Sign Regulations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 105 sign types across 36 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Construction Fence Scrim, Signs Exempt from Permits (various), Clock / Time & Temperature Unit. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Myrtle Beach
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign (treated as Building-Mounted Flat Sign) | — | ≤ 1 sf/LF awning width or the wall sign allowance, whichever is less | — |
| Identification Sign (per principal use) | ≤10 ft if freestanding | ≤50 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Notice Bulletin Board (institutional) | — | ≤24 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Myrtle BeachFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
105
- Temporary Construction Fence Scrim
- Signs Exempt from Permits (various)
- Clock / Time & Temperature Unit
- Notice Bulletin Board (institutional)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
36
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Myrtle Beach
Municipal Code1 permit application link available
Other Cities in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach, regulated sign types include Temporary Construction Fence Scrim, Signs Exempt from Permits (various), Clock / Time & Temperature Unit, Notice Bulletin Board (institutional), 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Myrtle Beach has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina regulates 105 sign types across 36 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Perpendicular) – Options in the Mixed Use-High Density (MU-H), Highway Commercial (HC1, HC2), Airport (AP), Wholesale/Manufacturing (WM) zoning district are capped at ≤25 ft tall and ≤150 sq ft per face (300 sq ft aggregate). If frontage <120 ft: ≤60 sq ft per face (120 agg). If frontage <40 ft: no freestanding sign. AP overlay abutting Kings Hwy/17 Bypass: ≤75% of frontage; cap 300 sq ft per face (600 agg), with a ≥5 ft from any property line; ≥10 ft from curb/edge of pavement; ≥20 ft from any other freestanding sign on adjacent property setback (Sec. 805.G.2.a). Most commercial signs in Myrtle Beach require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Myrtle Beach (36 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | ≤ 1 sf/LF awning width or the wall sign allowance, whichever is less | — |
| Cabana Section (CS) | 5 | ≤10 ft if freestanding | Total aggregate ≤300 sq ft | — |
| Single-family Detached Residential Districts (R5, R7, R8, R10, R15) | 5 | ≤10 ft if freestanding | ≤50 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Multifamily Residential (RM) Districts (RMM, RMH, RMH-MH, RMV) | 5 | ≤10 ft (if freestanding) | ≤50 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Campground District (CG) | 2 | ≤10 ft (if freestanding) | ≤50 sq ft per sign face (total area does not exceed 50 sq ft per face) | — |
| Medical/Professional (MP) and Institutional (IN) (except Grand Strand Medical Center District) | 7 | ≤20 ft | ≤50 sq ft | — |
| Amusement District (A) | 9 | ≤80 ft district maximum for signs | Total signage allowance 600 sq ft (sum of all sign areas) | — |
| Business Park (BP) | 5 | ≤20 ft | ≤100 sq ft aggregate | — |
| Mixed Use-High Density (MU-H), Highway Commercial (HC1, HC2), Airport (AP), Wholesale/Manufacturing (WM) | 23 | ≤30 in | See 805.G.2.a; same caps | — |
| Mixed Use-Medium Density (MU-M) and Downtown Commercial (C7, C8) | 11 | ≤25 ft and not above lowest point of roof/parapet | Cap 300 sq ft per lot; floor 30 sq ft minimum | — |
| Light Manufacturing (LM) and Parks, Recreation and Conservation (PRC) | 10 | ≤25 ft and not above roof/parapet | Cap 300 sq ft per lot; floor 30 sq ft minimum | — |
| Entertainment District (E) | 7 | ≤25 ft | ≤300 sq ft per face (600 sq ft aggregate) | — |
| Urban Village District (C-6) | 9 | ≤25 ft and not above roof/parapet | Cap 300 sq ft; floor 30 sq ft | — |
| Airport District (AP) [also covered under MU-H/HC/WM group] | 2 | ≤25 ft | ≤300 sq ft per face (600 sq ft aggregate) | — |
