Sign Regulations in Springfield, Oregon
Springfield, Oregon has specific sign regulations covering 58 sign types across 16 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign - Single Business, Wall Sign, Freestanding 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 22, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Springfield, Oregon
Sample Sign Requirements in Springfield
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign - Home Occupation | — | 1.5 sq ft | — |
| Wall Sign - Multifamily/Facility/Complex | 20 ft | 8 sq ft (1 face) or 16 sq ft (total) | — |
| Freestanding Sign - Multifamily/Facility/Complex | 5 ft | 8 sq ft (1 face) or 16 sq ft (total) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for SpringfieldFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
58
- Wall Sign - Single Business
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall Sign - Second Story Businesses and Above
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
16
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Springfield
Municipal Code3 permit application links available
Other Cities in Oregon
Frequently Asked Questions
In Springfield, monument signs are limited to 5 ft. 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield, regulated sign types include Wall Sign - Single Business, Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign - Second Story Businesses and Above, 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 Springfield 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 Springfield are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Springfield has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Springfield, Oregon Sign Rules at a Glance
Springfield, Oregon regulates 58 sign types across 16 zoning districts. Freestanding Monument Sign - Major Entrances in the RiverBend Development District zoning district are capped at 16 ft tall, Lettering 60 sq ft per side; structure max 16 ft high x 70 ft long x 5 ft wide, and 5 ft wide (Sec. 8.268(2)(a)). Most commercial signs in Springfield require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Springfield, Oregon
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Springfield (16 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District | 7 | 20 ft | Up to 80 sq ft combined (max 3 signs) | — |
| Historic Overlay District | 4 | 20 ft | 8 sq ft (collector/arterial) or 4 sq ft (local); double-sided: 16 sq ft or 8 sq ft respectively | — |
| General Office | 3 | 12 ft | 100 sq ft (1 face), 200 sq ft (2+ faces) | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial (NC District) | 2 | 20 ft | 40 sq ft (1 face), 80 sq ft (2+ faces) | — |
| Community Commercial District (CC District), Major Retail Commercial District (MRC District) | 3 | 20 ft | 350 sq ft for all faces (max 4 signs) | — |
| Downtown Sign District | 9 | 12 ft (post/pole mounted; 8 ft min clearance) or 5 ft (monument) | 80 sq ft (1 face), 160 sq ft (2+ faces) | — |
| Booth Kelly Sign District | 3 | 30 ft (to bottom of sign) | 200 sq ft per business | — |
| I-5 Mall District | 8 | 50 ft | Total 1,000 sq ft; no single sign >400 sq ft | — |
| I-5 Commercial Sign District | 4 | 65 ft (must be installed at least 30 ft from grade to bottom of sign) | Max 350 sq ft (all faces; max 4 signs) | — |
| Light-Medium Industrial District, Special Heavy Industrial District | 3 | 30 ft | 350 sq ft for all faces (max 4 signs) | — |
| Billboard District | 1 | Installed at least 16 ft, max 30 ft to bottom of sign (45 ft at interchanges: I-105/I-5) | Max 14 ft x 48 ft (672 sq ft) or 10 ft x 30 ft (300 sq ft) per face | — |
| Public Land and Open Space District | 2 | 5 ft | 40 sq ft combined (max 3 signs) | — |
| Special Light Industrial District | 4 | 6 ft | 150 sq ft all faces (max 3 signs) | — |
| Sports Facility Sign District | 4 | 10 ft | 400 sq ft total; no sign >100 sq ft | — |
| RiverBend Development District | 6 | 16 ft | Lettering 60 sq ft per side; structure max 16 ft high x 70 ft long x 5 ft wide | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 12 inches | Max 60 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Springfield(sample of 3 of 16 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign - Home Occupation | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | Single-family or duplex dwellings with permitted home occupation | — | Unlock | 8.240(1) |
| Wall Sign - Multifamily/Facility/Complex | 20 ft | 8 sq ft (1 face) or 16 sq ft (total) | — | — | 1 per public vehicular entrance | At each public vehicular entrance | — | Unlock | 8.240(2) |
