SIGN REGULATIONS
The following apply to all signs in all districts.
Every sign reviewed in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be reviewed for type; placement and location; design and composition; construction and application; and size. All reviews for sign design shall be based solely on the criteria of this article, and shall not be based on the content of the sign.
Signs that are not consistent with the provisions of this article shall be considered legal non-conforming if a building permit was issued prior to installation and if the sign is not in violation of § 8.5.B. of this article. All other signs are considered illegal non-conforming signs. This section shall not be interpreted to require removal of off-premise signs within the scope of F.S. § 70.20.
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2001-16, passed 5-16-01; Am. Ord. O-2002-22, passed 6-5-02; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2013-22, passed 12-4-13; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person or firm to post, display, repair, change, paint, or erect any sign or sign structure without first obtaining a sign permit. Separate sign permits are required for each sign. Signs may also be required to obtain a building permit after obtaining the sign permit and before they can be displayed.
Except as provided in this section, no permanent sign shall be erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained, or relocated until a permit has been issued by the Building Official. Structural and safety features and electrical systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Florida Building Code. Separate building permits are required for each sign. Window signs, applied to the interior of glazed areas, do not require a building permit.
All signs that are electrically illuminated by any means shall require a separate electrical permit and inspection. Separate electrical permits are required for each sign.
The following signs may be erected or constructed without review by the Division of Planning or the Planning and Development Board, but shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Florida Building Code:
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2011-14, passed 5-4-11; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
All signs shall be maintained in good condition and appearance and shall not show evidence of deterioration, weathering, discoloration, rust, or other conditions reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance. Any persons responsible for the erection or maintenance of a sign that fails to comply with this regulation or any other regulation of this article shall be subject to enforcement procedures.
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2001-16, passed 5-16-01; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2011-14, passed 5-4-11; Am. Ord. O-2012-06, passed 4-4-12; Am. Ord. O-2014-05, passed 4-16-14; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
Removal of non-conforming signs is required in the following instances:
The copy of any legal non-conforming sign may be changed provided the change does not increase the sign's non- conformity and the change of copy is not otherwise prohibited by law (for example, by converting the sign into a prohibited off-premises sign).
No more than 15 billboards are permitted in the city. They shall only be located along limited access arterial roadways, limited in size to 14 feet by 48 feet, and supported by a single pole. Such signs shall be exempt from non-conforming provisions in Article 3. This section shall not be interpreted to require removal of off-premise signs within the scope of F.S. § 70.20.
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
Fees shall be paid in accordance with the fee schedule provided by resolution of the City Commission.
Sign permit tags, which shall include the address of the property on which the sign is located, permit number, date installed, and the name of the installation company or person, shall be affixed to each new sign permitted pursuant to this article. Sign permit tags shall be of a durable weatherproof material and affixed in a location readily visible on the sign, and shall be supplied by the installation company or person.
The city shall approve or deny the sign permit based solely on whether it complies with the requirements of this article. The city shall approve or deny the sign permit within 30 days after receipt of a complete application. In the event that the Department of Development Services fails to timely render a final determination on a sign permit application, the applicant may erect and maintain the sign proposed in the application.
If the sign permit application is denied, the city shall prepare a written notice of its decision, describing the applicant's appeal rights, and send it to the applicant. The applicant may file a written notice of appeal to the City Commission within 30 days after the date of receipt of the city's written notice. The City Commission shall hold a public hearing at the next available Commission meeting that is at least 25 days after the date of receiving the written notice of appeal, at which the City Commission shall determine whether the application satisfies the requirements of this article. If the City Commission does not approve the application, then the applicant may seek relief in the Circuit Court for Broward County, as provided by law.
Landscaping shall be provided at the base of each freestanding sign and shall be egual in area to the length of the sign by a width of two feet. Landscaping shall include living ground cover or shrubs.
All lights and lighting from a sign shall be designed and arranged as to not cause direct glare onto another property, the eyes of passing motorists or pedestrians. Signs may only be illuminated in any of the following methods:
Any combination of durable weatherproof materials approved by the Chief Building Official may be used in the construction of a sign. The following sign media and materials are permitted:
Sign color shall not be fluorescent and shall coordinate and contrast with the background colors of the building or mounting face.
