How Matthews Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Matthews maintains 113 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Matthews falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Holiday Displays

Matthews places no restrictions on residential holiday decorations or lighting. Commercial holiday displays follow standard sign ordinance for temporary signage. Displays cannot create traffic hazards or excessive light trespass.

Key details: Residential: No restrictions. Duration: Year-round allowed. Commercial: Temporary permit. Standard: Nuisance abatement.

Nuisance complaints handled case by case. Excessive glare or light trespass may trigger nuisance abatement under Chapter 50.

Matthews is more permissive than most cities when it comes to holiday displays. That said, there are still limits.

Garage Sale Signs

Matthews allows garage sale signs on private property only, not in public right-of-way or on utility poles. Signs limited to 4 sq ft, posted no more than 48 hours before sale, removed within 24 hours after.

Key details: Size: 4 sq ft max. Location: Private property only. Before Sale: 48 hours max. After Sale: 24 hours removal.

Illegal sign placement: signs removed without notice. Repeat violators may face $50-$100 civil penalties. Signs on state ROW violate N.C.G.S. 136-32.6.

Political Signs

Matthews permits political signs on private property without permit. N.C.G.S. 136-32 allows political signs in state right-of-way 30 days before election through 10 days after. Town follows Reed v. Gilbert content-neutrality standards.

Key details: Permit: Not required. State ROW: 30 days before to 10 after. Residential Size: 4-6 sq ft typical. State Law: N.C.G.S. 136-32.

Signs outside permitted areas, oversized, or left past 10-day post-election window subject to removal by Town. No criminal penalty.

Matthews is more permissive than most cities when it comes to political signs. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Matthews gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Matthews's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.