Sign Regulations in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach, Oregon has specific sign regulations covering 13 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Window 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 21, 2025

Sign Regulation Overview for Cannon Beach, Oregon

Sample Sign Requirements in Cannon Beach

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Freestanding, Projecting, or Awning Sign16 ft (measured from grade)
Freestanding Sign16 ft24 sq ft per sign
Wall Sign24 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage (whichever less)

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for Cannon BeachFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

13

  • Wall Sign
  • Projecting Sign
  • Window Sign
  • Temporary Sign
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

5

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Cannon Beach

Municipal Code1 permit application link available

Frequently Asked Questions

In Cannon Beach, monument signs are limited to 16 ft (measured from grade). 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 Cannon Beach, 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 Cannon Beach, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Window Sign, Temporary 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 Cannon Beach 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 Cannon Beach are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cannon Beach has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Cannon Beach, Oregon Sign Rules at a Glance

Cannon Beach, Oregon regulates 13 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Limited Commercial (C1), General Commercial (C2), Residential Motel (RM) zoning district are capped at 16 ft tall and 24 sq ft per sign (Sec. §17.62.040.A.2; §17.62.060; §17.62.030). Most commercial signs in Cannon Beach require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cannon Beach, Oregon

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cannon Beach (5 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones516 ft (measured from grade)
Limited Commercial (C1), General Commercial (C2), Residential Motel (RM)816 ft24 sq ft per sign
Manufactured Dwelling and Recreational Vehicle Park (MP), Park Management (PK), Institutional (IN), Open Space/Recreational (OSR)816 ft24 sq ft
Residential Very Low Density (RVL), Lower Density (RL), Moderate Density Residential (R1), Medium Density Residential (R2), High Density Residential (R3), Residential Alternative/Manufactured Dwelling (RAM)64 sq ft per sign
1 more zone in PermitPal — start free

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cannon Beach(sample of 3 of 5 zones)

Limited Commercial (C1), General Commercial (C2), Residential Motel (RM)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Freestanding Sign16 ft24 sq ft per sign1 per site frontageOn site frontage; subject to general placement/clearance regs.Unlock§17.62.040.A.2; §17.62.060; §17.62.030
Wall Sign24 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage (whichever less)1 per building frontageOn building frontageUnlock§17.62.040.A.3; §17.62.060; §17.62.030
Projecting Sign16 ft (general max for projecting signs)24 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage (whichever less)1 per building frontageOn building frontageUnlock§17.62.040.A.4; §17.62.030.B, E.6, I
Awning Sign16 ft (awing, like projecting/freestanding)24 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage (whichever less)1 per building frontageOn awning, attached to buildingUnlock§17.62.040.A.4; §17.62.030.B, I
Window Sign24 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage (whichever less)1 per building frontageWindowUnlock§17.62.040.A.4; §17.62.030.I
Temporary SignUnlock§17.62.040.A.4
Incidental SignUnlock§17.62.040.A.4
Lawn SignUnlock§17.62.040.A.4

Manufactured Dwelling and Recreational Vehicle Park (MP), Park Management (PK), Institutional (IN), Open Space/Recreational (OSR)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Freestanding Sign16 ft24 sq ft1 per siteUnlock§17.62.040.B.2; §17.62.060; §17.62.030
Wall Sign24 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage1 per building frontageBuilding frontageUnlock§17.62.040.B.3, §17.62.030, §17.62.060
Projecting Sign16 ft (general)24 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage (whichever less)1 per building frontageOn building frontageUnlock§17.62.040.B.4, §17.62.030, §17.62.060
Awning Sign16 ft (general)24 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage (whichever less)1 per building frontageOn awningUnlock§17.62.040.B.4, §17.62.030, §17.62.060
Window Sign24 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage (whichever less)1 per building frontageWindowUnlock§17.62.040.B.4, §17.62.030, §17.62.060
Temporary SignUnlock§17.62.040.B.4
Incidental SignUnlock§17.62.040.B.4
Lawn SignUnlock§17.62.040.B.4

Residential Very Low Density (RVL), Lower Density (RL), Moderate Density Residential (R1), Medium Density Residential (R2), High Density Residential (R3), Residential Alternative/Manufactured Dwelling (RAM)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Incidental Sign2 sq ft1Unlock§17.62.040.C.2.a
Temporary Sign4 sq ft per signMax 2 (temp+lawn)Unlock§17.62.040.C.2.b
Lawn Sign4 sq ft per signMax 2 (temp+lawn)Unlock§17.62.040.C.2.b
Wall SignOn buildingUnlock§17.62.040.C.2.c
Projecting SignOn buildingUnlock§17.62.040.C.2.c
Window SignWindowUnlock§17.62.040.C.2.c

PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Cannon Beach — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

See all 5 zones for Cannon Beach — start free

Prohibited Signs in Cannon Beach

  • No sign may be erected unless it conforms with the regulations of this chapter.
  • No freestanding, projecting, or awning sign, including supporting structures, shall be more than 16 feet in height.
  • No sign may be located within a vision clearance area as defined in the ordinance.
  • When a sign extends over a private vehicle area, the bottom of the sign structure shall be at least 14 feet above the ground.
  • When a sign extends over areas accessible to pedestrians, the bottom of the sign structure shall be at least eight feet above the grade, with specific exception for signs near doorways placed no lower than the lowest point of the structural element.
  • Signs shall project no more than two feet into a public right-of-way.
  • The maximum sign letter height shall be 12 inches.
  • Signs or sign supporting structures shall not be located so as to detract from a motorist's view of traffic or traffic signs.
  • All signs shall be designed and located to prevent casting glare or direct light from artificial illumination onto streets and surrounding property.
  • Signs that contain flashing elements are prohibited.
  • Signs that contain moving, rotating, or otherwise animated parts are prohibited.
  • Signs that contain luminescent, fluorescent, or phosphorescent paints or paper (including day-glo, hot, or neon) are prohibited.
  • Signs that contain neon-type lighting, including such signs within a building visible from the street, are prohibited.
  • Signs that are internally lighted are prohibited.
  • Signs placed so that the sign extends above a flat roof or the ridge of a pitched roof are prohibited.
  • In certain zones (C1, C2, RM, MP, OSR, IN, PK), devices such as pennants, streamers, spinners, windsocks, kites, or similar air-moved devices are prohibited—these devices are also prohibited when not part of a sign.
  • A public address system, sound system, or similar device installed outside a building and audible from a public street or adjacent property is prohibited.
  • Sandwich board signs are prohibited.
  • Reader board signs are prohibited.
  • Bench signs are prohibited.
  • Wall graphics are prohibited.
  • Permanent signs are not allowed on undeveloped sites.

Exempt Signs in Cannon Beach

  • Signs, other than neon signs, within a building not intended to be visible from the exterior of the building.
  • Signs legally erected in a street right-of-way.
  • Building numbers required by Chapter 15.08.
  • Three flags of national or state governments.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cannon Beach

  • For the erection of any new permanent sign with a sign face area of four square feet or more, or alteration of the structure of an existing permanent sign in specified zones, a sign permit is required.
  • A scale drawing with specified details must be submitted to obtain a sign permit.
  • Freestanding signs are subject to review by the design review board as a nonhearing item.
  • Any variance to sign requirements requires planning commission approval and referral to the design review board if the variance is based on exceptional design, style, or circumstance.

Source: ecode360 municipal code