Single Family Districts (RS-1 through RS-10); Low/Medium Multiple Family Districts (RM-9); Trailer Park District (TP); and Planned Development (PD) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) Districts comprised of single-family homes. Signs for places of worship and schools shall be regulated pursuant to § 8.4.A.7.
Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
The following signs may be permitted for residential development or neighborhood: | |||
Monument or identification sign | 25 square feet | 1 sign per entrance | Limited to the fence/wall height pursuant to § 155.12 of the City Code of Ordinances |
Wall identification sign | 25 square feet | 1 sign per entrance | Not applicable |
Medium to High Multiple Family Districts (RM-12, RM-18, RM-25, and BRT-25); North Beach Development Districts (NBDD); Multiple-Family Residential Wetlands District (RM-WET); multiple-family residential buildings within Planned Development (PD) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) Districts; and multiple-family residential buildings in the Regional Activity Center, Downtown and Beach Community Redevelopment, and Transit Oriented Corridor Districts. Signs for places of worship and schools shall be regulated pursuant to § 8.4.A.7.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following signs may be permitted per street frontage: | |||
Monument or identification sign1 | Properties of 2 acres or less: | ||
15 square feet per side | 1 sign per lot | 6 feet | |
Properties of greater than 2 acres: | |||
25 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 6 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | 10 square feet per side, 2 side maximum | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet |
One of the following signs may also be permitted per street frontage: | |||
Canopy sign | 30 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | 30 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Parapet sign | For building 10 stories or greater: | ||
10% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
1 Prohibited along Broadwalk frontages | |||
Office Districts (O-1, O-2, O-3, and OM); office buildings within Planned Development (PD) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) Districts; and office buildings in the Regional Activity Center, Downtown and Beach Community Redevelopment, and Transit Oriented Corridor Districts.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following freestanding signs may be permitted per street frontage and/or outparcel: | |||
Monument sign1 | Frontage of at least 100 feet but less than 200 feet: | ||
24 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 6 feet | |
Frontage of at least 200 feet but less than 300 feet: | |||
36 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 8 feet | |
Frontage of more than 300 feet: | |||
64 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 16 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | Panel area: 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet |
Two of the following signs may be permitted per ground floor tenant with recognizable entrance: | |||
Awning sign | 75% of the length of the awning | 1 sign per street frontage | 12 inches |
Canopy sign | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of canopy frontage | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | For lots with less than 100 linear feet of street frontage: | ||
10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
For lots with 100 linear feet of street frontage or more: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located. Signs may be a minimum of 25 square feet and shall be a maximum of 150 square feet | Single-tenant building: 1 per facade; maximum of 3 signs per building Multiple-tenant building: 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Parapet sign | For 2-3 story buildings: | ||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 2 feet | |
For buildings 4-9 stories: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 3 feet | |
For buildings 10 stories or greater: | |||
15% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
Window sign | 15% of the door, window, or storefront area. Signs may be a minimum of 20 square feet | Not applicable | Not applicable |
1 Prohibited along Broadwalk frontages | |||
Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-5); Hospital District (HP); commercial and mixed-use buildings within Planned Development (PD) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) Districts; commercial and mixed-use buildings in the Beach Community Redevelopment Districts: and commercial and mixed-use buildings in the Transition, Mixed-Use, and Commercial Districts in the Regional Activity Center, Downtown and Beach Community Redevelopment, and Transit Oriented Corridor Districts.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following freestanding signs may be permitted per street frontage and/or outparcel: | |||
Monument sign1 | Frontage of less than 100 feet: | ||
6 square feet per side | 1 sign per lot | 4 feet | |
Frontage of at least 100 feet but less than 200 feet: | |||
24 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 6 feet | |
Frontage of at least 200 feet but less than 300 feet: | |||
36 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 8 feet | |
Frontage of more than 300 feet: | |||
64 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 16 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | Frontage of less than 100 feet: | ||
Panel area: 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet | |
Two of the following signs may be permitted per ground floor tenant with recognizable entrance: | |||
Awning sign | 75% of the length of the awning | 1 sign per street frontage | 12 inches |
Canopy sign | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of canopy frontage | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Marquee sign | 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | 1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located. Signs may be a minimum of 25 square feet | Single-tenant building: 1 per facade; maximum of 3 signs per building Multiple-tenant building: 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Parapet sign | For 2-3 story buildings: | ||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 2 feet | |
For buildings 4 stories or greater: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 3 feet | |
For buildings 10 stories or greater: | |||
15% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
Window sign | 15% of the door, window, or storefront area. Signs may be a minimum of 20 square feet | Not applicable | Not applicable |
1 Prohibited along Broadwalk frontages | |||
Industrial and Manufacturing Districts (IM-1, IM-2, IM-3, and IM-4); and the Office, Showroom, and Warehouse District (OSW).
