Sign Regulations in Conway, South Carolina
Conway, South Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 25 sign types across 21 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign (Single Tenant), Monument Sign (3+ Tenants). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 25, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Conway, South Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Conway
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 15% of applicable building facade | General sign setbacks 5 ft from all property lines unless reduced by Planning Department per 11.1.7. |
| Hanging or Suspended Sign | Max overall height 8 ft | 8 sq ft | Clearance of 8 ft above walkway/ROW |
| Monument Sign (Single Tenant) | Zone-specific (see zone entries) | Zone-specific (see zone entries) | General 5 ft setbacks; Planning Department may approve reduced setbacks per 11.1.7. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ConwayFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
25
- Wall Sign
- Monument Sign (Single Tenant)
- Monument Sign (3+ Tenants)
- Freestanding Post Sign (Single Tenant)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
21
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Conway
Other Cities in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
In Conway, monument signs are limited to Zone-specific (see zone entries). 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 Conway, 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 Conway, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign (Single Tenant), Monument Sign (3+ Tenants), Freestanding Post Sign (Single Tenant), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Conway, monument signs typically require a General 5 ft setbacks; Planning Department may approve reduced setbacks per 11.1.7. 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 Conway are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Conway has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Conway, South Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Conway, South Carolina regulates 25 sign types across 21 zoning districts. Hanging or Suspended Signs in the Professional District (P) zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 8 sq ft, with a 8 ft clearance setback (Sec. 11.4.5(A)-(D)). Most commercial signs in Conway require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Conway, South Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Conway (21 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 10 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts | 7 | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Non-Residential Zoning Districts | 3 | — | ≤25% of main area of the awning or ≤25 sq ft, whichever is smaller | — |
| Professional District (P) | 14 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Institutional District (IN) | 14 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Institutional Campus District (IC) | 12 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial District (NC) | 14 | 25 ft | 300 sq ft (structure) | — |
| Highway Commercial District (HC) | 14 | 25 ft | 300 sq ft | — |
| Highway Commercial District (HC) (US HWY 501 Bypass, including Church Street) | 10 | 25 ft | 300 sq ft | — |
| Core Commercial District (CC) | 13 | 25 ft | 300 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (CBD) | 11 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Waccamaw Riverfront District (WRD) | 11 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial District (LI) | 10 | 20 ft | 80 sq ft | — |
| Heavy Industrial District (HI) | 10 | 20 ft | 80 sq ft | — |
| Conservation Preservation District (CP) | 8 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Forest Agricultural District (FA) | 8 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Mixed Use Flexible Zone (MU) | 7 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Upper Main Street Overlay (MSO) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Village Corridor Overlay (VCO) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Coastal Carolina University Neighborhood Overlay Zone | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Conway(sample of 3 of 21 zones)
Professional District (P)
| 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 | — | 15% of applicable building facade | — | General 5 ft | Max two per tenant space | At public entrance; second allowed on different facade for corner lot or second entrance. | — | Unlock | 11.4.1(A)-(C); 11.1.8(5),(9) |
| Awning Sign | — | ≤25% of awning area or ≤25 sq ft, whichever smaller | — | 8 ft clearance | One per tenant space | On awning; clearance 8 ft above public ROW/sidewalk. | — | Unlock | 11.4.3(A)-(D); 11.1.8(5) |
| Hanging or Suspended Sign | 8 ft | 8 sq ft | — | 8 ft clearance | One per tenant space | Attached to building with public entrance; 8 ft clearance above ROW/sidewalk. | — | Unlock | 11.4.5(A)-(D) |
| Monument Sign (Single Tenant) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | General 5 ft; may be reduced per 11.1.7 | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard; Planning Department may allow within setback if visibility maintained. | — | Unlock | 11.4.6(A)-(E); 11.1.8(5),(9) |
| Monument Sign (3+ Tenants) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.6(B)(1),(E); 11.1.8(5),(9) |
| Freestanding Post Sign (Single Tenant) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yards. | — | Unlock | 11.4.7(B)(1),(C),(E); 11.1.8(5) |
| Freestanding Post Sign (3+ Tenants) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yards. | — | Unlock | 11.4.7(B)(1),(C),(E); 11.1.8(5) |
| Arm Post Sign | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yards. | — | Unlock | 11.4.8(B)-(E); 11.1.8(5) |
Institutional District (IN)