| Wholesale/Manufacturing District (WM) [also covered under MU-H/HC/AP group] | 1 | — | — | — |
| Downtown Commercial (C7, C8) [also covered under MU-M/C7/C8] | 1 | — | — | — |
| Parks, Recreation and Conservation District (PRC) [also covered under LM/PRC] | 1 | — | — | — |
| Arts & Innovation District (ART) | 5 | ≤4 ft | Not to exceed 300 sq ft (sum of all sign areas) | — |
| Interim Redevelopment District (IR) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Unit Development (PUD) | 2 | — | — | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (Harrelson Blvd.) | 1 | ≤12 ft | ≤72 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (Mr. Joe White Ave: Kings Highway to Ocala Street) | 1 | ≤7 ft | ≤65 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (Mr. Joe White Ave: Ocala Street to Highway 17 Bypass) | 1 | ≤10 ft | ≤100 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (21st Ave. N.: Kings Highway to John Q. Hammonds St.) | 1 | ≤7 ft | ≤65 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (29th Ave. N.: Kings Highway to Oak Street) | 1 | ≤5 ft | ≤40 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (29th Ave. N.: Oak Street to Grissom Parkway) | 1 | ≤7 ft | ≤65 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (38th Ave. N.: Kings Highway to Highway 17 Bypass) | 1 | ≤5 ft | ≤40 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (Grissom Parkway: Harrelson Blvd. to 21st Ave. N.) | 1 | ≤12 ft | ≤72 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (Grissom Parkway: 29th Ave. N. to 48th Ave. N.) | 1 | ≤12 ft | ≤72 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign Overlay District (Oak Street: 9th Ave. N. to 21st Ave. N.) | 1 | ≤7 ft | ≤65 sq ft | — |
| 6 more zones in PermitPal — start free | ||||
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Myrtle Beach(sample of 3 of 36 zones)
Mixed Use-High Density (MU-H), Highway Commercial (HC1, HC2), Airport (AP), Wholesale/Manufacturing (WM)
| 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 (Perpendicular) – Option | ≤25 ft | ≤150 sq ft per face (300 sq ft aggregate). If frontage <120 ft: ≤60 sq ft per face (120 agg). If frontage <40 ft: no freestanding sign. AP overlay abutting Kings Hwy/17 Bypass: ≤75% of frontage; cap 300 sq ft per face (600 agg) | — | ≥5 ft from any property line; ≥10 ft from curb/edge of pavement; ≥20 ft from any other freestanding sign on adjacent property | See sign_size_restrictions | On-premises; sign faces generally perpendicular (45°–90° to frontage) | — | Unlock | 805.G.2.a |
| Fixed Projecting Sign (Perpendicular) – Option | ≤25 ft and not above lowest point of roof/parapet | ≤32 sq ft per face (64 sq ft aggregate) | — | — | 1 per premises (if choosing this category) | On building wall; sign face 45°–90° to frontage | — | Unlock | 805.G.2.b |
| Freestanding Sign (Parallel) – Option | ≤25 ft | See 805.G.2.a; same caps | — | Same as 805.G.2.a | See 805.G.2.a | On-premises; sign face 0°–45° to frontage | — | Unlock | 805.G.3.a (ref 805.G.2.a) |
| Fixed Projecting Sign (Parallel) – Option | ≤25 ft and not above roof/parapet | ≤32 sq ft per face (64 sq ft aggregate) | — | — | 1 per premises (if choosing this category) | On building; face 0°–45° to frontage | — | Unlock | 805.G.3.b (ref 805.G.2.b) |
| Directory Sign (Commercial Center) | Freestanding directory ≤10 ft; ≥9 ft clearance above pedestrian walkway if hanging | Per business: ≤3 sq ft per face (6 sq ft aggregate) and 1 sign per business within a directory; directory total: ≤50 sq ft per face (100 sq ft aggregate) | — | ≥50 ft from ROW | — | On-premises | — | Unlock | 805.G.5 |
| Private Traffic Direction Signs | ≤30 in | Face: ≤14 in (H) × 8 in (V) | — | — | Per qualifying driveway | At qualifying driveways | — | Unlock | 805.G.7 |
| Freestanding Clock/Time & Temperature Unit | ≤20 ft | Display ≤36 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On-premises | — | Unlock | 805.G.10 |
| Temporary Construction Fence Scrim | Not to exceed fence height | Text area ≤32 sq ft if replacing 804.B.5 sign | Not to exceed fence length | — | — | Active construction site fencing | — | Unlock | 805.G.16 |
