Sign Regulations in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
Nichols Hills, Oklahoma has specific sign regulations covering 31 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Ground Sign, Political Sign (Temporary). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
Sample Sign Requirements in Nichols Hills
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street |
| Public Issue Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street |
| For Sale or Rent Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
31
- Freestanding Sign
- Ground Sign
- Political Sign (Temporary)
- Public Issue Sign (Temporary)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Nichols Hills
Other Cities in Oklahoma
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Nichols Hills 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 Nichols Hills, 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 Nichols Hills, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Ground Sign, Political Sign (Temporary), Public Issue Sign (Temporary), 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 Nichols Hills 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 Nichols Hills are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Nichols Hills has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Nichols Hills Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Nichols Hills, Oklahoma sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Nichols Hills, Oklahoma Sign Rules at a Glance
Nichols Hills, Oklahoma regulates 31 sign types across 11 zoning districts. For Sale or Rent Sign (Temporary)s in the E-1 Estate District, E-2 Urban Estate District, R-1-75 Single-Family Residential District, R-1-60 Single-Family Residential District, R-2 Two-Family Residential District, R-3 Multiple-Family Residential District zoning district are capped at 44 inches tall and 5 sq ft, with a Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street setback (Sec. Sec. 50-329(a)(3)a, (b)-(e), Sec. 50-330). Most commercial signs in Nichols Hills require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Nichols Hills (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 Estate District, E-2 Urban Estate District, R-1-75 Single-Family Residential District, R-1-60 Single-Family Residential District, R-2 Two-Family Residential District, R-3 Multiple-Family Residential District | 9 | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | — |
| R-3 Multiple-Family Residential District, U-4 Church District, C-1 Office District, C-2 Retail Business District | 1 | — | — | — |
| U-4 Church District | 1 | 6 feet (ground sign only) | 24 sq ft | — |
| C-1 Office District | 3 | 6 feet | 6 sq ft | — |
| C-2 Retail Business District | 2 | 6 ft (Ground Sign) | 40 sq ft (Ground Sign) | — |
| South Plaza Commercial Sign District | 7 | 30 ft above grade level | 700 sq ft | — |
| North Plaza Commercial Sign District | 6 | 25 ft | 175 sq ft per side | — |
| ABC-O Alcoholic Beverage Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
| PUD Planned Unit Development District | 1 | — | — | — |
| TC Town Center Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Nichols Hills(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
E-1 Estate District, E-2 Urban Estate District, R-1-75 Single-Family Residential District, R-1-60 Single-Family Residential District, R-2 Two-Family Residential District, R-3 Multiple-Family 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | — | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street | — | Must be wholly on private property by/with owner's permission, set back at least 10 feet from curb line or street edge | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-329(a)(1), (b)-(d), Sec. 50-330 |
| Public Issue Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | — | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street | — | Wholly on private property, set back at least 10 feet from curb or street edge | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-329(a)(2), (b)-(d), Sec. 50-330 |
| For Sale or Rent Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | — | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street | 1 per property | Wholly on private property, set back at least 10 feet from curb or street edge | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-329(a)(3)a, (b)-(e), Sec. 50-330 |
| Contractor Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | — | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street | 1 per property | Wholly on private property, set back at least 10 feet from curb or street edge | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-329(a)(3)b, (b)-(e), Sec. 50-330 |
| Family Event Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | — | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street | — | On private property, must meet setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-329(a)(3)c, (b)-(e), Sec. 50-330 |
| Temporary Holiday, Athletic or School Spirit Sign | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | — | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street | — | On private property, must meet setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-329(a)(3)d, (b)-(e), Sec. 50-330 |
| Open House Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | — | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street | 1 per property | On private property only where open house is held, not on other properties or ROW, must meet setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-329(a)(4), (b)-(e), Sec. 50-330 |
| Garage Sale Sign (Temporary) | 44 inches | 5 sq ft | — | Min. 10 feet from curb/edge of street | 1 per property | On property, not in ROW, must meet setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-329(a)(5), (b)-(e), Sec. 50-330 |
South Plaza Commercial Sign 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 | Not exceeding surface attached to | 445 sq ft | Not exceeding surface attached to | — | 1 per lineal foot of street frontage | On building wall, must comply with extension/clearance rules | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-336(1)a-f |
| Roof Sign | Not above highest point of roof | 445 sq ft | Not exceeding width of surface attached to | — | 1 per lineal foot of street frontage | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-336(2) |
