Signs are regulated by the City of Hickory to stabilize and protect property values, to maintain the visual attractiveness of the City and its environment, and to ensure public safety.  Regulations govern the location, size, and type of signs and require that most signs have zoning and building permits. Chapter 10 of the Land Development Code includes Hickory's temporary signage regulations. Applications for temporary sign permits may be obtained  online the the ePermit System.. For additional information, contact the Permit Center at (828) 323-7410.
 

General Temporary Signage

Temporary signage such as, but not limited to, signs announcing openings, closings, management changes, sales, special events, and related must obtain a temporary sign permit. Temporary signs must comply with the following standards, before a permit can be issued:
 

• Such signs shall be attached in total to a building wall, canopy, or the ground in such a manner as to ensure the sign will not become displaced. No sign shall be roof mounted.
• Such signs shall only advertise uses located on the property on which temporary sign is placed.
• Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height.
• The sign shall not be located in any public right-of-way or in any location that would obstruct visibility around intersections.
• The sign shall be setback at least five (5) feet from all property lines and public rights-of-way.
• Such signs shall at all times be property maintained. Torn or damaged signs shall be immediately removed or repaired.
   

Applicants may obtain a maximum of a single one (1) year temporary sign permit as well as a single twelve (12) week temporary sign permit within a one year period. Please contact the Permit Center at (828) 323-7410 for more information.
 

Political Signs

Political signage is subject to regulations passed by the North Carolina General Assembly (G.S. 136-32).
 

Rights-of-Ways

The space between the street curb and closest property line is included as part of the road right-of-way. This space often includes government erected signage, fire hydrants, utility poles, street lights, and sidewalks. Temporary signage is prohibited within the right-of-way due to public safety concerns and may be removed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer without warning. Signage taken by the Zoning Enforcement Officer will not be returned.
 

Visibility at Intersections (Sight Triangles):
 

No sign or any other material or structure that will obstruct vision between a height of 2.5 feet and 8 feet (as measured from the pavement edge of the adjacent roadway) shall be erected, placed, or maintained within the following area:

• Begin at the intersection of the rights-of-way of the two intersecting roadways or at the intersection of the pavement edges, if no right-of-way exists, whichever is more restrictive.
• Measure from the intersecting points 70 feet along the major right-of-way or pavement edge and 10 feet along the minor right-of-way or pavement edge; and
• Connect the ends of the measurements to form a triangle.
   

For a drawn example, see the Sight Triangle Diagram.
 

Key Documents

Chapter 10 of the Land Development Code
Sight Triangle Diagram