Sign Regulations in High Point, NC: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in High Point or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. High Point has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Digital Billboards

High Point confines true digital billboards, what the ordinance calls video signs, to the CB Central Business District. Development Ordinance Section 5.7.10.C.1 sets that district limit, and Section 5.7.10.C.2.a caps a freestanding video sign at 32 square feet and 6 feet in height, positioned parallel to the street so it does not face oncoming traffic directly.

Key details: District allowed: CB District only. Max freestanding video sign area: 32 square feet. Max freestanding height: 6 feet. Max attached video wall sign: 60 square feet. Max illumination: 2,500 nits (500 nits after sunset).

A video sign installed outside the CB District, oversized beyond the 32-square-foot freestanding or 60-square-foot attached caps, or exceeding the 2,500-nit illumination ceiling is a violation under Section 9.3.1 or 9.3.4 of the Enforcement chapter. The Planning and Development Director can deny or revoke the sign permit and assess civil penalties starting at $50 for a first violation, rising to $500 per day under Section 9.9.5 for continued noncompliance.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. High Point actively enforces its digital billboards requirements.

Garage Sale Signs

High Point allows a yard sale up to twice a year, capped at 2 days each, with exactly one announcement sign meeting the Development Ordinance's no-permit sign standards: 6 square feet, 4 feet tall, non-illuminated.

Key details: Sales per year: 2 occurrences maximum. Days per sale: 2 days maximum. Announcement sign size: Max 6 sq ft, 4 ft tall. Illumination: Not permitted. Governing sections: §§ 4.4.5.U, 5.7.7.A.

Development Ordinance § 9.9.5 sets civil penalties for violations: $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, $200 for a third, and $500 for each one after that.

Holiday Displays

High Point exempts holiday lights and decorations from the sign permit process altogether. Development Ordinance Section 5.7.7.B.1 lists lights and decorations temporarily displayed on dates around holidays among 8 categories of signs allowed without a permit, alongside hand-carried signs, government signs, and interior signs not legible from outside a building.

Key details: Permit needed: None for holiday lights/decorations. Timing: Must be temporary, around a holiday. Governing list: § 5.7.7.B, 8 exempt sign categories. Electrical safety: Still subject to State Building Code. Unpermitted non-exempt sign penalty: $50 first violation.

A holiday display that is not temporary, is unrelated to any holiday, or otherwise functions as a permanent or commercial sign falls outside the Section 5.7.7.B.1 exemption and needs a sign permit like any other sign under Section 5.7.4.C. Displaying it without one is a violation under Section 9.3.1, Development without Authorization, subject to civil penalties starting at $50 and escalating to $500 per day under Section 9.9.5.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find High Point gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

Window Signs

High Point limits window signs at nonresidential properties to 25 percent of any single window or door, or 25 percent of all windows and doors combined, with no permit required.

Key details: Provision: Development Ordinance § 5.7.7.A. Per-window cap: 25% of window or door. Building-wide cap: 25% of all windows combined. Permit required: No. Applies to: Nonresidential districts.

Window signage exceeding the 25% coverage cap is treated as an illegal sign under Chapter 9: Enforcement of the Development Ordinance and is subject to removal or remediation.

The Bottom Line

High Point's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming High Point is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects High Point's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.