A. General provisions for on-premises signs. Following the effective date of this article, on-premises signs shall not be erected or maintained in any zoning district except in compliance with the provisions set forth in this article.
1. Computation of sign area.
(a) The area of a sign shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectilinear figure (but which shall have a continuous perimeter of not more than eight straight lines) which encompasses all lettering, wording, design or symbols, together with any background on which the sign is located and any illuminated part of the sign, if such background or such illuminated part of the sign is designed as an integral part of and related to the sign. Any cutouts or extensions shall be included in the area of a sign, but supports and bracing which are not intended as part of the sign shall be excluded. In the case of a multifaced sign, the area of the sign shall be considered to include all faces visible from one direction. The area of a wall or window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall or window shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectilinear figure (but which shall have a continuous perimeter of not more than eight straight lines) which encompasses all of the letters or symbols and the background and illuminated part of such sign when either or both are designed as an integral part of and related to the sign.
(b) The space between one identification sign and one changeable copy sign on a signpost or structure or attached to a building shall not be included in the total square footage if both signs serve a single business located on the lot. The space between two or more changeable copy components of a sign or between two or more permanent copy components of a sign shall be included, however, in the total square footage of sign area allowed.
(c) Where three-dimensional figures are used as signs, the area shall be the total of all sides made an integral part of the projected figure used in conveying the intended message.
3. Encroachment into right-of-way. No part of any sign shall be located on or extended into a public right- of-way except as projecting signs are allowed by this article.
4. Certificate of appropriateness. A certificate of appropriateness from the historic resources commission shall be required prior to the issuance of a sign permit for all signs located in local historic districts.
5. Time/date/temperature signs. Time, date and temperature signs which do not exceed ten square feet per face shall not be included in the allowable sign area, provided, however, if an existing freestanding sign is located on the lot, then the time, date and temperature sign must be incorporated into the existing freestanding sign. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of such signs to maintain such signs and insure that they are kept accurate. If these conditions are not met, the sign shall be repaired or removed.
6. Signs for nonconforming uses. Signs for nonconforming uses, where such uses may be continued, shall be allowed, but shall comply with all regulations for signs in the zoning district where such signs are located.
7. Illumination. Illuminated signs shall be subject to the following conditions:
(a) Any light used for illumination shall be shielded so that the beams or rays of light will not shine into surrounding areas or on the public roadway.
(b) Neither direct nor reflected light from any light source shall create a traffic hazard or distraction to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.
8. Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be allowed in all nonresidential districts as follows:
(a) Temporary signs which are affixed to the inside of a window and which do not exceed a cumulative total for all such signs of 16 square feet in area are allowed, without a permit, for each business.
(b) Temporary signs affixed to the inside of windows and which exceed a cumulative total for all such signs of 16 square feet in area or temporary signs which are freestanding or attached to a structure other than at the inside of a window shall be allowed twice a year per business. These signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, shall require a sign permit, and shall be allowed for a period of 30 days for each sign permitted. No time extensions shall be granted.
9. Inflatable balloon sign. One inflatable balloon sign shall be allowed per commercial or industrial zoning district at any one time, limited to once a year per business. This limitation shall not apply, however, to community festivals or events permitted by the City of Asheville pursuant to section 25-16.1 [16-97] of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Asheville. Further, inflatable balloon signs shall not be internally illuminated; shall not be higher than 25 feet above grade; and shall not be erected or maintained on a building parapet or roof. The time allowed for these signs shall not exceed ten days. These signs shall be located on either an attached, tethered or freestanding structure. The sign and its structure shall not block or inhibit the visibility of vehicular traffic or in any way pose a danger to pedestrians or vehicular traffic or property. The sign may advertise a product, service, or sponsor affiliated with the event or the event itself.
10. Visibility. No sign or structure shall be erected or maintained to impede safe and adequate visibility from vehicles or for pedestrians.
