Orlando City Code § 64.240 Additional Regulations.
Sec. 64.240. - Additional Regulations.
This part contains additional regulations for specific on-site signs.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
SPECIFIC ON-SITE SIGNS
Orlando City Code ch. 64, pt. 2, pt. 2C
in effectOrlando City Code § 64.241 Signs on Vacant Land.
Sec. 64.241. - Signs on Vacant Land.
Only Minor signs as identified in Section 64.323 shall be permitted on vacant land.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.242 Organization Banner Signs.
Sec. 64.242. - Organization Banner Signs.
(a) No banner sign shall be utilized by any organization unless first approved in writing by the Planning Official, which approval will be issued upon a finding of the following facts:
1. That the organization is a public body or is a fraternal, benevolent, charitable, eleemosynary, philanthropic, altruistic, civic, community, veteran, educational organization or other organization of like or similar nature and that the banner is to be located on the premises owned or leased by the organization.
2. That the banner does not violate any provisions of this Chapter.
(b) Applications for banner signs under this section shall be submitted in writing to the Planning and Development Department and shall contain all pertinent information relating to the organization and banner. All approvals or denials shall be in writing on, or accompanied by, one copy of the application. Approvals shall clearly state the date the banner may be displayed and information regarding an approved location within the following limits:
1. Banners may be permitted with an overall limit of thirty (30) days total use. However, the Planning Official may approve, upon request of the original applicant and upon showing of just cause, up to a sixty (60) day extension beyond the original thirty (30) day limit. Additional extensions shall be considered only by City Council upon the expiration of the ninety (90) day period should the maximum extension be granted.
2. Banners shall be limited to one banner on each street frontage of the property and may be mounted on a building or other appropriate support. If not mounted on a building, the banner must be at least fifteen (15) feet from the adjacent property lines and not over twenty (20) feet above the ground.
3. Banner Size.
a. Maximum Size for Banners Mounted on Buildings: Each banner shall not exceed 5% of the area of the face of the building to which the banner shall be attached or 40 square feet, whichever is greater. The area of the face of the building shall be calculated as the smallest regular geometric shape (i.e. rectangle) that encompasses the entire face of the building. The Planning Official shall have the authority to combine the size of a maximum of two allowed banners into one banner, provided the banner meets the intent of this section.
b. Maximum Size for All Other Banners: 40 square feet.
4. All banners shall be maintained in good condition and shall be repaired or removed within twenty-four (24) hours of notice that action is required.
5. The Planning Official shall have the authority to limit the above standards and shall be authorized to place reasonable conditions upon banner approvals when limitations or conditions are deemed by the Planning Official to be necessary.
(c) Banner signs allowed under this section shall be exempt from building permit requirements listed in Section 64.101, above.
(d) No streamers, pennants, flags, ribbons, spinners, or other prohibited devices, shall be included or incorporated with the display of a banner approved under this section.
(e) If an application for an organizational banner sign is denied by the Planning Official, the applicant may appeal the denial to the City Council of the City of Orlando if written notice of appeal is given to the City Clerk of the City of Orlando within ten (10) days after the date of written denial.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.243 Public Benefit Use Signs.
Sec. 64.243. - Public Benefit Use Signs.
For properties containing a public benefit use the following applies:
a. In residentially zoned areas (R-1s, R-2s, R-3s), or the P (Public) zoning district, where the property shares a block face with a residential district and/or where the opposite block face contains a residential zoning district, one building sign or freestanding sign is permitted. The sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area and may not be internally illuminated. If freestanding, the sign shall not be located in the front fifty (50) percent of any required front yard and shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.
b. In residentially zoned areas (R-1s, R-2s, R-3s), or the P (Public) zoning district, where the property does not share a block face with a residential district and/or where the opposite block face does not contain a residential zoning district, signage is permitted consistent with the zoning district of the opposite the block face. If there is no opposite block face (the use faces a freeway, lake, conservation area, or similar area), the Zoning Official shall determine the maximum amount of signage based on the most applicable zoning district for the context of the site.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206; Ord. No. 2024-1, § 4, 1-22-2024, Doc. #2401221203)
Orlando City Code § 64.244 Directional Signs.
