# Sign Regulations in Charleston, West Virginia

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Charleston, West Virginia (WV)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/west-virginia/charleston
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-26
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.charlestonwv.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-10/Zoning%20Ordinance.pdf#page=161)

## At a glance

Charleston, West Virginia regulates 43 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Blade Signs in the General Commercial District (C-10), Heavy Industrial District (I-4) zoning district are capped at Bottom at least 9 ft; top no more than 12 ft above ground tall, 6 sq ft, and 36 inches width; 24 inches height wide, with a Not specified (NA) setback (Sec. Table 24-080.01; Sec. 24-080-02). Most commercial signs in Charleston 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 | 10 | Top no more than 12 ft above ground; bottom at least 9 ft above ground | Up to 25% of each window area; up to 50% if there are no wall signs on the premises | — |
| Single Family Residential District (R-2, R-4), Medium Density Residential District (R-6), High Density Residential District (R-8), Mixed Use Neighborhood District (R-10), Planned Unit Development (PUD) | 11 | 8 ft | 18 sq ft | — |
| Residential-Office District (R-O) | 5 | 8 ft | .75 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial District (C-4) | 5 | Bottom at least 9 ft; top no more than 12 ft above ground | 32 sq ft | — |
| Village Commercial District (C-8), Professional and Medical Campus (PMC), Light Industrial District (I-2) | 9 | 20 ft or 15 ft (both heights listed in table) | 50 sq ft | — |
| General Commercial District (C-10), Heavy Industrial District (I-4) | 11 | 50 ft above grade of adjacent interstate highway or 35 ft above grade of all other streets | 300 sq ft per face (single or double-faced) | — |
| Shopping Center District (C-12) | 10 | 40 ft | 80 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (CBD), Urban Corridor District (UCD), Corridor Village District (CVD) | 8 | 18 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| East End Historic Overlay District (EE) | 2 | — | — | — |

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

### Single Family Residential District (R-2, R-4), Medium Density Residential District (R-6), High Density Residential District (R-8), Mixed Use Neighborhood District (R-10), Planned Unit Development (PUD)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Subdivision Sign (Single-Family Dwellings, Duplex, Triplex) | 8 ft | 18 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 per subdivision entrance | At subdivision entrance. | — | Table 24-070-04.01 (Subdivision Signs) |
| Building Signplate (Single-Family Dwelling/Duplex/Triplex) | Not specified (NA) | 2 sq ft | — | Not specified (NA) | 1 per dwelling unit | On building; 1 per dwelling unit. | — | Table 24-070-04.01 (Building Signplates) |
| Temporary Sign (Residential Single-Family/Duplex/Triplex) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | 3 ft from property line | 2 per building | On private property; setback per table. | — | Table 24-070-04.01 (Temporary Signs); Sec. 24-070-03(A)-(C) |
| Building Signplate (Multi-Family Buildings) | Not specified (NA) | 2 sq ft | — | Not specified (NA) | 1 per public entrance | On building at public entrances. | — | Table 24-070-04.01 (Multi-Family - Building Signplates) |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-Family - Development Entrance) | 8 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 8 ft from property line | 1 per development entrance | At multi-family development entrance. | — | Table 24-070-04.01 (Multi-Family - Freestanding Signs); Sec. 24-070-02(A)-(B) |
| Temporary Sign (Multi-Family Buildings) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | 3 ft from property line | 2 per building | On private property; setback per table. | — | Table 24-070-04.01 (Multi-Family - Temporary Signs); Sec. 24-070-03(A)-(C) |
| Wall Sign (Non-residential Uses in R-2, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, PUD) | 8 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 8 ft from property line | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage. | — | Table 24-070-04.01 (Non-residential Uses in R-2, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, PUD) |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-residential Uses in R-2, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, PUD) | 8 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 8 ft from property line | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage. | — | Table 24-070-04.01; Sec. 24-070-02(A)-(B) |

