Sign Regulations in Florence, South Carolina
Florence, South Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Other Free-standing Sign, Identification Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: August 25, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Florence, South Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Florence
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign | 12 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | 5 ft. from property line |
| Authorized Flags | — | — | Must meet setbacks |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential Use) | 6 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Wall Sign
- Other Free-standing Sign
- Identification Sign
- Billboard
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Florence
Other Cities in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Florence vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Florence, 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 Florence, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Other Free-standing Sign, Identification Sign, Billboard, 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 Florence 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 Florence are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Florence has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Florence, South Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Florence, South Carolina regulates 16 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Identification Signs in the All Residential Zones zoning district are capped at 12 ft. tall and 20 sq. ft., with a 5 ft. from property line setback (Sec. Table 5-17.2.1A Notes A, Table 5-17.2.1B). Most commercial signs in Florence require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Florence, South Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Florence (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Residential Zones | 7 | 12 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — |
| INS (Institutional and non-residential uses permitted in residential zoning districts) | 4 | 12 ft. | 90 sq. ft. | — |
| CR | 2 | 12 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — |
| CA/DS | 2 | 24 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| CG | 3 | 40 ft. (100 ft. if within 600 ft. of Interstate Highway ROW) | 378 sq. ft. (672 sq. ft. if within 600 ft. of Interstate Highway ROW) | — |
| CBD/AC | 2 | 24 ft. | 80 sq. ft. | — |
| IL/HI | 3 | 40 ft. (100 ft. if within 600 ft. of Interstate ROW) | 378 sq. ft. (672 sq. ft. if within 600 ft. of Interstate Hwy ROW) | — |
| AR | 2 | — | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| OSR | 2 | 12 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — |
| PD (Planned Development District) | 1 | — | Varies (+25% max allowed by applicable district regulations) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | 12 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Florence(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
All Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign | 12 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. from property line | 1 per lot | At entrance of subdivision, residential project, or agricultural operation; outside of public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 5-17.2.1A Notes A, Table 5-17.2.1B |
| Authorized Flags | — | — | — | Must meet setbacks | — | Ground or wall mounted flag poles | — | Unlock | Table 5-17.2.1A Note 5 |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential Use) | 6 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per property | On property or grass plot in front | — | Unlock | Table 5-18.1.3 O |
| Political Sign (Residential Use) | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On private property | — | Unlock | Table 5-18.1.3 G |
| "Open House," "Garage Sale," "Yard Sale" Sign | — | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On private property (not public right-of-way) | — | Unlock | Table 5-18.1.3 N |
| Poster | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | At least 5 ft. from street or curb | — | At least 5 ft. from street/curb; not on utility poles or public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 5-18.1.3 C |
| Real Estate Directional Sign | 3 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | Up to 4 per event | Along the route to open house; not in public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 5-18.1.3 Q |
INS (Institutional and non-residential uses permitted in residential zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign | 12 ft. | 1-90 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. from property line | Up to 2 per lot | On premises | — | Unlock | Table 5-17.2.1A Note B, Table 5-17.2.1B (L), 5-17.2.1A Note 9 |
| Wall Sign | — | 90 sq. ft. | — | — | Up to 2 per lot | On premises | — | Unlock | Table 5-17.2.1B Note L |
| Banner | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | At least 5 ft from property line | 1 per 300 ft frontage | On premises | — | Unlock | Table 5-18.1.3 I, J, K, L, M |
| Directional Sign | 5 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | 3 stacked max per sign | On premises, not in sight triangle | — | Unlock | Table 5-17.2.1A and Table 5-17.2.1B Note I |
CG
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | 40 ft. (100 ft. if within 600 ft. of Interstate Highway ROW) | 378 sq. ft. (672 sq. ft. if within 600 ft. of Interstate Highway ROW) | — | 10 ft. | 1 per 1,200 ft of street frontage | Within CG zone; must front or be within 600 ft. of Interstate ROW or U.S. designated highways | — | Unlock | Table 5-17.2.1A Note 2, Table 5-17.2.1B (F, H) |
| Other Free-standing Sign | 40 ft. | 160 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. | One per lot, or one per 300 linear ft of street frontage | On premises | — | Unlock | Table 5-17.2.1B (D, G, H) |
| Wall Sign | — | See formula | — | — | Up to 4 per structure (1 per tenant wall) | On tenant walls; not above roof line | — | Unlock | Table 5-17.2.1B Note J |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Florence — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Florence — start freeProhibited Signs in Florence
- All signs not expressly permitted under this Ordinance are prohibited.