| Freestanding Sign - Multifamily/Facility/Complex | 5 ft | 8 sq ft (1 face) or 16 sq ft (total) | — | — | 1 per public vehicular entrance | At each public vehicular entrance | — | Unlock | 8.240(2) |
| Wall Sign - Non-Residential Professional Office | 8 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property (plus one extra for detached building) | On property | — | Unlock | 8.240(3) |
| Freestanding Sign - Non-Residential Professional Office | 8 ft | 16 sq ft (1 face); 32 sq ft (total) | — | — | 1 per property | On property | — | Unlock | 8.240(3) |
| Wall Sign - Institutional Use | 8 ft | Up to 80 sq ft combined (max 3 signs) | — | — | Max 3 per property, plus one extra for detached buildings | On property | — | Unlock | 8.240(4) |
| Freestanding Sign - Institutional Use | 8 ft | Up to 40 sq ft combined (max 2 signs) | — | — | Max 2 per property | On property | — | Unlock | 8.240(4) |
I-5 Mall 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 - Primary Entrance | — | Total 1,000 sq ft; no single sign >400 sq ft | — | — | — | At each primary entrance | — | Unlock | 8.254(1), (6) |
| Freestanding Sign - I-5 Abutting (Property >20 acres) | 50 ft | 700 sq ft (1 face); 1,400 sq ft (2+ faces) | — | — | 1 per qualifying property | Property >20 acres, closest to I-5 | — | Unlock | 8.254(2)(a), (6) |
| Freestanding Sign - Property >20 acres, secondary | 30 ft | 400 sq ft (1 face); 800 sq ft (2+ faces) | — | — | 1 (other than I-5 abutting sign) | Property >20 acres | — | Unlock | 8.254(2)(a), (6) |
| Freestanding Sign - Each Vehicular Entrance | 20 ft | 25 sq ft (all faces) | — | — | One per vehicular entrance | At each vehicular entrance | — | Unlock | 8.254(2)(b), (6) |
| Wall Sign - Anchor Tenant | — | 200 sq ft per principal building face | — | — | 1 per principal face | Each principal face of anchor tenant | — | Unlock | 8.254(3), (6) |
| Wall Sign - Second Story Business | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per structure | Second story business | — | Unlock | 8.254(4), (6) |
| Wall Sign - Tenants 20,000-49,999 sq ft | — | 100 sq ft per building face | — | — | 1 per principal face | Each principal face of tenant | — | Unlock | 8.254(5), (6) |
| Wall Sign - Additional Mall Wall Signs | — | No more than 100 sq ft per sign; 1,200 sq ft combined | — | — | Max 12 | Exterior mall wall | — | Unlock | 8.254(6) |
RiverBend Development 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 - Street Address ID only | — | — | — | — | — | Building(s) | — | Unlock | 8.268(1) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign - Major Entrances | 16 ft | Lettering 60 sq ft per side; structure max 16 ft high x 70 ft long x 5 ft wide | 5 ft | — | 2 per entrance | Each approved vehicular entrance from MLK Jr. Parkway | — | Unlock | 8.268(2)(a) |
| Freestanding Sign - Additional | 10 ft | Lettering 45 sq ft per side; structure max 10 ft high x 7 ft long x 3 ft wide | 3 ft | — | 1 | Additional allowed sign | — | Unlock | 8.268(2)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign - For each additional building | 7 ft | Lettering 30 sq ft per side; structure max 7 ft high x 12 ft long x 4 ft wide | 4 ft | — | 2 per building | At each additional building | — | Unlock | 8.268(2)(c) |
| Freestanding Sign - Additional | 9 ft | Lettering 50 sq ft per side; structure max 9 ft high x 40 ft long x 4 ft wide | 4 ft | — | 1 | One additional at owner design. location | — | Unlock | 8.268(2)(d) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign - Other | 16 ft | Lettering 16 sq ft per side; structure max 16 ft high x 5 ft long x 3 ft wide | 3 ft | — | 2 | At location designated by owner | — | Unlock | 8.268(2)(e) |
PermitPal covers all 16 zoning districts in Springfield. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Springfield
- No sign or sign structure shall be installed within a public utility easement.
- No sign or sign structure shall be installed within a five-foot setback from the property line.
- No sign shall be located within the vision clearance area as defined in the Springfield Development Code.
- All signs shall be located entirely on private property unless they are located in the downtown sign district where projection over the right-of-way is permitted with the appropriate insurance requirements.
- No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or standpipe.
- No sign shall obstruct any openings to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced below code requirements.
- No sign shall project within two feet of the curb line.
