Sign Approval/Variance

The City of Gainesville has established a comprehensive sign ordinance to regulate signs within the city limits of the City of Gainesville.

Sign Ordinance

In certain situations, the Planning & Zoning Commission is required to give approval to a sign application prior to the issuance of a permit:

Murals. A sign or display in the form of art or a painting, usually on the side of a building or wall. (Ord. No. 1156-10-2006, § 7, 10-17-06)

Spectacular signs. An outdoor advertising display sign, with the advertising copy usually animated, and action controlled by electronic means. Any odd, different, unusual or spectacular signs (examples large animal shapes or hot air balloons filled with air) shall be referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission for approval on a case-by-case basis before the issuance of a permit.

(Ord. No. 1156-10-2006, § 10, 10-17-06; Ord. No. 1176-06-2007, § 4, 6-5-07; Ord. No. 1348-07-2014, § 2, 7-1-14)

Sign Variance. A sign variance is a request to deviate from a literal requirement of the city’s sign ordinance due to a special circumstance. If granted, it is considered a waiver from certain requirements, not a change in the municipal law.  Sign variance requests are heard by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Submittal Requirements:

    Completed application

    Site plan showing exactly where the sign will be placed on the building or premises

    Sign rendering showing exactly what the sign will look like

Universal Development Application

Sign Approval-Variance Application

Fee Schedule