Sign Regulations in Carlton, Oregon
Carlton, Oregon has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign (Temporary), Political Sign (Temporary), Portable or Other Temporary Sign (General). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Carlton, Oregon
Sample Sign Requirements in Carlton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Political Sign (Temporary) | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Portable or Other Temporary Sign (General) | — | 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Real Estate Sign (Temporary)
- Political Sign (Temporary)
- Portable or Other Temporary Sign (General)
- Balloon Sign (Temporary, General)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Carlton
Other Cities in Oregon
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Carlton 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 Carlton, 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 Carlton, regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign (Temporary), Political Sign (Temporary), Portable or Other Temporary Sign (General), Balloon Sign (Temporary, General), 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 Carlton 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 Carlton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Carlton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Carlton, Oregon Sign Rules at a Glance
Carlton, Oregon regulates 19 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Single-Family/Duplex Residential Use)s in the AH, R-1, R-2, PF, MH, MX, R-3 zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 6 sq ft (total per property), with a Where fences are allowed setback (Sec. 17.80.060.B.1, 17.80.060.C, 17.80.060.D, 17.80.060.E, 17.80.070.A). Most commercial signs in Carlton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Carlton, Oregon
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Carlton (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | — | 75 sq ft (cumulative per lot) | — |
| AH, R-1, R-2, PF, MH, MX, R-3 | 6 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft (total per property) | — |
| Commercial Business (CB), Commercial Industrial (CI), Downtown (D), General Industrial (GI) | 6 | Up to 20 ft above ground; not above eave line | 10% of building face facing street | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Carlton
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 (2 for corner lots) | On premises for sale/rent/lease | — | Unlock | 17.80.040.B.1 |
| Political Sign (Temporary) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.80.040.B.2 |
| Portable or Other Temporary Sign (General) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.80.040.B.3 |
| Balloon Sign (Temporary, General) | — | — | 24 inch diameter (cumulative) | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.80.040.B.4 |
| Directional/Informational Sign (Non-Advertising) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | For restrooms, phones, walkways, etc. | — | Unlock | 17.80.040.D |
| Flag | — | 75 sq ft (cumulative per lot) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.80.040.E |
| Government Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.80.040.C, 17.80.040.K |
AH, R-1, R-2, PF, MH, MX, R-3
| 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 (Single-Family/Duplex Residential Use) | — | 6 sq ft (total per property) | — | — | Combination allowed as long as area/height is not exceeded | On property/building | — | Unlock | 17.80.060.B.1, 17.80.070.A, 17.80.060.E |
| Freestanding Sign (Single-Family/Duplex Residential Use) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft (total per property) | — | Where fences are allowed | Combination allowed as long as area/height is not exceeded | Where fences are allowed | — | Unlock | 17.80.060.B.1, 17.80.060.C, 17.80.060.D, 17.80.060.E, 17.80.070.A |
| Wall Sign (Multi-Family Use) | — | 24 sq ft (total per property) | — | — | Combination allowed as long as area/height is not exceeded | On property/building | — | Unlock | 17.80.060.B.2, 17.80.070.A, 17.80.060.E |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-Family Use) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft (total per property) | — | Where fences are allowed | Combination allowed as long as area/height is not exceeded | Where fences are allowed | — | Unlock | 17.80.060.B.2, 17.80.060.C, 17.80.060.D, 17.80.060.E, 17.80.070.A |
| Wall Sign (Public/Semi-Public Use) | — | 32 sq ft (total per property) | — | — | Combination allowed as long as area/height is not exceeded | On property/building | — | Unlock | 17.80.060.B.3, 17.80.070.A, 17.80.060.E |
| Freestanding Sign (Public/Semi-Public Use) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft (total per property) | — | Where fences are allowed | Combination allowed as long as area/height is not exceeded | Where fences are allowed | — | Unlock | 17.80.060.B.3, 17.80.060.C, 17.80.060.D, 17.80.060.E, 17.80.070.A |
Commercial Business (CB), Commercial Industrial (CI), Downtown (D), General Industrial (GI)
| 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 20 ft above ground; not above eave line | 10% of building face facing street | — | — | Quota per frontage; each street frontage allowed separate quota | Attached to building; not roof | — | Unlock | 17.80.100.B.1, 17.80.090, 17.80.120.A |
| Awning Sign | — | 10% of awning area | — | — | — | Awning on building | — | Unlock | 17.80.100.B.2, 17.80.090, 17.80.120.A |
| Projecting Sign | — | 5% of building face facing street | — | — | — | Projecting from building | — | Unlock | 17.80.100.B.3, 17.80.090, 17.80.080.F, 17.80.120.A |
| Freestanding Sign (Monument) | 4 ft above eave line; not over 20 ft above ground | 1 sq ft per linear ft of frontage OR 50 sq ft (lesser) per street | — | Must meet side/front yard setbacks if within 75 ft of residentially zoned property | One per street frontage | On-site, separated for each street frontage | — | Unlock | 17.80.100.B.5, 17.80.100.C, 17.80.090, 17.80.120.A |
| Sidewalk/Sandwich Board Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft per side | 2 ft | — | One per business entrance | Within adjacent public ROW along business frontage or private property by approval; not in sidewalk bulb-out or traffic sightlines | — | Unlock | 17.80.080.D |
| Suspended Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | Suspended from underside of horizontal surface | — | Unlock | 17.80.080.F |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Carlton are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Carlton
- Portable signs within the public right-of-way, except for sidewalk or sandwich board signs that comply with Section 17.80.080(D).
