Requirements applicable to all signs.
Cape Coral Land Development Code § 7.2.4
in effectSection 7.2.4. - Requirements applicable to all signs.
A. Computation of sign area. The area of a sign shall be measured from the outside edges of the sign or the sign frame, whichever is greater, excluding the area of the supporting structures provided that the supporting structures are not used for advertising purposes and are of an area equal to or less than the permitted sign area. Supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself shall not be included in the computation of the area unless, by the nature of their design, they form a continuation of the sign.
1. The area of a multi-faced sign shall be computed on one face in the same manner as the sign area of an individual sign, provided that the faces of the sign are not separated at any point by more than 18 inches. If the faces of a multi-faced sign are separated at any point by more than 18 inches, then each face constitutes a separate sign.
2. Where individual characters are used without a supporting panel (channel letters), the overall dimensions from the beginning of the first character to the end of the last character in the longest line and from the top of the uppermost character to the bottom of the lowermost character shall be regarded as the extreme dimensions in calculating the overall sign area of the sign.
B. Computation of height. The vertical height of a freestanding sign shall be computed from the established mean grade of the development site to the highest component of the sign or supporting framework, whichever is higher. The maximum vertical height of a building mounted sign shall not exceed the roof line of the structure.
C. Location of signs on property.
1. Setbacks. The distance of a sign from a property line, right-of-way, or other point shall be computed by measuring a perpendicular line from the foremost part of the sign to the ground and then measuring from that point to the nearest point of the property line, right-of-way, etc.
2. Distance between freestanding signs. A minimum distance of 25 feet shall be maintained between freestanding signs regardless of whether such signs are on one site or whether they are located on adjacent sites.
3. Location. No sign may project beyond the property line(s) of the property on which the sign is located, except that sign(s) may be flush-mounted to the walls of buildings which are constructed with a zero setback from the property line. Except as otherwise provided herein, signs shall be located on the same site on which the advertised goods or services are available. No part of any banner, sign, flag, or flagpole shall be hung, attached, or erected in any manner as to project into the right-of-way.
4. Freestanding signs are prohibited in the 6' perimeter utility easement.
D. Illumination. Signs may be illuminated by any method not prohibited by this article provided that any light source shall be shielded in such a manner as to prevent direct rays of light from being cast into an occupied residence, hotel or motel room, a commercial business, at any pedestrian traveling upon a street or sidewalk, or any vehicle traveling upon a public street.
1. The area of a multi-faced sign shall be computed on one face in the same manner as the sign area of an individual sign, provided that the faces of the sign are not separated at any point by more than 18 inches. If the faces of a multi-faced sign are separated at any point by more than 18 inches, then each face constitutes a separate sign.
2. Where individual characters are used without a supporting panel (channel letters), the overall dimensions from the beginning of the first character to the end of the last character in the longest line and from the top of the uppermost character to the bottom of the lowermost character shall be regarded as the extreme dimensions in calculating the overall sign area of the sign.
B. Computation of height. The vertical height of a freestanding sign shall be computed from the established mean grade of the development site to the highest component of the sign or supporting framework, whichever is higher. The maximum vertical height of a building mounted sign shall not exceed the roof line of the structure.
C. Location of signs on property.
1. Setbacks. The distance of a sign from a property line, right-of-way, or other point shall be computed by measuring a perpendicular line from the foremost part of the sign to the ground and then measuring from that point to the nearest point of the property line, right-of-way, etc.
2. Distance between freestanding signs. A minimum distance of 25 feet shall be maintained between freestanding signs regardless of whether such signs are on one site or whether they are located on adjacent sites.
3. Location. No sign may project beyond the property line(s) of the property on which the sign is located, except that sign(s) may be flush-mounted to the walls of buildings which are constructed with a zero setback from the property line. Except as otherwise provided herein, signs shall be located on the same site on which the advertised goods or services are available. No part of any banner, sign, flag, or flagpole shall be hung, attached, or erected in any manner as to project into the right-of-way.
4. Freestanding signs are prohibited in the 6' perimeter utility easement.
D. Illumination. Signs may be illuminated by any method not prohibited by this article provided that any light source shall be shielded in such a manner as to prevent direct rays of light from being cast into an occupied residence, hotel or motel room, a commercial business, at any pedestrian traveling upon a street or sidewalk, or any vehicle traveling upon a public street.Source: City of Cape Coral, Florida, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Land Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/fl/cape_coral/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=ART7SI_CH2AD_S7.2.4REAPALSIFetched: 11/4/2026