EMC Sign Laws - Salem,Marion County, Oregon

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Sign permit zoning laws

Allowed Signs: With and Without Permits

Permanent signs typically require a sign permit before they can be installed. These include:

• Wall signs: Attached flat against the exterior wall of a building.

• Freestanding signs: Supported by one or more poles or a base, independent of a building. Think of a sign in a shopping center parking lot.

• Projecting signs: Extend horizontally from a building wall, often seen above storefronts.

• Roof signs: Mounted on the roof of a building. These are often subject to strict height and safety regulations.

• Illuminated signs: Any sign that uses internal or external light sources to be visible, including neon, LED, or backlit signs.

Temporary signs are generally allowed but come with specific time, size, and placement restrictions. These are often used for short-term events or promotions and include:

• Lawn signs: Small signs placed in the ground, often seen for real estate or political campaigns.

• Banners: Flexible signs made of cloth or other light materials.

• Balloons and pennants: Often used for grand openings or special sales, with very specific rules about their use.

There are also several types of signs that are exempt from needing a permit. These are typically signs that serve a public purpose or are minor in nature:

• Official traffic signs: Road signs, stop signs, etc., installed by government authorities.

• Historical markers: Signs designating historical sites or buildings.

• Building number signs: For identifying addresses.

• Certain interior signs: Signs located entirely within a building and not visible from the outside.

Prohibited Signs

To maintain safety and aesthetics, certain types of signs are strictly prohibited:

• Signs that obstruct traffic or visibility: Any sign that blocks drivers' views of roads, intersections, or other traffic control devices.

• Signs that mimic traffic signals: Signs designed to look like or function similarly to official traffic lights or road signs, which could cause confusion.

• Signs placed on vehicles primarily for advertising: While vehicles can display business names, using a vehicle primarily as a stationary advertisement (e.g., parking a car with a large sign on it just for advertising) is generally not allowed.

• Signs using unsafe structures or materials: Signs that are structurally unsound or made of materials that pose a hazard.

• Signs located in vision clearance areas: These are specific zones at intersections or driveways where clear visibility is crucial for safety. There might be some very limited exceptions, but generally, signs are not allowed here.

Zoning and Sign Placement

Where you can place a sign and what kind of sign is permitted is heavily influenced by the zoning of the property:

• Residential and agricultural zones: Signage is very limited here, primarily restricted to small signs for identification (like house numbers or "no trespassing" signs) and sometimes temporary signs with strict regulations. The goal is to preserve the residential character of these areas.

• Commercial and industrial zones: These zones offer more flexibility for signage. You'll find more options for illuminated and freestanding signs here, but they are still subject to detailed regulations regarding dimensions (size and height), setback (how far back from the property line), and safety.

• Public areas and rights-of-way: Placing signs on public property (like sidewalks, parks, or road verges) requires explicit approval from the governing authority. You can't just put up a sign anywhere you want in a public space.

General Requirements 

Beyond the basics, here are some overall requirements for signs in Portmore:

• Permits: As mentioned, permits are typically required for permanent signs, ensuring they meet all safety and code standards.

• Regulations: Every aspect of a sign is regulated, including its size, height, brightness (for illuminated signs), setback (distance from property lines), and the materials used in its construction.

• Electronic and Animated Signs: While some electronic signs and animated signs might be allowed, they are usually restricted to specific zones (like commercial areas) and come with additional regulations regarding their brightness, message changes, and animation frequency to prevent light pollution or driver distraction.