### General Commercial District (C-10), Heavy Industrial District (I-4)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building Signplate | Not specified (NA) | 2 sq ft | — | Not specified (NA) | 1 per public entrance | On building at public entrances. | — | Table 24-080.01 (C-8/C-10/I-2/I-4/PMC - Building Signplates) |
| Blade Sign | Bottom at least 9 ft; top no more than 12 ft above ground | 6 sq ft | 36 inches width; 24 inches height | Not specified (NA) | 1 per public street front entrance | At public street front entrance; may project over right-of-way but not into vehicular lane/parking. | — | Table 24-080.01; Sec. 24-080-02 |
| Wall, Awning, Canopy, Projecting, or Marquee Sign (Single Parcel) | — | 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage | — | Not specified (NA) | No maximum | On building. | — | Table 24-080.01 (Single Parcel Commercial Establishments) |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Parcel) | 15 ft | 50 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 | On lot. | — | Table 24-080.01 (Single Parcel - Freestanding Signs); Sec. 24-080-04(A); Sec. 24-040-02 |
| Temporary Sign (Single Parcel) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 2 per building | On private property. | — | Table 24-080.01 (Single Parcel - Temporary Signs); Sec. 24-080-05(A)-(G) |
| Wall, Awning, Canopy, Projecting, or Marquee Sign (Multi-tenant Establishments) | — | 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage | — | Not specified (NA) | 1 per building frontage | On building; 1 per building frontage per business. | — | Table 24-080.01 (Multi-tenant Commercial Establishments) |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-tenant Establishments) | 20 ft or 15 ft (both heights listed in table) | 50 sq ft + 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 per lot | On lot. | — | Table 24-080.01 (Multi-tenant - Freestanding Signs); Sec. 24-080-04(A); Sec. 24-040-02 |
| Temporary Sign (Multi-tenant Establishments) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 per business | On private property. | — | Table 24-080.01 (Multi-tenant - Temporary Signs); Sec. 24-080-05(A)-(G) |

### Shopping Center District (C-12)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building Signplate | Not specified (NA) | 2 sq ft | — | Not specified (NA) | 1 per public entrance | On building at public entrances. | — | Table 24-080.01 (C-12 - Building Signplates) |
| Blade Sign | Bottom at least 9 ft; top no more than 12 ft above ground | 6 sq ft | 36 inches width; 24 inches height | Not specified (NA) | 1 per public street front entrance | At public street front entrance; may project over right-of-way but not into vehicular lane/parking. | — | Table 24-080.01 (C-12 - Blade Sign); Sec. 24-080-02 |
| Wall, Awning, Canopy, Projecting, or Marquee Sign (Single Parcel) | — | 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage | — | Not specified (NA) | No maximum | On building. | — | Table 24-080.01 (C-12 - Single Parcel) |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Parcel) | 35 ft | 80 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 | On lot. | — | Table 24-080.01 (C-12 - Single Parcel Freestanding Signs); Sec. 24-080-04(A); Sec. 24-040-02 |
| Temporary Sign (Single Parcel) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 2 per building | On private property. | — | Table 24-080.01 (C-12 - Single Parcel Temporary Signs); Sec. 24-080-05(A)-(G) |
| Wall, Awning, Canopy, Projecting, or Marquee Sign (Multi-tenant Establishments) | — | 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage | — | Not specified (NA) | 1 per building frontage | On building; 1 per building frontage per business. | — | Table 24-080.01 (C-12 - Multi-tenant) |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-tenant Establishments) | 40 ft | 80 sq ft + 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 per lot | On lot. | — | Table 24-080.01 (C-12 - Multi-tenant Freestanding Signs); Sec. 24-080-04(A); Sec. 24-040-02 |
| Temporary Sign (Multi-tenant Establishments) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 per business | On private property. | — | Table 24-080.01 (C-12 - Multi-tenant Temporary Signs); Sec. 24-080-05(A)-(G) |

