# Sign Regulations in Beaufort, South Carolina

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Beaufort, South Carolina (SC)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/south-carolina/beaufort
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-07
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/SC/Beaufort/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=CO_PT6HESA_CH5RESM_S6-5008POSI)

## At a glance

Beaufort, South Carolina regulates 6 sign types across 1 zoning district. Freestanding Signs in the Historic District Overlay zoning district must be set back Minimum 18 inches from street right-of-way; must meet clear sight distance requirements (Sec. 6.4.6 Each lot shall be allowed 1 freestanding sign per street frontage, if such sign can be set back from the edge of the street right-of-way a minimum of 18 inches, provided further that clear sight distance requirements can be met. 6.4.2.E Illuminated signs are permitted. Backlit and internally lit signs are not allowed. Only shielded, incandescent external lights or concealed incandescent lighting will be allowed.).

## Sign rules by zoning district (1 zone)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Historic District Overlay | 6 | — | May not exceed total maximum square footage permitted (see Section 6.5 for calculation) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements

### Historic District Overlay

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | Minimum 18 inches from street right-of-way; must meet clear sight distance requirements | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage, if set back minimum 18 inches from edge of street right-of-way; must also meet clear sight distance requirements | — | 6.4.6 Each lot shall be allowed 1 freestanding sign per street frontage, if such sign can be set back from the edge of the street right-of-way a minimum of 18 inches, provided further that clear sight distance requirements can be met. 6.4.2.E Illuminated signs are permitted. Backlit and internally lit signs are not allowed. Only shielded, incandescent external lights or concealed incandescent lighting will be allowed. |
| Attached Sign | — | — | — | — | 2 per tenant space per street frontage (see additional requirements for limits with freestanding/window signs) | Maximum 2 different attached signs per tenant per street frontage; only 1 additional fixed sign allowed if a freestanding sign is already present on that frontage; a third allowed if window sign (see below) and consistent with Section 6.5 | — | 6.4.6A, 6.4.2.A-D, 6.4.3.D-E, 6.4.4 |
| Wall Sign - Multiple Signs Allowed (Administrator Discretion) | — | May not exceed total maximum square footage permitted (see Section 6.5 for calculation) | — | — | Multiple, at administrator’s discretion | Multiple wall signs per tenant space, allowed at administrator’s discretion if compatible with architecture and total sign area does not exceed permitted maximum | — | 6.4.6B |
| Window Sign - Neon/LED Tube (Business Name/Logo Only) | — | 3 sq ft max per business (10% of window area, whichever less); all neon/LED window signs total may not exceed 20% of window area | — | — | Multiple, per display window but subject to area limits | Interior of window only, not exterior; must not predate facade | — | 6.4.5A-C |
| Window Sign - "Open" | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | Interior of window | — | 6.4.5C |
| Product Advertising Sign (Interior Window) | — | — | — | — | — | Interior of window | — | 6.4.5D |

## Prohibited signs in Beaufort

- Backlit and internally lit signs are not allowed.
- Signs shall not obscure architectural details.
- Inappropriate materials and finishes generally include: Interior-grade wood, unfaced plywood, plastic and plastic substrates, and unfinished wood.
- Signs shall be mounted in a way that minimizes damage to historic materials.

## Signs exempt from permit in Beaufort

- Style of sign will not be restricted as long as it is in conformance with guidelines appropriate for each separate district.
- Numbers of colors shall not be restricted; however, color selection shall be compatible with the building and block.
- Lettering styles and combinations shall not be restricted.
- High-gloss plastic lettering is acceptable for an enameled metal gas station.

## Full detail

Complete sign requirements for Beaufort, including every field PermitPal tracks for each sign type, are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Beaufort+SC&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-beaufort

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