# Sign Regulations in Winnsboro, South Carolina

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Winnsboro, South Carolina, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Winnsboro, South Carolina (SC)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/south-carolina/winnsboro
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-10
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://townofwinnsboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Unified-Development-Ordinance-161-1.pdf#page=100)

## At a glance

Winnsboro, South Carolina regulates 38 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Flags in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Flagpole: maximum of district height limit or 45 ft, whichever is less tall and 24 sq ft per flag, with a Same as freestanding signs in the applicable district setback (Sec. Article 8, Section (I), Column K (Flags)). Most commercial signs in Winnsboro require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (9 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 18 | Flagpole: maximum of district height limit or 45 ft, whichever is less | 50 sq ft | — |
| Single Family Dwelling Units (R-1, R-2); Duplex Residential (R-2) | 4 | Flagpole: district max or 45 ft, whichever is less | 24 sq ft per flag | — |
| Multi-Family Residential (R-3) | 7 | Flagpole: district max or 45 ft, whichever is less | 24 sq ft per flag | — |
| Residential Mixed Use (RMU) | 4 | Flagpole: district max or 45 ft, whichever is less | 24 sq ft per flag | — |
| Residential Office (RO) | 5 | Flagpole: district max or 45 ft, whichever is less | 24 sq ft per flag | — |
| General Commercial (C-2) | 13 | Flagpole: district max or 45 ft, whichever is less | 300 sq ft | — |
| Principle Commercial (C-1) | 12 | Flagpole: district max or 45 ft, whichever is less | 250 sq ft | — |
| Limited Industrial (LI) | 11 | Flagpole: district max or 45 ft, whichever is less | 250 sq ft | — |
| PD Zoning District | 1 | — | — | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 9 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Signs Allowed by Right - Real Estate Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 6 sq ft | — | 10 ft from right-of-way if freestanding | 1 per lot | At least 10 ft from street right-of-way or on front wall of building | — | Article 8, Section (C)(4) |
| Signs Allowed by Right - Real Estate Sign (Non-Residential Districts) | — | 20 sq ft | — | 10 ft from right-of-way if freestanding | 1 per lot | At least 10 ft from street right-of-way or on front wall of building | — | Article 8, Section (C)(4) |
| Signs Allowed by Right - Identification Sign (Nameplate) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | All zoning districts | — | Article 8, Section (C)(5) |
| Signs Allowed by Right - Directional Parking Entrance/Exit Signs | 3 ft (measured from established parking area grade) | 4 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per entrance and 1 per exit | At parking area entrances/exits | — | Article 8, Section (C)(6) (Directional Signs) |
| Signs Allowed by Right - Temporary Subdivision Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | 10 ft | — | On premises of land subdivision; minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way or subdivision boundary | — | Article 8, Section (C)(7) |
| Signs Allowed by Right - Construction Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per site | On the premises for work involving construction, alteration, or removal | — | Article 8, Section (C)(8) |
| Temporary Signs - General | — | Maximum size established in Table 9-2 (not provided in excerpt) | — | — | Up to 2 per parcel | On private property in compliance with Article 8 | — | Article 8, Section (F)(1)-(6) |
| Flags | Flagpole: maximum of district height limit or 45 ft, whichever is less | 24 sq ft per flag | — | Same as freestanding signs in the applicable district | 1 flagpole (without counting toward total signage); additional flags/poles count | All districts; flagpoles must meet freestanding sign setbacks | — | Article 8, Section (I), Column K (Flags) |