- Signs that emit odor, visible matter, or sound, except intercom systems for customer service in vehicles.
- Signs that use or employ side guy lines of any type.
- Signs that obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening used as a means of egress.
- Signs closer than twenty-four (24) inches horizontally or vertically from any overhead power line or public utility guy wire.
- No vehicle or trailer shall be parked on public right-of-way or property, or private property visible from the right-of-way, with attached signs for the primary purpose of advertising or directing people, unless the vehicle is primarily used for business purposes other than advertising.
- Rotating/revolving signs, except by conditional use permit.
- Flashing signs.
- Private signs that project into public rights-of-way, except signs under a canopy that project over a public sidewalk at least eight (8) feet above the sidewalk.
- Signs that obstruct required vision clearance area or the view of official traffic control signs and approaching or merging traffic, or which present a traffic hazard.
- Signs that interfere with, imitate, or resemble any official traffic control sign, signal or device, emergency lights, or appears to direct traffic, such as a beacon light.
- Signs attached to any pole, post, utility pole, or otherwise placed in the public right-of-way.
- Signs or sign structures placed on or over private property without the written consent of the owner or agent.
- Pennants, banner signs and streamers except in nonresidential zones, and not exceeding a total of twelve (12) square feet.
- Billboard signs.
- Roof signs, except by variance.
- Signs attached to trees, shrubs, stones or fences.
- Bench signs, except as a conditional use or those designating donor(s).
- Any sign on unimproved property unless allowed as a real estate or temporary sign.
- Any illegible sign or sign that has twenty-five (25) percent or more of its surface destroyed, defaced or missing.
- Message signs, except by conditional use permit.
Exempt Signs in Carlton
- Re-painting, changes to the sign face or copy, and maintenance of signs legally existing on the effective date of the ordinance.
- Temporary real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet, used up to two (2) years without a permit, only one per lot except corner lots which may have two.
- Political signs not exceeding six (6) square feet, used up to sixty (60) days prior and removed within seven (7) days after election.
- Portable signs and other temporary signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area.
- Balloons not exceeding a total cumulative diameter of twenty-four (24) inches.
- Signs posted by or under governmental authority including legal notices, traffic, danger, no trespassing, emergency and signs related to public services or safety.
- Directional or informational signs bearing no advertising message and not exceeding four (4) square feet in area.
- Flags with a total cumulative area not to exceed seventy-five (75) square feet per lot.
- Signs within a building.
- In a commercial or industrial zone, signs painted or hung on the inside of windows.
- Memorial signs or tablets and names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into or attached to the building surface.
- Signs placed by a public utility showing the location of underground facilities.
- Building or freestanding signs that display or reflect the history or character of Carlton, as approved by the City Council after recommendation by the Planning Commission.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Carlton
- For noncommercial zones, an application for a sign permit must include a sketch to scale indicating the proposed sign and identifying existing signs, location, graphic design, structural/mechanical design, and engineering data. (17.80.070(D))
- In commercial and industrial zones, an application for a sign permit must include names/addresses of applicant and sign company, location, scaled drawing (with mounting, materials, lighting, lettering style), scaled site plan showing building(s) and signs, and a scaled drawing of building faces to be signed. (17.80.120(D))
- All signs in commercial or industrial zones are subject to design review for appearance, arrangement, size, material, color and context. (17.80.130)
- Signs not meeting code standards may only be approved by variance, processed as per Chapter 17.148 and with special criteria for signs. (17.80.150)
- Conditional use permits are required for rotating/revolving or message signs and processed according to Chapter 17.156 and sign-specific criteria. (17.80.170)
- All sign construction or alteration requires a valid sign permit, unless the sign falls under listed exemptions. (17.80.070(A), 17.80.120(A))
- Owners of conforming or nonconforming signs existing as of adoption are not required to obtain a permit unless the sign is altered, expanded, or relocated. (17.80.070(B), 17.80.120(B))
- Directory signs may add, move, or substitute individual signs without requiring additional design review, as long as the design and original permit conditions are maintained. (17.80.110(C))
Source: municode municipal code