Model Sign Code (2019 Edition)

Part I: The Framework for Formulating Sign Regulations

Part II: Legal Considerations

Part III: Model Regulatory Guidelines

The purpose of this Model Sign Code is to convey to communities (councils, planning commissions, appeals boards, and the administrative staff including planners) the optimal framework for formulating on-premise sign regulations that fully respect the comprehensive purpose of signs from the perspective of both community and business interests.

While this Model Sign Code is intended for communities of all sizes, “smaller” communities – say those with populations up to several hundred thousand may find it of particular value. These communities “typically” possess the variety of character areas that are the basis for this Model Code (See Part I). While larger cities may have many similar character areas, they may also have a wider variety of unique areas that warrant special considerations that are not addressed in this model.