Sign Regulations in Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
Sullivan's Island, South Carolina has specific sign regulations covering 14 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign, Home Occupation Sign, Political Election Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
Sample Sign Requirements in Sullivan's Island
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign | — | 6 sq ft | 10 ft from street right-of-way, unless attached to wall |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Political Election Sign | — | 4 sq ft | 10 ft from street right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
14
- Real Estate Sign
- Home Occupation Sign
- Political Election Sign
- Traffic, Directional, Warning, Information Sign (Public Agency)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Sullivan's Island 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 Sullivan's Island, 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 Sullivan's Island, regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign, Home Occupation Sign, Political Election Sign, Traffic, Directional, Warning, Information Sign (Public Agency), 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 Sullivan's Island 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 Sullivan's Island are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Sullivan's Island has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Sullivan's Island, South Carolina Sign Rules at a Glance
Sullivan's Island, South Carolina regulates 14 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Pole Signs in the CC-Community Commercial District zoning district are capped at 12 ft (unless attached to building facade) tall and 32 sq ft (total per lot, includes all signage on lot); plus 4 sq ft for each business over four in any one building, with a 10 ft from street right-of-way unless attached to wall setback (Sec. Sec. 21-131(A), (B), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H)). Most commercial signs in Sullivan's Island require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Sullivan's Island (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| CC-Community Commercial District | 5 | 12 ft (unless attached to building facade) | 32 sq ft (total per lot, includes window area visible to exterior); plus 4 sq ft for each business over four in any one building | — |
| All other districts | 3 | 6 ft unless attached to principal building | 32 sq ft (if attached to principal building) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Sullivan's Island
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street right-of-way, unless attached to wall | 1 per street frontage | Not less than 10 feet from street right-of-way line, unless attached to existing building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-130(C) |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Mounted against wall of principal building, at a permitted home occupation | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-130(D) |
| Political Election Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street right-of-way | No limit | Not less than 10 ft from street right-of-way line | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-130(E) |
| Traffic, Directional, Warning, Information Sign (Public Agency) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-130(A) |
| Official Notice (Court, Public Agency, Officer) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-130(B) |
| No Smoking Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Conspicuous at the main entrance to establishments/areas where smoking is prohibited | — | Unlock | § 130.07 |
CC-Community Commercial District
| 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 | — | 32 sq ft (total per lot, includes window area visible to exterior); plus 4 sq ft for each business over four in any one building | — | If attached to wall, no specified setback | — | Attached to the building facade | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-131(A), (B), (C), (D), (H) |
| Pole Sign | 12 ft (unless attached to building facade) | 32 sq ft (total per lot, includes all signage on lot); plus 4 sq ft for each business over four in any one building | — | 10 ft from street right-of-way unless attached to wall | 1 per lot | Not less than 10 ft from street right-of-way line, unless attached to existing building | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-131(A), (B), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H) |
| Monument Sign | 12 ft (unless attached to building facade) | 32 sq ft (total per lot, includes all signage on lot); plus 4 sq ft for each business over four in any one building | — | 10 ft from street right-of-way unless attached to wall | 1 per lot | Not less than 10 ft from street right-of-way line, unless attached to existing building | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-131(A), (B), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H) |
| Sign Painted on Exterior Surface | — | 32 sq ft (total per lot; includes all window area visible to the exterior of the building); plus 4 sq ft for each business over four in any one building | — | — | — | Painted directly on exterior surface | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-131(A), (B), (D), (H) |
| Exempt Signs (as per Sec. 21-130) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-131(B), referencing Sec. 21-130 |
All other 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Signs - Exempt Types | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-132(A) |
| Sign for Religious or Public Building (Ground Mounted) | 6 ft unless attached to principal building | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front | Ground mounted on lot for religious/public use | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-132(B) |
| Sign for Religious or Public Building (Wall Sign) | — | 32 sq ft (if attached to principal building) | — | — | 1 per street front | Attached to exterior of principal building for religious/public use | — | Unlock | Sec. 21-132(B) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Sullivan's Island are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Sullivan's Island
- No sign or signboard shall be constructed, erected, painted, altered, rebuilt, enlarged, expended or relocated except in conformity with the sign ordinance and applicable codes.
- It is unlawful to construct, erect, paint, alter or relocate any sign or signboard without first obtaining a permit from the Inspector and Zoning Administrator, unless exempted.
- No sign or structure shall display flashing or intermittent lights of any type.
- No colored lights on signs that resemble emergency vehicle lights are allowed.
- No sign shall use words such as “Stop,” “Danger,” or any other to confuse drivers.
- No sign whatsoever, whether temporary or permanent, except traffic signs and signals and information signs erected or authorized by a governmental or public agency, shall be permitted within or over public rights-of-way.
- Signs painted on or attached to trees, fence posts, utility poles, rocks, natural features, or painted on the sides or roofs of buildings are prohibited.
- Fluttering ribbons and banners and similar devices are prohibited, except flags of governments and their agencies.
- No sign structure may be erected on the roof or project past the roofline of any building.
- No sign shall be erected that is internally lit except by the use of non-flashing neon.
- No sign shall exceed the height of the Principal Building.
- No person shall willfully remove, destroy, mutilate, damage or deface any monument or sign in, on or upon any public park, street or other public or private property of the town.
- No person shall post, placard, attach, stamp, print, or mark any sign or other advertising device on any property without the consent of the owner or public authority in charge.
Exempt Signs in Sullivan's Island
- Traffic, directional, warning, or information signs authorized by any public agency, or signs for special events held within Town limits with approval of the Zoning Administrator.
- Official notices issued by any court, public agency, or officer.
- Real estate signs ('for sale,' 'for rent,' 'lease,' 'sold' or 'under construction'), subject to limits: only one per street frontage, not exceeding six square feet, non-illuminated, set back 10 feet from right-of-way unless attached to a building, and 'sold' signs removed 14 days after transaction.
- Home occupation sign: only one per lot, not exceeding one square foot, non-illuminated, mounted against a wall of the principal building, and at location of a permitted home occupation.
- Political election signs: no limit on number of signs, not exceeding four square feet each, non-illuminated, located at least 10 feet from right-of-way, and permitted only for two weeks prior to an election and removed within one week after the election.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Sullivan's Island
- A permit is required for the erection, alteration, relocation, or reconstruction of permitted signs unless otherwise exempted.
- Permit applications must include owner and contractor information, location, construction details demonstrating code compliance, and information about all other signs on the lot.
- Permits are issued by the Town's Inspector and Zoning Administrator.
- Signs exempt from permitting are specified in Sec. 21-130.
- All signs must comply with the building code, electrical code, and other relevant codes and state law.