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following freestanding signs may be permitted per street frontage and/or outparcel: | |||
Monument sign | Frontage of less than 100 feet: | ||
6 square feet per side | 1 sign per lot | 4 feet | |
Frontage of at least 100 feet but less than 200 feet: | |||
24 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 6 feet | |
Frontage of at least 200 feet but less than 300 feet: | |||
36 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 8 feet | |
Frontage of more than 300 feet: | |||
64 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 16 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | Frontage of less than 100 feet: | ||
Panel area: 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet | |
Two of the following signs may be permitted per ground floor tenant with recognizable entrance: | |||
Awning sign | 75% of the length of the awning | 1 sign per street frontage | 12 inches |
Canopy sign | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of canopy frontage | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | 1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located. Signs may be a minimum of 25 square feet and a maximum of 200 square feet | Single-tenant building: 1 per facade; maximum of 3 signs per building Multiple-tenant building: 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Parapet sign | For 2-3 story buildings: | ||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 2 feet | |
For buildings 4 stories or greater: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 3 feet | |
For buildings 10 stories or greater: | |||
15% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
Window sign | 15% of the door, window, or storefront area. Signs may be a minimum of 20 square feet | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Port Everglades Development District (PEDD). PEDD sign regulations are determined by a separate agreement between Broward County and the Cities of Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Dania Beach.
| Type | Size | Number |
Primary Signs | ||
Wall sign | 15% of the front wall 10% of side (street facing) walls; 200 square feet maximum | 1 sign per street frontage |
Tenant awning sign (multiple-tenant building) | 6 square feet, 15 square feet aggregate, 5 feet height | 1 sign in addition to above |
Freestanding sign | Properties with less than 100 feet of frontage on the main street: 1 sign with area not to exceed 64 square feet total, 2 side maximum, and a maximum height of 16 feet | |
Properties with 100 feet or more of frontage on the main street: 1 sign with an area not to exceed 1 square foot per linear foot of frontage, 64 square feet per side maximum, 2 side maximum, and a maximum height of 16 feet | ||
Secondary Signs | ||
Directional or informational sign | 12 square feet, 4 feet high | 2 signs per curb cut |
Limited Agricultural District (AD); Country Club District (CC); Government Use (GU); Open Space (OS); and Sports and Recreational Facility (SRF); and institutional uses, including places of worship and schools.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following freestanding signs may be permitted per street frontage: | |||
Monument sign1 | Frontage of less than 200 feet: | ||
36 square feet per side | 1 sign per lot | 6 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | Panel area: 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet |
Two of the following signs may be permitted per ground floor tenant with recognizable entrance: | |||
Awning sign | 75% of the length of the awning | 1 sign per street frontage | 12 inches |
Canopy sign | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of canopy frontage | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | 1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located. Signs may be a minimum of 25 square feet and a maximum of 150 square feet | Single-tenant building: 1 per facade; maximum of 3 signs per building Multiple-tenant building: 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Parapet sign | For 2-3 story buildings: | ||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 2 feet | |
For buildings 4 stories or greater: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 3 feet | |
For buildings 10 stories or greater: | |||
15% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
Window sign | 15% of the door, window, or storefront area. Signs may be a minimum of 20 square feet | Not applicable | Not applicable |
1 Prohibited along Broadwalk frontages | |||
a. The following signs may also be permitted.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
The following additional signs may also be permitted in all districts, as applicable: | |||
Address | Not applicable | 1 sign per street or alley frontage | 6 inches |
Directional sign | 2 square feet | 2 signs per vehicular driveway | 4 feet |
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Incidental | 6 square feet | 3 signs per establishment | Not applicable |
Non-commercial sign | 3 square feet | Not applicable | 4 feet |
The following additional signs may also be permitted for service stations and auto related uses: | |||
Service station canopy sign | 40 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
Service station bay or fueling island sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per bay, 2 signs per island | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted for new automotive sales: | |||
Pole banner sign | 24 square feet with no side smaller than 2 feet | 2 banners per pole. Pole banner signs shall be no closer than 30 feet apart | Banners shall have a clearance of 12 feet and no portion of the banner should extend above 30 feet, regardless of the height of the pole |
b. Changeable copy signs.
