Sign Regulations in Tiverton, Rhode Island
Tiverton, Rhode Island has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign (Single-family subdivision identification), Wall Sign (Multifamily complex accessory office), Monument/Wall/Projecting/Pole Sign (Legal nonconforming use). Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Tiverton, Rhode Island
Sample Sign Requirements in Tiverton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign (Single-family subdivision identification) | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | Minimum 5 feet |
| Wall Sign (Multifamily complex accessory office) | Below roofline | 6 sq ft | Minimum 5 feet |
| Monument/Wall/Projecting/Pole Sign (Legal nonconforming use) | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | Minimum 5 feet |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
22
- Monument Sign (Single-family subdivision identification)
- Wall Sign (Multifamily complex accessory office)
- Monument/Wall/Projecting/Pole Sign (Legal nonconforming use)
- Freestanding Sign - Monument
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Tiverton
Other Cities in Rhode Island
Frequently Asked Questions
In Tiverton, wall signs can be up to Below roofline and monument signs are limited to 8 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 Tiverton, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Tiverton, regulated sign types include Monument Sign (Single-family subdivision identification), Wall Sign (Multifamily complex accessory office), Monument/Wall/Projecting/Pole Sign (Legal nonconforming use), Freestanding Sign - Monument, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Tiverton, monument signs typically require a Minimum 5 feet setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Tiverton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Tiverton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Tiverton, Rhode Island Sign Rules at a Glance
Tiverton, Rhode Island regulates 22 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Monument Sign (Single-family subdivision identification)s in the Residential districts zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 20 sq ft, with a Minimum 5 feet setback (Sec. Section 4.a.(1)).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Tiverton, Rhode Island
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Tiverton (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential districts | 3 | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | — |
| Commercial districts, Industrial districts | 10 | 20 ft | 80 sq ft | — |
| Shopping centers | 3 | Same as monument or pole sign (see above; 5 ft or 20 ft, depending on structure type) | 28 sq ft for center ID; each business: 8 sq ft (as part of the same structure) | — |
| Gasoline stations | 2 | — | 16 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 3 ft | 8 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Tiverton(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residential districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign (Single-family subdivision identification) | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 feet | One per entrance, max two per subdivision | At subdivision entrance | — | Unlock | Section 4.a.(1) |
| Wall Sign (Multifamily complex accessory office) | Below roofline | 6 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 feet | One per accessory management/rental office | On multifamily complex, below roofline | — | Unlock | Section 4.a.(2) |
| Monument/Wall/Projecting/Pole Sign (Legal nonconforming use) | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 feet | One | On site | — | Unlock | Section 4.a.(3) |
Commercial districts, Industrial districts
| 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 - Monument | 5 ft | 28 sq ft | — | 10 feet; 50 feet from residential district boundary | One per lot (single establishment) | Ground mounted, not attached to building | — | Unlock | Section 4.b.(2)(a), Section 7 |
| Freestanding Sign - Pole | 20 ft | 28 sq ft | — | 10 feet; 50 feet from residential district boundary | One per lot (single establishment) | Pole mounted, not attached to building | — | Unlock | Section 4.b.(2)(b), Section 7 |
| Wall Sign (0–25 ft Setback) | Below the roof ridge line and district height limit | 20 sq ft | — | 10 feet (lot setback) | Maximum of two per lot; each establishment in shopping centers may have one | Parallel to wall, facing street frontage; installed flat, not extending more than 12 inches from wall | — | Unlock | Section 4.b.(2)(c), Section 3.c, Section 7 |
| Wall Sign (26–49 ft Setback) | Below the roof ridge line and district height limit | 50 sq ft | — | 10 feet (lot setback) | Maximum of two per lot; each establishment in shopping centers may have one | Parallel to wall, facing street frontage; installed flat, not extending more than 12 inches from wall | — | Unlock | Section 4.b.(2)(c), Section 3.c, Section 7 |
| Wall Sign (50–99 ft Setback) | Below the roof ridge line and district height limit | 60 sq ft | — | 10 feet (lot setback) | Maximum of two per lot; each establishment in shopping centers may have one | Parallel to wall, facing street frontage; installed flat, not extending more than 12 inches from wall | — | Unlock | Section 4.b.(2)(c), Section 3.c, Section 7 |
| Wall Sign (100–149 ft Setback) | Below the roof ridge line and district height limit | 70 sq ft | — | 10 feet (lot setback) | Maximum of two per lot; each establishment in shopping centers may have one | Parallel to wall, facing street frontage; installed flat, not extending more than 12 inches from wall | — | Unlock | Section 4.b.(2)(c), Section 3.c, Section 7 |