### General Commercial (C-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 75 sq ft (may increase by 15 sq ft for multi-tenant signs) | — | 5 ft | 1 per lot | On private property; at least 5 ft from property line | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Freestanding = P in C-2); Section (K) Table 8-3 (Freestanding - C-2); Section (J) Table 8-2 Notes (a),(b); Section (I) Columns M and O |
| Wall Sign (Building Sign) | — | 10% of wall area per wall (C-2 table entry); see Additional Requirements for Note 7 primary frontage allowance | — | — | 1 per business | Building facade | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Wall = P in C-2); Section (K) Table 8-3 (Building Signs - C-2: 1 per business; 10% (h)(i)); Notes 7-8; Section (J) Table 8-2 |
| Electronic Readerboard (Freestanding only) | Per freestanding (35 ft) | Portion limits as stated; overall sign area per freestanding limit | — | Per freestanding (5 ft) | Per freestanding sign limits | Freestanding signs only | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Electronic Readerboard = P in C-2); Section (I) Column M; Section (J) Table 8-2 Notes (a),(b); Section (K) Off-Premise note re 25% |
| Changeable Copy Sign (Non-electronic; part of larger sign) | Per base sign | Portion ≤ 30% of sign | — | Per base sign | N/A (component of base sign) | On wall or freestanding signs | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Changeable Copy = P in C-2); Section (I) Column O |
| Sandwich Board (A-Frame) Sign | 36 inches | — | 24 inches | — | 1 per business | Sidewalk/pedestrian way on private property | — | Article 8, Section (C)(12) |
| Temporary Banner / Professionally Made Temporary Sign (Commercial-only) | — | 30 sq ft | — | 10 ft from public right-of-way | Up to 2 per lot | On private property; at least 10 ft from public right-of-way | — | Article 8, Section (C)(11); Section (I) Column J (banners prohibited unless used as temporary signs affixed on all four sides) |
| Off-Premise Sign (US 176 frontages only) | 35 ft | 300 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line | Per spacing limits (no fixed numeric cap in table) | Along US 176 frontage | — | Article 8, Section (K) Table 8-3 (Off Premise - C-2); Notes 4-6; Electronic portion note |
| Flag | Flagpole: district max or 45 ft, whichever is less | 24 sq ft per flag | — | Same as freestanding | 1 flagpole (no count); additional count | On parcel; flagpole setbacks same as freestanding signs | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Flags = A); Section (I) Column K |

### Principle Commercial (C-1)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 50 sq ft (may increase by 15 sq ft for multi-tenant signs) | — | 5 ft | 1 per lot | On private property; at least 5 ft from property line | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Freestanding = P in C-1); Section (K) Table 8-3 (Freestanding - C-1); Section (J) Table 8-2 Notes (a),(b); Section (I) Columns M and O |
| Wall Sign (Building Sign) | — | 15% of wall area (primary frontage); 10% each remaining wall | — | — | 1 per business | Building facade | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Wall = P in C-1); Section (K) Table 8-3 (Building Signs - C-1: 1 per business; 15% (g)(i)); Notes 7-8; Section (J) Table 8-2 |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | May extend outward not more than 6.5 ft; not closer than 18 inches to curb plane | — | 1 per building frontage; multi-tenant: 1 per tenant with spacing | Projecting from building facade | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Projecting = P in C-1); Section (I) Column G; Section (K) Notes (9) |
| Changeable Copy Sign (Non-electronic; part of larger sign) | Per base sign | Portion ≤ 30% of sign | — | Per base sign | N/A (component) | On wall or freestanding signs | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Changeable Copy = P in C-1); Section (I) Column O |
| Sandwich Board (A-Frame) Sign | 36 inches | — | 24 inches | — | 1 per business | Sidewalk/pedestrian way on private property | — | Article 8, Section (C)(12) |
| Temporary Banner / Professionally Made Temporary Sign (Commercial-only) | — | 30 sq ft | — | 10 ft from public right-of-way | Up to 2 per lot | On private property; at least 10 ft from public right-of-way | — | Article 8, Section (C)(11); Section (I) Column J (banners prohibited unless used as temporary signs affixed on all four sides) |
| Off-Premise Sign (US 176 frontages only) | 25 ft | 250 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line | Per spacing limits (no fixed numeric cap in table) | Along US 176 frontage | — | Article 8, Section (K) Table 8-3 (Off Premise - C-1); Notes 4-6; Electronic portion note |
| Flag | Flagpole: district max or 45 ft, whichever is less | 24 sq ft per flag | — | Same as freestanding | 1 flagpole (no count); additional count | On parcel; flagpole setbacks same as freestanding signs | — | Article 8, Section (H) Table 8-1 (Flags = A); Section (I) Column K |

