Sign Regulations in Forest Acres, South Carolina
Forest Acres, South Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Political Sign (Nonpermanent), Construction Sign (Nonpermanent), Window 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 29, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Forest Acres, South Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Forest Acres
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Sign (Nonpermanent) | — | 3 sq ft | — |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — |
| Construction Sign (Nonpermanent) | 6 ft | 4 sq ft per side | min 20 ft from highway right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Forest AcresFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
21
- Political Sign (Nonpermanent)
- Construction Sign (Nonpermanent)
- Window Sign
- Flags/Emblems/Noncommercial Displays
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Forest Acres
Other Cities in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Forest Acres 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 Forest Acres, 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 Forest Acres, regulated sign types include Political Sign (Nonpermanent), Construction Sign (Nonpermanent), Window Sign, Flags/Emblems/Noncommercial Displays, 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 Forest Acres 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 Forest Acres are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Forest Acres has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Forest Acres, South Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Forest Acres, South Carolina regulates 21 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Lot Frontage ≥ 100 ft)s in the Office and Limited Commercial (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial (C-2), Service Commercial Districts (C-2a), General Commercial (C-3), Concentrated Commercial District (C-4) zoning district are capped at 25 ft tall, 80 sq ft per side, and 12 ft horizontal, 10 ft vertical wide, with a min 20 ft from highway right-of-way setback (Sec. Sec. 21.165(1)-(4), Sec. 21.161, Sec. 21.162). Most commercial signs in Forest Acres require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Forest Acres, South Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Forest Acres (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Density Residential (Single-Family) (R1, R-1a), Medium Density Residential (Two-Family and Single-Family) (R-2) | 6 | 6 ft | 50% of window area | — |
| High-Density Residential (Multifamily, Two-Family, and Single-Family) (R-3) | 6 | 6 ft | 50% of window area | — |
| Public or Semipublic (P-1), Institutional (P-2) | 9 | 6 ft | 50% of window area | — |
| Office and Limited Commercial (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial (C-2), Service Commercial Districts (C-2a), General Commercial (C-3), Concentrated Commercial District (C-4) | 15 | 30 inches | 120 sq ft cumulative (all wall/projecting signs) | — |
| Commercial Enterprise/Redevelopment Zone (C-5) | 10 | 30 inches | 120 sq ft cumulative (all wall/projecting signs) | — |
| Planned Development District (PDD) | 10 | 30 inches | 120 sq ft cumulative (all wall/projecting signs) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 40 ft | 378 sq ft per side | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Forest Acres(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Office and Limited Commercial (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial (C-2), Service Commercial Districts (C-2a), General Commercial (C-3), Concentrated Commercial District (C-4)
| 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 (Lot Frontage ≥ 100 ft) | 25 ft | 80 sq ft per side | 12 ft horizontal, 10 ft vertical | min 20 ft from highway right-of-way | 1 per lot/business | On premises of business, inside property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165(1)-(4), Sec. 21.161, Sec. 21.162 |
| Freestanding Sign (Lot Frontage < 100 ft) | 25 ft | 60 sq ft per side | 12 ft horizontal, 10 ft vertical | min 20 ft from highway right-of-way | 1 per lot/business | On premises of business, inside property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165(1)-(4), Sec. 21.161, Sec. 21.162 |
| Wall or Projecting Signs | 10 ft vertical, up to 25 ft above ground floor or two-thirds height of building (whichever greater) | 120 sq ft cumulative (all wall/projecting signs) | 40 ft or 2/3 building width (whichever less) | — | 6 max | On exterior wall of building | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165(2) |
| Directional Sign | 30 inches | 3 sq ft | — | min 5 ft from highway right-of-way | — | Within property; not less than 5 ft from highway right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165.4 |
| Occupational Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per occupant | On building | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(3) |
| Construction Sign (Nonpermanent) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft per side | — | min 20 ft from highway right-of-way | 1 | On premises where construction is occurring | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(6); Sec. 21.165(6)a |
| Utility Pole Temporary Banner/Sign | 9 ft (bottom above ground) | 20 in x 48 in | — | min 40 ft from highway/road right-of-way | 1 per 5,000 sq ft + 1 per 10,000 sq ft thereafter | Privately owned utility pole (not public) | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(13) |
| Directional Sign | 30 in | 3 sq ft | — | min 5 ft from highway right-of-way | — | Within property; min 5 ft from highway right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165.4 |