Sec. 64.244. - Directional Signs.
One (1) private directional sign not exceeding three (3) square feet in area, may be permitted at each access drive providing the sign only directs motorists to the location of off-street parking areas. Directional signs may incorporate a logo not to exceed one (1) square foot in area when located at an entrance driveway or cross-access easement.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.245 Signs on Surface Parking Lots and Parking Garages.
Sec. 64.245. - Signs on Surface Parking Lots and Parking Garages.
(a) Surface Parking Lots — For a principal use surface parking lot, one wall sign or freestanding ground mounted sign may be permitted. Signs shall not be located in the front fifty (50) percent of any required front yard. Signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. The top of the sign shall be no more than six (6) feet above ground level.
(b) Parking Garages — Sites with at least two levels of structure parking are permitted up to 32 square feet of additional display area per garage entrance. Additional display area must be located on the facade of the garage within 20 feet of the garage entrance. Garage entrance signs are not allocated against the maximum display area of the site.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.246 High-Rise and Mid-Rise Building Signs.
Sec. 64.246. - High-Rise and Mid-Rise Building Signs.
Except in the AC-3A/T zoning district, high-rise and mid-rise building signs are prohibited within 1,000 feet of any R-1 or R-2 zoning district unless approved by conditional use permit.
A. High-Rise Building Signs. All high-rise building signs must conform to the following regulations:
1. Up to two high-rise building signs are allowed per building. If two signs are installed, they must be placed on two separate sides of the building and both must be identical in size, color, shape, design, material, and copy, unless the signs are never visible together from a single vantage point.
2. Signs shall be placed upon the wall or parapet near the top of the principal building and not on any parking garage or other subordinate structure.
3. Signs may not extend above the roof line of any building except when placed upon a parapet, in which case the sign may not extend above the parapet wall.
4. No more than one-half of the allowable high-rise building sign allocation may be used on any one side of a building.
5. If illuminated at night, the text within a high-rise building sign must be lit with white, though a single logo element of the sign may be lit with colored light. All lighting must be internal back-lighting.
6. Only buildings taller than 75 feet in height are eligible for high-rise building signs.
Method of Calculating High-Rise Building Sign Area. Except in the Downtown Special Sign District, buildings with high-rise building signs are allowed half the maximum allowable sign area for all signs below 75 feet above ground level as the maximum allowable sign area is calculated pursuant to Table 1 and Section 64.201. The maximum sign area for high-rise building signs is five square feet for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor area of the principal building, provided, however, that in no event may the total sign area for high-rise building signs exceed 800 square feet per building.
B. Mid-Rise Building Signs. All mid-rise building signs must conform to the following regulations:
1. Buildings taller than 30 feet in height are eligible for mid-rise building signs.
2. Up to two mid-rise building signs are allowed per building. If two signs are installed, they must be placed on two separate sides of the building and both must be identical in size, color, shape, design, and material, unless the signs are never visible together from a single vantage point.
3. Signs may be wall signs placed upon the wall or parapet near the top of the principal building, or vertical blade signs projecting from the principal building façade, but not both.
a. Buildings between 75 feet and 150 feet in height may have mid-rise signs or high-rise signs, but not both.
b. Buildings over 150 feet in height may have both mid-rise vertical blade signs and high-rise signs. The bottom of the mid-rise vertical blade sign may be not higher than 30 feet above ground level (measured to the bottom of the sign).
4. Mid-rise signs are not permitted on parking garages or subordinate structures.
5. Any sign extending above the roof line or parapet is considered a roof sign and must comply with roof sign requirements of this chapter.
6. Vertical blade signs must be a minimum of 30 feet above ground level (measured to the bottom of the sign) and may not extend more than six feet from the building facade.
7. Mid-rise building sign area counts against the maximum allowable sign area as calculated pursuant to Section 64.201.
8. If illuminated at night, the text within a mid-rise building sign must be lit with white, though a single logo element of the sign may be lit with colored light. All lighting must be internal backlighting.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.247 Integral Signs.
