Sign Regulations in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Spartanburg, South Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 35 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Business Sign (Wall or Freestanding), Strip Center Freestanding Sign, Shopping Center Freestanding Sign (5-20 acres). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: June 4, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Spartanburg, South Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Spartanburg
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation/Professional Office Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Resident Name/House Number Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Development Identification Sign (while under development) | — | 32 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
35
- Business Sign (Wall or Freestanding)
- Strip Center Freestanding Sign
- Shopping Center Freestanding Sign (5-20 acres)
- Changeable Copy Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Spartanburg
Other Cities in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg, 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 Spartanburg, regulated sign types include Business Sign (Wall or Freestanding), Strip Center Freestanding Sign, Shopping Center Freestanding Sign (5-20 acres), Changeable Copy Sign, 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 Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Spartanburg has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Spartanburg, South Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Spartanburg, South Carolina regulates 35 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Business Sign (Wall or Freestanding)s in the Neighborhood Shopping District (B-1), Downtown Transition District (D-T4, D-T5, D-T6), General Business District (B-3), Highway Business District (B-4) zoning district are capped at Freestanding ground sign: 20 ft above curb or street centerline or ground level at sign tall and 200 sq ft; 250 sq ft if lot line >500 ft, with a Freestanding ground/pole sign 10' min. from lot line setback (Sec. 503.43(A), Table C). Most commercial signs in Spartanburg require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Spartanburg, South Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Spartanburg (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (R-15, R-12, R-8 SFD, R-8, R-6) | 8 | — | 50 sq ft (individual sign), Aggregate for senior high schools: 400 sq ft (max 215 sq ft per sign) | — |
| General Institutional District (GID), Limited Office District (LOD), Limited Commercial District (LC) | 5 | Freestanding ground sign: 20 ft above either curb/street centerline or ground level, whichever is higher | 250 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Shopping District (B-1), Downtown Transition District (D-T4, D-T5, D-T6), General Business District (B-3), Highway Business District (B-4) | 7 | Freestanding ground sign: 20 ft above curb or street centerline or ground level at sign | 500 sq ft (100,000-124,999 sq ft GFA), 600 sq ft (125,000-145,999 sq ft GFA), 700 sq ft (150,000+ sq ft GFA) | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-1), Heavy Industrial District (I-2) | 1 | Freestanding ground sign: 20 ft above curb/street centerline/ground at sign | 200 sq ft; 250 sq ft if lot >500 linear feet | — |
| Interstate 26 Corridor Overlay Zoning District (B-1, B-3) | 2 | 45 ft from base | 200 sq ft total/100 sq ft per face | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 15 | — | 200 sq ft | — |
| B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2 | 1 | 35 ft | 300 sq ft per face (panel sign up to 378 sq ft + 95 sq ft extended copy) | — |
| D-T4, D-T5, D-T6 | 1 | — | 20 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Spartanburg(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Residential Districts (R-15, R-12, R-8 SFD, R-8, R-6)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation/Professional Office Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On the premises where home occupation/professional office is permitted | — | Unlock | 503.31(A) |
| Resident Name/House Number Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | At residential address | — | Unlock | 503.31(B) |
| Development Identification Sign (while under development) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per entrance | At development entrance | — | Unlock | 503.31(C) |
| Neighborhood/Association/Apartment/Condominium Identification Sign | — | 36 sq ft | — | — | Two per entrance | At development entrance | — | Unlock | 503.31(D) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | 20 feet from street right-of-way unless attached to building | One per lot per selling agent | On the lot/building offered for sale or rent | — | Unlock | 503.31(E) |
| Traffic and Parking Control Sign (Residential) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | 503.31(F) |
| Agricultural Produce Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | 25 feet inside any lot line; 50 feet from intersection | — | At least 25' inside any lot line, at least 50' from any intersection | — | Unlock | 503.31(G) |
| Institution/Church/Public/Semi-Public Sign | — | 50 sq ft (individual sign), Aggregate for senior high schools: 400 sq ft (max 215 sq ft per sign) | — | 10 feet inside all lot lines | — | At least 10' inside any lot line | — | Unlock | 503.31(H) |
Neighborhood Shopping District (B-1), Downtown Transition District (D-T4, D-T5, D-T6), General Business District (B-3), Highway Business District (B-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Sign (Wall or Freestanding) | Freestanding ground sign: 20 ft above curb or street centerline or ground level at sign | 200 sq ft; 250 sq ft if lot line >500 ft | — | Freestanding ground/pole sign 10' min. from lot line | — | Wall or freestanding, on premises | — | Unlock | 503.43(A), Table C |
| Strip Center Freestanding Sign | — | 60 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | Freestanding; one per strip center | — | Unlock | 503.43(A), Shopping Center provisions |
| Shopping Center Freestanding Sign (5-20 acres) | — | 250 sq ft | — | — | — | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | 503.43(A) |
| Super Store Wall Sign | — | 500 sq ft (100,000-124,999 sq ft GFA), 600 sq ft (125,000-145,999 sq ft GFA), 700 sq ft (150,000+ sq ft GFA) | — | — | — | Wall | — | Unlock | 503.43(A) |
| Super Store Freestanding Sign | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | — | Freestanding, in addition to business signs | — | Unlock | 503.43(A) |