Mixed Use-Medium Density (MU-M) and Downtown Commercial (C7, C8)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Aggregate Sign Area (per lot) | — | Cap 300 sq ft per lot; floor 30 sq ft minimum | — | — | — | On the lot | — | Unlock | 805.H.2 |
| Parallel Wall (Flat) Sign (First-floor uses) | Not above the floor the use occupies for its principal activities | ≤50 sq ft aggregate | — | — | — | On wall of building | — | Unlock | 805.H.3 |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (lots ≥100 ft width) | ≤10 ft | ≤50 sq ft per face | — | ≥5 ft from property line | 1 per lot | On-premises; ≥5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | 805.H.4 |
| Fixed Projecting Sign (in lieu of freestanding) | ≤25 ft and not above lowest point of roof/parapet | ≤32 sq ft per face (64 sq ft aggregate) | — | — | 1 per lot | On building wall | — | Unlock | 805.H.5 |
| Directory Sign (per building) | — | ≤4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | At building entrance | — | Unlock | 805.H.6 |
| Window Signs | — | Per formula | — | — | — | On windows | — | Unlock | 805.H.7 |
| Multifamily Residential Sign (if applicable) | — | ≤32 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 | On property of residential use | — | Unlock | 805.H.8 |
| Clock / Time & Temperature Unit | ≤20 ft | Display ≤36 sq ft | — | — | 1 per qualifying premises | Freestanding | — | Unlock | 805.H.11 |
Light Manufacturing (LM) and Parks, Recreation and Conservation (PRC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Aggregate Sign Area (per lot) | — | Cap 300 sq ft per lot; floor 30 sq ft minimum | — | — | — | On lot | — | Unlock | 805.I.2 |
| Parallel Wall (Flat) Sign (First-floor uses) | Not above the use’s principal activity floor | ≤50 sq ft aggregate | — | — | — | On wall | — | Unlock | 805.I.3 |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (lots ≥100 ft width) | ≤10 ft | ≤50 sq ft per face | — | ≥5 ft from property line | 1 per lot | On-premises; ≥5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | 805.I.4 |
| Fixed Projecting Sign (in lieu of freestanding) | ≤25 ft and not above roof/parapet | ≤32 sq ft per face (64 sq ft aggregate) | — | — | 1 per lot | On building wall | — | Unlock | 805.I.5 |
| Directory Sign (per building) | — | ≤4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | At entrance | — | Unlock | 805.I.6 |
| Window Signs | — | Per formula | — | — | — | On windows | — | Unlock | 805.I.7 |
| Temporary Construction Fence Scrim | — | Text area ≤32 sq ft if replacing 804.B.5 sign | — | — | — | Construction fencing | — | Unlock | 805.I.9 |
| Clock / Time & Temperature Unit | ≤20 ft | Display ≤36 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Freestanding | — | Unlock | 805.I.10 |
PermitPal covers all 36 zoning districts in Myrtle Beach — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 36 zones for Myrtle Beach — start freeProhibited Signs in Myrtle Beach
- It is illegal to place or maintain any sign in the City except as provided in the ordinance (Section 803).
- Flashing signs resembling danger or emergency vehicle/navigation lights are prohibited (Section 803.F).
- Unshielded floodlights and sign illumination that creates glare visible from rights-of-way or adjacent property are prohibited; light sources must be hooded/shielded (Section 803.H.1).
- Beacons, spot, search, stroboscopic lights, or reflectors visible from rights-of-way or adjacent property are prohibited, except as specifically allowed for certain amusement uses (Section 803.H.2).
- Signs may not display lights that resemble emergency vehicles or navigation lights; automotive warning/flashing signs may not be used as attention devices (Section 803.H.3).
- No sign may be placed or designed so it could be confused with official traffic control devices or uses words like “stop,” “warning,” or “danger” implying the need to stop or maneuver (Section 803.H.4).
- Rotating or moving signs are prohibited unless located in the Amusement (A) district (Section 803.H.5).