Sec. 64.247. - Integral Signs.
Individual letters and numerals comprising integral signs shall not exceed twelve (12) inches in height, and the integral sign itself shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, which shall be excluded from the total allowable sign area.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.248 Roof Signs.
Sec. 64.248. - Roof Signs.
Roof signs are permitted in accordance with this chapter and in compliance with the below, otherwise a Conditional Use Permit is required:
a) Roof signs are permitted only for non-residential, mixed use and multi-family dwellings of 30 feet or more in height.
b) Roof signs are limited to a height of 15 feet above the roof, including the support structure. The width is limited to 65% of the roof level width or 40 feet, whichever is less.
c) At no point shall a roof sign extend above 75 feet from the ground.
d) Roof signs must be designed with channel letters/icons with the overall sign area being a minimum 40% transparent.
e) The sign face shall be approximately parallel to the face of the building and shall not project beyond the facade of the building.
f) The sign face must be placed in a logical location with respect to the building architecture. The support structure must not be used to raise the sign, so it appears to float above the building.
g) A maximum of one roof sign is permitted per building and is only permitted on a flat roof.
h) If a roof sign is erected on a building, a high-rise or mid-rise sign is prohibited.
i) A roof sign must be setback a minimum of 5 feet from the edge of the roof.
j) Roof signs must be safely and securely attached to the roof structure and cannot interfere with any roof access points.
k) Roof signs shall only be lit internally.
l) No roof sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity, color or brightness. Beacon lights are prohibited.
m) No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.249 Modular building signs.
Sec. 64.249. - Modular building signs.
A maximum of 2 square feet of sign area shall be permitted for each linear foot of the modular unit up to a maximum of 80 square feet. The signs shall be painted or permanently affixed to the modular unit. The hours of operation shall be clearly displayed on the modular unit.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.250 Neighborhood Convenience Store Signs in the Traditional City.
Sec. 64.250. - Neighborhood Convenience Store Signs in the Traditional City.
A wall sign attached and parallel to the wall of the building shall be permitted in connection with a neighborhood convenience store. Ground mounted and pole signs shall be prohibited. A total sign area of one (1) square foot shall be allowed for each four (4) lineal foot of primary building frontage, up to a maximum of twelve (12) square feet. All signs shall be non-illuminated.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.251 Electronic Message Centers.
Sec. 64.251. - Electronic Message Centers.
Electronic Message Centers are permitted in accordance with this chapter and in compliance with the below:
a. Only allowed on freestanding signs where freestanding signs are permitted.
b. Electronic display area must be accessory to the primary sign.
c. No more than two messaging elements are permitted within the allowable sign face area: (1) static message display area and (2) electronic message display area.
d. Electronic display area must be mounted or located below the static message display area on the sign.
e. The maximum size of the electronic display area is in accordance with Table 1 of this Chapter.
f. Must have a pixel pitch value of 10mm or lower. The lower the pixel pitch (distance between pixels) the higher the screen resolution.
g. Must not change more than once every 8 seconds.
h. Must incorporate photocell/light sensors with automatic dimming technology that adjusts to ambient light conditions.
1. The maximum brightness shall be 0.3 footcandles above the ambient light measured from the property line.
2. At the time of permit application, the sign owner/operator must submit a certification that this standard has been satisfied.
i. No words, phrases, or characters that may interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
j. No flashing or blinking, incandescent or stroboscopic lights that may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
k. If a sign malfunctions, fails, or ceases to operate in its usual or normal programmed manner, the sign must be repaired or disconnected within forty-eight (48) hours by the owner/operator of the sign.
l. Electronic Message Center signs in the following districts must comply with the standards of that district in lieu of this section:
1. Public Landmark Identification (Ch. 64, Part 8)
2. MA Overlay District (Sec. 64.230(b)(4))
3. Highway Digital Sign District (Sec. 64.401)
A proposed sign that does not meet one or more of requirements (a) through (I) above may be submitted for review as a Conditional Use Permit. The proposed sign must include superior design elements that justify an alternative proposal and may be subject to additional conditions of approval as part of the review process.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206; Ord. No. 2024-1, § 4, 1-22-2024, Doc. #2401221203)
Orlando City Code § 64.252 Public Signs.
