FAQ's

Planning Department

Planning - FAQ's

On this page:

• When do I need to obtain a sign permit?
• How much signage am I allowed?
• Are banners, balloons and pennants allowed?
• Are portable signs or spotlights allowed?
• What can be included on my business sign?
• Can I install a pole sign?
• Political Signs?
• Can I split my lot?
• How do I find out who my homes association contact is?

When do I need to obtain a sign permit?

A sign permit must be obtained prior to placement of signage. Failure to do so may result in the application fee being doubled.

How much signage am I allowed?

Commercial and industrial businesses are allowed 1 wall sign per street frontage. The sign must be placed on the side of the building facing the street. The maximum size the sign may be is 5% of the wall area upon which the sign will be placed up to 150 square feet. Sign Ordinance Summary

Are banners, balloons and pennants allowed?

Banners, balloons, and pennants are allowed upon receipt of a temporary sign permit. Temporary permits are valid for 15 days and 4 permits can be obtained each calendar year. The banner or other types of temporary signage must be attached to the building.

Are portable signs or spotlights allowed?

Portable signs or spotlights are not allowed in the City of Shawnee.

What can be included on my business sign?

The name of the business, a generic identifier, and a logo may be used on business signs. Mottoes, a listing of everything that the business does or telephone numbers are not allowed. Some shopping centers have approved sign schemes which may further limit the type of signage, especially relating to color.

Can I install a pole sign?

Pole signs are no longer permitted within the City. Existing pole signs are under an amortization period and will be phased out in 1999.

Political Signs?

Shawnee City Code (05.64.070) establishes the regulations on political signs:

• Maximum size 6 square feet per face;
• Location: a. 10 feet from curb or edge of pavement in residential districts with permission of owner; b. 10 feet from curb or edge of pavement in commercial and industrial districts unless the building is less than 10 feet in which case the sign may be located at the building line; and c. Prohibited on highway rights-of-way;
• Signs shall be removed within 30 days following the election.

Any political sign found by the Director of Planning to be in violation of the provisions of this section shall be abated, removed or made to conform with the provisions of this section within 24 hours after notice of such violation is given to the candidate, the candidate's representative or political organization.

Non-commercial viewpoint, ideological or political signs may be displayed inside window areas at any time.

Can I split my lot?

In most cases the lot will need to be platted rather than split. Lots being divided must result in both lots meeting minimum size standards for the zoning district in which the lot is located. Unless the tract is used for an agricultural purpose, a lot may be split one time, provided no other splits have occurred since 1973. Contact Planning staff prior to performing a lot split.

How do I find out who my homes association contact is?

If your homes association has registered with the City of Shawnee you can view a list of registered Homes Associations.