Commercial Enterprise/Redevelopment Zone (C-5)
| 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 or Projecting Signs | 10 ft vertical, up to 25 ft above ground floor or two-thirds height of building (whichever greater) | 120 sq ft cumulative (all wall/projecting signs) | 40 ft or 2/3 building width (whichever less) | — | 6 max | On exterior wall of building | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165(2) |
| Window Sign | — | 50% of window area | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(10) |
| Directional Sign | 30 inches | 3 sq ft | — | min 5 ft from highway right-of-way | — | Within property; not less than 5 ft from highway right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165.4 |
| Occupational Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per occupant | On building | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(3) |
| Political Sign (Nonpermanent) | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per candidate | On private property only, not on public property | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(2) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/complex + 1 per additional public street | On property for sale/rent/lease only | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165(6)b; Sec. 21.164(7) |
| Construction Sign (Nonpermanent) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft per side | — | min 20 ft from highway right-of-way | 1 | On premises where construction is occurring | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(6); Sec. 21.165(6)a |
| Institutional/Charitable/Educational/Public Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Freestanding or attached to architectural or landscape feature | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(8); 21.165(6)c |
Planned Development District (PDD)
| 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 or Projecting Signs | 10 ft vertical, up to 25 ft above ground floor or two-thirds height of building (whichever greater) | 120 sq ft cumulative (all wall/projecting signs) | 40 ft or 2/3 building width (whichever less) | — | 6 max | On exterior wall of building | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165(2) |
| Window Sign | — | 50% of window area | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(10) |
| Directional Sign | 30 inches | 3 sq ft | — | min 5 ft from highway right-of-way | — | Within property; not less than 5 ft from highway right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165.4 |
| Occupational Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per occupant | On building | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(3) |
| Political Sign (Nonpermanent) | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per candidate | On private property only, not on public property | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(2) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/complex + 1 per additional public street | On property for sale/rent/lease only | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.165(6)b; Sec. 21.164(7) |
| Construction Sign (Nonpermanent) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft per side | — | min 20 ft from highway right-of-way | 1 | On premises where construction is occurring | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(6); Sec. 21.165(6)a |
| Institutional/Charitable/Educational/Public Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Freestanding or attached to architectural or landscape feature | — | Unlock | Sec. 21.164(8); 21.165(6)c |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Forest Acres — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Forest Acres — start freeProhibited Signs in Forest Acres
- No portion of any sign may be erected on or over public property, except where herein exempted.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, installed, or maintained, which by reason of size, location, type, illumination, or otherwise, interferes with visibility upon and along the public right-of-way, interferes with the safe and smooth flow of traffic (either vehicular or pedestrian), or otherwise constitutes a hazard or danger to such traffic. This includes signs which present illusion of movement in any manner that may confuse or distract.
- No advertising sign shall be erected, constructed, installed, or maintained which, by reason of design, legend, lettering, subject matter, or nature of illumination, in the opinion of the city council, constitutes an eyesore, contains any obscene, indecent, or immoral subject matter, offends public taste or conscience, or is out of keeping with the character and traditions of the City of Forest Acres.
- No person shall attach any sign, paper or other material or paint, stencil or write any name, number (except house numbers), or otherwise mark on any sidewalk curb, gutter, street, tree, tower, utility pole, public building, public fence, or public structure for advertising purposes.
- No person shall erect, maintain, or permit the erection of a balloon or other floating device anchored to the ground or to any structure.
- No cloth, paper, banner, flag, device, or other similar advertising matter shall be permitted to be attached, suspended from, or allowed to hang loose from any sign, building or structure, except as noted in section 21.164(11) and (13).
- Advertising signs on or attached to moving or parked trucks, trailers, vans, or other vehicles, visible from a public street, for the primary purpose of advertising products or business activity sold on or off the premises, are prohibited (except permanent signs on commercial vehicles or delivery vehicles in regular business use).
