Install a sign

Article 5 of the Land Development Code outlines the allowable type, placement and dimensions of signs. Zoning permits are required for permanent and temporary signs, including sandwich board signs. In local historic districts and overlay districts, a certificate of appropriateness is also required for signs.

Online Permit Portal

The city’s Development & Permitting Services (DPS) online platform has expanded to allow citizens to apply for all Zoning Permits and Minor Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) online. The platform allows users to submit permit applications, track the progress of existing applications, resubmit plans and documents, and pay invoices.

All new permit applications must be submitted via the DPS site. Staff will be available to assist applicants with the new platform and submitting permit applications.

Getting Started Guide(PDF, 155KB) Apply Online

Beware of Fraudulent Invoices

The City of Wilmington is aware that fraudulent invoices have been sent to applicants requesting money via wire transfer. The emails often contain pertinent information pulled from the application (such as address, parcel number, and case number), but include a fake invoice with fabricated application fees.

Here are a few ways to spot a fraudulent invoice:

Applications must be filed online via the City's Development and Permitting Services (DPS) platform. This platform will generate invoices for application fees, and your personal dashboard on that platform will identify any outstanding fees. You can also obtain a copy of the invoice via that platform.
The City will never request payment via wire transfer or issue an invoice that asks you to contact someone via email or phone for them to provide the payment method. Acceptable payment types and locations are noted above.
Many of these invoices also reference exorbitant fees. As noted, your personal dashboard in the DPS platform will identify any outstanding fees. Additionally, the City's fee schedule(PDF, 703KB) is established annually and posted online. Please review the permit fees to ensure you are being charged the proper amount.

If ever in doubt, don't hesitate to call the City's Planning Department at +1-910-254-0900 to confirm if the email or invoice you have received is authentic. Or if you have any questions about online permitting, please email zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov.

Sign Types

Step 1.Sign standards

The number, type, and size of signs permitted depends on the zoning district in which the property is located, and in some cases, the type of use. See Article 5 of the Land Development Code for details.

Step 2.Prohibited signs

A full list of prohibited signs is provided in Section 18-387 of the Land Development Code. Examples of prohibited signs include:

Signs including statements, words, or pictures that are obscene as defined by NCGS 14-190.1
Signs within a public right-of-way
Signs painted on or affixed to any public infrastructure
Signs that create hazards
Signs resembling traffic signs, signals, or emergency vehicle lights
Signs erected on the roof of a building
Banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, balloons, streamers, wind devices, or other similarly moving devices or ornamentation
Certain types of illumination (Rotating beams of lights or stroboscopes, exposed incandescent lamps, glare, light trespass, flashing, animation)
Off-premise signs

Apply

Step 1.Gather materials

You will need the following information to apply for a sign permit:

Completed application form
Site Plan identifying the location(s) of the proposed sign(s)
Sign details (image of proposed sign with dimensions)
Details of proposed illumination (if any)
Application Fee

Step 2.Submit your application

Apply for a permit, pay associated fees, track review progress, and submit revised plans through the Development & Permit Services online portal:

How-to Guide Apply
If your property is located in a local historic district or overlay district, you will also need to submit an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). A COA must be issued before a sign permit can be approved.

Step 3.Sign Permit

Staff will review your application and if the proposed sign complies with Land Development Code requirements, a permit will be issued.
The permit is valid for six months from the date of issuance. If work is not started within this period, the permit shall be null and void.
If work authorized by the permit is suspended or abandoned for six months, the permit shall be renewed, and payment of a fee equal to one-half the original fee will be required.

Fees

Step 1.Fee Amount

Sign Permit
- 5 square feet or less: $0
- Permanent on-premise and off-premise signs (nonelectric): $50 plus $1.00 per square foot over 100 square feet
- Permanent on-premise and off-premise signs (nonelectric): $50 plus $1.00 per square foot over 50 square feet

Temporary Sign Permit: $30
Sandwich Board Sign-Initial Permit: $25
Sandwich Board Sign-Renewal: $10

Step 2.Payment Options

If you plan to pay in advance, planning staff must first notify the collections department to enable acceptance of payments.

Payment by Phone

Phone billing & collections staff at +1-910-343-4745
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday except for holidays)
Limited to VISA and MasterCard payments.

Payment in Person

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday except for holidays)
Billing & Collections Office:
Skyline Center
929 North Front Street, 1st Floor

Payment by Mail

Please include invoice number or account number.
Make checks payable to: City of Wilmington

Regular Mail
City of Wilmington Collections
PO Box 1810
Wilmington, NC 28402

Express Mail
City of Wilmington Collections
929 North Front Street, 1st Floor
Wilmington, NC 28401

Install

Step 1.Building Permit

Some signs may require a building permit in addition to zoning approval. New Hanover County issues all building permits in the City of Wilmington. Please contact New Hanover County to determine whether a building permit is needed.

To apply for a building permit, please apply online through the County's COAST system or visit New Hanover County at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 170.