Changeable Copy | |
Use | Maximum Percentage of Sign Area |
Hotels/motels | 10% |
Institutional uses | 100% |
Service stations | 80% |
Theaters | 80% |
Parking garage with publicly available parking | 1 per entry, not to exceed 4 square feet |
The copy of existing and conforming monument sign inset panels may be changed or replaced without a sign permit, provided that the size of the panel remains the same and all other criteria of this article are satisfied, if applicable.
The copy of previously approved window signs, applied to the interior of glazed areas, may be changed or replaced without a sign permit, provided that the overall sign area does not exceed the maximum permitted and all other criteria of this article are satisfied. New window sign permits shall be required for new establishments, changes of use, and changes of ownership.
c. Pole signs.
Existing pole sign installations constructed with required permits prior to September 3, 2008, shall be considered legal non-conforming subject to compliance with the maintenance criteria in § 8.5.B.
d. Lawful non-conforming buildings and uses.
Lawful non-conforming buildings and uses mav conform to the regulations as applicable to such building or use. For example, a lawful non- conforming commercial use will follow the sign regulations applicable to commercial uses in § 8.4.A.4., and may have a pole sign if the criteria of division d. above is met.
Banner signs require a sign permit pursuant to § 8.2.
Type | Maximum Size | Maximum Duration/Number |
Banner | 50 square feet | Except for institutional and governmental uses, 1 sign is permitted for 10 consecutive days not more than 3 times in a 12-month period |
All temporary signs with an active building permit require sign permits pursuant to § 8.2. Signs may be erected at the issuance of a building permit and shall be removed at the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or the expiration of the building permit for the project.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
Two of the following signs may be permitted: | |||
Fence wrap | 100% of fence area | Not applicable | Limited to the fence/wall height pursuant to § 155.12 of the City Code of Ordinances |
Post and panel | Single-family residential districts | ||
8 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 14 feet | |
Port Everglades Development District (PEDD) | |||
32 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 8 feet | |
All other districts | |||
50 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 14 feet | |
Wall sign | 32 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
Window sign | 100% of window area | Not applicable | Not applicable |
All temporary real estate signs require sign permits pursuant to § 8.2. Signs are to be removed within seven days of the sale or lease of the premises.
| Type | Area | Number | Height |
Post and panel | Single-family residential districts1 | ||
3 square feet per side2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 5 feet | |
Multiple-family residential districts | |||
6 square feet per side2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 7 feet | |
Port Everglades Development District (PEDD) | |||
32 square feet2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 8 feet | |
Non-residential districts | |||
12 square feet2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 7 feet | |
Vacant lots within non-residential districts | |||
32 square feet2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 7 feet | |
Wall sign | 32 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage3 | Not applicable |
Window sign | 12 square feet2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | Not applicable |
1 Exempt from sign permit 2 One square foot per strip sign below primary sign, for a maximum of three strip signs 3 Waterfront properties may have one additional sign on the waterfront | |||
All temporary non-commercial signs shall be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety, and good repair, and located so as not to interfere with traffic visibility, pursuant to § 4.22.B.7.
Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | Maximum Duration |
Non-commercial sign | For residential properties | ||
24 square feet | 4 feet | 180 days | |
For non-residential properties | |||
24 square feet per sign; with a total sign area on one property not to exceed one foot per linear foot of street frontage with a maximum of 100 square feet | 15 feet | 180 days | |
Permitted subject to the vehicle meeting the following conditions:
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2003-35, passed 11-5-03; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2009-40, passed 12-2- 09; Am. Ord. O-2011-14, passed 5-4-11; Am. Ord. O-2013-02, passed 1- 9-13; Am. Ord. O-2016-22, passed 10-19-16; Am. Ord. O-2017-23, passed 12-6-17; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
SIGN REGULATIONS
The following apply to all signs in all districts.
Every sign reviewed in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be reviewed for type; placement and location; design and composition; construction and application; and size. All reviews for sign design shall be based solely on the criteria of this article, and shall not be based on the content of the sign.
