Do I need a permit?

Yes, all permanent signs mounted on an external building wall or awning or installed in the ground require a permit. Certain temporary signs also require a permit. 

How do I apply for a sign permit? 

You apply online through our electronic plan review portal.  Click on register to set up your account for first time users.  Once you have completed the registration process you will receive an email to verify the account.  Click on the link to activate and log into your account. 

Click on Submit Project for Review  to get started.  Answer all questions - if the question isn't applicable to your situation enter NA (not applicable) as all questions require a response.  If you have successfully submitted your project your will receive an auto-generated confirmation email.  

How long does it take to process a sign permit application? 

Each review cycle is about 7 - 10 business days.  If you have an incomplete application, it will be declined, and you will need to submit your complete sign package again.  Incomplete packages or not responding to specific requests for information will delay your permitting process.  You must submit a complete set of plans for each review cycle.  

Why do I need to submit a complete set of plans for each review?  

A complete approval package is needed for the inspectors and development compliance officers to review onsite for inspections.   

How do I pay my fees?

Fees are paid online.  The site where you pay your fees is different from the site where you apply for your permit.  Once your permit has been approved the development technician will email you with instructions on how to pay, how to print your plans, and how to schedule your inspections.  

The Land Development Ordinance (LDO) Chapter 9.2 applies unilaterally to all zoning districts in Cary. 

What is a Master Sign Plan and do I need one?

Planned Development Districts and multi-tenant sites such as office parks and shopping centers require a Master Sign Plan (previously know as  Uniform Sign Plan).  It provides specific criteria for signs in addition to the Cary's Land Development Ordinance (LDO) Chapter 9.

Locate your site's MSP by using the Property Research Map.   

• Enter the address of the proposed sign (upper left corner)
• The address will be pinned on the map
• Click on the “i” (upper right corner of the map)
• Click on the pin on the map
• Information about your property will populate on the right side of the map. Locate your MSP or USP #. Download this document.

How do I update a Master Sign Plan MSP?

Download your existing MSP and highlight and mark up with the changes you would like to make.  Apply through the electronic plan review portal and upload a pdf version of the changes you are proposing. 

Staff will not be able to approve your sign permit application packet until the revisions to the Master Sign Plan are completed, approved and paid.  

Can I use my logo?

Yes, logos may be displayed in their colors, provided they do not exceed 20% of the allowable sign area.

How many colors may I use on a sign?

Signs are limited to four colors.  The colors must comply with the Master Sign Plan for the site.

How do I calculate the allowable amount of signage for a wall sign? 

The allowable square footage for a sign is determined by your building frontage, the horizontal length of a building on the façade with its principal entrance,  LDO 9.1.5 (C).  Once you have determined that length you will multiply it by the amount in the Master Sign Plan if provided, or the LDO 9.2.5 (L) and it's dependent on the building type and square footage.  It can vary from 1.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage to 2 square feet per linear foot of building frontage.    

How do I calculate the amount of allowable signage for two or more wall signs?

If your proposed signs are visible from a single vantage point the total square footage of both signs are added together as one sign LDO 9.1.5 (A.2).

When do I need to include a landscaping plan?

A specific landscaping plan is required when a ground monument exceeds 42 inches.  One (1) square foot of landscape area for each square foot of sign area shall be provided in the vicinity of the sign.  At least fifty percent (50%) of the plant material shall be evergreen.  

Unless the landscaping plan included with the approved Development Plan for a site includes this supplemental landscaping area, a copy of this plan will not replace the requirement for a detailed landscaping plan for new signage. 

How tall can my ground sign be?

The maximum sign height is 54 inches from normal grade.

Are Plexiglas cabinet-style signs allowed in Cary?

No. This type of sign is not permitted for new signs. Face replacements may be allowed for existing signs with appropriate permitting.  Also, ground signs are required to be architecturally compatible with the materials found in the building.

What's the difference between a principal ground sign and a alternative monument sign?   

Principal Ground Sign LDO 9.2.5 (F):

Such signs may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per side or sixty-four (64) square feet total in area, and fifty-four (54) inches in height.  In the Town Center, any sign area in excess of sixteen (16) square feet in total shall be counted as part of the property's total allowed sign area. Where the height of the sign exceeds forty-two (42) inches, one (1) square foot of landscape area for each square foot of sign area shall be provided in the vicinity of the sign.  At least fifty percent (50%) of the plant material shall be evergreen.  Both sides of a two (2) sided ground sign shall be identical with regard to materials and design.

Entry Monument Alternative to Principal Ground Sign LDO 9.2.5 (G): 

An entry monument may be approved in lieu of a permitted principal ground sign for residential subdivisions, non-residential subdivisions and general shopping centers with a minimum of sixty thousand (60,000) square feet of non-residential floor area, and non-residential parcels fifteen (15) acres or greater, with frontage on a road classified as a collector avenue or higher on the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

Verification of location must be demonstrated on a survey or development plan.

Entry Monuments over 72” will be issued a building permit and will require building inspections.  You must schedule the required inspections.  The footer inspection must be done before dirt is filled in around the base. 

Call 311 within Cary, or 919-469-4000 outside of Cary to schedule your inspections. 

LDO 9.2.5 (B) Directional Sign - Permit required for the following types of directional signage.  Include the plans with your wall sign package.  

• Vehicle-orientated Directional Ground Signs
• Pedestrian-oriented Directional Ground Signs
• Wall-mounted Directional Signs

LDO 9.2.5 (D) Incidental Signs Permit NOT required, do not include with your permit application

Incidental signs shall be allowed provided that they contain no logo or commercial message and do not exceed two (2) square feet in area, except that signs providing notice that cars parked illegally may be towed may comply with provisions of North Carolina statutes that require that such notice be four (4) square feet in area. Incidental ground signs shall not exceed three (3) feet in height. 

Is window signage allowed? 

Yes, window signage is allowed.  A permit is not required but the following guidance must be followed.  LDO 9.2.7 (D) 

Signs shall be allowed on the inside or outside of window glass provided that they cover no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the glass area of each individual window pane, are not separately illuminated, and contain no commercial message. Signs permanently affixed to the external side of windows shall be a medium or premium grade vinyl, digital image using solvent coloring, or other similar type material and shall be maintained in good order.

Please do not include your plans for window signage in your sign permit application package.  

Can I get a variance? 

Anyone may apply for a variance to any of Cary’s Land Development Ordinance standards, but applicants must prove they have a physical hardship or unusual circumstance associated with the land that justifies the request.  Work closely with staff before filing for a variance to be sure you have exhausted all options.  The criteria for a successful variance is challenging and costly.  The cost to file is $600.00 and this fee is nonrefundable, even if the request is denied.  Corporations are required to be represented by legal counsel and you will need to appear before the Zoning Board of Adjustment which typically takes 2-4 months to get on their schedule. 

How do I apply for a variance?

Fill out the Variance application and email it to 311@townofcary.org.  Staff will review the application to determine if it is complete.  Once it is deemed complete a link will be emailed to you to pay the fees online.  

Does my permit expire?

Yes, you have six months to schedule your first inspection. Inspections may be required for a sign with an associated electrical permit, or a building permit. After your initial inspection, the permit remains valid for one year between inspections.  

What happens if my permit expires?

You will have to reapply for a new permit.  Additionally, you will be held to the standard of any new codes or changes that may have occurred since the original application.