Orlando sign permit requirements

Building permit required to erect, alter, repair or relocate any sign unless exempted; changing copy on changeable-copy signs does not require a permit; certain minor signs and banner signs are exempt

“Building Permit Required. Unless exempted per this Chapter, no person shall erect, alter, repair or relocate any sign without first obtaining a building permit for such work from the Building Official of the City of Orlando.”

In commercial (AC), mixed use (MU) and industrial (I) districts: 2 sq. ft. per linear foot of ground floor tenant space frontage; 1 sq. ft. per linear foot for secondary street frontage

“In all commercial (AC), mixed use (MU) and industrial (I) zoning districts, and unless otherwise specified, a total sign area of two square feet is allowed for each linear foot of ground floor tenant space frontage.”

Varies by road type and location. Inside Traditional City: up to 18 ft (AC districts, 4+ lane roads); Outside Traditional City: up to 24 ft (AC districts, 4+ lane roads) or 30 ft (industrial); all signs may extend up to 30 ft above ground level except as otherwise limited

“All signs may extend up to thirty (30) feet above ground level to the top of the sign, except as otherwise limited in this Chapter.”

5 ft from right-of-way in O/MXD districts; 10 ft from right-of-way in MU, AC and industrial districts; 5 ft from property boundaries; 10 ft from residential-zoned property; 40 ft minimum separation from other freestanding signs

“No freestanding sign or billboard shall be erected closer than forty (40) feet to any other freestanding sign”

No projecting sign or supporting structure shall extend above the roof line, nor into any street centerline setback, nor more than 30 ft above ground level to the top of the sign unless approved as a mid-rise sign

“No projecting sign or supporting structure shall extend above the roof line, nor shall any sign extend into any street centerline setback or more than thirty (30) feet above ground level to the top of the sign unless approved as a mid-rise Sign.”

Window signs allowed only on ground floor; total window sign area may not exceed 25% of each individual window area on the ground floor

“The total window sign area may not exceed 25 percent of each individual window area on the ground floor.”

Illuminated signs must be shaded, shielded or directed so light does not adversely affect surrounding area or vehicle operators, and shall not shine directly on or into residential structures. Internal illumination permitted in most commercial districts per Table 1

“Any light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect the surrounding area or adversely affect operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways or parking areas. Light shall not shine directly on or into residential structures.”

Electronic Message Centers allowed on freestanding signs where permitted (MU, AC, industrial, P districts); must not change more than once every 8 seconds; must have automatic dimming; max brightness 0.3 footcandles above ambient measured at property line; must have pixel pitch 10mm or lower; no flashing/blinking

“Must not change more than once every 8 seconds.”

Organization banner signs: 30 days total use, extendable up to 60 additional days (90 days max) by Planning Official; one banner per street frontage; max 5% of building face or 40 sq. ft. whichever is greater (mounted on building) or 40 sq. ft. (other banners)

“Banners may be permitted with an overall limit of thirty (30) days total use. However, the Planning Official may approve, upon request of the original applicant and upon showing of just cause, up to a sixty (60) day extension beyond the original thirty (30) day limit.”

Prohibited: billboards (new), hazardous/confusing signs, signs on public property/right-of-way, obscene signs, most signs on vehicles, wind-operated devices (banners/pennants/streamers/spinners/balloons), serial signs, snipe signs, beacon lights, flashing signs, signs with moving parts (unless approved EMC or digital numeric), trailer signs, permanent home occupation signs

“Beacon Lights. Any sign which incorporates a beacon light or lights as defined herein. Flashing Signs. Shall be prohibited.”

Standards vary materially by zoning district per Table 1. General commercial (AC-1, AC-2, AC-3) figures given: wall signs 2 sq ft per linear foot of frontage; freestanding max 100 sq ft. Code uses many districts (R, O, MXD, MU, AC, I, P) with different values

“For purposes of this Chapter, Table 1: Table of Allowable Signs, shall be used to determine regulations that apply within each zoning district.”