Signs that are not consistent with the provisions of this article shall be considered legal non-conforming if a building permit was issued prior to installation and if the sign is not in violation of § 8.5.B. of this article. All other signs are considered illegal non-conforming signs. This section shall not be interpreted to require removal of off-premise signs within the scope of F.S. § 70.20.
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2001-16, passed 5-16-01; Am. Ord. O-2002-22, passed 6-5-02; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2013-22, passed 12-4-13; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person or firm to post, display, repair, change, paint, or erect any sign or sign structure without first obtaining a sign permit. Separate sign permits are required for each sign. Signs may also be required to obtain a building permit after obtaining the sign permit and before they can be displayed.
Except as provided in this section, no permanent sign shall be erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained, or relocated until a permit has been issued by the Building Official. Structural and safety features and electrical systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Florida Building Code. Separate building permits are required for each sign. Window signs, applied to the interior of glazed areas, do not require a building permit.
All signs that are electrically illuminated by any means shall require a separate electrical permit and inspection. Separate electrical permits are required for each sign.
The following signs may be erected or constructed without review by the Division of Planning or the Planning and Development Board, but shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Florida Building Code:
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2011-14, passed 5-4-11; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
All signs shall be maintained in good condition and appearance and shall not show evidence of deterioration, weathering, discoloration, rust, or other conditions reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance. Any persons responsible for the erection or maintenance of a sign that fails to comply with this regulation or any other regulation of this article shall be subject to enforcement procedures.
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2001-16, passed 5-16-01; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2011-14, passed 5-4-11; Am. Ord. O-2012-06, passed 4-4-12; Am. Ord. O-2014-05, passed 4-16-14; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
Removal of non-conforming signs is required in the following instances:
The copy of any legal non-conforming sign may be changed provided the change does not increase the sign's non- conformity and the change of copy is not otherwise prohibited by law (for example, by converting the sign into a prohibited off-premises sign).
No more than 15 billboards are permitted in the city. They shall only be located along limited access arterial roadways, limited in size to 14 feet by 48 feet, and supported by a single pole. Such signs shall be exempt from non-conforming provisions in Article 3. This section shall not be interpreted to require removal of off-premise signs within the scope of F.S. § 70.20.
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)
Fees shall be paid in accordance with the fee schedule provided by resolution of the City Commission.
Sign permit tags, which shall include the address of the property on which the sign is located, permit number, date installed, and the name of the installation company or person, shall be affixed to each new sign permitted pursuant to this article. Sign permit tags shall be of a durable weatherproof material and affixed in a location readily visible on the sign, and shall be supplied by the installation company or person.
The city shall approve or deny the sign permit based solely on whether it complies with the requirements of this article. The city shall approve or deny the sign permit within 30 days after receipt of a complete application. In the event that the Department of Development Services fails to timely render a final determination on a sign permit application, the applicant may erect and maintain the sign proposed in the application.
If the sign permit application is denied, the city shall prepare a written notice of its decision, describing the applicant's appeal rights, and send it to the applicant. The applicant may file a written notice of appeal to the City Commission within 30 days after the date of receipt of the city's written notice. The City Commission shall hold a public hearing at the next available Commission meeting that is at least 25 days after the date of receiving the written notice of appeal, at which the City Commission shall determine whether the application satisfies the requirements of this article. If the City Commission does not approve the application, then the applicant may seek relief in the Circuit Court for Broward County, as provided by law.
Landscaping shall be provided at the base of each freestanding sign and shall be egual in area to the length of the sign by a width of two feet. Landscaping shall include living ground cover or shrubs.
All lights and lighting from a sign shall be designed and arranged as to not cause direct glare onto another property, the eyes of passing motorists or pedestrians. Signs may only be illuminated in any of the following methods:
Any combination of durable weatherproof materials approved by the Chief Building Official may be used in the construction of a sign. The following sign media and materials are permitted:
Sign color shall not be fluorescent and shall coordinate and contrast with the background colors of the building or mounting face.
Single Family Districts (RS-1 through RS-10); Low/Medium Multiple Family Districts (RM-9); Trailer Park District (TP); and Planned Development (PD) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) Districts comprised of single-family homes. Signs for places of worship and schools shall be regulated pursuant to § 8.4.A.7.
Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
The following signs may be permitted for residential development or neighborhood: | |||
Monument or identification sign | 25 square feet | 1 sign per entrance | Limited to the fence/wall height pursuant to § 155.12 of the City Code of Ordinances |
Wall identification sign | 25 square feet | 1 sign per entrance | Not applicable |
Medium to High Multiple Family Districts (RM-12, RM-18, RM-25, and BRT-25); North Beach Development Districts (NBDD); Multiple-Family Residential Wetlands District (RM-WET); multiple-family residential buildings within Planned Development (PD) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) Districts; and multiple-family residential buildings in the Regional Activity Center, Downtown and Beach Community Redevelopment, and Transit Oriented Corridor Districts. Signs for places of worship and schools shall be regulated pursuant to § 8.4.A.7.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following signs may be permitted per street frontage: | |||
Monument or identification sign1 | Properties of 2 acres or less: | ||
15 square feet per side | 1 sign per lot | 6 feet | |
Properties of greater than 2 acres: | |||
25 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 6 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | 10 square feet per side, 2 side maximum | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet |
One of the following signs may also be permitted per street frontage: | |||
Canopy sign | 30 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | 30 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Parapet sign | For building 10 stories or greater: | ||
10% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
1 Prohibited along Broadwalk frontages | |||
Office Districts (O-1, O-2, O-3, and OM); office buildings within Planned Development (PD) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) Districts; and office buildings in the Regional Activity Center, Downtown and Beach Community Redevelopment, and Transit Oriented Corridor Districts.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following freestanding signs may be permitted per street frontage and/or outparcel: | |||
Monument sign1 | Frontage of at least 100 feet but less than 200 feet: | ||
24 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 6 feet | |
Frontage of at least 200 feet but less than 300 feet: | |||
36 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 8 feet | |
Frontage of more than 300 feet: | |||
64 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 16 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | Panel area: 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet |
Two of the following signs may be permitted per ground floor tenant with recognizable entrance: | |||
Awning sign | 75% of the length of the awning | 1 sign per street frontage | 12 inches |
Canopy sign | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of canopy frontage | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | For lots with less than 100 linear feet of street frontage: | ||
10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
For lots with 100 linear feet of street frontage or more: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located. Signs may be a minimum of 25 square feet and shall be a maximum of 150 square feet | Single-tenant building: 1 per facade; maximum of 3 signs per building Multiple-tenant building: 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Parapet sign | For 2-3 story buildings: | ||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 2 feet | |
For buildings 4-9 stories: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 3 feet | |
For buildings 10 stories or greater: | |||
15% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
Window sign | 15% of the door, window, or storefront area. Signs may be a minimum of 20 square feet | Not applicable | Not applicable |
1 Prohibited along Broadwalk frontages | |||
Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-5); Hospital District (HP); commercial and mixed-use buildings within Planned Development (PD) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) Districts; commercial and mixed-use buildings in the Beach Community Redevelopment Districts: and commercial and mixed-use buildings in the Transition, Mixed-Use, and Commercial Districts in the Regional Activity Center, Downtown and Beach Community Redevelopment, and Transit Oriented Corridor Districts.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following freestanding signs may be permitted per street frontage and/or outparcel: | |||
Monument sign1 | Frontage of less than 100 feet: | ||
6 square feet per side | 1 sign per lot | 4 feet | |
Frontage of at least 100 feet but less than 200 feet: | |||
24 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 6 feet | |
Frontage of at least 200 feet but less than 300 feet: | |||
36 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 8 feet | |
Frontage of more than 300 feet: | |||
64 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 16 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | Frontage of less than 100 feet: | ||
Panel area: 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet | |
Two of the following signs may be permitted per ground floor tenant with recognizable entrance: | |||
Awning sign | 75% of the length of the awning | 1 sign per street frontage | 12 inches |
Canopy sign | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of canopy frontage | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Marquee sign | 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | 1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located. Signs may be a minimum of 25 square feet | Single-tenant building: 1 per facade; maximum of 3 signs per building Multiple-tenant building: 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Parapet sign | For 2-3 story buildings: | ||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 2 feet | |
For buildings 4 stories or greater: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 3 feet | |
For buildings 10 stories or greater: | |||
15% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
Window sign | 15% of the door, window, or storefront area. Signs may be a minimum of 20 square feet | Not applicable | Not applicable |
1 Prohibited along Broadwalk frontages | |||
Industrial and Manufacturing Districts (IM-1, IM-2, IM-3, and IM-4); and the Office, Showroom, and Warehouse District (OSW).
