# Sign Regulations in Bethany, Oklahoma

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Bethany, Oklahoma (OK)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/oklahoma/bethany
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-19

## At a glance

Bethany, Oklahoma regulates 32 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center/Mall Dev. (>75,000 sq ft GLA)s in the Commercial Neighborhood Zoning Districts, Commercial Highway Zoning Districts, Industrial Zoning Districts, Mixed-Use Zoning Districts (Commercial Portions) zoning district are capped at 16 ft tall and ≤ 100 sq ft per side, with a 15 ft from arterial, 10 ft from collector/local; 100 ft separation; sight triangle reqs. setback (Sec. § 153.16(C)(1)(a)1, (b)2, (c)). Most commercial signs in Bethany require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Zoning Districts, Residential Component of Mixed-Use Zoning Districts | 2 | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Neighborhood Zoning Districts, Commercial Highway Zoning Districts, Industrial Zoning Districts, Mixed-Use Zoning Districts (Commercial Portions) | 16 | Lesser of 25% of elevation height or 5 ft | 200 sq ft max | — |
| Commercial Office District (C-O), Commercial District (C-N) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Commercial Shopping Center District (C-S) | 1 | — | — | — |
| CBD Zone District, MUD Zone District | 5 | 10 ft including base | 48 sq ft per side | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 6 ft | 45 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 6 zones)

### Commercial Neighborhood Zoning Districts, Commercial Highway Zoning Districts, Industrial Zoning Districts, Mixed-Use Zoning Districts (Commercial Portions)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center/Mall Dev. (>75,000 sq ft GLA) | 16 ft | ≤ 100 sq ft per side | — | 15 ft from arterial, 10 ft from collector/local; 100 ft separation; sight triangle reqs. | 1 per eligible street frontage | One per street frontage classified as arterial or collector | — | § 153.16(C)(1)(a)1, (b)2, (c) |
| Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center/Mall Dev. (>50,000-75,000 sq ft GLA) | 12 ft | ≤ 72 sq ft per side | — | See above. | 1 per eligible street frontage | One per street frontage classified as arterial or collector | — | § 153.16(C)(1)(a)2, (b)1, (c) |
| Freestanding Sign (Large-Scale Tenant - Arterial) | 14 ft | 72/84 sq ft per side | — | 15 ft | Max 2 per use | Each street frontage (up to 2) adjacent to arterial | — | § 153.16(C)(2)(a)1, (b)1, (c) |
| Freestanding Sign (Large-Scale Tenant - Collector) | 12 ft | 60/72 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft | Max 2 per use | Each street frontage (up to 2) adjacent to collector | — | § 153.16(C)(2)(a)2, (b)2, (c) |
| Freestanding Sign (Large-Scale Tenant - Local) | 12 ft | 48/60 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft | Max 2 per use | Each street frontage (up to 2) adjacent to local | — | § 153.16(C)(2)(a)3, (b)2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Major Tenant - Arterial) | 8 ft | 48/60 sq ft per side | — | 15 ft | Max 2 per use | Each street frontage (up to 2) adjacent to arterial | — | § 153.16(C)(3)(a)1, (b)1, (c) |
| Freestanding Sign (Major Tenant - Collector) | 6 ft | 36/48 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft | Max 2 per use | Each street frontage (up to 2) | — | § 153.16(C)(3)(a)2, (b)2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Major Tenant - Local) | 6 ft | 24/36 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft | Max 2 per use | Each street frontage (up to 2) | — | § 153.16(C)(3)(a)3, (b)2 |

