# Sign Regulations in Fairmont, West Virginia

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Fairmont, West Virginia (WV)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/west-virginia/fairmont
- **Data last verified:** 2026-01-07
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.fairmontwv.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2793/Zoning-Code?bidId=#page=103)

## At a glance

Fairmont, West Virginia regulates 28 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Monument Sign (with Bonus and Cap)s in the Main Corridor Commercial (MCC); City Center (CC) zoning district are capped at Within 10 ft overall structure limit tall and 125 sq ft (Business districts cap), with a ≥5 ft from right-of-way setback (Sec. Section 5.3.7.B.iii.a, g (Pages 105-106); 5.3.6.A.iv (Page 103)). Most commercial signs in Fairmont require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (12 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 10 ft overall height | 40 sq ft total aggregate | — |
| General Residential (GR); Neighborhood Residential (NR); Mobile Home Park (MHP) | 6 | 10 ft | 40 sq ft aggregate cap | — |
| Highway Commercial (HC) | 11 | 25 ft | 600 sq ft | — |
| Industrial (I); High Technology Park (T) | 10 | 25 ft | 600 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU); Educational (E) | 8 | 15 ft | 125 sq ft (Business districts cap) | — |
| Main Corridor Commercial (MCC); City Center (CC) | 9 | 15 ft | 125 sq ft (Business districts cap) | — |
| Historic Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| Downtown Historic Overlay | 1 | — | — | — |

_4 additional zoning districts are covered in PermitPal (free account)._

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 12 zones)

### Highway Commercial (HC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Aggregate Sign Area Limit | 20 ft overall height of entire sign structure | 300 sq ft per place of business (aggregate); per frontage based on 1 sq ft/lf | — | ≥5 ft from public or private right-of-way | — | On the frontage used to calculate sign size, unless Building Inspector allows alternate placement per conditions | — | Section 5.3.7.B.i.a, ii.a, iii (Pages 105-106); 5.3.6.B.vii–viii (Pages 103-104) |
| Monument Sign | Within 20 ft overall structure limit | — | — | ≥5 ft from right-of-way | Max one per street frontage | On-premise, per frontage | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.a, g (Pages 105-106); 5.3.6.A.iv (Page 103) |
| Marquee Sign | Within 20 ft overall structure limit | — | — | — | One per place of business | On building marquee | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.b (Page 106) |
| Roof Sign | May not exceed 3 ft above average height of roof parapet; must not exceed district height limit for primary structures | — | — | — | One per place of business | Mounted on roof | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.e (Page 106) |
| Pole Sign | Within 20 ft overall structure limit | — | — | ≥5 ft from right-of-way | One per place of business; cannot co-exist with monument sign on same frontage | Freestanding | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.f (Page 106) |
| Projecting Sign | 15 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | — | Projects from wall at 90 degrees | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.h (Page 106); 5.3.6.A.v (Page 103) |
| Changeable Copy Sign | Subject to overall structure limits (20 ft) | Changeable copy area ≤50% of total permitted sign area | — | — | — | On permitted sign types | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.g (Page 106) |
| Off-Site Advertising Sign (Billboard) | 25 ft | 600 sq ft | — | ≥40 ft from any road, residence, or building | — | Along major arterial roads or an interstate | — | Section 5.3.10 (Pages 109-110) |

### Industrial (I); High Technology Park (T)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Aggregate Sign Area Limit | 20 ft overall height of entire sign structure | 300 sq ft per place of business (aggregate); per frontage based on 1 sq ft/lf | — | ≥5 ft from public or private right-of-way | — | On the frontage used to calculate sign size, unless Building Inspector allows alternate placement per conditions | — | Section 5.3.7.B.i.a, ii.a, iii (Pages 105-106); 5.3.6.B.vii–viii (Pages 103-104) |
| Monument Sign (with Bonus) | Within 20 ft overall structure limit | — | — | ≥5 ft from right-of-way | Max one per street frontage | On-premise, per frontage | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.a, g (Pages 105-106); 5.3.6.A.iv (Page 103) |
| Marquee Sign | Within 20 ft overall structure limit | — | — | — | One per place of business | On building marquee | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.b (Page 106) |
| Roof Sign | May not exceed 3 ft above average height of roof parapet; must not exceed district height limit for primary structures | — | — | — | One per place of business | Mounted on roof | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.e (Page 106) |
| Pole Sign | Within 20 ft overall structure limit | — | — | ≥5 ft from right-of-way | One per place of business; cannot co-exist with monument sign on same frontage | Freestanding | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.f (Page 106) |
| Projecting Sign | 15 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | — | Projects from wall at 90 degrees | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.h (Page 106); 5.3.6.A.v (Page 103) |
| Changeable Copy Sign | Subject to overall structure limits (20 ft) | Changeable copy area ≤50% of total permitted sign area | — | — | — | On permitted sign types | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.g (Page 106) |
| Off-Site Advertising Sign (Billboard) | 25 ft | 600 sq ft | — | ≥40 ft from any road, residence, or building | — | Along major arterial roads or an interstate | — | Section 5.3.10 (Pages 109-110) |