11. Signs for tall buildings. Buildings which are seven stories or greater in height shall be allowed one wall sign per side, not to exceed four sides, which signs shall be located at the seventh story or above and shall not exceed 125 square feet per sign. These signs shall be in lieu of and not in addition to the attached signs permitted for the zoning district wherein the building is located; provided, however, individual tenants with building frontage at the first floor (or street level) only shall be allowed tenant identification signs as set forth in section 30-9-5(C) hereinafter.
12. [Additional freestanding sign.] Any business which has street frontage of less than 50 feet along a street shall be allowed one additional freestanding sign on its lot provided that the additional freestanding sign was erected under a valid permit prior to the effective date of this article and, provided further, that one of the freestanding signs is located more than 200 feet from the street and that both freestanding signs conform with the provisions of this article.
13. Wind signs. Wind signs shall be permitted in the central business district, in local historic districts, and in group developments which are retail shopping centers subject to the following regulations:
(a) Wind signs shall be limited to one sign per pole, mastarm or other device and maintained in good condition without fraying, tearing or fading.
(b) Wind signs shall be constructed of nylon, canvas or plastic material.
(c) Each wind sign must be at least eight square feet in area and less than 24 square feet in area and all banners on the same lot must be consistent in colors and materials.
(d) No wind sign may contain a commercial advertising message, name, or logo.
(e) Clearance over sidewalks shall be a minimum of nine feet and clearance over streets, alleys or driveways shall be a minimum of 14 feet.
B. On-premises signs: single tenant development. The following sign regulations shall be applicable for single tenant development within the zoning districts indicated for single tenant development. Any sign not specifically allowed shall be deemed as prohibited.
1. Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5). Signs allowed for nonresidential uses (excluding home occupations) within these zoning districts may be either:
Freestanding: | Pole |
Ground | |
Changeable copy | |
Attached: | Projecting |
Window | |
Wall | |
Awning/canopy | |
Changeable copy | |
(a) One business or product identification sign is allowed per lot for nonresidential uses. For freestanding or attached signs, the total allowable area per face of selected sign (excluding home occupation signs) shall not exceed 15 square feet per face, with two faces per sign allowed. Signs may be either internally or externally illuminated. Additionally, the following requirements must be met based on the type of sign selected:
If freestanding pole or ground: The sign shall be a maximum of six feet in height with a minimum setback of ten feet.
If projecting: Sign (excluding awning/canopy signs) shall not project more than three feet from the facade of the building. Clearance over sidewalks shall be at a minimum of nine feet and clearance over streets, alleys or driveways shall be a minimum of 14 feet. Signs shall not project above the third story of the building or above the building soffit, eave line, or building parapet.
If window: Only permanent identification signs are allowed as window signs; provided, however, temporary signs which are placed in or on windows shall be allowed when complying with section 30-9-5 (A) (8) hereinbefore. Window signs are not allowed above the third story of building.
If wall: Maximum projection from a wall shall be 12 inches.
(b) Subdivision and multifamily development identification signs may contain the name of the development only and must either be freestanding ground signs or attached wall signs. If the signs are freestanding ground signs, the height shall be limited to six feet from grade and the minimum setback shall be ten feet. Only two entrances to the development may have a sign. The main entrance sign shall have no more than 32 square feet (16 square feet per face). The secondary entrance sign shall have no more than 16 square feet (eight square feet per face). Only two sign faces shall be allowed at each entrance, however, said sign faces may be on two individual sign structures.
(c) Churches, schools, and institutions located in residential zoning districts are allowed one additional freestanding pole or ground sign or attached wall sign, either of which may be only a changeable copy sign, with the total area of the changeable copy sign no greater than 12 square feet per face, with two sign faces per sign and a maximum of six feet in height, with a minimum setback of ten feet.
(d) Attached home occupation signs shall not exceed one square foot per face, with no more than two faces per sign, and shall not be illuminated.
