Sandwich Board Signs - Guidelines and Application Process

Last Updated 12/16/2021 • in Business Updates

Sandwich board signs are a great marketing tool and can be critically important to the visual aesthetics for a business. They are pedestrian-oriented and help move and draw people down the sidewalks and into your storefront, restaurant or office. They also can provide a “cool vibe” for your business and downtown.

It’s also important to maintain the aesthetic standards of these signs to protect the investment made by all downtown businesses and the City of Statesville to keep the sidewalks and streetscape looking their best.

Below is information outlining the City’s sandwich board application and annual renewal process, details on the size requirements, list of materials signs cannot be made of, hours they can be displayed, clearance required on the sidewalks, how many per business and distance between neighboring signs.

We also wanted to remind businesses that DSDC has a sign grant program that can assist in covering a portion of the costs related to sandwich board signs and other types of business signage. Funds are limited so grant funding is based on availability. Click here to download and review the sign grant program.

Above are examples of sandwich board signs to get your “design” ideas flowing.

Per the City of Statesville Planning Department:

- A new Sandwich Board Application and proof of renewed insurance liability certificate is required annually to continue to display the sandwich board approved by the city. Click here for Sign Grant Application. Click here for Sign Grant Application.

- It is the responsibility of the business owner to submit a Sandwich Board Application, photo of sign, dimensions of sandwich board and the renewed insurance liability certificate to the planning department each year. Contact is Marci Sigmon at [email protected] or 704-878-3578
- First time applicants must have the sandwich board design approved by the Planning Department staff to confirm it meets the sign and material requirements.

The Zoning Ordinance states Sandwich Board Signs:
- Shall not exceed eight (8) square feet and four (4) feet in height

- Shall only be displayed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., EST.
- Each individual business shall have no more than one (1) sign and there must be at least fifteen (15) feet between each sign.

- A five (5) foot clearance must be maintained at all times on the sidewalk.
- No sandwich board sign shall block visibility, vehicular or pedestrian at any time.
- The sign must not be permanently affixed to any permanent object, structure or the ground.
- They are to be freestanding, self-supporting and be designed and weighted to prevent overturning.

- The tenant or property owner that will be placing the signs within the City’s right-of-way must carry an extended coverage liability insurance policy in the amount of $500,000 with the City of Statesville, NC named as additionally insured.

- For the tenants or property owners that will be placing their sandwich board signs on private property no insurance is required, but a permit must be obtained.

The following materials are not permitted:
a. glass, clear acrylic sheeting or breakable materials
b. paper or laminated paper
c. corrugated or hollow core plastics

d. pvc pipe frames

e. internal illumination or spotlighting illumination

If you have any questions about if your existing sign is in compliance or you would like to renew/apply for new sandwich board sign, please email Marci Sigmon [email protected] and Marin Tomlin [email protected] to assist you through the process.