- Signs may not obstruct motorists’ view when entering public roadways; no obstruction between two and nine feet within required sight triangles (Section 803.H.6).
- Animated signs are prohibited except as permitted for CEVMS or other expressly allowed cases; persons in costume used to attract attention are regulated as animated signs (Section 803.H.7).
- Signs shaped as statues of human/animal figures or 3D models are prohibited, with limited exceptions (e.g., A and ART districts, miniature golf, certain fixed projecting signs, small wooden sculpture signs) (Section 803.K.2).
- “Going Out of Business” signs are prohibited unless a City “Going Out of Business License” has been issued (Section 803.L).
- Private signs may not occupy public property or extend across property lines into public rights-of-way, except as specifically allowed with clearance and location limits in certain districts (Section 803.M).
- Signs and their supports must be kept in good repair and safe condition; deteriorated/unsafe signs are public nuisances subject to repair or removal (Section 803.N).
- Obsolete or abandoned signs/sign-copy/structures (e.g., unused or illegible for six months) are prohibited and must be removed after notice; structural remnants must be removed/restored when a sign is removed or relocated (Section 803.O).
- Signs on benches and refuse containers are prohibited (Section 803.P.1).
- Signs attached or painted to piers or seawalls are prohibited, except one on‑premises building identification sign ≤9 sq ft per establishment; buildings on piers may have signs if otherwise compliant (Section 803.P.3).
- Signs of any kind are prohibited in the first row sand dune or within 50 feet landward from the dry sand beach (whichever more restrictive), except building‑mounted and compliant construction signs (Section 803.P.4).
- Signs painted on or attached to trees, lamp posts, parking meters, hydrants, traffic signs, stairways, rocks, natural features, telephone/utility poles, or painted on roofs visible from a public thoroughfare are prohibited (Section 803.P.5).
- Circulars, placards, throwaways, and handbills are prohibited as signs (Section 803.P.6).
- Banners, balloons, streamers, spinners, pennants, and similar wind‑activated devices are prohibited, except as allowed for temporary grand openings or certain amusement uses without commercial messages/logos (Section 803.P.7 and Section 811).
- Portable signs are prohibited, except where temporary signs are expressly permitted (Section 803.P.9).
- Signs (other than authorized public-agency signs for driveways/loading zones) that restrict or appear to reserve any portion of public right‑of‑way or public property for private use are prohibited (Section 803.P.10).
- Signs may not be located or designed to intentionally or effectively deny an adjoining property owner reasonable visual access to an existing sign (Section 803.P.11).
- Temporary window signs are prohibited except for up to eight square feet near the main door or with a valid “Going Out of Business” license; nonconforming permanent window signs must be brought into compliance when they become nonconforming (Section 803.P.12).
- More than one freestanding sign per lot is prohibited unless otherwise permitted elsewhere in the code (Section 803.P.13).
- Any new sign on a lot that has a nonconforming sign is prohibited (Section 803.P.14).
- Any sign that encroaches into a required sight triangle is prohibited (Section 803.P.15).
- Any sign not complying with the ordinance’s terms and provisions is prohibited (Section 803.P.16).
Exempt Signs in Myrtle Beach
- Signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot/parcel or from any public thoroughfare, right‑of‑way, or beach are exempt from the ordinance (Section 802.A).
- Commercial communications intended to be solely viewed while stopped in a location or primarily viewed by pedestrians or other non‑motorized travelers are exempt, provided the general prohibitions still apply (Section 802.B).
- Traffic signs and other signs erected or maintained by a municipal/governmental body (including danger signs and noncommercial signs required by law) are exempt; business/commercial signs on governmental property (e.g., convention center) are not exempt (Section 802.C).
- Pavement markings of a traffic directional nature are exempt (Section 802.D).
- Temporary signs at festival sites for City‑recognized festivals (e.g., Sun Fun, Can Am) are exempt during the duration of those festivals (Section 802.E).
- Permit not required for: changing copy on a legal bulletin board, outdoor advertising sign, or marquee; maintenance without structural changes; and changing interchangeable letters on signs designed for them (Section 804.B.1).
- Permit not required for real estate signs advertising sale/rental/lease on the premises during the transaction period, subject to size/height/number limits (Section 804.B.2).