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following freestanding signs may be permitted per street frontage and/or outparcel: | |||
Monument sign | Frontage of less than 100 feet: | ||
6 square feet per side | 1 sign per lot | 4 feet | |
Frontage of at least 100 feet but less than 200 feet: | |||
24 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 6 feet | |
Frontage of at least 200 feet but less than 300 feet: | |||
36 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 8 feet | |
Frontage of more than 300 feet: | |||
64 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 16 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | Frontage of less than 100 feet: | ||
Panel area: 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet | |
Two of the following signs may be permitted per ground floor tenant with recognizable entrance: | |||
Awning sign | 75% of the length of the awning | 1 sign per street frontage | 12 inches |
Canopy sign | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of canopy frontage | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | 1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located. Signs may be a minimum of 25 square feet and a maximum of 200 square feet | Single-tenant building: 1 per facade; maximum of 3 signs per building Multiple-tenant building: 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Parapet sign | For 2-3 story buildings: | ||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 2 feet | |
For buildings 4 stories or greater: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 3 feet | |
For buildings 10 stories or greater: | |||
15% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
Window sign | 15% of the door, window, or storefront area. Signs may be a minimum of 20 square feet | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Port Everglades Development District (PEDD). PEDD sign regulations are determined by a separate agreement between Broward County and the Cities of Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Dania Beach.
| Type | Size | Number |
Primary Signs | ||
Wall sign | 15% of the front wall 10% of side (street facing) walls; 200 square feet maximum | 1 sign per street frontage |
Tenant awning sign (multiple-tenant building) | 6 square feet, 15 square feet aggregate, 5 feet height | 1 sign in addition to above |
Freestanding sign | Properties with less than 100 feet of frontage on the main street: 1 sign with area not to exceed 64 square feet total, 2 side maximum, and a maximum height of 16 feet | |
Properties with 100 feet or more of frontage on the main street: 1 sign with an area not to exceed 1 square foot per linear foot of frontage, 64 square feet per side maximum, 2 side maximum, and a maximum height of 16 feet | ||
Secondary Signs | ||
Directional or informational sign | 12 square feet, 4 feet high | 2 signs per curb cut |
Limited Agricultural District (AD); Country Club District (CC); Government Use (GU); Open Space (OS); and Sports and Recreational Facility (SRF); and institutional uses, including places of worship and schools.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
One of the following freestanding signs may be permitted per street frontage: | |||
Monument sign1 | Frontage of less than 200 feet: | ||
36 square feet per side | 1 sign per lot | 6 feet | |
Post and panel sign1 | Panel area: 10 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 5 feet |
Two of the following signs may be permitted per ground floor tenant with recognizable entrance: | |||
Awning sign | 75% of the length of the awning | 1 sign per street frontage | 12 inches |
Canopy sign | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of canopy frontage | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Projecting sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | 7.5-foot vertical clearance to ground |
Wall sign | 1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located. Signs may be a minimum of 25 square feet and a maximum of 150 square feet | Single-tenant building: 1 per facade; maximum of 3 signs per building Multiple-tenant building: 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted: | |||
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Parapet sign | For 2-3 story buildings: | ||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 2 feet | |
For buildings 4 stories or greater: | |||
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | 3 feet | |
For buildings 10 stories or greater: | |||
15% of the total facade area where the sign is to be located | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable | |
Window sign | 15% of the door, window, or storefront area. Signs may be a minimum of 20 square feet | Not applicable | Not applicable |
1 Prohibited along Broadwalk frontages | |||
a. The following signs may also be permitted.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
The following additional signs may also be permitted in all districts, as applicable: | |||
Address | Not applicable | 1 sign per street or alley frontage | 6 inches |
Directional sign | 2 square feet | 2 signs per vehicular driveway | 4 feet |
Directory sign | 1 square foot per tenant or 6 square feet, whichever is greater | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Incidental | 6 square feet | 3 signs per establishment | Not applicable |
Non-commercial sign | 3 square feet | Not applicable | 4 feet |
The following additional signs may also be permitted for service stations and auto related uses: | |||
Service station canopy sign | 40 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
Service station bay or fueling island sign | 5 square feet | 1 sign per bay, 2 signs per island | Not applicable |
The following additional signs may also be permitted for new automotive sales: | |||
Pole banner sign | 24 square feet with no side smaller than 2 feet | 2 banners per pole. Pole banner signs shall be no closer than 30 feet apart | Banners shall have a clearance of 12 feet and no portion of the banner should extend above 30 feet, regardless of the height of the pole |
b. Changeable copy signs.
