Tallahassee sign permit requirements

Permit required to erect, alter or relocate any sign, except that any permanent on-site sign 24 sq ft or less is exempt from permitting (though it still counts toward maximum aggregate area and number).

“Except as otherwise provided, any permanent, on-site sign 24 square feet in area or less shall be exempt from permitting. However, the sign shall still count towards the maximum aggregate surface area and maximum number of signs allowed for the premises.”

Aggregate surface area of all signs shall not exceed 2 sq ft per foot of building frontage occupied by the business, or 1 sq ft per foot of property frontage occupied by the building, whichever is greater; 200 sq ft max in districts other than Central Core/Special Character (80 sq ft there).

“The aggregate surface area of all signs shall not exceed two square feet of area for each foot of building frontage occupied by the business displaying signs, or one square foot of area for each foot of frontage of property occupied by the building whichever is greater.”

Ground sign area not to exceed 1 sq ft per foot of property frontage or 2 sq ft per foot of building frontage, whichever is greater, with a maximum of 150 sq ft (for multiple-occupancy sites). General aggregate cap of 200 sq ft otherwise applies.

“Such multiple-occupancy sites shall be permitted one ground sign per street frontage with surface area not to exceed one square foot per foot of property frontage of the building or two square feet per foot of building frontage, whichever is greater, with a maximum of 150 square feet.”

Projecting signs may extend no more than 4 feet beyond the building surface. Signs over any sidewalk/pedestrian way must be at least 9 ft above the surface; over any vehicular way at least 15 ft above.

“Projection limitations: Four feet beyond the surface of the portion of the building to which it is attached or designed.”

Window signs are exempt/permitted where they collectively cover 20 percent or less of window glass surface area; window signs covering more than 20 percent are prohibited.

“Window signs which identify or advertise activities, services, goods, or products available within the building, and which collectively cover 20 percent or less of the window glass surface area.”

Illuminated signs (including neon) shall not produce more than one footcandle of illumination four feet from the sign. Unshielded illuminated devices producing glare/hazard are prohibited.

“Illuminated signs, including neon signs, shall not produce more than one footcandle of illumination four feet from the sign.”

On-site electronic reader boards allowed; copy static minimum 6 seconds, change complete within max 2 seconds, change simultaneous across face, default design on malfunction; no flashing/traveling/animation. Brightness limits by color (e.g. all colors 650 day / 250 night candelas/sq ft).

“Static display time for each message is a minimum of six seconds; (2) The time to completely change from one message to the next is a maximum of two seconds;”

On-site banners, flying paraphernalia, and tethered inflatable signs: permit may be granted for no more than 14 calendar days in any three-month period. Temporary sign for a new business up to 32 sq ft for not more than 60 days or until permanent signs installed.

“A permit may be granted for the use of on-site banners, flying paraphernalia, and tethered inflatable signs for no more than 14 calendar days in any three-month period.”

Prohibited include: animated signs (except public service), banners/flying paraphernalia (with exceptions), noise-emitting signs, smoke/vapor signs, signs on public property, signs on trees/rocks, advertising vehicles, sandwich signs (except downtown/University Village/All Saints), snipe signs, window signs over 20% of glass, bench signs, flashing signs on portable signs, tethered inflatables (with exceptions), and electronic reader boards on historic properties.

“Animated signs except public service signs.”

General standards in Sec. 7-62 apply to all non-residential zoning districts; commercial figure = 200 sq ft aggregate cap and 18/25/100 ft ground sign heights. Central Core and Special Character districts are capped at 80 sq ft, and several overlay districts (MMTD, Mahan Corridor, All Saints, University Village) have their own stricter rules.

“In all other districts where allowed, 200 square feet.”