### CBD Zone District, MUD Zone District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building-Mounted Sign (Each Tenant) | — | — | — | — | 1 per building elevation, per tenant | On building elevation, integrated with architecture | — | § 153.16(D)(2)(a)1, (c) |
| Building-Mounted Projecting Sign | 4 ft | 12 sq ft per side (max 2 sides) | — | — | 1 per business | On building, may extend above sidewalk if at least 8 ft vertical clearance | — | § 153.16(D)(2)(a)2 |
| Freestanding Multiple Tenant Development Identification Sign | 10 ft including base | 48 sq ft per side | — | CBD/MUD: 2 ft from back of sidewalk or 1 ft from property line; not in public right-of-way | 1 per complex | One per multi-tenant development/complex | — | § 153.16(D)(2)(b)1, (d)1 |
| Freestanding Individual Tenant Sign | 6 ft including base | 24 sq ft per side | — | CBD/MUD: 2 ft from back of sidewalk or 1 ft from property line; not in public right-of-way | 1 per tenant | On own property | — | § 153.16(D)(2)(b)2, (d)2 |
| Freestanding Hanging Sign | 6 ft (sign post); 3 ft (sign face) | 6 sq ft per side; max height 3 ft (sign face) | — | CBD/MUD: 2 ft from back of sidewalk or 1 ft from property line; not in public right-of-way | — | Constructed of single post and perpendicular bracket; must include landscape planting bed | — | § 153.16(D)(2)(d)3 |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Banner Sign | 3 ft | 45 sq ft | 15 ft | — | 2 per business | Mounted flush to building/facade | — | § 153.16(E)(1)(e)1 |
| Temporary Freestanding H-frame Real Estate-type Sign (Special Events) | — | 6 sq ft per side (max 2 sides) | — | — | 1 per business/event | On lot for event | — | § 153.16(E)(1)(e)2 |
| Temporary Sign for Daily Specials (Sandwich Board/A-frame) | — | 6 sq ft per side (max 2 sides) | — | — | No fixed number | Within 15 ft of business entrance; not in landscape buffer or impeding sidewalk circulation | — | § 153.16(E)(1)(e)3 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Commercial/Industrial Property for Sale/Lease) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On property for sale/lease | — | § 153.16(E)(2)(a) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential Property for Sale/Lease) | — | 6 sq ft per side | — | — | 2 per lot | On property for sale/lease | — | § 153.16(E)(7)(c)1 |
| Open House Sign (Temporary, Residential) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per side (2 sides max) | — | — | — | Off-premises allowed; shall not obstruct traffic or visibility; not on trees, utility poles, etc. | — | § 153.16(E)(7)(c)2 |
| Community Promotional Banner | — | — | — | — | — | On street light standards in public right-of-way, as authorized | — | § 153.05(B)(9) |

## Prohibited signs in Bethany

- No sign may be displayed, constructed, erected, altered, used, or maintained except in conformance with provisions of this chapter.
- No sign may be displayed, constructed, erected, altered, used, or maintained without first obtaining a sign permit unless specifically exempted.
- A-frame, sandwich board, or sidewalk signs are prohibited except within the CBD or MUD zoning districts and only as temporary signs removed daily and not obstructing traffic.
- Wind signs are prohibited except for temporary business promotion signs.
- Inflatable devices used as signs are prohibited.
- Flashing signs or signs with lights resembling those used in traffic signals or emergency vehicles are prohibited.
- No sign shall use words, slogans, shapes, sizes, or colors of governmental traffic signs.
- Signs may not be painted or attached to natural features, rocks, telephone or utility poles, or fence posts.
- No sign may obscure vision or views of the natural landscape or be distracting to motorists.
- No sign shall be erected at an intersection in a way that obstructs vision or may be confused with traffic signs or signals.
- Signs may not obstruct ingress or egress, including doors, windows, or fire escapes.
- Off-premises signs (billboards or outdoor advertising not related to use of the premises) are prohibited in all districts except as a conditional use.
- Use of open flames to attract attention to a business or sign is prohibited.
- Trailer signs are prohibited.
- Portable or wheeled signs not originally designed as motor vehicle markings are prohibited.
- Revolving, rotating, strobing, beaming, blinking, reflecting, or similar light displays directed at streets, sidewalks, or adjoining premises as part of sign displays are prohibited if constituting a traffic hazard or nuisance.
- Signs affixed to trees, natural vegetation, rocks, or utility structures or poles are prohibited.
- Signs outlined with individual light bulbs or strings of lights for advertising or attention purposes are prohibited except for temporary holiday decorations, temporary event lighting, or permanent designs in CBD/MUD districts.
- Signs emitting smoke, vapors, particles, sound, or odor are prohibited.
- Unpainted, broken, or abandoned signs and signs on vacated buildings must be removed or repaired upon city order.
- Curb signs are prohibited.
- Signs may not be placed on any curb, sidewalk, utility post/pole, hydrant, bridge, or other public property surface unless specifically authorized.
- Signs may not obstruct free ingress or egress from required doors, windows, or fire exits.
- Signs may not be erected on or over public right-of-way unless a permit has been issued or the sign is an authorized community banner.
- Signs facing residential districts are prohibited unless separated by a public right-of-way; exceptions for certain projecting/freestanding signs.
- Signs may not obstruct or be confused with official traffic signs, use words/symbols implying danger or need to stop, distract drivers, or obstruct their view at driveways/thoroughfares.
- Structurally unsafe signs or signs able to cause electrical shocks are prohibited.
- Signs bearing obscene, pornographic, or immoral statements/pictures are prohibited.
- Signs advertising activities, businesses, products, or services no longer available on the lot are prohibited, except authorized community banners.
- Signs not pertinent and clearly incidental to the permitted use on the lot where located are prohibited, except institutional uses and messages at spectator facilities.
- Signs must not obstruct any fire escape, exit, window, or door opening used for egress.
- No sign may interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
- Signs not conforming to Building or Electrical Codes of the city are prohibited.
- No more than two sign structural supports with a width/diameter over 12 inches are permitted in the sight triangle at corner intersections (between 2 and 8 feet above street crown).
- No sign (except wall-mounted) may be constructed without the ability to withstand wind loads of at least 40 pounds per square foot.
- No person may allow a sign to constitute a hazard to health or safety by reason of dilapidation or improper maintenance.

