Please ensure that you follow local and state guidelines for signage! I have listed each state below. Clicking these links will take you to a page that breaks out the states by city. By clicking on your chosen city, you will be presented with that cities codes. Locate the sign ordinance and ensure that you are within the regulations.
Step 1 – Understand the importance of sign ordinances to community beautification efforts. Local conservation groups and community-improvement organizations try to limit the size of signs, preventing them from becoming a distractive nuisance.
Step 2 – Speak with your city council about regulations restricting the use of signs attached to your buildings. Each community has ordinances that regulate the size, placement and content of signs that may be unique from other communities. In order to obey local laws, you should approach the city council with any unusual signage requests.
Step 3 – Consult with your state’s highway department about billboards and logos placed on highway exit signs. While private property owners can place any advertisement they want on a billboard, most highway departments help regulate the size of billboards to avoid distractions to drivers. Highway department officials can also help you re-size your logo to meet exit-sign standards and promote your business effectively.
Step 4 – Make sure you obey signage ordinances that regulate the placement of private business or campaign signs adjacent to public signs. Your signs cannot block those indicating street names, speed limits and traffic warnings because of public safety concerns.
Step 5 – Avoid violation of city laws that govern the color and design of business signs. While some communities allow business owners freedom to choose their design aesthetics, most cities prohibit bright colors or flashing lights to avoid traffic issues. Likewise, city councils will often prevent business owners from creating signage that is lewd or inappropriate for children.
Step 6 – Learn about the National Scenic Byways Program. Featured on Byways.org, it is devoted to protecting highways and waterways from over development, including excessive signage.
State Ordinances:
Texas
Washington
Oregon
California
Idaho
Nevada
Arizona
Utah
Wyoming
Montana
Colorado
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Kansas
Nebraska
S Dakota
N Dakota
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
Arkansas
Louisiana
Wisconsin
Illinois
Tennessee
Mississippi
Indiana
Alabama
Kentucky
Michigan
Ohio
West Virginia
Virginia
N Carolina
S Carolina
Georgia
Florida
Pennsylvania
Maryland
Delaware
New Jersey
Connecticut
New York
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Vermont
New Hampshire
Maine
Hawaii
Alaska
If you have information pertaining to any of these ordinances (changes that are not listed, etc.), please email me!