| Mall Anchor Store Sign | — | 200 sq ft per building wall | — | — | — | Wall of building | — | Unlock | 503.43(A) |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed to superstructure of principal sign; 10 ft minimum above ground | — | Unlock | 503.43(J) |
General Regulations For All 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Promotion/Contractor Notice (Residential) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | One per single lot in residential area | — | Unlock | 503.23(B) |
| Property Promotion/Contractor Notice (Non-Residential) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | One per single lot in non-residential area | — | Unlock | 503.23(B) |
| Church Bulletin Board | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | On the same zoning lot as place of worship | — | Unlock | 503.23(C) |
| Church Directional Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | Three per church/synagogue | Erected within city limits | — | Unlock | 503.23(E) |
| Hospital Directional Sign | — | 18 sq ft | — | — | — | Erected by public or private hospital | — | Unlock | 503.23(F) |
| Temporary Building Contractor Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | 10 ft inside any lot line | — | At least 10 ft inside lot line | — | Unlock | 503.23(G) |
| Event Banner (Non-Profit) | — | 24 sq ft (at designated location); 1.5 sq ft/linear ft for banners on building (max 200 sq ft) | — | — | Max 4 per event | Designated right-of-way locations; on or at a building | — | Unlock | 503.7A |
| Event Banner (Office/Commercial) | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 2 per location | On-premise (office/commercial) | — | Unlock | 503.7B |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Spartanburg — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Spartanburg — start freeProhibited Signs in Spartanburg
- Signs imitating official traffic signs or signals, or containing words or symbols displayed in a manner which might mislead or confuse drivers.
- Signs or devices employing confusing, distracting or intense illumination when visible from the public right-of-way, including intense flashing lights, spotlights, floodlights, or any type of pulsating or moving light which may impair the vision or otherwise interfere with vehicle operation.
- Signs with illumination that casts intense light onto any residential premises in a manner incompatible with residential character.
- Roof mounted signs.
- Vehicular signs placed or painted on a motor vehicle or trailer and parked primarily to provide signage not otherwise allowed.
- Abandoned signs.
- Signs located in the road right-of-way or yard signs, unless unique circumstances exist and approved by the Zoning Administrator and State authority, and provided they do not cause a traffic hazard or are not within sight triangles.
- Swinging signs.
- No sign shall project into the public right-of-way.
- Signs containing obscene, indecent or immoral statements, words, pictures, or depictions which offend public morals or decency.
- Electronic variable message signs and electrical fixed message signs, except electrical fixed message signs displaying gasoline prices.
- All non-conforming signs must be removed within 90 days after an establishment goes out of business, or immediately if the business goes out of business.
- Display surface areas and support structures of signs which have not contained sign copy for any period of 12 consecutive months must be removed.
- Sign copy that no longer relates to products/services sold on site must be removed, except with Historic Board approval for certain historic signs.
- No planting, fence, structure, earth mound, or grade change may obstruct visibility at intersections between 2 and 10 feet above grade.
- Advertising signs in required yards or setback areas.
- Advertising signs violating corner visibility restrictions.
- No advertising sign may have more than two faces, with only one face visible from each traffic direction.
- Portable signs with flashing lights or lights of red, amber, or green color.
- Portable signs may not be permanently attached to ground, building, or other structure.
- Political signs may not be placed on public property or right-of-way, except where maintained by private property owner with consent.
- No sign may be erected or installed, displayed, structurally altered, or changed without a permit unless specifically exempted.
Exempt Signs in Spartanburg
- Public signs or notices posted by or at the discretion of a governmental agency.
- Property promotion and contractor's notices (within size limits by zoning).
- Church bulletin boards (up to 12 sq ft, on same zoning lot as place of worship).
- Historical markers erected by bona fide historical associations or government agencies.
- Church directional signs (up to 3 sq ft, not more than three per church/synagogue, within city limits, for directional information only, kept in good repair).
- Hospital directional signs (up to 18 sq ft, 7 ft minimum clearance, no advertising).
- Temporary non-illuminated signs of persons connected with work on buildings under construction or alteration (up to 20 sq ft, at least 10 ft inside lot line).
- Civic club signs at designated highway/road locations, clustered in a frame not exceeding 100 sq ft.
- Advertising signs on bus shelters authorized by the City.
- Signs permitted in any district as listed above are excluded from the computation of the total sign area requirements.
- On-site directional signs for businesses (no commercial message or logo, not exceeding 2 sq ft and 2 ft in height) are not included in the computation of allowable square footage.
- Window signs up to 25% of total window area (included in total permitted sign area).
- Bonus pole signs in the Interstate 26 Corridor Overlay Zoning District (with specific restrictions).
- Banners for non-profit organizations at approved designated city/county locations (following permit standards; permit required but no fee).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Spartanburg
- A sign permit must be obtained prior to erection, installation, display, structural alteration, or change of any sign unless the sign type is specifically exempted.
- Any sign not listed as exempt or already permitted in a district must acquire proper permitting through the Development Services Division.
- An illumination plan by foot-candle must be provided as part of the sign permit package for electronic message board signs for institutional uses.
- Landscaping at base of electronic message board signs for institutional uses must be included as part of the sign permit package and installation.
Source: other municipal code