| Wall Sign (150+ ft Setback) | Below the roof ridge line and district height limit | 80 sq ft | — | 10 feet (lot setback) | Maximum of two per lot; each establishment in shopping centers may have one | Parallel to wall, facing street frontage; installed flat, not extending more than 12 inches from wall | — | Unlock | Section 4.b.(2)(c), Section 3.c, Section 7 |
| Marquee Sign | Below the roof ridge line and district height limit | Follow wall sign regulations by setback | — | 10 feet (lot setback) | One per business establishment | Attached to building/marquee, facing street frontage | — | Unlock | Section 4.b.(2)(c), Section 3.c, Section 7 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign (Exempt) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On site, for direction | — | Unlock | Section 10.d |
| Point-of-Sale Sign (Exempt) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | One per point of sale | At point of sale window/area | — | Unlock | Section 10.i |
| Temporary On-site Real Estate Sign (Exempt) | — | 6 sq ft (residential), 24 sq ft (commercial/industrial) | — | — | One per property | On site (property for lease/sale) | — | Unlock | Section 10.o |
| "A" Frame Sign (Exempt, Commercial Zone) | 3 ft | 6 sq ft | 2 ft | — | One per business | Sidewalk display | — | Unlock | Section 10.q |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Tiverton — 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 Tiverton — start freeProhibited Signs in Tiverton
- Animated signs, electric signs, electronic message centers, and internally illuminated signs (including any sign that uses artificial illumination), except those used by government highway departments. Externally illuminated signs are permitted except as otherwise stated in the ordinance.
- Moving signs, including pennants, flags with commercial messages, streamers, propellers, discs, and searchlights.
- Flashing signs, including any sign with flashing, blinking or intermittent lights, except for time-and-temperature display signs or government highway department signs.
- Glaring signs or signs with light sources or reflectivity of such brightness to constitute a hazard or nuisance as determined by the inspector.
- Inflatable signs and objects.
- Off-site signs.
- Portable signs, except for authorized temporary signs.
- Simulated traffic signs or obstructions or those which may be confused with or obstruct the view of authorized traffic signs or signals.
- Any sign or type of sign not specifically addressed in this ordinance.
Exempt Signs in Tiverton
- A duplicate of a legal sign replaced within one year of damage or destruction due to an act of God (grandfather rights expire after one year).
- Attached signs indicating the address and/or name of residential occupants and/or date of construction for historical structures, not exceeding 1.5 square feet, and not including any commercial advertising.
- Works of art that do not include commercial messages or references.
- Directional signs not exceeding four square feet.
- Flags, emblems or insignia of any governmental, religious, charitable, public or nonprofit organization, not exceeding 20 feet in height and three flags per lot.
- Signs indicating handicapped parking spaces.
- One sign per lot for houses of worship, schools and public uses, not exceeding 16 square feet in size and eight feet in height.
- An on-site special event sign displayed by a nonprofit organization, not exceeding 20 square feet, maximum of one such sign twice in a 12-month period for 14 days.
- Point-of-sale signs (e.g., menu signs at walk-up windows or drive-throughs), one per point of sale, not exceeding eight square feet with letters no greater than two inches high.
- On-site signs not exceeding two square feet, limited to one per drive or road entrance, and limited to private road and location copy.
- Political campaign signs posted on private property with owner's approval, to be removed within seven days after the election.
- Signs erected by government agencies or utilities relating to traffic, utilities, safety, and identification of public facilities.
- On-site security or warning signs (e.g., 'no trespassing'), not exceeding four square feet in residential, sixteen square feet in commercial/industrial areas.
- Temporary on-site farm product signs (max two, not exceeding 20 square feet per sign).
- Temporary on-site real estate signs: one per property, max six square feet in residential, 24 square feet in commercial/industrial; must be removed within seven days of settlement or lease.
- "Two-day signs": private or semiprivate noncommercial event signs not exceeding four square feet, posted for 48 hours with property owner's permission, removed following the event.
- One portable 'A' frame sign per commercial business in commercial zones, not exceeding 3 feet by 2 feet, for sidewalk display during business hours.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Tiverton
- No explicit requirement for a master sign plan or sign plan is stated in the ordinance.
- For cases where regulations do not specifically address a sign requested for a permissible use, a special use permit must be obtained.
- Petition for relief from the requirements of this article may be made to the zoning board of review as a special use permit.
- If the requested sign is a matter of interpretation, the inspector may obtain a written interpretation from the town solicitor.
- No sign shall be erected, significantly altered, replaced, or relocated unless a permit has been obtained from the inspector, except for the exemptions listed in Section 10.
- Shopping centers with five or more business establishments planned as an integrated development and located at a street intersection are authorized specific sign allowances but are not required to submit a sign plan.
Source: municode municipal code