## Prohibited signs in Winnsboro

- No sign shall be allowed in the public right-of-way (including railway right-of-way) except as specifically exempted.
- Private signs shall not be placed on any public property or right-of-way without an approved encroachment permit.
- Banners are prohibited; signs constructed as banners of flexible material are only allowed when securely affixed on all four sides to a rigid, stable surface or sign frame and utilized as a temporary sign.
- Temporary signs may not have any illumination.
- Temporary signs may not be placed within any public right-of-way unless placed in accordance with Section 8.1; temporary signs may be placed on public property only by the public jurisdiction that owns the property.
- No sign displaying intermittent lights resembling traffic signals or using words such as “stop” or “danger” in a manner that might mislead or confuse drivers.
- No signs (temporary or permanent) within any street or highway right-of-way except traffic signs, signals and information signs erected by a public agency, unless otherwise provided.
- Signs painted on or attached to trees, fences, utility poles, rocks or other natural features, or painted on the roofs of buildings are prohibited.
- Signs which display intermittent or flashing lights or moving parts are prohibited.
- Signs that create a safety hazard by obstructing clear view of pedestrian and vehicular traffic are prohibited.
- Signs that display a lewd, indecent, or otherwise offensive message to public morals are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- Searchlights and beacons are prohibited.
- Signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying such sign are prohibited (except allowed portable signs and lettering on vehicles operating during the normal course of business).
- Inflatable signs and tethered balloons are prohibited.
- Freestanding signs are not permitted on undeveloped lots or parcels, except as permitted in Section 9.6.
- Portable signs may not be lighted and may be used as temporary signs only.

## Signs exempt from permit in Winnsboro

- Any sign required by law or constructed by a governmental agency for traffic or directional purposes is allowed by right.
- Official notices by a court, public agency, or office are allowed by right.
- Political signs, up to sixteen (16) square feet, are permissible in all zoning districts and must be removed no later than two (2) weeks following the election.
- One non-illuminated real estate sign (“for sale,” “for rent,” “for lease”) is allowed: up to six (6) square feet in residential districts or twenty (20) square feet in non-residential districts, located at least ten (10) feet from a street right-of-way or on the front wall of a building.
- One non-illuminated identification name plate (up to two (2) square feet) mounted flat against a building wall is permitted in all zoning districts.
- Holiday decorations temporarily displayed on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic, or religious holidays are allowed.
- Directional signs for parking area entrances and exits are allowed (one per entrance/exit, not exceeding four (4) square feet per face, and not projecting higher than three (3) feet from established grade).
- Temporary subdivision signs (up to twenty (20) square feet) are allowed on the premises of the land subdivision, at least ten (10) feet from a street right-of-way or subdivision boundary, spaced not less than three hundred (300) feet apart, and removed when seventy-five percent (75%) of subdivision lots are conveyed.
- Construction signs (one non-illuminated sign up to fifty (50) square feet displaying project participants) are allowed on the premises during construction, alteration, or removal and must be removed within thirty (30) days after project completion.
- Special event signs for events occurring on the lot are allowed; they may be erected no sooner than thirty (30) days before the event and must be removed no later than three (3) days after the event.
- Noncommercial or civic/philanthropic event signs or banners (one per lot) are allowed in any district for not more than fourteen (14) days with written permission of the property owner.
- In the public right-of-way, the following are allowed: public signs erected by or on behalf of a government body; informational signs of a public agency or utility regarding its facilities; emergency signs; directional signs; temporary signs not to exceed 24 hours for yard sales, auctions, public gatherings; and governmental signs.
- One flag and flagpole is allowed on a parcel without counting toward total signage allowed (flags up to twenty-four (24) square feet and flown per protocol; additional flags/flagpoles count toward total signage and must meet freestanding sign setbacks).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A Signage Plan is required before issuing 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 that qualifies by street frontage for more than one freestanding sign; and (3) identification or announcement of a land subdivision or development project.
- The Signage Plan must include all information required for sign permits and specify standards for consistency among all signs regarding lettering/graphic style, lighting, location on buildings, material, and sign proportions.
- For zone lots with multiple uses or users, the Signage Plan must limit free-standing signs to one per street frontage across the included lots and provide for shared/common usage of such signs; the maximum sign area may be increased by 25%.
- Once approved by the Zoning Administrator, the Signage Plan is binding on all businesses and uses on the affected lots and may be amended only by filing a new or revised plan that conforms with the ordinance.
- Any new or amended Signage Plan for a property with existing signs must include a schedule to bring all nonconforming signs into conformance within three (3) years.
- Signs in PD zoning districts are approved through the overall site plan approval process for the development.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 9 zoning districts in Winnsboro — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Winnsboro+SC&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-winnsboro

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