- Signs attached to or upon any vehicle are prohibited where such vehicle remains parked in the same location, or vicinity, for frequent or extended periods of time where the intent is to use the vehicle for advertising.
- A-frame signs and sandwich board signs as well as similar types of portable signs are prohibited.
- No advertising signs shall be allowed in R-1, R-1a, and R-2 zones except as allowed in section 21.164.
- No flashing signs; signs with flashing or reflective disks; signs with flashing lights or lights changing degree of intensity or color; signs with trailing messages; signs containing electronically scrolled messages; signs with moving graphic displays; rotating signs; or signs containing visual effects as fading dissolves or graphics.
- Signs capable of changing displaying symbols or images that can be electronically changed by remote or automatic means, or intermittent changeable digital display, video signs, except the movement of the hands of a clock or digital changes indicating time and temperature.
- Signs having a part or parts which move, revolve, or operate by light emitting diodes (LEDs), change static message or copy by electronic means, or capable of changing or displaying words or figures that can be electronically changed by remote or automatic means, except as set forth in sections 21.165.5 and 21.165.6.
Exempt Signs in Forest Acres
- Street name signs, traffic or other regulating signs maintained by an authorized governmental agency, which may be located on a highway right-of-way.
- Nonpermanent political signs which do not exceed three (3) square feet in area, provided they are not posted on any public property and not posted more than 45 days before an election and removed within five days after.
- Occupational signs denoting only the name and profession, of an occupant in a commercial, public, office or institutional building (in specific zones), not exceeding three square feet in area and surface mounted.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into a masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material, attached to the appropriate building (in specific zones).
- Flags, emblems and insignia of the United States and federal agencies and offices, and flags, emblems, and insignia of any state or local government body, decorative displays for holidays or legal public demonstrations which do not contain advertising and are not used as such.
- Non-permanent construction signs denoting the architect, engineer, contractor, subcontractor and/or financier and temporary signs denoting the future location of a particular business, retail center or institution, limited to one sign not exceeding four square feet in area on one side and six feet in height, placed on premises where construction or location is occurring, and only after a building permit has been issued.
- Real estate signs advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises upon which the signs are located only, not exceeding four square feet in area, limited to one per lot except for multiple street frontages.
- Signs designating sites used by public, charitable, educational, or religious institutions (in specific zones), not exceeding twenty-four square feet in area and six feet in height, as an integral part of site architecture or landscaping, limited to one such sign per site.
- Signs prohibiting trespassing or other warning signs not exceeding two square feet in area, not containing any advertising for business enterprises.
- Window signs, provided they do not obscure more than fifty percent of the visible window area available.
- Signs or banners of a nonpermanent nature used as advertising for public, charitable, educational, or religious events, provided they are not displayed for more than fifteen days.
- No exempt sign may be displayed on any utility pole, traffic signal/directional sign pole, street sign pole, or upon the public right-of-way except as specifically permitted in section 21.164(13).
- Temporary signs or banners affixed to privately owned (not utility) poles advertising special events, new tenants, or special pricing (in specific zones), not exceeding 20 inches by 48 inches, at least nine feet above ground, set back at least forty feet from right-of-way, limited number by property size, and not displayed for more than 120 days.
- Signs or banners used in governmental sports facilities in P-1 or P-2 districts, not exceeding fifty square feet in area, not exceeding six feet in height, attached to interior sides of facility walls and fences, not freestanding, not visible from roadway.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Forest Acres
- Permit application for signs must include completed plans and specifications, including a plot plan, showing size, location, lettering, design, picture, symbol or device, construction, method of support, materials used, illumination and all other information as deemed pertinent by the building official.
- Upon request by the building official, the applicant shall provide a design plan or specifications by a registered structural engineer attesting to the soundness and safety of the proposed sign and all related supports, stays, bolts, guides, anchors, and other structures.
- Appeals regarding sign decisions or requests for variance can be made to the Board of Zoning Appeals; the Board considers effect on the general plan for signs within the city.
Source: other municipal code