## Prohibited signs in Charleston

- All signs not expressly permitted by these regulations are prohibited.
- Signs with flashing or moving lights, visible moving or revolving parts, or other attention-attracting devices are prohibited.
- Banners, pennants, flags, spinners, or streamers are prohibited, except as specifically allowed for temporary signs in Sec. 24-070.03 and Sec. 24-080-05.
- Signs that obstruct or impair drivers’ vision or detract from or resemble traffic signs or traffic control devices (by size, shape, location, color, or illumination) are prohibited.
- Signs using words such as "STOP", "LOOK", "DANGER", or similar words, symbols, or characters that imply the need to stop or the existence of danger are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct free ingress or egress for doors, windows, fire escapes, or other exit ways required by the Building or Fire Code are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Signs containing graphics or lettering illustrating specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas are prohibited.
- Signs that no longer advertise a bona fide business, activity, campaign, service, or product (including real estate signs) are prohibited.
- Any sign not in compliance with highway interstate standards and specifications is prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Merchandise, equipment, products, vehicles, or other items not themselves for sale and placed for attention-getting, identification, or advertising purposes are prohibited.
- Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole is prohibited.
- Any sign structure or frame no longer containing a sign is prohibited.
- Any sign that is structurally or electrically unsafe is prohibited.
- Temporary signs located in a public right-of-way are prohibited.
- Pole signs may not extend over a public right-of-way.
- Wall signs may not extend above any roof line or project more than twelve (12) inches from the building to which they are attached.
- Shingle signs or marquee signs may not be lower than nine (9) feet above ground level.
- Digital display signs must remain static and nonanimated (messages must be fixed and transition instantly; luminance limits apply).

## Signs exempt from permit in Charleston

- Servicing, repainting, cleaning, or changing the changeable copy message of an existing sign (no structural alterations) does not require a permit.
- House number or nameplate identifying the occupant or address of a structure, not exceeding one (1) square foot, does not require a permit.
- Real estate signs advertising the sale, rental, or lease of a structure or parcel of property do not require a permit.
- Memorial or historical signs or tablets, or the name of a building and date of erection, when cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material, do not require a permit.
- Signs painted on or attached to a motor vehicle that do not project higher or longer than the vehicle and when the vehicle is properly licensed and operational do not require a permit.
- Flags bearing the official design of the United States, State of West Virginia, or City of Charleston do not require a permit, provided no part of the flag is lower than nine (9) feet above a sidewalk.
- Traffic or other municipal signs (e.g., legal notice, railroad crossing, danger, or emergency signs) as approved by City Council, the Building Commissioner, or the Municipal Planning Commission do not require a permit.
- Miscellaneous advisory signs less than two (2) square feet (e.g., "Beware of Dog," "No Trespassing") do not require a permit.
- Construction site signs advertising the owner, contractor, developer, materials supplier, etc., displayed on a site on a temporary basis during construction, do not require a permit.
- Noncommercial message substitution for any duly permitted or allowed commercial message is allowed without additional approval or permitting, provided the sign structure or mounting device is legal and the total amount of signage on a parcel is not increased.
- Instructional signs up to two (2) square feet, in the minimum number necessary and not designed to be legible beyond the perimeter of the site, are permitted in addition to the maximum number and area of signs (no advertising allowed on instructional signs in residential districts).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No master sign plan requirement is stated in Article 24.
- A sign permit is required to erect, alter, relocate, or maintain any sign except for the permit exemptions in Sec. 24-030; Planning Director approval for conformance is required prior to applying for a sign permit.
- Off-premise signs are allowed only in the C-10 or I-4 districts as a conditional use and must have an approved permit.
- Projecting signs that project into a city right-of-way require review and approval by the City Engineer and may require a right-of-way agreement.
- Murals in any zoning district require approval by the Municipal Beautification Commission.
- Electronic message boards in the Central Business District may be permitted in lieu of a ground sign only when accessory to a major public assembly area; BZA #2095 authorized two reader boards for the Charleston Civic Center, with replacement allowed subject to specific conditions.
- Off-premise sign applications must include a registered survey; on-premise sign applications must include accurate sketches/scaled drawings, and the Planning Director may require a survey for on-premise signs.

## 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 Charleston — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Charleston+WV&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-charleston

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