| 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 | — | 15% of applicable building facade | — | General 5 ft | Max two per tenant space | At public entrance; corner/second entrance may have second sign. | — | Unlock | 11.4.1(A)-(C); 11.1.8(9) |
| Awning Sign | — | ≤25% of awning area or ≤25 sq ft, whichever smaller | — | 8 ft clearance | One per tenant space | On awning; clearance 8 ft. | — | Unlock | 11.4.3(A)-(D) |
| Hanging or Suspended Sign | 8 ft | 8 sq ft | — | 8 ft clearance | One per tenant space | Attached to facade with public entrance; 8 ft clearance. | — | Unlock | 11.4.5(A)-(D) |
| Monument Sign (Single Tenant) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.6(B)(2),(E) |
| Monument Sign (3+ Tenants) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.6(B)(2),(E) |
| Freestanding Post Sign (Single Tenant) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.7(B)(2),(C),(E) |
| Freestanding Post Sign (3+ Tenants) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.7(B)(2),(C),(E) |
| Arm Post Sign | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.8(B)-(E) |
Neighborhood Commercial District (NC)
| 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 | — | 15% of facade | — | General 5 ft | Max two per tenant | Public entrance; second allowed for corner/second entrance. | — | Unlock | 11.4.1(A)-(C); 11.1.8(9) |
| Hanging/Suspended Sign | 8 ft | 8 sq ft | — | 8 ft clearance | One per tenant space | On façade with public entrance; 8 ft clearance. | — | Unlock | 11.4.5(A)-(D) |
| Monument Sign (Single Tenant) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | General 5 ft; may be reduced by Planning per 11.1.7 | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard; may be in setback with Planning approval. | — | Unlock | 11.4.6(B)(1),(E); 11.1.7(B); 11.1.8(9) |
| Monument Sign (3+ Tenants) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.6(B)(1),(E) |
| Freestanding Post Sign (Single Tenant) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.7(B)(1),(C),(E) |
| Freestanding Post Sign (3+ Tenants) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.7(B)(1),(C),(E) |
| Arm Post Sign | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | General 5 ft | One per lot; +1 for multiple street frontages | In required street yard. | — | Unlock | 11.4.8(B)-(E) |
| Shopping Center Identification Sign (Freestanding Post) | 25 ft | 300 sq ft (structure) | — | Subject to 11.1.7 setbacks | One per major entrance as determined by Planning & Development | May be located in required buffer; subject to Planning & Development approval and consistent with setbacks. | — | Unlock | 11.4.17(A)-(E); 11.1.8(9) |
PermitPal covers all 21 zoning districts in Conway — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 21 zones for Conway — start freeProhibited Signs in Conway
- Unlawful to erect, use, or maintain a sign or sign structure on public property or in a public right-of-way without City of Conway approval; each violation is a separate offense ($50 fine) and the City may remove and discard such signs.
- Any sign in disrepair or unsafe condition (not maintained, deteriorated, defective, peeling/faded, missing parts) is declared a nuisance and a prohibited sign; must be removed or brought into compliance.
- If a sign is damaged more than 50% of reproduction value, it may only be restored/reconstructed/altered to conform to all current provisions of Article 11.
- Obsolete or abandoned signs (no longer in use for 60 days, or sign structures with no copy) are prohibited from re-establishment and must be removed in their entirety.
- When a sign is relocated, made inoperative, or removed (except for maintenance), all structural components (including sign face and structure) must be removed; freestanding sign components must be removed to ground level and/or back to original building configuration.
- Roof signs or any sign where any portion extends above the roofline are prohibited.
- Pole signs and pylon signs are prohibited.
- Vehicle signs that project beyond the manufacturer’s profile and are displayed primarily to attract attention (rather than serving the vehicle’s customary business use) are prohibited.
- Signs emitting sound, odor, smoke, vapor, or other visible matter are prohibited.
- Signs towed behind vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft are prohibited.
- Portable signs or signs not securely attached to a building or the ground are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct ingress/egress from required doors, windows, escape routes, or that attach to fire escapes are prohibited.
- Any non-freestanding sign extending above the parapet, building roofline, or canopy against which it is located is prohibited.
- Signs erected in street or highway rights-of-way are prohibited except governmental signs.
- Abandoned or dilapidated signs are prohibited.
- Signs with obscene, pornographic, or immoral content are prohibited.
- Signs painted on or attached to trees, lamp posts, parking meters, hydrants, traffic signs, stairways, benches, refuse containers, rocks or other natural features, and telephone or utility poles are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct motorist vision between 2 and 10 feet in height within required sight triangles (Section 7.1.8) are prohibited.
- Circulars, handbills, banners, inflatable signs, dirigibles, feather flags, banner flags, streamers, spinners, placards, pennants, or similar attention-seizing wind-activated devices are prohibited except where expressly exempt in Section 11.2.1.
- Signs shaped as statues of human or animal figures or as three-dimensional models (e.g., dinner buckets, paint cans, Christmas trees) are prohibited.
- Signs involving motion or rotation, intermittent flashing lights, animation, or automatically changed copy/design are prohibited, except EMCs where permitted under Section 11.4.9.
