The content of a sign is not regulated by the City, however, the City has established dimensional and construction standards for all signs to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Signs permitted upon the issuance of a sign permit. (Sec. 38.560.060)
A Building Permit is required to ensure that signs are installed correctly in all zones unless exempt from permitting requirements per Sec.38.560.050. Permits are required for new signs and all revisions to existing signs including a change in copy and alterations. Size and types of signs permitted are based on the building's frontage, along the public right-of-way.
- Complete the Sign Permit Worksheet (PDF)
This is a worksheet to determine the amount of signage allowed. (Save the application as a PDF as it will later be used to upload with plans via the ProjectDox portal)
- Apply for Trade & Standalone Building Permit via the ProjectDox Portal. (Sign is a sub-option within the application.)
- Upload Plans to Project Dox and continue to monitor email for project tasks and next steps.
Permitted temporary and special event signs (Sec. 38.560.040)
There are three types of temporary signs permitted with the submittal of an electronic application and $10 fee via ProjectDox. Once your application is processed and payment received, information is shared with Bozeman Code Compliance, so that officers are aware of permitted temporary signage.
- Sales / Special Events - Permitted up to 30 Days per calendar year
- New Business / Grand Opening - Permitted up to 60 days, once per lifetime of business
- Seasonal - Permitted up to 180 days per calendar year
- Submit Planning Application for Temporary Sign Permit via the ProjectDox Portal
- Upload PDF of application to Project Dox (Received via email once application has been submitted)
- You will receive your approval, or corrections electronically within a few business days.
Other Helpful Information:
- Temporary signs must conform to all other sections of the sign code.
- Temporary wall signs (banners placed on buildings) may not exceed what a property would normally be allowed according to the code.
- Temporary freestanding signs (banners placed in yards) may not exceed what would normally be allowed in each zoning district, typically 32 square feet in area and 5-feet in height for commercial districts.
- Non-commercial speech is exempt from permitting requirements as long as signs conform to the exempt signs section. Examples in residential districts are political signs that do not exceed 9 square feet per individual sign in total area at any particular time and, if freestanding, 5 feet in height. Examples in commercial districts are help wanted signs with no logo, branding, or commercial messages.
- No lighting is allowed for temporary freestanding signs.
- Portable signs are prohibited, except downtown.
- Freestanding signs must be placed on private property, not in the public right of way, typically 1-foot or more behind the sidewalk.
A comprehensive sign plan must be submitted for all NEW commercial, office, industrial and civic uses consisting of two or more tenant or occupant spaces on a lot, or two or more lots subject to a common development permit or plan.
For existing buildings, a comprehensive sign plan is not required, but highly recommended to facilitate and simplify sign permitting for tenants.
A comprehensive sign plan will not be approved unless it is consistent with this division 38.560. The purpose of the plan is to coordinate graphics and signs with building design as well as allocate sign area to individual tenants.
For multi-tenant buildings or complex please check with your landlord or email PlanningTech@bozeman.net to understand the comprehensive sign plan for the development.
- Review the Comprehensive Sign Plan Checklist (PDF) (Guidance on information to gather, and documentation to upload after submitting your application.)
- Apply via ProjectDox Portal , selecting Planning as the application type (Comprehensive Sign Plan is a sub-option within the application.)
- Upload Plans to Project Dox: Once fees have been paid, ProjectDox will provide a temporary Log-in and password for first time users; otherwise, use your existing log-in information.
Other Signage:
- Window Signs - A window sign is any sign painted, attached, glued or otherwise affixed or suspended within 18 inches behind a window for the purpose of being visible from the exterior of the building. Window signs painted on the window or physically affixed to the interior of a window are exempt from permits, provided they do not occupy more than 25% of the area of the window in which it is displayed. If it exceeds 25% of the area of the window, it will be classified as a wall sign.
- Prohibited Signs(Sec. 38.560.030) - Prohibited Signs include but are not limited to: roof signs, beacons, spotlights, flashing, blinking, animated, or LED signs, pennants, streamers, windsocks, stringed flags, inflatable signs, tethered balloons, and both temporary and permanent signs put up without a permit.
- Signs exempt from permit requirements (Sec. 38.560.050) - Temporary Real Estate, Political Campaign, or other noncommercial speech signs do not require permits.
- In residential zones, exempt signage must be no larger than nine square feet in area or five feet in height. No more than 32 square feet of signage can be displayed at the same time.
- In commercial zones, exempt signage may be no more than 32 square feet in total area and no more than 5 feet in height. Setbacks may apply, refer to Sec.38.560.050.
- For a full list of signs exempt from permit requirements, see Sec.38.560.050.
- Sandwich Board Signs (only permitted downtown) These must be placed adjacent and perpendicular to the building within 4' of the business entrance. They cannot exceed 5' in height and 3' in width. The $50 permit must be renewed annually. Please review the Engineering Infrastructure & Permits webpage for additional guidance on downtown encroachment permits for sandwich board signs.
FY 2024 Planning Fee Schedule
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