdivisions/Apartment Complexes/Multi-Family/Condominiums - Wall Signs on Entry Fences/Walls | Per Sec. 1108.06(F): max 5 ft; copy 6 in below top and 12 in above grade | 24 sq ft total; not more than 40% of fence/wall background area | — | 5 ft from ROW (table) | 1 per entry | Decorative wall or fence at entries | — | Unlock | Table 1108.10-01; Sec. 1108.06(F) |
| Permitted Non-Residential Uses in Residential Districts - Monument Sign | 6 ft | 48 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot, plus per separate frontage/entrance per Sec. 1108.10(D) | Per frontage/entrance | — | Unlock | Table 1108.10-01; Sec. 1108.10(D) |
| Permitted Non-Residential Uses in Residential Districts - Wall Signs | — | 5% of façade | — | — | 1 per façade | On façades serving the permitted use | — | Unlock | Table 1108.10-01; Sec. 1108.10(D) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) - Permitted Non-Residential Uses in Residential Zones (Major Thoroughfare only) | Host sign height limit applies | Up to 100% of allowable wall/monument sign area (must meet host sign limit) | — | Host sign setbacks apply | Max 1 per street frontage; up to 2 per property | As part of wall or monument sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.10(E); Sec. 1108.06(H); Sec. 1108.05(F)(1)(v) |
| Temporary Signs - Residential (Grouped) | - Large Freestanding: 6 ft; Banner hang ≤24 ft above grade. - Medium: 6 ft. - Small: 6 ft. - Projects/Developments: 8 ft. | - Large: Freestanding/Window/Wall: 16 sq ft; Banner: 32 sq ft. - Medium: 8 sq ft. - Small: 4 sq ft. - Projects/Developments: 32 sq ft. | — | As listed above (e.g., 5 ft from ROW for Large FS; 15 ft for Projects/Dev); outside ROW for medium/small | As summarized per category and lot/frontage size | Outside ROW; specific setbacks by subtype/location; see additional requirements. | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.08(A)-(E); Table 1108.08-01; Sec. 1108.08(D)(1) |
Non-Residential Districts (C-3, C-4, C-5, I-1)
| 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 | — | Up to 40 sq ft per tenant space (per Sec. 1108.11(D)(2)) | — | — | 1 per tenant | Per tenant space frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.11(C)-(D); Table 1108.11-01 |
| Awning/Canopy Sign | 8-ft clearance height; top at/below eave or bottom of second-story windowsill (whichever lower) | As above; counts toward 1.5 sq ft/lf aggregate with wall/projecting signs | — | Shall not project into ROW | 1 per principal entrance (plus 1 additional at second patron entrance if conditions met) | At principal entrance (1 per principal entrance; one additional allowed at second patron entrance fronting parking if not on same elevation as principal entrance) | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.11(E)(1); Sec. 1108.06(B); Table 1108.11-01 |
| Projecting Sign | Bottom clearance ≥8 ft; No higher than 25 ft and first story level of building (per Table 1108.11-01) | Up to 12 sq ft (per 1108.06(C)(2)) | — | ≥5 ft from ROW/easement (outermost portion) | 1 per tenant | Per tenant | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.06(C); Table 1108.11-01 |
| Freestanding - Pole Sign | 12 ft | 60 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥25 ft from interior side lot line; ≥30 ft from any residential district | 1 per lot | On lot with street frontage; not in required unobstructed areas or sight triangle | — | Unlock | Table 1108.06-01; Table 1108.11-01; Sec. 1108.06(E)(4)-(5) |
| Freestanding - Monument Sign | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥25 ft from interior side lot line; ≥30 ft from any residential district | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage; ground-mounted on a base extending full width and at least 1/4 of total sign height for shared signs | — | Unlock | Table 1108.06-01; Sec. 1108.06(E) |
| Shared Freestanding (Complex) Sign | Up to 15 ft (per frontage tier and 75% of tallest building) | Up to 90 sq ft (per frontage tier) | — | General freestanding setbacks apply | 1 per development entry | 1 per development entry | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.06(E)(6); Table 1108.06-02; Table 1108.11-01 |
| Electronic Message Centers (EMC) - Monument or Wall | — | As per host sign limit (e.g., Monument 24 sq ft; Wall sign per frontage formula up to 40 sq ft) | — | Host sign setbacks apply | 1 per lot (Table 1108.11-01); also 1 per street frontage up to max 2 per property (Sec. 1108.06(H)(4)) | Only as part of monument or wall sign | — | Unlock | Table 1108.11-01; Sec. 1108.06(H) |
| Temporary Signs - Non-Residential (Grouped) | - Large Freestanding: 6 ft; Banner hang ≤24 ft above grade; Light pole banners: min 8-ft clearance. - Medium: 6 ft. - Small: 5 ft (for freestanding small per table). - Project Real Estate/Construction: 8 ft. | - Large: Freestanding/Window/Wall: 16 sq ft; Banner: 48 sq ft; Light Pole Banners: 4.5 sq ft each (aggregate up to 48 or 49 sq ft per table row). - Medium: 8 sq ft. - Small: 4 sq ft. - Project Real Estate/Construction: 32 sq ft. | — | As above (e.g., 5 ft for Large FS; 15 ft for Project/Construction; otherwise outside ROW) | As summarized per category and lot/frontage size | Outside ROW; specific setbacks by class: Large FS 5 ft from ROW; Project/Construction 15 ft from ROW; others outside ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 1108.08(A)-(E); Table 1108.08-02; Sec. 1108.08(2)(iv) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Tallmadge — 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 Tallmadge — start freeProhibited Signs in Tallmadge
- Animated, flashing, moving, blinker, racer-type, intermittent, rotating, or revolving signs, except digital signage where expressly permitted (Sec. 1108.03 A).
