Medina, OH Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Section 1105.136(y) defines a 'window sign' as a sign posted, painted, placed or affixed in or on a window or door that is intended to be visible from outside the building, and extends the definition to an indoor sign facing a window or door within one foot of it, which counts toward the window sign total even though it is not physically attached to the glass.

For nonresidential buildings in the commercial and industrial districts, Section 1147.14(e) sets a size formula on top of the percentage cap: permanent window signage on the primary building frontage may not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of primary frontage, and window signage on a secondary frontage may not exceed one square foot for each four linear feet of secondary frontage. Regardless of that formula, permanent window signage may not cover more than 25% of the total window area. Section 1147.14(g) applies the identical 25% ceiling to temporary window signs displayed inside a display or show window, while exempting real estate and event signage from the section's time limits, provided real estate signs come down within seven days of a sale, rental or lease closing and event signage comes down within seven days after the event ends.

The Historic District carries its own, separate window sign rule at Section 1147.15(d): permanent window signage there is limited to 25% of the window panel it is affixed to, plus a single internal neon sign per ground-floor business capped at two square feet, subject to Historic Preservation Board review for brightness and placement. Any sign that does not conform to Chapter 1147 is a Zoning Ordinance violation under Section 1147.11, subject to the enforcement provisions of Sections 1107.04 and 1107.05.