Sign Regulations in Apex, NC (2026)
3 verified sign regulations for Apex, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Apex regulates political and other temporary signs in Section 8.7 of the Unified Development Ordinance. Any sign permitted by the UDO may display a non-commercial message, and non-commercial signs on residential property are expressly exempt from regulation (UDO 8.7.1, exemptions). All commercial and non-commercial signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way except as authorized by NCGS 136-32 (which governs political signs in state highway ROW). On-premise non-commercial temporary signs on non-residential property are capped at 16 sq ft / 4 ft high freestanding (32 sq ft if affixed to a building) for up to 60 days per permit. No Town permit fee is charged for a non-commercial temporary sign.
Apex Political / Campaign Sign Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Sale Signs
Apex UDO Sec. 8.7.2 prohibits all commercial and non-commercial signs in the public right-of-way (except those authorized by NCGS 136-32 for political signs in state ROW) and in the required sight triangle. The Town's Sign FAQ states that signs placed on other properties or street rights-of-way directing attention to a sale or activity are not permitted. Garage-sale signs on the host's own residential property are exempt as non-commercial signs on a residential property (UDO 8.7.1 exemption). Off-premise directional signs to the sale are prohibited and may be removed.
Apex Garage Sale / Yard Sale Sign Rules
Some RestrictionsHoliday Displays
Apex does not impose a calendar-based take-down date for residential holiday lights, wreaths, inflatables, or seasonal decorations. The UDO defines a 'Sign' (UDO Sec. 8.7.9) as a device that directs attention to a realty, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, performance, commodity, firm, business, or solicitation — generic holiday decorations with no commercial message generally do not meet that definition. UDO Sec. 8.7.1 also exempts 'Non-commercial signs on a residential property.' Practical limits come from sight-triangle rules (UDO 8.7.2), nuisance rules in Chapter 14 of the Town Code, and HOA covenants.
Apex Holiday Lights & Decorations
Few RestrictionsLooking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Apex city rules.
Sign Regulations in Wake County →