### Main Corridor Commercial (MCC); City Center (CC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Aggregate Sign Area Limit | 10 ft overall height of entire sign structure | 100 sq ft per frontage per place of business (aggregate) | — | ≥5 ft from public or private right-of-way | — | On the frontage used to calculate sign size, unless Building Inspector allows alternate placement per conditions | — | Section 5.3.7.B.i.b, ii.b, iii (Pages 105-106); 5.3.6.B.vii–viii (Pages 103-104) |
| Monument Sign (with Bonus and Cap) | Within 10 ft overall structure limit | 125 sq ft (Business districts cap) | — | ≥5 ft from right-of-way | Max one per street frontage | On-premise, per frontage | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.a, g (Pages 105-106); 5.3.6.A.iv (Page 103) |
| Marquee Sign | Within 10 ft overall structure limit | — | — | — | One per place of business | On building marquee | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.b (Page 106) |
| Pole Sign | Within 10 ft overall structure limit | — | — | ≥5 ft from right-of-way | One per place of business; cannot co-exist with monument sign on same frontage | Freestanding | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.f (Page 106) |
| Projecting Sign | 15 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | — | Projects from wall at 90 degrees | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.h (Page 106); 5.3.6.A.v (Page 103) |
| Changeable Copy Sign | Subject to overall structure limits (10 ft) | Changeable copy area ≤50% of total permitted sign area | — | — | — | On permitted sign types | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.g (Page 106) |
| Dynamic Sign | Subject to overall structure limits (10 ft) | — | — | — | One dynamic sign per place of business | On-premise; must be harmonious and not cause confusion/distraction to traffic | — | Section 5.3.7.B.iii.i (Page 106) and 5.3.6.A.iii (Pages 103-104) |
| Sandwich Board Sign (Permit Exempt) | — | 6 sq ft per side | — | — | — | On the property where the business is located | — | Section 5.3.3.R (Pages 100-101) |

## Prohibited signs in Fairmont

- Flashing or animated signs that incorporate flashing or moving lights or any other visible moving or revolving parts are prohibited in all districts.
- Commercial banners, pennants, flags (except those specifically exempted), spinners, and streamers are prohibited in all districts.
- Signs that resemble traffic control devices (by size, shape, location, color, or illumination) or that use words such as STOP, LOOK, or DANGER in a manner implying a traffic requirement or danger are prohibited.
- Signs may not obstruct free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or other exit way.
- Vehicle signs used for commercial advertising, on‑site business identification, or directional information to an off‑site business are prohibited when: the vehicle lacks a current lawful license plate, is inoperable, is not parked lawfully/appropriately, uses added materials so the sign is not integral to the vehicle, the vehicle’s primary use is not for the business designated by the sign, or the vehicle is part of an outdoor display by a vehicle‑related dealership.
- Changeable letter freestanding signs and portable signs are prohibited.
- Signs containing subject matter defined as 'Specified Sexual Activities' or 'Specified Anatomical Areas' are prohibited.
- Signs that no longer advertise a bona fide business, activity, campaign, service, or product are prohibited.
- Signs located in a public right‑of‑way are prohibited unless permitted by the West Virginia Department of Transportation or the City; illegal right‑of‑way signs may be seized and removal costs charged to the responsible party.
- Signs attached to utility poles and West Virginia Division of Highways sign poles are prohibited.
- Off‑premise signs are prohibited except as expressly permitted by this Article.
- Signs or banners placed on fabric not intended to be used for such purpose are prohibited.
- No sign is permitted within the clear‑vision area.
- No sign may cast light directly upon any part of an adjacent residential property at any time.
- No part of any sign may be placed within five (5) feet of a private or public right‑of‑way.
- No sign or sign structure may be located where, by reason of position, shape, size, or color, it interferes with or obstructs free ingress, egress, or regress to or upon any sidewalk, street, or alley.
- Any sign not specifically mentioned in the ordinance is prohibited.
- Abandoned signs and sign structures are prohibited and must be removed within the prescribed timeframes after abandonment (e.g., property vacant/unoccupied for 120 days).

