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Sign Regulations in Charleston, WV (2026)

3 verified sign regulations for Charleston, West Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Political Signs

Political signs in Charleston's residential zoning districts are exempt from the city's 90-day cumulative limit on temporary signs, unlike yard-sale and special-event signs.

Charleston Exempts Political Signs From Sign Time Limit

Few Restrictions

Sec. 24-070-03

B. Temporary signs include special event signs, residential garage/yard/carport sales, rummage sales and other similar types of events, and political signs. C. Temporary signs shall be permitted for a cumulative total of ninety (90) days per calendar year. This time limit shall not apply to political signs.

Digital Billboards

Charleston only allows new digital billboards through a sign-removal swap, and requires messages to hold static for at least 8 seconds with capped nighttime brightness.

Charleston Restricts Digital Billboard Conversions

Significant Restrictions

Sec. 24-100-11, Charleston, WV Zoning Ordinance

Off-premise electronic message boards may only be erected if the applicant for the proposed new sign removes and/or uninstalls other active nonconforming off-premise signs in their possession whose square footage equals at least double the square footage of the proposed new sign's total square footage... Electronic message boards shall be static and nonanimated and shall remain fixed for a mini...

Window Signs

In Charleston's R-O and higher zoning districts, window signs can't cover more than 25% of a window's glass area, or 50% if the business has no wall signs.

Charleston Caps Window Sign Coverage at 25%

Some Restrictions

Sec. 24-060(I)

The allowed square footage of window signs in zoning districts R-O and above shall not exceed 25% of the total square foot area of each window, or up to 50% of the total square foot area of each window if there are no wall signs on the premises. Window sign calculations shall include, but not be limited to, informational signage such as hours of operation and open/closed signs.

Looking for Kanawha County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.

Sign Regulations in Kanawha County