| Freestanding Sign | 20-50 ft (based on frontage: 0-100ft: 20ft, 101-200ft: 30ft, 201-300ft: 40ft; above 300ft: 1ft per 40ft of frontage to max 50ft) | 700 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lineal foot of street frontage | NW 63rd St (Western Ave to 150 ft east of Grand Blvd), Western Ave (63rd to Avondale Dr) | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-336(3) |
| Ground Sign | 8 ft | 128 sq ft per side | — | — | 4 Avondale Dr, 4 NW 63rd, 1 Western Ave | Plaza area streets as listed (see text) | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-336(4) |
| Parapet Sign | 30 ft above grade level | 700 sq ft | — | — | — | Buildings fronting on NW 63rd St, from 250 to 450 ft west of NW 63rd and Western Ave intersection | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-336(5) |
| Identification Name Plate Sign (Retail) | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-336(6)a.1 |
| Identification Name Plate Sign (Non-retail) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-336(6)a.2 |
North Plaza Commercial Sign 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 175 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 | Western Ave between 150 and 185 ft south of NE corner of North Plaza Commercial Sign District | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-337(1) |
| Ground Sign | 8 ft | 128 sq ft per side per sign | — | — | 2 | North side of Avondale Dr, within district, not closer than 150 ft to NW corner | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-337(2) |
| Identification Name Plate Sign (Retail/Food Service) | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-337(3)a.1 |
| Identification Name Plate Sign (Non-retail/Non-food) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-337(3)a.2 |
| Wall Sign (Retail/Restaurant First Floor) | Not above wall mounted | 50 sq ft (retail/restaurant); 70 sq ft (shopping center id) | — | — | 2 (shopping center); retail/restaurant: 1 per elevation | Facade of business or shopping center within district (retail/restaurant first floor or shopping center) | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-337(4) |
| Walkway Sign | — | 5 sq ft per side | — | — | — | Installed immediately below ceiling of canopy, perpendicular to storefront | — | Unlock | Sec. 50-337(5) |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Nichols Hills — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Nichols Hills — start freeProhibited Signs in Nichols Hills
- Signs that are visible from the street or public way are prohibited in estate and residential zoning districts, except as expressly allowed.
- No billboard, signboard, portable sign, inflatable sign, flashing sign, trailer-mounted sign, flag sign, banners, or streamers shall be permitted in U-4 Church, C-1 Office, and C-2 Retail Business Districts.
- No sign, except those placed by the City, shall be located on public property or on or extending over street right-of-way, including utility poles and sidewalks.
- Signs painted onto or fastened to trees in public places are prohibited.
- In the U-4 Church District, electronic message display signs, internally illuminated signs, neon signs, and animated, dissolving, fading, scrolling, or traveling signs are prohibited.
- In all districts where Accessory Signs are allowed, it is a violation to install or use a sign in any way not consistent with the applicable Sign Permit or to violate the terms of the sign permit.
- Abandoned accessory signs must be removed or brought into compliance within ten days after notice.
- At the time of business termination, all accessory signs must be removed from public view within 30 days, unless the panel is immediately replaced by a blank if a new business is imminent.
- Accessory signs that are damaged, unsafe, or dilapidated must be repaired or removed by the owner within ten days after notice.
- All freestanding signs shall only be permitted where they will not interfere with traffic sight lines as determined by the City.
- Roof signs are generally prohibited except in certain commercial districts with specific allowances.
- No sign may be installed or maintained in a manner that constitutes a nuisance or violates any provision of the sign code.
- Accessory signs may not be used, installed, or maintained in a manner that is prohibited by Division 10; a sign maintained in such a manner is declared a nuisance.
- Graffiti on an accessory sign must be removed within ten days.
Exempt Signs in Nichols Hills
- Flags, pennants, or insignia of any nation, association of nations, state, city, or other political unit are not considered 'signs' and are exempt.
- House number signs (maximum two per property) are allowed in all estate and residential districts.
- Political signs related to elections and signs expressing a view or opinion on a public issue are allowed in all estate and residential districts without a sign permit.
- Temporary signs for family events, holidays, athletic or school spirit, garage sales, and contractor identification (subject to removal and area limits) are allowed in estate and residential districts.
- In residential districts, one 'for sale' or 'for rent' sign, one contractor sign, one 'open house' sign (only during specified times), and one 'garage sale' sign (only on sale days) are allowed without a sign permit.
- Accessory signs in R-3, U-4, C-1, and C-2 require a sign permit (conditional use); other specific sign types are not regulated (see above for exemptions).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Nichols Hills
- Accessory signs are a conditional use allowed in certain districts (R-3, U-4, C-1, C-2) and require a sign permit (which is a conditional use permit) issued by the City pursuant to Division 2, Article IV.
- Applicants for accessory signs in commercial and higher density residential districts may have their application referred to the Planning Commission and City Council for public hearings before a permit is granted.
- In some districts and circumstances, the Code Official is authorized to impose conditions on issuance of sign permits, including to address health, safety, aesthetics, and compliance with neighboring uses.
- Master sign plans are not mentioned by name but sign plans and sign permitting are generally required for all non-exempt signs in applicable districts.
- No sign permit is required in estate and residential districts for signs that are expressly exempted (political, public issue, house number, for sale/rent, open house, contractor, family event, garage sale, holiday, or school spirit signs), so long as area, quantity, height, and duration limits are met.
Source: municode municipal code