DECORATIVE SIGNS

Charlotte City Code ch. 19, art. VII

in effect

Charlotte City Code § 19-206 Definitions.

Sec. 19-206. - Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Decorative sign means a pictorial representation, including illustrations, words, numbers, or decorations; emblem; flag; banner; pennant, that promotes or celebrates the city, its neighborhoods, civic institutions, or public activities or events in the city. Decorative signs may either be designed and displayed by the city directly, or may be donated to the city on a permanent basis or for a limited period of time. (Ord. No. 4687, § 1, 6-27-2011)

Charlotte City Code § 19-207 Purpose.

Sec. 19-207. - Purpose. This article is intended to provide for temporary and permanent decorative signs within public rights-of-way and to exempt such signs from the provisions contained in the Unified Development Ordinance in chapter 24 of this Code. Decorative signs are regulated in accordance with these standards in order to: (1) Make it clear that decorative signs under this article constitute government speech and that the city does not intend to create a public forum for private speech; (2) Provide standards and guidelines regarding the donation and display of banners, flags, pennants and other decorative and informative signs on public rights-of-way; (3) Restrict the display of decorative signs which: a. Overloads the public's capacity to receive information; b. Violate privacy; or c. Increases the probability of accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision; (4) Establish guidelines which include, but are not limited to, size, materials, location, erection and removal of decorative signs. (Ord. No. 4687, § 1, 6-27-2011; Ord. No. 1033, § 2, 10-27-2025)

Charlotte City Code § 19-208 Prohibited sign devices.

Sec. 19-208. - Prohibited sign devices. No decorative sign may be lighted, may flash, or may make noise, unless it is part of a city-approved interactive informational and wayfinding kiosk as defined in section 10-1 of this Code. (Ord. No. 4687, § 1, 6-27-2011; Ord. No. 1033, § 2, 10-27-2025)

Charlotte City Code § 19-209 Location, size, and placement of signs.

Sec. 19-209. - Location, size, and placement of signs. (a) Decorative signs are permitted to be displayed upon public street frontages provided signs: (1) Do not impede vehicular visibility; (2) Do not obstruct regular building signs; (3) Do not interfere with the display of windows on private property; and (4) Otherwise comply with the applicable sections of this Code and provisions contained in this policy. (b) When donated signs are placed on, in, or above public rights-of-way, written consent of the director/engineer shall be required. Such consent shall be based on a review that will include, but not be limited to, sign design, location, placement, and safety. (c) Decorative signs placed on property other than the city's (e.g., utility poles, pedestrian and railroad bridges) shall require the written consent of the property owner. (Ord. No. 4687, § 1, 6-27-2011)

Charlotte City Code § 19-210 Erection and removal of signs.

Sec. 19-210. - Erection and removal of signs. For donated signs, erection and removal of a decorative sign is the responsibility of the donor, and all costs must be borne by the donor or charged to the donor by the city, if the decorative sign is not removed within the prescribed time, and the city itself must remove the sign. The erection or removal of decorative signs that requires the closure of any street, travel lane, or sidewalk area requires prior approval by the city's department of transportation. All such closures must conform to the current edition of the department of transportation's Work Area Traffic Control Handbook (WATCH). (Ord. No. 4687, § 1, 6-27-2011)

Charlotte City Code § 19-211 Insurance; liability.

Sec. 19-211. - Insurance; liability. Any person or organization donating, installing, displaying, or dismantling decorative signs pursuant to this article shall save and hold harmless the city from any and all liability or damage to any person or property caused or occasioned by such process. Those installing, displaying, or dismantling signs must obtain and provide evidence to the city's department of transportation of comprehensive general liability insurance with limits established by the city's risk management division per occurrence, annual aggregate on bodily injury and property damage to insure their liability. Such policy shall indemnify the city as provided in this subsection. A certificate of insurance shall be issued prior to the beginning of any work. The certificate of insurance shall be furnished to the city containing the provision that 30 days' written notice will be given to the city prior to cancellation or change to the required coverages and that failure to provide such notice shall impose an obligation and liability upon the issuing company, its agents, or representatives. (Ord. No. 4687, § 1, 6-27-2011)

Charlotte City Code § 19-212 Administration.

Sec. 19-212. - Administration. The director/engineer shall promulgate policies and guidelines governing the approval and display of decorative signs to ensure that signs appropriately promote or celebrate the city, its neighborhoods, civic institutions, or public activities or events in the city, and to protect public safety and welfare, including ensuring against hazards, traffic problems, and visual blight. Such policies and guidelines shall include, but are not limited to specifications as to the number, size, materials, printing processes, supporting structures, and hanging and removal. The director/engineer shall have the authority to waive specific rules when (1) the decorative sign substantially complies with the rules; and (2) the director/engineer determines that the waiver will not have any adverse effect on public safety and welfare. No decorative sign may be displayed without the prior approval of the director/engineer. (Ord. No. 4687, § 1, 6-27-2011)

Charlotte City Code § 19-213 Unlawful acts.

Sec. 19-213. - Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for anyone to place or cause to be placed a decorative sign within public rights-of-way without complying with the following: (1) This article; (2) The policies and guidelines for the display and approval of decorative signs; and (3) Any other requirements or conditions stated in a written approval for a decorative sign. (Ord. No. 4687, § 1, 6-27-2011; Ord. No. 93, § 5(Exh. E), 6-28-2021)

Source: City of Charlotte, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nc/charlotte/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH19STSIOTPUPL_ARTVIIDESIFetched: 10/27/2026