2. Office-institutional district. Signs allowed within this zoning district may be either:
Freestanding: | Pole |
Ground | |
Attached: | Projecting |
Window | |
Wall | |
Awning/Canopy |
Two business or product identification signs are allowed per lot, only one of which shall be a freestanding pole or ground sign. Corner lots are allowed one additional attached sign on separate street frontage, not to exceed a total of three separate signs. For freestanding or attached signs, the total allowable area per face of selected sign(s) shall not exceed 60 square feet per face, with two faces per sign allowed. In the event the freestanding sign is less than the 60 square feet per face allowed, the difference between the 60 square feet per face allowed and the size of sign erected may be used to increase the size of the attached sign by that difference. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Additionally, the following requirements must be met based on the type of sign selected:
If freestanding pole or ground: The sign shall be a maximum of eight feet in height with a minimum setback of ten feet.
If projecting: Signs (excluding awning/canopy signs) shall not project more than three feet from the facade of the building. Clearance over sidewalks shall be at a minimum of nine feet and clearance over streets, alleys or driveways shall be a minimum of 14 feet. Signs shall not project above the third story of the building or above the building soffit, eave line, or building parapet.
If window: Only permanent identification signs are allowed as window signs; provided, however, temporary signs which are placed in or on windows shall be allowed when complying with section 30-9-5(A)(8) hereinbefore. Window signs are not allowed above the third story of building.
If wall: Maximum projection from a wall shall be 12 inches.
3. Commercial general district, neighborhood commercial district. Signs allowed within the zoning district may be either:
Freestanding: | Pole |
Ground | |
Changeable copy | |
Menu board | |
Attached: | Projecting |
Window | |
Wall | |
Awning/canopy | |
Changeable copy | |
Menu board | |
(a) Two business or product identification signs are allowed per lot, only one of which shall be freestanding pole or ground sign. Corner lots are allowed one additional attached sign on separate street frontage, not to exceed a total of three separate signs. For freestanding or attached signs, the total allowable area per face of selected sign(s) shall not exceed 40 square feet per face, with two faces per sign allowed. In the event the freestanding sign is less than the 40 square feet per face allowed, the difference between the 40 square feet per face allowed and the size of sign erected may be used to increase the size of the attached sign by that difference. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Additionally, the following requirements must be met based on the type of sign selected.
If freestanding pole or ground: The sign shall be a maximum of 12 feet in height with a minimum setback of ten feet.
If projecting: Signs (excluding awning/canopy signs) shall not project more than three feet from the facade of the building. Clearance over sidewalks shall be at a minimum of nine feet and clearance over streets, alleys or driveways shall be a minimum of 14 feet. Signs shall not project above the third story of the building or above the building soffit, eave line, or building parapet.
If window: Only permanent identification signs are allowed as window signs; provided, however, temporary signs which are placed in or on windows shall be allowed when complying with section 30-9-5(A)(8) hereinbefore. Window signs are not allowed above the third story of building.
If wall: Maximum projection from a wall shall be 12 inches.
If menu board: One external menu board with one face is allowed per restaurant. The total sign area shall not exceed 36 square feet per face. The sign shall not be located so that the copy is designed to be visible to vehicular traffic from the roadway. The minimum setback shall be ten feet.
(b) For any lot which has no street frontage along but which is within 400 feet of the edge of the paved portion of Tunnel Road, Patton Avenue or Hendersonville Road, the permitted size of a freestanding sign on that property shall be allowed to be increased by 20 percent of the allowed square footage for freestanding signs up to a maximum of 48 square feet and the height of the freestanding sign shall be allowed to be increased by 20 percent of the allowed height up to a maximum of 14.4 feet high. Provided, however, that any sign so constructed shall be at least 100 feet from the nearest edge of the paved portion of the roads listed hereinbefore.