## Signs exempt from permit in Fairmont

- Servicing, repainting, or cleaning an existing sign is exempt if no structural alterations to the sign pole or supporting structure are made.
- House number or nameplate identifying the occupant or address not exceeding 2 square feet is exempt.
- Real estate signs up to 6 square feet and 5 feet high are exempt (maximum one per street frontage, must advertise the on‑site property, may not project beyond the property line, and must not obstruct drivers’ views).
- The building name and date of erection cut into masonry or on a tablet sign are exempt.
- One banner advertising a particular event for a business is exempt if placed no more than 7 days before and removed no later than 7 days after the event, and used no more than 3 times per year.
- Non‑commercial flags bearing the official seal of the United States, another recognized country, or the State of West Virginia are exempt.
- Traffic or other official government signs (e.g., legal notices, railroad crossing, danger, emergency) are exempt.
- Yard, garage, or moving sale signs are exempt if placed no more than 7 days prior to the sale and removed within 2 days after the sale.
- Traffic control signs on private residential property with no commercial message are exempt.
- Public warning signs for trespassing or danger areas are exempt.
- Temporary nonprofit event signs up to 16 square feet are exempt if displayed no more than 14 days before and 5 days after the event.
- Non‑commercial seasonal signs are exempt.
- Drive‑through menu signs are exempt.
- One banner for the opening of a new business is exempt as an alternative to a permitted permanent wall sign if displayed for up to 30 days within the first 60 days after issuance of the first business license or certificate of occupancy (whichever is later), attached parallel to a permitted wall, and not exceeding 32 square feet.
- Temporary commercial signs placed by businesses or the West Virginia Division of Highways during a road improvement project are exempt if the permanent sign is relocated on‑site or replaced with a temporary sign no larger than zoning‑district limits; any temporary sign must be removed within 7 days after completion of road improvements in front of the business.
- Changing the approved copy/message on a sign specifically designed for replaceable/changeable copy is exempt.
- Non‑illuminated construction signs up to 32 square feet placed on the building site are exempt.
- Sandwich board signs announcing activities or specials are exempt if not greater than 6 square feet per side, located on the property of the business, and brought indoors daily by close of business or 9 PM (whichever is earlier); sandwich board signs are not permitted in residential districts.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required to erect, structurally alter, or relocate any sign unless it qualifies for a permit exemption; applications must include scaled drawings/sketches showing the proposed sign, its content, and location, owner consent, and applicable fees; the Building Inspector may require a survey.
- A bond or liability insurance policy of at least $1,000,000 naming the City as an additional insured is required with sign permit applications; permits expire if work is not completed within six months.
- All new or replacement signs in designated Historic Districts require approval by the Fairmont Historic Preservation Review Commission (FHPRC) with submittals (photos, drawings, color samples, and the City of Fairmont Sign Application); interior signs within 5 feet of the front window visible from the exterior also require FHPRC approval; any alteration to existing signs must be FHPRC‑approved and performed by a professional sign fabricator.
- Electronic Changing Message Signs for political subdivisions require approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 8.9.
- Exceptions to frontage placement requirements may be approved administratively by the Building Inspector when exceptional site conditions exist, subject to spacing, illumination, and other criteria.
- Approval of any amendment to a previously approved development plan is contingent upon removal of all non‑conforming signs on the site.
- For nonconforming signs, upon a change in business name or ownership the Board of Zoning Appeals may authorize substitution of the name/owner without structural alterations; otherwise, nonconforming signs generally must be removed or brought into compliance.
- Dynamic signs must comply with Section 5.3.6 standards (e.g., location/type limits, brightness and hours, message duration/transition) and are limited in where they are allowed; dynamic signs are subject to an annual fee and inspection by the Building Inspector.
- Billboards (off‑site advertising signs) are permitted only in Industrial and Highway Commercial districts and require annual inspection and fee.
- Appeals of sign‑code violations may be filed with the Board of Zoning Appeals within 10 days; appeals of ICC/NFPA issues go to the ICC Board of Appeals within 20 days.
- No master sign plan requirement is specified; multi‑tenant developments have defined sign allowances but no explicit master sign plan process is stated.

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

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