# Sign Regulations in Bristol, Rhode Island

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Bristol, Rhode Island (RI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/rhode-island/bristol
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-07
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/RI/Bristol/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIVCO_CH16MOVETR_ARTIIISISIMA)

## At a glance

Bristol, Rhode Island regulates 22 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Residential zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 6 sq ft, with a Minimum 5 ft from all lot lines setback (Sec. Table 1; Sec. 28-373(b)(4), 28-378). Most commercial signs in Bristol require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential | 15 | 10 ft | 9 sq ft | — |
| Downtown, Waterfront, Limited Business | 17 | 10 ft | 20 sq ft | — |
| General Business, Manufacturing | 16 | 12 ft | 20 sq ft | — |
| Public Institutional | 5 | 10 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
| Historic District | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |

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

### Residential

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Primary - Vertical) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use or occupancy for any nonresidential use allowed by right or special use permit | Facing the main street | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Wall Sign (Primary - Horizontal) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use or occupancy for any nonresidential use allowed by right or special use permit | Facing the main street | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Wall Sign (Secondary - Vertical) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One additional wall sign if on corner lot | Facing a second street (corner lots only) | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Wall Sign (Secondary - Horizontal) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | One additional wall sign if on corner lot | Facing a second street (corner lots only) | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Window Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | See general sign number rules | Painted directly inside the window | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | See general sign number rules | Supported by a building wall, projects from the wall | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from all lot lines | Only one per lot, if area in front of a building allows | Self-supporting, not attached to building or fence, fixed location | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373(b)(4), 28-378 |
| On-Site Construction Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | At least 1/2 the building setback | No more than 1 per contractor | On the building or property under construction | — | Table 1 |

### Downtown, Waterfront, Limited Business

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Primary - Vertical) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | See general sign number rules | Facing the main street | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Wall Sign (Primary - Horizontal) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | See general sign number rules | Facing the main street | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Wall Sign (Secondary - Vertical) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One additional wall sign if on corner lot | Facing a second street (corner lots only) | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Wall Sign (Secondary - Horizontal) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One additional wall sign if on corner lot | Facing a second street (corner lots only) | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Window Sign | — | Not to exceed 10% of window area | — | — | See general sign number rules | Painted directly inside the window | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from all lot lines | Only one per lot, if area in front allows, in lieu of projecting sign | Self-supporting, not attached to building or fence, fixed location | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373(b)(4), 28-378 |
| Portable Sign - Type B (A-Frame/Sandwich Board) by Commercial Businesses | 3.5 ft | 7 sq ft | 2.5 ft | — | No more than one per property | Sidewalk in front of business | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-374 |
| On-Site Construction Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from street, or affixed to building | No more than 1 per contractor | On building or property | — | Table 1 |

### General Business, Manufacturing

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Primary - Vertical) | — | 15 sq ft; may increase 25% for each 100 ft of building setback from the street | — | — | Per general sign number rules | Facing the main street | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Wall Sign (Primary - Horizontal) | — | 15 sq ft; may increase 25% for each 100 ft of building setback from the street | — | — | Per general sign number rules | Facing the main street | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Wall Sign (Secondary - Vertical) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | One additional wall sign if on corner lot | Facing a second street (corner lots only) | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Wall Sign (Secondary - Horizontal) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | One additional wall sign if on corner lot | Facing a second street (corner lots only) | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Window Sign | — | Not to exceed 15% of window area | — | — | Per general sign number rules | Painted directly inside the window | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373, 28-378 |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft | 15 sq ft (plaza name); 8 sq ft (each business name) | — | Min. 10 ft from lot lines; 50 ft from residential zones | Only one per lot, if area allows, in lieu of projecting sign | Not attached to building, fixed location | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-373(b)(4), 28-378 |
| Portable Sign - Type B (A-Frame/Sandwich Board) by Commercial Businesses | 3.5 ft | 7 sq ft | 2.5 ft | — | Max 1 per property | On property, in compliance with Sec. 28-374 | — | Table 1; Sec. 28-374 |
| On-Site Construction Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | At least 1/2 building setback | No more than 1 per contractor | On building or property | — | Table 1 |

