Charleston, WV Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed zones
- C-10 and I-4 districts only
- New digital sign
- Requires 2:1 sq ft sign removal
- Minimum hold time
- 8 seconds, no transition graphics
- Daytime luminance cap
- 5,000 nits
- Nighttime luminance cap
- 250 nits
Summary
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.
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 minimum of 8 seconds. Messages must transition instantly, with no transition graphics. The luminance may not exceed 5,000 nits (candela per square meter) between sunrise and sunset or 250 nits during nighttime hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Charleston's zoning ordinance treats digital billboards as "off-premise electronic message boards." A new one can only go up if the applicant removes existing nonconforming off-premise signs totaling at least double the new sign's square footage; converting an existing billboard to digital requires removing square footage equal to the converted sign's own size. Once installed, the message must be static and nonanimated, held for a minimum of 8 seconds with instant transitions and no transition graphics, and luminance is capped at 5,000 nits between sunrise and sunset and 250 nits at night. Off-premise signs generally are restricted to C-10 and I-4 zoning districts as a conditional use.
Violations & Fines
Zoning enforcement can order removal of a noncompliant sign or deny/revoke the sign permit; violations are also subject to the general zoning ordinance penalty provisions for unpermitted signage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just install a digital billboard anywhere in Charleston?
Can an existing billboard be converted to digital in Charleston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia sign regulations overview
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