Sec. 64.252. - Public Signs.
Governmental information or direction signs, historical markers, signs relating to national defense and security and other emergency signs, and ornamental signs of a permanent character displaying the name of a commonly known and accepted name of a section of the City, deemed by the City Council to be of a general public interest may be located in any zoning district.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.253 Digital Numeric Signs.
Sec. 64.253. - Digital Numeric Signs.
Except as provided in the MA Overlay (Sec. 64.230), digital numeric signs are limited to displaying numerals, not text or graphics. Digital numeric signs shall not be a stand-alone sign but may be included as part of the sign face in a wall sign or freestanding sign. The message must not change more than once every 8 seconds. Digital numeric signs are only permitted on signs that may be internally illuminated, in accordance with Table 1.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.254 Child or Adult Day Care Signs.
Sec. 64.254. - Child or Adult Day Care Signs.
In residential zoning districts, one building sign attached and parallel to the wall of the building is allowed. A total sign area of one (1) square foot for each four (4) lineal feet of building frontage, up to a maximum of twelve (12) square feet, is allowed. The sign must be non-illuminated.
In all other zoning districts, the sign regulations of that district apply. This section does not apply to Family Daycares, which are not permitted any signs.
(Ord. No. 2024-1, § 4, 1-22-2024, Doc. #2401221203)
Orlando City Code § 64.255 Reserved.
Orlando City Code § 64.256 Subdivision and Multi-Family Signs.
Sec. 64.256. - Subdivision and Multi-Family Signs.
R-1, R-2 and R-3 Zoning Districts
Multi-family and single-family development in residentially zoned areas (R-1s, R-2s, R-3s) must comply with the following requirements for subdivision or multi-family signage for both building signs and freestanding signs. The sign size maximum is site-wide.
Table 3
Number of Dwelling Units | Maximum Sq. Ft. of Sign Area | Maximum Height (free standing signs) | Maximum Number of Free Standing Signs
3 to 10 Dwelling Units | Not permitted | 0
11 to 30 Dwelling Units | 18 sq.ft. | 6 ft. | 1
31 to 100 Dwelling Units | 36 sq.ft. | 8 ft. | 2
101 to 300 Dwelling Units | 54 sq.ft. | 10 ft. | 3
Over 301 Dwelling Units and for any size sign greater than 54 s.f. | Requires approval of a Master Plan or Planning Official Determination. Standards for review include proximity to other residential development, distance to major roads, and size of the development.
Setbacks — All subdivision and multi-family signs must be set back 5 ft. from all property boundaries.
Illumination — Signs must be non-illuminated or externally illuminated.
Exceptions — Multi-family development with more than one building may display separate building signs providing the total signage for each additional building is no more than 8 sq.ft.
Mid-rise and High-rise Signs — Multi-family development in the R-3C or R-3D zoning districts may have a high-rise or a mid-rise sign if in compliance with Section 64.246.
All other zoning districts
Multi-family development in all other zoning districts must comply with the sign requirements of that district.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.257 Reserved.
Orlando City Code § 64.258 Tent Signs.
Sec. 64.258. - Tent Signs.
The tent sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area and shall be removed prior to or in conjunction with the removal of the tent. No variances to signage shall be considered by the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.261 Group Housing Facility Signs.
Sec. 64.261. - Group Housing Facility Signs.
Group Housing in Residential Districts. One non-illuminated sign attached to the main entrance of the principal building is allowed. This sign shall not exceed two square feet in area.
(Ord. No. 2023-1, § 2, 3-20-2023, Doc. #2303201206)
Orlando City Code § 64.262 Reserved.
Source: City of Orlando, Florida, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/fl/orlando/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIICICO_CH64SI_PT2TESI_2CSPTESIFetched: 11/1/2026