## Prohibited signs in Bristol

- Billboards shall not be constructed, posted or erected in any zone.
- Flashing signs, signs with an intermittent or flashing light source, signs containing moving parts, and signs containing reflective elements which sparkle or twinkle in the sunlight are not permitted.
- Electronic message center, a variable message sign that utilizes computer-generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy are not permitted.
- Temporary inflatable signs or inflatable objects displayed as a form of advertising are not permitted.
- Any sign advertising or identifying a business or organization which is either defunct or no longer located on the premises are not permitted; such signs must be removed within 30 days of business or organization closing or moving, unless they are landmark signs.
- Signs shall not use the words 'stop', 'caution', or 'danger'; shall not incorporate red, amber, green, or blue lights resembling traffic signals or emergency vehicles; and/or shall not resemble 'stop' or 'yield' signs in shape or color, except for traffic, regulatory, or informational signs.
- Portable signs Type (a) as defined in article I (signs mounted on chassis and wheels or sail flag banners that are ground mounted) are not permitted.
- Any off-premises sign is not permitted, except open house real estate signs.
- Signs affixed to, or painted on, any parked vehicle which is not registered or not roadworthy are not permitted.
- Signs are not to be illuminated directly or indirectly between one hour after the closing of the business and 6:00 a.m. unless the premises is open for business during such hours.
- Signs shall not be erected or affixed to a utility pole, traffic or regulating sign, tree, shrub, rock or other natural object.
- No sign shall extend more than five feet above the roof line of the main use except in the federally designated downtown historic district, where no sign shall extend above the roof line.
- Wall and projecting signs shall not extend beyond the ends of the wall to which they are attached except on corner lots where a primary and secondary street sign meet at right angles.
- Signs shall not cover architectural details such as arches, sills, moldings, cornices and transom windows.
- Signs shall not be placed in any manner which impedes vision or obstructs access to any street, sidewalk, driveway, off-street parking or loading facility or any other required access.
- Signs shall not extend over any street or public right-of-way without prior approval of the town administrator.
- Signs shall not be placed within the 'site triangle' as stated in section 28-144.
- No sign may be erected or maintained which is structurally unsafe.
- No sign may be erected or maintained which constitutes a hazard to public safety and health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment.
- No sign may be erected or maintained which obstructs free entrance or exit from a required door, window or fire escape.
- No sign may be erected or maintained which obstructs light or air or interferes with proper functioning of the building.
- No sign may be erected or maintained which is capable of causing electric shock.
- No sign may be erected or maintained which blocks pedestrian or vehicular rights-of-way or access.

## Signs exempt from permit in Bristol

- Signs erected or posted and maintained for public safety and welfare or pursuant to any governmental function, law, ordinance or other regulation.
- Information and directional signs containing no advertising to direct traffic flow, indicate parking spaces, identify points of interest, or provide other essential information to guide vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow.
- Signs relating to trespassing and hunting, not exceeding two square feet in area.
- One real estate sign, no larger than six square feet in area in residential district and no larger than 32 square feet in other zoning districts, advertising only the property on which the sign is located; must be removed within 30 days of the sale, rental, or lease.
- Open house real estate signs when not exceeding six square feet and erected only one day out of every seven days.
- A memorial sign or tablet, or a sign indicating the name of a building or the date of its erection.
- Time/temperature clocks when bearing no commercial advertising and not exceeding two square feet in surface area.
- Flags of all nations, states, counties, towns and cities when flown in compliance with the U.S. Flag Code and flags and buntings exhibited to commemorate national patriotic holidays.
- Political signs associated with an official election or referendum provided that such signs are located on private property.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A directory sign may be required where two or more structures are located on the same or contiguous lots, owned and operated as a unit, or where a number of commercial or industrial uses share a common entrance (building or driveway).
- All signs in the historic district must be reviewed and approved by the historic district commission for design and scale in relation to the building.
- It is unlawful to erect, display, alter or enlarge any sign without first obtaining a permit from the building inspector except for exempt signs.
- Sign permit applications must include scale drawings of proposed signs, their dimensions, materials, placement, and, if applicable, written approval from the historic district commission.
- No sign permit is required for exempt signs as listed, except in the historic district.
- Failure of the building inspector to act on a permit, or permit denial, may be appealed to the zoning board of appeals.
- If a nonconforming sign is replaced, the new sign must comply with all current provisions and is no longer legal nonconforming.
- A permit is not required for an A-frame sign.

## 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 Bristol — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Bristol+RI&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-bristol

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