Sign Regulations in Salem, Virginia
Salem, Virginia has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Pole Sign, Monument Sign, Wall Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Salem, Virginia
Sample Sign Requirements in Salem
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign, Pole Sign | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Monument Sign | 4 ft | 24 sq ft | Minimum 2 ft from other sign/building/structure (except those parallel and adjacent to a wall/structure) |
| Wall Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Freestanding Sign, Pole Sign
- Monument Sign
- Wall Sign
- Multi-Tenant 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 Salem
Other Cities in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
In Salem, monument signs are limited to 8 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Salem, 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 Salem, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Pole Sign, Monument Sign, Wall Sign, Multi-Tenant 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 Salem 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 Salem are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Salem has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Salem, Virginia Sign Rules at a Glance
Salem, Virginia regulates 16 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the Transitional Business District (TBD), Downtown Business District (DBD) zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall, 24 sq ft, and 15 ft wide, with a Minimum 2 ft from other sign/building/structure (except parallel and adjacent to wall/structure) setback (Sec. Sec. 66-105(A)(Monument Sign); Sec. 66-105(B)). Most commercial signs in Salem require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Salem, Virginia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Salem (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture District (AG) | 3 | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Residential Single Family District (RSF), Cluster Overlay District (COL) | 3 | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Residential Multi-Family District (RMF), Residential Business District (RB), Planned Unit District (PUD) | 4 | 10 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Manufactured Home Park District (MHP) | 3 | 15 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Transitional Business District (TBD), Downtown Business District (DBD) | 9 | 25 ft | 25% of each window area per building frontage | — |
| College and University District (CUD) | 4 | 25 ft | 150 sq ft (based on building frontage) | — |
| Community Business District (CBD), Highway Business District (HBD), Business Commerce District (BCD), Light Manufacturing District (LM), Heavy Manufacturing District (HM) | 4 | 25 ft | 150 sq ft (based on building frontage) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | 24 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Salem(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Transitional Business District (TBD), Downtown Business District (DBD)
| 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, Pole Sign | 5 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Freestanding Sign, Pole Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
| Marquee Sign | — | 24 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | Above the principal public entrance, facing a public street or parking lot. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Marquee Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
| Monument Sign | 4 ft | 24 sq ft | 15 ft | Minimum 2 ft from other sign/building/structure (except parallel and adjacent to wall/structure) | One; second possible on secondary frontage | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Monument Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
| Multi-Tenant Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Multi-Tenant Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
| Menu Sign | — | Not allowed | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Menu Sign) |
| Location Sign | 25 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | For businesses with no frontage on an urban primary/minor arterial or urban collector as designated by VDOT. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Location Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
| Wall Sign | — | 24 sq ft per sign, for lots with less than 75 ft frontage; 100 sq ft for 75-149.99 ft; 150 sq ft for 150+ ft | — | — | Max four | On walls of commercial or industrial buildings. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Wall Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of each window area per building frontage | — | — | — | Within windows of off-street-facing frontages. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Window Sign) |
College and University District (CUD)
| 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, Pole Sign | 25 ft | 24 sq ft for <75 ft frontage, 100 sq ft for 75-149.99 ft frontage, 150 sq ft for >=150 ft frontage | — | — | — | One freestanding sign per frontage, must be 100 ft apart and not visible from the same point along the same street. Additional frontage allowed additional signage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Freestanding Sign, Pole Sign); Sec. 66-105(B), Sec. 66-103(Table 1) |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft | 120 sq ft | 15 ft | Minimum 2 ft from other sign/building/structure (except parallel and adjacent to wall/structure) | — | One monument sign per 100 ft of frontage, not visible from same point along same street. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Monument Sign); Sec. 66-105(B), Sec. 66-103(Table 1) |
| Multi-Tenant Sign | 25 ft | 150 sq ft (based on building frontage) | — | — | — | Freestanding sign, 100 ft apart, not visible from same point along street. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Multi-Tenant Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
| Location Sign | 25 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | For businesses with no frontage on an urban primary/minor arterial or collector. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Location Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
Community Business District (CBD), Highway Business District (HBD), Business Commerce District (BCD), Light Manufacturing District (LM), Heavy Manufacturing District (HM)
| 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, Pole Sign | 25 ft | 24 sq ft for <75 ft frontage; 100 sq ft for 75–149.99 ft; 150 sq ft for ≥150 ft | — | — | — | One freestanding sign per frontage, additional frontage allowed additional signs per regulation; signs must be 100 ft apart and not visible simultaneously along same street. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Freestanding Sign, Pole Sign); Sec. 66-105(B), Sec. 66-103(Table 1) |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft | 120 sq ft | 15 ft | Minimum 2 ft from other sign/building/structure (except parallel and adjacent to wall/structure) | — | One per 100 ft of frontage not visible from same point along same street. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Monument Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
| Multi-Tenant Sign | 25 ft | 150 sq ft (based on building frontage) | — | — | — | Freestanding sign, 100 ft apart, not visible from same point along street. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Multi-Tenant Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | Max four | On walls of commercial or industrial buildings. | — | Unlock | Sec. 66-105(A)(Wall Sign); Sec. 66-105(B) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Salem — 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 Salem — start freeProhibited Signs in Salem
- No sign shall have flashing, intermittent or animated illumination or lights of changing degrees of intensity, unless each interval in the cycle is a minimum of eight seconds and the sign does not constitute a traffic hazard.
- Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
- Signs encroaching upon or overhanging public right-of-way, except as provided elsewhere in the Code. No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, light standard, street tree, or other public facility located within the public right-of-way.
- Signs which blink, flash, or are animated by lighting in any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights, or municipal vehicle warnings from a distance.
- Portable signs except as provided in section 66-105.
- Vehicular signs except as provided in section 66-11.
- Balloons, streamers, inflatables, pennant strings, flags (except as allowed in section 66-11), pinwheels, and similar displays, except as provided in section 66-105 (temporary signs).
- No off-premise sign shall be located within the corporate limits of the city.
- No existing off-premise sign shall be converted to an electronic sign, billboard or multi-vision board.
- Abandoned signs.
- Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
- Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or prevent free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor or contain open flames.
- Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
- Vehicular interactive signs.
- Signs incorporating beacon lighting.
- Any banner or sign of any type suspended across a public street, without the permission of the owner of the property and the city.
- Roof signs.
- Signs for any home occupation.
- Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, except those authorized or required by local, state, or federal government.
- Any sign containing information that states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the zoning ordinance.
- Signs that exhibit statements, words or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects.
- Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
- Neglected signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Salem
- Signs located in the downtown business districts may have additional standards and/or differing regulations as set forth in the Handbook to Downtown Salem.
Source: municode municipal code