Changeable Copy | |
Use | Maximum Percentage of Sign Area |
Hotels/motels | 10% |
Institutional uses | 100% |
Service stations | 80% |
Theaters | 80% |
Parking garage with publicly available parking | 1 per entry, not to exceed 4 square feet |
The copy of existing and conforming monument sign inset panels may be changed or replaced without a sign permit, provided that the size of the panel remains the same and all other criteria of this article are satisfied, if applicable.
The copy of previously approved window signs, applied to the interior of glazed areas, may be changed or replaced without a sign permit, provided that the overall sign area does not exceed the maximum permitted and all other criteria of this article are satisfied. New window sign permits shall be required for new establishments, changes of use, and changes of ownership.
c. Pole signs.
Existing pole sign installations constructed with required permits prior to September 3, 2008, shall be considered legal non-conforming subject to compliance with the maintenance criteria in § 8.5.B.
d. Lawful non-conforming buildings and uses.
Lawful non-conforming buildings and uses mav conform to the regulations as applicable to such building or use. For example, a lawful non- conforming commercial use will follow the sign regulations applicable to commercial uses in § 8.4.A.4., and may have a pole sign if the criteria of division d. above is met.
Banner signs require a sign permit pursuant to § 8.2.
Type | Maximum Size | Maximum Duration/Number |
Banner | 50 square feet | Except for institutional and governmental uses, 1 sign is permitted for 10 consecutive days not more than 3 times in a 12-month period |
All temporary signs with an active building permit require sign permits pursuant to § 8.2. Signs may be erected at the issuance of a building permit and shall be removed at the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or the expiration of the building permit for the project.
| Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Number | Maximum Height |
Two of the following signs may be permitted: | |||
Fence wrap | 100% of fence area | Not applicable | Limited to the fence/wall height pursuant to § 155.12 of the City Code of Ordinances |
Post and panel | Single-family residential districts | ||
8 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 14 feet | |
Port Everglades Development District (PEDD) | |||
32 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 8 feet | |
All other districts | |||
50 square feet per side | 1 sign per street frontage | 14 feet | |
Wall sign | 32 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage | Not applicable |
Window sign | 100% of window area | Not applicable | Not applicable |
All temporary real estate signs require sign permits pursuant to § 8.2. Signs are to be removed within seven days of the sale or lease of the premises.
| Type | Area | Number | Height |
Post and panel | Single-family residential districts1 | ||
3 square feet per side2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 5 feet | |
Multiple-family residential districts | |||
6 square feet per side2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 7 feet | |
Port Everglades Development District (PEDD) | |||
32 square feet2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 8 feet | |
Non-residential districts | |||
12 square feet2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 7 feet | |
Vacant lots within non-residential districts | |||
32 square feet2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | 7 feet | |
Wall sign | 32 square feet | 1 sign per street frontage3 | Not applicable |
Window sign | 12 square feet2 | 1 sign per street frontage3 | Not applicable |
1 Exempt from sign permit 2 One square foot per strip sign below primary sign, for a maximum of three strip signs 3 Waterfront properties may have one additional sign on the waterfront | |||
All temporary non-commercial signs shall be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety, and good repair, and located so as not to interfere with traffic visibility, pursuant to § 4.22.B.7.
Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | Maximum Duration |
Non-commercial sign | For residential properties | ||
24 square feet | 4 feet | 180 days | |
For non-residential properties | |||
24 square feet per sign; with a total sign area on one property not to exceed one foot per linear foot of street frontage with a maximum of 100 square feet | 15 feet | 180 days | |
Permitted subject to the vehicle meeting the following conditions:
(Ord. O-2000-40, passed 12-20-00; Am. Ord. O-2003-35, passed 11-5-03; Am. Ord. O-2008-21, passed 9-3-08; Am. Ord. O-2009-40, passed 12-2- 09; Am. Ord. O-2011-14, passed 5-4-11; Am. Ord. O-2013-02, passed 1- 9-13; Am. Ord. O-2016-22, passed 10-19-16; Am. Ord. O-2017-23, passed 12-6-17; Am. Ord. O-2019-03, passed 3-20-19)