4. Commercial service, commercial highway, light industrial, heavy industrial districts. Signs allowed within the zoning district may be either:
Freestanding: | Pole |
Ground | |
Changeable copy | |
Menu board | |
Attached: | Projecting |
Window | |
Wall | |
Awning/canopy | |
Changeable copy | |
Menu board | |
(a) Two business or product identification signs are allowed per lot, only one of which shall be freestanding pole or ground sign. Corner lots are allowed one additional attached sign on separate street frontage, not to exceed a total of three separate signs. For freestanding or attached signs, the total allowable area per face of selected sign(s) shall not exceed 125 square feet per face, with two faces per sign allowed. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
(b) In the event the freestanding sign is less than the 125 square feet per face allowed, the difference between the 125 square feet per face allowed and the size of sign erected may be used to increase the size of the attached sign by that difference.
(c) In the event that a lot has an off-premises sign which has the total maximum square footage allowed for both sides of the sign structure under section 30-9-6(B)(1) hereinafter, no on-premises freestanding sign shall be allowed on that lot. Where the off-premises sign is less than that total square footage allowed, the total square footage for both sides of the on-premises freestanding sign for that lot shall be no greater than the difference between the maximum square footage allowed for both sides of the off-premises sign and the size of the off-premises sign erected, but in no event shall the on-premises freestanding sign be greater than the maximum 125 square feet allowed per face. When the provisions of this subsection (c) apply, they shall in no way be interpreted to allow on-premises attached signs to be further increased in size under the formula set forth in subsection (b) hereinabove. Provided, however, on-premises freestanding signs with off-premises signs on the same lot which were both erected prior to the effective date of this article, shall be allowed to remain when conforming with the other provisions of this article.
(d) Additionally, the following requirements must be met based on the type of sign selected:
If freestanding pole or ground: The sign shall be a maximum of 25 feet in height with a minimum setback of ten feet.
If projecting: Signs (excluding awning/canopy and marquee signs) shall not project more than three feet from the facade of the building. Clearance over sidewalks shall be at a minimum of nine feet and clearance over streets, alleys or driveways shall be a minimum of 14 feet. Signs shall not project above the third story of the building or above the building soffit, eave line, or building parapet.
If window: Only permanent identification signs are allowed as window signs; provided, however, temporary signs which are placed in or on windows shall be allowed when complying with section 30-9-5(A)(8) hereinbefore. Window signs are not allowed above the third story of building.
If wall: Maximum projection from a wall shall be 12 inches.
If menu board: One external menu board with one face is allowed per restaurant. The total sign area shall not exceed 36 square feet per face. The sign shall not be located so that the copy is designed to be visible to vehicular traffic from the roadway. The minimum setback shall be ten feet.
(e) For any lot which has no street frontage along but which is within 400 feet of the edge of the paved portion of Tunnel Road, Patton Avenue or Hendersonville Road, the permitted size of a freestanding sign on that property shall be allowed to be increased by 20 percent of the allowed square footage for freestanding signs up to a maximum of 150 square feet and the height of the freestanding sign shall be allowed to be increased by 20 percent of the allowed height up to a maximum of 30 feet high. Provided, however, that any sign so constructed shall be at least 100 feet from the nearest edge of the paved portion of the roads listed hereinbefore.
5. Central business district. Signs allowed within the zoning district may be either:
Freestanding: | Pole |
Ground | |
Attached: | Projecting |
Window | |
Wall | |
Awning/canopy |
(a) One freestanding and one attached business or product identification signs are allowed per lot. Corner lots or through lots are allowed one additional attached sign on separate street frontage not to exceed a total of three separate signs. Total allowable area per face of selected sign(s) shall not exceed 50 square feet per face, with two faces per sign allowed. In the event the freestanding sign is less than the 50 square feet per face allowed, the difference between the 50 square feet per face allowed and the size of sign erected may be used to increase the size of the attached sign by that difference. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. As an exception to the square footage allowed above, marquee signs shall be allowed a maximum of 95 feet per face and 190 square feet per sign for the allowed freestanding or attached sign. Additionally, the following requirements must be met based on the type of sign selected:
If freestanding pole or ground: The sign shall be a maximum of 20 feet in height with no minimum setback.