- Permit not required for “No trespassing,” “No dumping,” “No loitering,” and similar signs up to one square foot (Section 804.B.4).
- Permit not required for construction signs identifying firms/future occupants during active construction and 14 days thereafter (one sign, ≤32 sq ft, ≤8 ft high) (Section 804.B.5).
- Permit not required for holiday season or festival decorations from Nov 1 to Mar 1 (or until the end of Canadian‑American Days, whichever later) (Section 804.B.7).
- Permit not required for religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems placed flat against a building (Section 804.B.8).
- Permit not required for one window sign per premises indicating business operational status (≤6 sq ft; may be electrically illuminated) (Section 804.B.9).
- Permit not required for signs on motorized vehicles/equipment used in the normal course of business, subject to conditions (primary use not signage, sign integral to vehicle body, vehicle registered/operable/used in business, not parked for display >5 working days, etc.) (Section 804.B.10).
- Permit not required for public service signs when total area per street view is ≤6 sq ft per occupancy and installed inside a permitted sign’s perimeter or flush against a building/structure (Section 804.B.11).
- Permit not required for subdivision sale signs (≤40 sq ft, ≤10 ft high), used exclusively to announce subdivision development, spaced ≥300 ft apart, removed when 100% of lots have building permits (Section 804.B.12).
- Permit not required for flags, subject to district‑specific number/size and condition limits (e.g., flags must not be tattered/torn/faded) (Section 804.B.15).
- Permit not required for “cafe” style umbrellas meeting size and content limits and placement conditions (Section 804.B.16).
- Permit not required for temporary signage identifying a business performing a specific, limited‑duration service at a single location during the time work/event is occurring (one sign, ≤4 sq ft, ≤3 ft high) (Section 804.B.17).
- Permit not required for temporary political signs with time, location (no public land/ROW/utility poles), size (≤4 sq ft, ≤4 ft high), and removal limits (Section 804.B.18).
- Permit not required for government‑owned wayfinding and directional signs installed under a City Council‑approved signage package with Community Appearance Board design approval (Section 804.B.19).
- Permit not required for temporary replacement signs covering an existing sign during remanufacture/replacement for up to 45 days (Section 804.B.21).
- Permit not required for interior signs located three feet or more from exterior glass (Section 804.B.22).
- Permit not required for interior window display signs less than three feet from exterior glass and not permanently affixed, within specified number/area limits tied to building frontage (Section 804.B.23).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Myrtle Beach
- Urban Village (C‑6) District: If a development/redevelopment master plan approved by City Council is in effect for the parcel, the signage regulations in that master plan supersede the district’s baseline signage rules (Section 805.K).
- Market Common: Appendix A Market Common Signage Masterplan is incorporated as permitted signage and governs signage within the designated area, in addition to C‑6 provisions (Section 805.K.10 and Appendix references).
- Special Sign Districts: City Council may establish by ordinance special sign districts for comprehensively designed projects on contiguous tracts of at least five acres; the ordinance specifies sign restrictions that supersede the base on‑premises sign regulations (Section 805.L).
- Government wayfinding/directional signs require a City Council‑approved temporary or permanent signage package, with design approved by the Community Appearance Board (Section 804.B.19).
- Permit application content must include a site plan sketch showing sign location relative to property/ROW lines and improvements, and a landscape plan as needed to meet Section 803 requirements (Section 804.C).
- Board of Zoning Appeals may grant exceptions to landscaped strip location/height for signs where strict application would damage overall development function or create a sight‑distance hazard (Section 803.K.3.d).
- Administrator actions on permits may be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals (Article 5; referenced in Section 804.F).
- Broadway Entertainment District and Grand Strand Medical Center District: These special sign districts are established by ordinance with their own comprehensive signage regulations; where stated, those rules supersede baseline district standards (Sections 805.O and 805.P).
- Monument Sign Overlay Districts and Entertainment/Amusement Concentration Overlay Districts impose corridor‑specific supplemental sign regulations that apply in addition to underlying zoning; applicants in these areas must comply with overlay requirements (Sections 805.M and 805.N).
Source: municode municipal code