- Sign illumination systems with beacons, spot/search/stroboscopic/glaring lights or reflectors visible from public rights-of-way or adjacent properties are prohibited (outside operation only by authorized public agencies).
- Signs using words or symbols like “stop” or “danger” in a misleading or distracting manner to drivers are prohibited.
- Signs displaying lights resembling emergency or danger signals; automotive warning/flashing signs used as commercial attention devices are prohibited.
- Any sign erected, altered, displayed, or changed without Planning & Development approval and a permit from the Construction Services Department is prohibited.
- Any sign that does not comply with Article 11 is prohibited.
- Off-premises signs (including traditional and digital billboards) are prohibited except as allowed by the Billboard Sign Replacement Program (Section 12.1.6(F)).
Exempt Signs in Conway
- Accessory signs on vehicles and trailers where the sign is incidental and accessory to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer.
- Public service and information signs (e.g., restrooms, telephones, hours of operation, fuel type, credit cards accepted) not exceeding 4 sq ft per occupancy and mounted inside a permitted sign’s perimeter or flush to a building.
- Flags, emblems, and insignia of political, professional, religious, educational, or corporate organizations, provided they are not displayed for commercial purposes or as attention-seizing devices.
- Governmental signs required or authorized by law; governmental signs are the only signage permitted in public rights-of-way and may be of any type/number/area/height/location/illumination as required by law.
- Grandfathered signs granted exceptions to Article 11 when determined historic by the Community Appearance Board (CAB) using NPS Technical Preservation Brief #25 and/or Conway Historic Design Review District Guidelines.
- Historic identification signs granted exceptions to Article 11, with size/placement/attachment approved by the CAB.
- Holiday decorations temporarily displayed on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic, or religious holidays.
- Memorial signs (plaques, tablets, grave markers, names of buildings, statuary, or other remembrances) that are non-commercial in nature.
- Name and address plates not exceeding 2 sq ft per face and 4 sq ft aggregate.
- No trespassing/dumping/parking/towing/directional and similar signs: up to 2 signs per residential zoning lot (max 2 sq ft per face, 4 sq ft aggregate); up to 4 signs per non-residential zoning lot (max 4 sq ft per face, 8 sq ft aggregate). Planning Department may authorize additional signs under proven special circumstances.
- Religious/historical symbols or insignia not exceeding 2 sq ft per face and 4 sq ft aggregate.
- Vending machine and ATM signs indicating contents/pricing/directional/instructional information not exceeding 4 sq ft per face and 8 sq ft aggregate.
- Changing letters or numbers on legally erected changeable copy signs and marquees designed for such change.
- Political signs announcing candidates, parties, or ballot issues, provided they comply with Section 11.4.19.
- Murals (artistic exterior wall paintings/illustrations/decorations not intended as advertising); murals intended as signage are subject to all sign requirements; murals within Historic Design Review Districts require CAB review and approval.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Conway
- A sign permit is required citywide unless a sign is expressly exempt; signs must be approved by the Planning & Development Department and a permit issued by the Construction Services Department (Section 11.5.1(A)).
- Permit applications must include a site plan of the proposed signage drawn to scale (showing elevations on building/awning/canopy or property plan and proposed location for freestanding signs), specifications and scaled drawings (materials, design, dimensions, structural supports, electrical), owner/contractor information, sign valuation, and any additional information required by the Planning Department (Section 11.5.1(B)).
- Community Appearance Board (CAB) review and approval is required for signs on properties within a Historic Design Review District (HDRD); CAB also reviews murals within HDRDs and determines ‘grandfathered’ and historic identification sign exceptions (Sections 11.5.1(C) and 11.2.1(E), (F), (O)(2)).
- Shopping center identification signs must have sign structure design and size incorporated into overall site development plans and be approved by the Technical Review Committee (TRC); location in required buffers is subject to Planning & Development approval and setback standards (Section 11.4.17(A), (B)(4)).
- Before issuing zoning compliance/permit for Electronic Message Center (EMC)/LED signs, the applicant/sign company must certify illumination specifications; EMC/LED signs are restricted to certain districts and conditions, limited to one per parcel, and have specific setback and operation limits (Section 11.4.9(C)(4), (D), (E), (F)).
- Planning Department may approve placement of directional and monument signs within required setbacks or reduce sign setbacks if visibility and compatibility standards are met (Section 11.1.7(A)-(C)).
- Failure to obtain a final satisfactory inspection within the permit period renders the permit invalid; the applicant must reapply or remove the sign and sign structure (Section 11.5.1(E)).
- Parties aggrieved by the Planning Department’s determination that a sign is damaged more than 50% may appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals (Section 11.1.4(B)).
Source: other municipal code