FAQs • Billings • CivicEngage

When is a temporary sign permit required?: Any time a temporary sign (32 square feet or less) is displayed on the property. Banner signs placed on a building or canopy are exempt from permitting but may be up for no more than 30 days each calendar year. A temporary or portable sign intended to be seen from the public street is described as an advertising sign used on an interim basis for special business sales, new business openings, special events, goods, products, services, or facilities located on a premise. One temporary sign is allowed for up to 30 days each calendar year. You must obtain a temporary sign permit from the Planning Division. An exception to the temporary sign permit requirement is the advertisement for non-profit organization events or fundraising. Signs which advertise property for sale, lease or rent also do not require a temporary sign permit.

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Code Enforcement Commercial - Signs

1. When is a temporary sign permit required?: Any time a temporary sign (32 square feet or less) is displayed on the property. Banner signs placed on a building or canopy are exempt from permitting but may be up for no more than 30 days each calendar year. A temporary or portable sign intended to be seen from the public street is described as an advertising sign used on an interim basis for special business sales, new business openings, special events, goods, products, services, or facilities located on a premise. One temporary sign is allowed for up to 30 days each calendar year. You must obtain a temporary sign permit from the Planning Division. An exception to the temporary sign permit requirement is the advertisement for non-profit organization events or fundraising. Signs which advertise property for sale, lease or rent also do not require a temporary sign permit.

2. What size and where may political signs be displayed?: Political signs up the 32 square feet may be displayed only on private property. The property may have more than one political sign but collectively not larger than 32 square feet. Political signs may not block clear vision at intersections.

3. How long may I display a corporate flag and does it require a sign permit?: Corporate flags or the large pennant type corporate flags may be displayed for as long as you want as long as the flags are in good condition. Corporate flags that are torn or in disarray must be removed or replaced.

4. Are garage sale, yard sale, moving sale, and bazaar signs allowed on street light poles, traffic control boxes, sidewalk, or traffic poles?: No, all of these advertising signs must be only on private property with the owner’s permission.

5. May I put banners on the grass in front of my business or on a fence?: No. Up to two business banners (32 square feet each) are allowed in most commercial zoning districts for up to 30 days each calendar year. No banner signs may be attached to fences, existing posts or signs. Banner signs should be attached to a building wall or under a canopy.

6. May Electronic Message Display (EMD) boards or neon signs flash?: No. Electronic Message Display boards may not flash or display video at a rate of 20 frames per second or faster. EMD signs in place prior to November 2008, may display video at 20 frames per second or faster but still may not flash, show motion borders or traveling lights. Flashing is defined as the repetitive display of a single image (full or partial) interrupted by any other color, image or lack thereof at an interval of less than five (5) seconds.

7. When is a sign permit required?: A sign permit from the Planning Division is required any time a person erects, constructs, enlarges, moves or converts any sign. You do not need a sign permit to conduct normal maintenance on a sign. New construction of signs requires a sign permit.