If projecting: Signs (excluding awning/canopy and marquee signs) shall not project more than three feet from the facade of the building. Clearance over sidewalks shall be at a minimum of nine feet and clearance over streets, alleys or driveways shall be a minimum of 14 feet. Signs shall not project above the third story of the building or above the building soffit, eave line, or building parapet.
If window: Only permanent identification signs are allowed as window signs; provided, however, temporary signs which are placed in or on windows shall be allowed when complying with section 30-9-5(A)(8) hereinbefore. Window signs are not allowed above the third story of building.
If wall: Maximum projection from a wall shall be 12 inches.
C. On-premises signs: multiple tenant development. The following sign regulations shall be applicable within the zoning districts indicated for multiple tenant development. Any sign not specifically allowed is prohibited. Multiple tenant developments which are defined as a group development shall also be governed by article 6 and article 11 of chapter 30 [this appendix] of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Asheville.
Multiple tenant developments may erect either a development identification or joint identification sign. In addition, tenant identification signs for individual businesses within a development are allowed.
For a multiple tenant development, the development itself is allowed one identification sign for each property boundary with street frontage with a maximum of two signs allowed per development, only one of which may be freestanding. These identification signs may be either a development identification or a joint identification sign. The choice of sign affects the tenant identification regulations within the development. If there is no development identification or joint identification sign erected or maintained, individual tenants shall be allowed signs as permitted for individual tenants where a development identification sign is used. Where one type of sign has been selected and an additional identification sign is allowed due to a second street frontage, the additional sign must be of the same type (i.e., two development identification signs or two joint identification signs). If a joint identification sign is selected, said sign shall be limited to one sign component per tenant.
1. Development identification signs. Where a development identification sign is selected, such a sign or signs may be of the following types:
Freestanding: | Pole |
Ground | |
Changeable copy (except in the Central Business District) | |
Attached: | Wall |
Projecting | |
Changeable copy (except in the Central Business District) |
The sign(s) shall meet the following requirements based on the zoning district in which it is located.
Zoning District | Maximum Height Allowed | Maximum Square Footage Per Face |
Residential | 6 ft. | 25 sq. ft. |
Office-institutional | 8 ft. | 90 sq. ft. |
Commercial general and neighborhood commercial | 12 ft. | 60 sq. ft. |
Commercial service, commercial highway, light and heavy industrial | 25 ft. | 187.5 sq. ft. |
Central business district | 20 ft. | 75 sq. ft. |
Setback for freestanding development identification signs in all zoning districts (except the Central Business District) shall be 15 feet. There shall be no minimum setback requirement for freestanding identification signs in the Central Business District. In addition, if the principal use of a tenant in the development is a theater, auditorium, fairground or museum, it will be allowed one additional freestanding or attached marquee sign with the maximum square footage, height and setback in accordance with applicable regulations for single tenant developments in section 30-9-5(B) hereinbefore except no such marquee signage will be allowed in residential districts.
Where a development identification sign is selected, the individual tenant identification within the development shall meet the following regulations. Tenant identification signs shall be of the following types:
Attached: | Awning |
Wall | |
Projecting | |
Window | |
Changeable copy (except in the Central Business District) |
One attached sign is allowed for each exterior public business entrance. The total allowable sign area for the building frontage having the primary business entrance shall be 25 square feet or one square foot per one linear foot of said building frontage, whichever is greater, but in no event shall the area be greater than the maximum square footage per face allowed for a development identification sign in the zoning district where the business is located. Each secondary business entrance shall be allowed a total sign area of one square foot per three linear feet of building frontage where the secondary business entrance is located. A maximum of two secondary business entrance signs is allowed. Where an exterior entrance does not exist, the tenant will be allowed one window sign. Signs may be illuminated internally or externally.