- The minimum clearance of all signs projecting over any portion of a vehicle use area shall be 16 feet.
- No sign or sign structure shall be installed within a public utility easement.
- No person shall erect, construct, alter or relocate any sign unless a permit has been obtained from the building official except as specified in section 8.234 (Exempt Signs).
- No sign shall be illuminated or use lighting where such lighting is directed at any portion of a traveled street or will otherwise cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle.
- Portable signs are prohibited unless allowed as per exemption or with a temporary sign permit.
- Rotating or flashing signs are prohibited (except approved electronic reader boards).
- Signs emitting audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Signs attached to any tree or public utility pole are prohibited.
- Signs viewable from the exterior of the property are not allowed to be attached to exterior fencing.
- Signs in the public right-of-way not authorized by a government agency are prohibited.
- Any sign blocking or creating confusion with a traffic control device is prohibited.
- Signs placed on or painted on a motor vehicle, trailer or manufactured home which is parked to provide additional signage not otherwise permitted are prohibited.
- All signs must comply with the design, wind, and seismic load standards set in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code and all other referenced codes.
- All signs must comply with material and anchorage standards of the code.
- No banner or sign as defined in section 3.223(1) may be placed in, upon, over or under the public right-of-way without a permit.
- Banners or signs placed in the public right-of-way must not create a hazard or interfere with pedestrian and/or vehicular travel.
- The shape, colors and appearance of banners or signs in the public right-of-way must not be similar to any traffic control device.
Exempt Signs in Springfield
- Changing of copy or face change on signs specifically designed to allow for this unless the sign face remains empty for a period of 90 days.
- Normal maintenance and repair of a sign structure or sign service equipment, not including structural changes, removal and replacement, copy changes or the addition of electrical wiring.
- Government signs required to be constructed, placed or maintained by government or to enforce a property owner's rights, and all signs erected by a public employee in the performance of a public duty.
- Under marquee signs attached to the underside of a marquee, within size restrictions.
- One sign with a sign face no larger than three square feet may be located on a property at any time.
- One temporary sign not larger than 32 square feet per face may be located on a property for a specific period around an election.
- Certain temporary wall signs and freestanding signs (with square footage and setback limitations) when a property is for sale or lease under specified conditions.
- One temporary sign with a sign face no larger than three square feet for residential property open to the public, limited days and occasions per year.
- Two temporary signs no larger than 32 square feet each during permitted construction activity.
- Signs (permanently or temporarily) attached to interior of a window or exterior door, or applied with paint/adhesive vinyl, in areas outside Downtown Sign District.
- Signs located within a stadium or athletic field intended for viewing primarily by persons within the stadium.
- Invisible signs intended primarily for interior viewing and not for public way or adjacent properties (subject to approval for outside locations).
- Neighborhood watch, drug free zone, business alert, and safe place signs located solely on private property, meeting area and placement requirements.
- Drive-up signs for drive-up transactions, subject to size, height, and location limits; up to two by exempt status.
- Parking lot signs for accessible parking and towing zones, meeting area and height requirements, and being permanently attached.
- Murals on walls in commercial, public land, or industrial zones.
- Special event signs allowed as part of an approved city special event license.
- A-frame (sandwich board) signs: up to two per business (non-residential), size and placement restrictions, on private property where practicable or per right-of-way and ADA guidelines, and only during business hours.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Springfield
- No reference to a master sign plan requirement or special sign plan in this excerpt.
- Sign permit applications require submittal of a scaled plot plan, photographs, elevation drawings for wall signs, and detailed descriptions of materials and attachment systems (Section 8.218).
- For freestanding or projecting signs over 20 feet in height, plans drawn by a registered engineer are required (Section 8.218(1)(d)).
- If the application is for a billboard, an approved Oregon state permit is required prior to erection (Section 8.218(1)(f)).
- Those wishing to erect a sign that is larger than authorized by this sign code or that is otherwise nonconforming may apply for a modification permit or variance (Section 8.238), which entails additional review.
- Historic District: Addition or alteration of a sign in the Historic Overlay District is reviewed by the historic commission during major or minor alteration to a historic landmark structure (Section 8.242).
- Alternative materials, designs, or methods of construction not prescribed by code require approval by the building official with a record of findings (Section 8.214).
- A separate electrical permit may be required for sign service equipment (Section 8.218).
Source: ecode360 municipal code