- Signs painted on or attached to trees, fence posts, telephone or other utility poles, stationary vehicles, or natural features.
- Signs displaying intermittent lights resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals or in police, fire, ambulance, rescue vehicles or other warning signals, and signs using the words 'stop,' 'danger,' or any word, phrase, symbol, or character in a manner that might mislead or confuse motorists.
- Signs which have been abandoned, and no longer correctly direct or exhort any person, advertise a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product, or activity conducted or product available.
- Signs which have fallen into disrepair (dilapidated), are not properly maintained, are insecure or otherwise structurally unsound, have defective parts in the support, guys and/or anchors, or which are unable to meet minimum safety requirements of the Standard Building Code.
- Signs which contain or consist of spinners or strings of light bulbs, except during the holiday season from November 1st to January 2nd, or indirect illumination of buildings.
- No sign shall be allowed in the public right-of-way or on public property, except as specifically permitted.
- No sign or advertising display shall be placed to prevent ingress or egress through a door or window, nor obstruct or be attached to a fire escape or interfere with any opening required for legal ventilation.
- All signs shall comply with the design, structure, and wind load requirements of the City's Standard Building Code of current adoption and/or any additional structural requirements specified by a registered engineer.
- Permanent and temporary identification signs must be constructed of durable all-weather materials and comply with applicable provisions of the Building and National Electrical Codes.
- Illuminated signs shall not directly shine on abutting properties.
- No illumination simulating traffic control devices or emergency vehicles shall be used, nor lights which flash, change intensity or color, or otherwise create the illusion of flashing or movement.
- No flood lights shall be used as part of a sign illumination system which are not hooded or shielded so that the light source is not visible from any public right of way or adjacent property; nor shall sign illumination impair driver vision.
- Signs may not be placed in such manner as to conflict with required sight distance or sight clearance.
Exempt Signs in Florence
- Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information, and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the public right-of-way.
- Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company in the public right-of-way.
- Informational signs of a public agency or utility regarding its facilities in the public right-of-way.
- Awning, canopy, marquee signs, and projecting signs in the CBD and AC Districts or where a building has no setback due to highway widening or was constructed prior to adoption, provided such signs project no closer than 1 ½ feet to the street curb or pavement, in the public right-of-way.
- Historical signs and markers in the public right-of-way.
- Emergency signs in the public right-of-way.
- Certain signs allowed without a permit as shown in the ordinance tables (such as identification signs, authorized flags, certain directional signs, gas station service signs, window signs, political signs, real estate signs, and other listed temporary signs) when they meet the conditions stated in applicable ordinance sections and tables.
- Authorized flags including national, state, county, city, church, official company flags displayed using normal proper methods and meeting setback requirements.
- Temporary signs as provided in Table 5-18.1.3, when complying with dimensions, location, and event conditions therein (e.g., open house, garage sale signs, event-related real estate directional signs, political signs if removed within seven days after election, etc.).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Florence
- A common signage plan is required before issuance of any sign permit involving: (1) two or more contiguous lots or parcels under the same ownership; (2) a single lot or parcel with more than one principal use or building or qualifying for more than one free-standing sign; (3) a Planned Development (PD) project approved prior to this Ordinance.
- The common signage plan must be approved by the Director and include standards for consistency for all signs on the affected lots regarding lettering or graphic style, lighting, location, material, and proportions.
- The common signage plan limits free-standing signs to one per street frontage (with shared/common use) but allows a 25% increase in maximum sign area.
- An approved common signage plan becomes binding on all occupants and can be amended only by submitting a new or revised plan.
- Amendments to the signage plan for properties with existing nonconforming signs must include a schedule to bring all nonconforming signs into compliance within three years.
Source: other municipal code