High Point Sign Permits: Size, Height, Materials

Signs and Advertising North Carolina 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

In High Point, North Carolina, sign permits and regulations control where signs can be placed, how large they may be, maximum heights, and acceptable materials. Property owners, businesses, and installers should consult the city code and Planning & Development before designing or erecting signs to avoid enforcement actions. This guide summarizes where to find the official rules, how to apply, common compliance issues, and the enforcement and appeal process for signs in High Point.[1]

What the rules cover

The municipal sign rules address classification of signs, zoning-specific allowances, location restrictions, size and height limits, illumination and materials, temporary signs, and permit requirements. Exact dimensional standards, material approvals, and exemptions are set out in the City Code; review the code text for the controlling legal language and definitions.[2]

Always check the current city code before ordering or installing a sign.

Permits, sizing and materials - practical summary

  • Permit types: permanent sign permits, temporary sign permits, and sign variances or special exceptions where allowed.
  • Dimensional rules: area and height limits vary by zone and sign type; consult the zoning table in the City Code.
  • Materials and construction: structural safety, wind loading, and fire-resistant materials may be required by Building Safety.
  • Site plans and drawings: applications typically require scaled drawings, site location, mounting details and electrical permits if illuminated.

Applications & Forms

The City provides sign permit application guidance and form access through Planning & Development; specific form names and current fee schedules are listed on the department site. If a specific application form, number, or a published fee is not shown on the page, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sign rules is carried out by the City’s Code Enforcement and Building Safety functions. Complaints, inspections and orders to remove or modify nonconforming signs are managed through the official enforcement channels.[3]

  • Fines: monetary penalties or fines for sign violations are referenced in the City Code or enforcement policies; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: the code may provide for initial notices, civil penalties, and continuing violation charges; exact escalation steps and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or alter signs, stop-work orders, permit revocation, or administrative citations are possible under the enforcement provisions.
  • Inspection and complaint: report unsafe or illegal signs to Building Safety or Code Enforcement using the city contact pages; inspectors may issue notices of violation and deadlines for correction.[3]
  • Appeals and review: appeal rights, review bodies, and time limits (for example to a Board of Adjustment or other hearing officer) are described in the Code; exact time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: permitted variances, temporary exemptions, or documented reasonable excuse defenses may apply; availability depends on the specific code provisions.
If you receive a notice, act quickly to request any available review or make timely corrections.

Common violations

  • Unpermitted permanent signs installed without a permit.
  • Signs exceeding allowed area or height for the zoning district.
  • Illuminated signs installed without electrical or building permits.
  • Signs that are unsafe due to poor mounting or degraded materials.

How-To

  1. Check the City Code and zoning for your property to determine permitted sign types and dimensional limits.
  2. Prepare scaled drawings, site plan, materials list, and electrical details if the sign is illuminated.
  3. Submit the sign permit application to Planning & Development and pay any required fee.
  4. Schedule inspections with Building Safety after installation and correct any deficiencies noted by inspectors.
  5. If you disagree with an enforcement decision, file an appeal according to the procedures in the City Code within the posted deadlines.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to install a business sign?
Most permanent and many temporary business signs require a permit from the City; verify your sign type against the City Code and Planning & Development guidance.[1]
Where do I submit a sign permit application?
Submit applications to the City of High Point Planning & Development department following the instructions on the department site; some permits may require coordinated review with Building Safety.[1]
What happens if my sign violates the code?
Code Enforcement or Building Safety may issue a notice requiring removal or correction, and may assess penalties; follow the notice to avoid escalation and use the listed appeal process if applicable.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Always check the official City Code before designing a sign.
  • Apply through Planning & Development and coordinate with Building Safety for illuminated or structural signs.
  • Report unsafe signs to Code Enforcement promptly to prevent hazards.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of High Point Planning & Development
  2. [2] High Point Code of Ordinances (Municode)
  3. [3] City of High Point Building Safety / Code Enforcement

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