Also, one suspended or transom sign may be incorporated per business, which sign shall not exceed six square feet per face per sign. Where an exterior entrance does not exist, the tenant will be allowed one window sign. Signs may be illuminated internally or externally.
If wall: Maximum projection from a wall shall be 12 inches.
If projecting: Signs (excluding awning/canopy and marquee signs) shall not project more than three feet from the facade of the building. Clearance over sidewalks shall be a minimum of nine feet and clearance over streets, alleys or driveways shall be a minimum of 14 feet. Signs shall not project above third story of building or above the building soffit, eave line or building parapet.
If window: Only permanent identification signs are allowed as window signs; provided, however, temporary signs which are placed in or on windows shall be allowed when complying with section 30-9-5(A)(8) hereinbefore. Window signs are not allowed above the third story of the building.
2. Joint identification signs. Where a joint identification sign is selected, such sign or signs may be of the following types:
Freestanding: | Pole |
Ground | |
Changeable copy (except in the Central Business District) | |
Attached: | Wall |
Projecting | |
Changeable copy (except in the Central Business District) |
The sign(s) shall meet the following requirements based on the zoning district in which it is located:
Zoning District | Maximum Height Allowed | Maximum Square Footage Per Face |
Residential | 6 ft. | 25 sq. ft. |
Office-institutional | 8 ft. | 90 sq. ft. |
Commercial general and neighborhood commercial | 12 ft. | 60 sq. ft. |
Commercial service, commercial highway, light and heavy industrial | 25 ft. | 187.5 sq. ft. |
Central business district | 20 ft. | 75 sq. ft. |
Setback for freestanding joint identification signs in all zoning districts (except the Central Business District) shall be 15 feet. There shall be no minimum setback requirement for freestanding identification signs in the Central Business District. In addition, if the principal use of a tenant in the development is a theater, auditorium, fairground, or museum, it will be allowed one additional freestanding or attached marquee sign with the maximum square footage, height and setback in accordance with applicable regulations for single tenant developments in section 30-9-5(B) hereinbefore except no such marquee signage will be allowed in residential districts.
Where a joint identification sign is selected, the individual tenant identification within the development shall meet the following regulations. Tenant identification signs shall be of the following types:
Attached: | Awning |
Wall | |
Projecting | |
Window | |
Changeable copy (except in the Central Business District) |
One attached sign is allowed for each exterior public business entrance. The total allowable sign area for the building frontage having the primary business entrance shall be 20 square feet or one square foot per two linear feet of said building frontage, whichever is greater, but in no event shall the area be greater than 60 percent of the maximum square footage allowed for a joint identification sign in the zoning district where the business is located. Each secondary business entrance shall be allowed a total sign area of one square foot per three linear feet of building frontage where the secondary business entrance is located. A maximum of two secondary business entrance signs is allowed. Where an exterior entrance does not exist, the tenant will be allowed one window sign. Signs may be illuminated internally or externally.
If wall: Maximum projection from a wall shall be 12 inches.
If projecting: Signs (excluding awning/canopy and marquee signs) shall not project more than three feet from the facade of the building. Clearance over sidewalks shall be a minimum of nine feet and clearance over streets, alleys or driveways shall be a minimum of 14 feet. Signs shall not project above third story of building or above the building soffit, eave line or building parapet.
If window: Only permanent identification signs are allowed as window signs; provided, however, temporary signs which are placed in or on windows shall be allowed when complying with section 30-9-5(A)(8) hereinbefore. Window signs are not allowed above the third story of the building.
(Ord. No. 1863, § 2(30-9-5), 8-28-90; Ord. No. 2026, §§ 1, 2, 5-11-93; Ord. No. 2254, § 1, 1-9-96; Ord. No. 2369, § 1, 5-27-97)