## Signs exempt from permit in Bethany

- Changing the copy on a legal sign does not require compliance with the chapter.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure – unless a structural change is made – are exempt.
- Historic words or symbols are exempt.
- Noncommercial holiday signs and decorations are exempt.
- Signs erected by a governmental body (federal, state, county, municipality) are exempt.
- Signs providing direction or instruction, located entirely on the lot they serve, not advertising a business, and not exceeding four square feet are exempt from permits.
- One construction sign per project (subject to area, location, removal, and timing limits) is exempt from permits.
- Flags, emblems, or insignia of any government are exempt from permits.
- Non-commercial, public interest signs required by law or by a public officer are exempt from permits.
- Memorial signs or tablets integral to building names, when part of the building or cast in metal, are exempt from permits.
- Political signs (with time limitations before/after elections) are exempt from permits.
- One real estate sign per lot frontage, not illuminated and limited in size, is exempt from permits.
- Garage sale signs up to three square feet each, following specific posting/removal limits and not posted on public property, are exempt from permits.
- Community promotional banners on street light standards authorized by the City Manager are exempt from permits.
- Signs for daily specials (such as menu boards or A-frames), within 15 feet of the entrance and not impeding sidewalk circulation, do not require a permit but must be removed at close of business each day.
- Adhesive window advertising does not require sign permit approval if confined to window/door glass surfaces.
- Temporary signs for open houses (meeting location, size, height, timing, and safety criteria) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Real estate signage (for sale/rent/lease advertisement of the property on which it is located) does not require a permit if complying with regulations.
- Traffic control and informational signs erected by governmental agencies are exempt from permit requirements.
- Community event signs as authorized by the city are exempt from permit requirements.
- Window signs and signs inside the business interior are exempt from permit requirements.
- Temporary signs advertising a construction company or new business "coming soon" (subject to location, area, height, number, and timing limits) are exempt from certain temporary sign requirements and do not require a permit.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A site plan and elevation drawing of the proposed sign must be submitted with applications for a sign permit.
- Each application for a sign permit must include the type and size of the sign, wind-load specifications and calculations, the materials, height, and information to be displayed.
- Sign permits must be approved in writing by the City Building Inspector.
- For electronic message center (EMC) signs, applicants may be required to submit a photometric plan signed and sealed by an Oklahoma licensed engineer showing candela output at the time of application.
- Permit applications for electronic message centers must include manufacturer's specifications for dimming methods.
- Building-mounted signs that project higher than the eave or parapet line require approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
- Shopping center or mall development identification signs and multiple-tenant freestanding signs must accommodate space for secondary tenants; this may require a coordinated sign plan as part of site planning, although no "master sign plan" is specifically referenced.
- Permit applications for new signs generally require submission of supporting site plans and design information to the City Building Inspector.
- No explicit master sign plan or sign program process is stated, but detailed plans with tenant allocations are required for multi-tenant freestanding and development identification signs.

## 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 6 zoning districts in Bethany — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Bethany+OK&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-bethany

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