- Illuminated signs comprised of exposed lightbulbs (Sec. 1108.03 B).
- Strings of lights accessory to any sign that are not permanently mounted to a rigid background (Sec. 1108.03 C).
- Billboards (Sec. 1108.03 D).
- Use of merchandise, equipment, products, or other items (not themselves for sale or rent) as signs to draw attention to a commercial enterprise (Sec. 1108.03 E).
- Signs or devices that attempt or appear to direct the movement of traffic or imitate/interfere with official governmental signs (Sec. 1108.03 F).
- Roof signs (Sec. 1108.03 G).
- Abandoned signs (Sec. 1108.03 H).
- Snipe signs (Sec. 1108.03 I).
- Pennant strings and streamers (Sec. 1108.03 J).
- Inflatable devices or balloon signs, except balloons used in temporary, non-commercial situations; balloons or other inflatable devices shall not be attached to any sign (Sec. 1108.03 K).
- Signs that emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor, or contain open flames (Sec. 1108.03 L).
- Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors (Sec. 1108.03 M).
- Interactive signs (Sec. 1108.03 N).
- Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting (Sec. 1108.03 O).
- Any banner or sign suspended across a public street without permission of the property owner and the City (Sec. 1108.03 P).
- Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, except those authorized or required by government (Sec. 1108.03 Q).
- Portable marquee signs (Sec. 1108.03 R).
- Portable Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs; no EMC may be included as part of any temporary sign (Sec. 1108.03 S; 1108.06 H(5) iii).
- No sign shall be placed so as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic by obscuring views or interfering with official street signs or signals by position or color (Sec. 1108.05 A(1)).
- No sign may occupy any part of a sight triangle at any driveway or street intersection (25 feet along curb/edge of pavement on each leg) (Sec. 1108.05 A(2); 1108.13 A(3)).
- No signs are permitted within any road right-of-way, unless specifically exempted in the chapter (Sec. 1108.05 A(4); 1108.13 A(3)).
- Signs and supporting structures may not interfere with surface or underground utility and communications lines/equipment (Sec. 1108.05 A(3)).
- Illumination limits: sign lighting shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient at 50 feet; lights shall not cause hazardous glare or reasonably objectionable brightness to adjacent residential zones (Sec. 1108.05 F(ii)-(iii)).
- Sign illumination shall not obstruct traffic control or other public informational signs; signs visible from street sight lines shall not contain symbols/words or red/green lights resembling highway devices (Sec. 1108.05 F(iv)).
- Erecting, altering, repairing, or relocating any sign without first obtaining a zoning certificate and sign permit (unless specifically exempt) is unlawful (Sec. 1108.14 A).
Exempt Signs in Tallmadge
- Official traffic signs (Sec. 1108.04 A).
- Government regulatory signs (Sec. 1108.04 B).
- Interior signs not intended to be visible from the public right-of-way and located more than 3 feet from the window (Sec. 1108.04 C).
- Holiday and seasonal decorations (Sec. 1108.04 D).
- Address signs: up to two signs stating address/number/name of occupants with no commercial advertising (Sec. 1108.04 E).
- Historic building markers, memorial signs, public monument signs, and plaques erected by the City, not exceeding 4 sq ft (Sec. 1108.04 F).
- Private drive signs: one per driveway entrance, maximum 2 sq ft (Sec. 1108.04 G).
- Security and warning signs (not including “No Trespassing” signs): Residential—one additional security sign up to 2 sq ft; Non-residential—maximum one large sign up to 5 sq ft; all other posted security/warning signs up to 2 sq ft (Sec. 1108.04 H).
- Flags of federal, state, or local government or service branches (excluding business names/logos/ads); not in ROW/easements, may encroach setbacks; max height 30 ft; number—Residential: max 3 per lot; Non-residential: 1 per 50 ft lot frontage, max 4; size: max 35 sq ft (Sec. 1108.04 I).
- Legal notices (Sec. 1108.04 J).
- Vending machine signs visible from the public right-of-way (Sec. 1108.04 K).
- Signs projecting above gasoline station pumps; fuel pumps shall not be illuminated (Sec. 1108.04 L).
- Permanent architectural features of a building/structure existing at the time of the Zoning Code (Sec. 1108.04 M).
- Incidental signs (including incidental window signs such as store hours/open/close); combined area per establishment not to exceed 2 sq ft (Sec. 1108.04 N).
- Directional signs (including campus signage): max area 4 sq ft per sign; max height 5 ft; may be internally illuminated except in the Design Control Overlay (O-DC) (Sec. 1108.04 O).
- Art and murals without commercial messaging (except an incidental donor/patron plaque up to 3 sq ft) (Sec. 1108.04 P).
- Temporary signs installed and maintained per Section 1108.08; no permit required if standards are met (Sec. 1108.04 Q; 1108.08 B).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Tallmadge
- A zoning certificate and sign permit are required to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign unless the sign is specifically exempt (Sec. 1108.14 A).
- Applications for sign permits must follow Chapter 1102 Administration and Procedures and submittal requirements specified by the Zoning Administrator (Sec. 1108.14 B).
- Temporary signs on private property that comply with Section 1108.08 do not require a sign permit (Sec. 1108.08 B).
- Any proposed sign not in compliance with the objective standards may be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission for a modification; approval is based on specific criteria (Sec. 1108.17).
- In Residential Zones, Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) require a modification to Site Plan approval (Sec. 1108.10 E).
- In Overlay Districts, signage must comply with the associated Overlay District Guidebook and overlay standards supersede base zoning sign standards (Sec. 1108.12; 1101.06).
Source: other municipal code