General Definition A "sign" is any writing (including letter, word or numeral), pictorial representation (including illustration or decoration), emblem (including device, symbol or trademark), flag, (including banner or pennant) or any other figure of similar character, that: (a) is a structure or any part thereof, or is attached to, painted on, or in any other manner represented on a building or other structure; (b) is used to announce, direct attention to or advertise; and (c) is visible from outside a building. A sign shall include writing, representation or other figures of similar character, within a building, only when illuminated and located in a window. However, non-illuminated signs containing solely non-commercial copy with a total surface area not exceeding 12 square feet on any zoning lot, including memorial tablets or signs displayed for the direction or convenience of the public, shall not be subject to the provisions of this Resolution.
ZR GLOSSARY
sign
§12-10 Definitions
sign
sign is a defined term in the New York City Zoning Resolution glossary (§12-10). It is referenced in 100 ZR sections. Last amended April 8, 1998.
Quick Facts
- Definition source
- §12-10
- Sections using term
- 100
- Last amended
- April 8, 1998
What does “sign” mean?
Where is “sign” referenced?
100 sections reference this term. Showing first 100.
- §101-121 — Permitted projection
- §101-602 — General provisions for the Fulton Mall Subdistrict
- §101-61 — Special Sign Regulations for the Fulton Mall Subdistrict
- §101-612 — Sign band
- §101-614 — Sign illuminations
- §101-618 — Termination of certain non-conforming signs
- §101-622 — Special provisions for building facades above the ground floor
- §101-712 — Area of non-illuminated signs
- §101-714 — Permanent window graphics
- §101-715 — Location of signs
- §101-716 — Sign materials and colors
- §101-81 — Special Permit for Use and Bulk Modifications for Cultural Use in Certain
- §102-30 — SPECIAL PERMIT PROVISIONS
- §105-944 — Special Fort Totten Natural Area District-4
- §109-212 — Sign Regulations
- §112-074 — Sign regulations
- §116-13 — Special Sign Regulations
- §117-213 — Sign regulations
- §117-422 — Sign regulations
- §117-513 — Special sign regulations
- §118-12 — Sign Regulations
- §122-20 — SPECIAL SIGN REGULATIONS
- §123-31 — Provisions Regulating Location of Uses in Mixed Use Buildings
- §123-40 — SIGN REGULATIONS
- §124-15 — Modification of Sign Regulations
- §126-14 — Sign Regulations
- §126-141 — Special sign regulations in M2-1 Districts
- §128-61 — Special Permit for North Waterfront Sites
- §131-20 — SIGN REGULATIONS
- §134-17 — Special Signage Regulations
- §139-55 — Special Signage Regulations
- §144-14 — Special Sign Regulations
- §144-142 — Special provisions along district boundaries
- §22-221 — Nameplates or identification signs
- §22-222 — "For sale" or "for rent" signs
- §22-223 — Signs for parking areas
- §22-231 — Permitted illuminated accessory signs for hospitals and related facilities
- §22-24 — Additional Regulations
- §22-241 — Projecting signs
- §22-242 — Height of signs
- §22-25 — Number of Signs
- §32-311 — Blank wall provisions
- §32-312 — Ground floor level parking restrictions
- §32-322 — Alternate ground floor level regulations for certain frontages
- §32-431 — For zoning lots with single frontage
- §32-432 — For corner lots
- §32-642 — Non-illuminated signs
- §32-645 — Illuminated or flashing signs in C8 Districts
- §32-651 — Permitted projection in C6-5 or C6-7 Districts
- §32-652 — Permitted projection in all other Commercial Districts
- §32-653 — Additional regulations for projecting signs
- §32-655 — Height of signs in all other Commercial Districts
- §32-656 — Height of signs above roof
- §32-661 — Additional regulations for signs other than advertising signs
- §32-662 — Additional regulations for advertising signs
- §32-663 — Advertising signs on waterways
- §32-671 — Special provisions applying along district boundaries
- §32-68 — Permitted Signs on Residential or Mixed Buildings
- §32-69 — Additional Sign Regulations for Adult Establishments
- §37-73 — Kiosks and Open Air Cafes
- §37-751 — Public space signage systems
- §37-752 — Prohibition signs
- §37-753 — Accessory signs
- §42-192 — Use Group IX – uses permitted with limited applicability
- §42-316 — Use regulations in Manufacturing Districts with an A suffix
- §42-531 — For zoning lots with single frontage
- §42-532 — For corner lots
- §42-533 — Exceptions for integrated developments divided by district boundaries
- §42-632 — Non-illuminated signs
- §42-633 — Illuminated or flashing signs
- §42-641 — Permitted projection
- §42-642 — Additional regulations for projecting signs
- §42-65 — Additional Regulations for Signs Near Certain Parks and Designated Arterial
- §42-651 — Advertising signs on waterways
- §42-661 — Restrictions along district boundary located in a street
- §42-662 — Restriction on angle and height above curb level
- §42-68 — Signs Erected Prior to December 13, 2000
- §42-69 — Sign Regulations in M1-6D Districts
- §52-731 — Advertising signs
- §52-732 — Signs on awnings or canopies
- §52-733 — Advertising signs on waterways
- §52-734 — Non-conforming signs for adult establishments
- §52-81 — General Provisions
- §52-82 — Non-Conforming Signs other than Advertising Signs
- §52-83 — Non-Conforming Advertising Signs
- §62-25 — Uses on Floating Structures
- §62-28 — Special Sign Regulations
- §62-823 — Modification of use regulations in C3 Districts
- §63-12 — Special Sign Regulations
- §63-30 — CERTIFICATION FOR A FRESH FOOD STORE
- §72-40 — AMORTIZATION OF CERTAIN ADULT ESTABLISHMENTS AND SIGNS FOR ADULT ESTABLISHMENTS
- §73-50 — SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLYING ALONG DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
- §74-171 — Laboratories
- §74-182 — Arenas, auditoriums, stadiums or trade expositions
- §74-31 — Stores or Offices on Large-scale Sites in Residence Districts
- §74-744 — Modification of use regulations
- §74-747 — Previously granted special permits
- §74-945 — Conditions
- §79-43 — Special Permit for Limited Bulk Modifications for Certain Large-scale
- §81-141 — Special sign regulations
Frequently Asked
What does "sign" mean in NYC zoning?
"sign" is a term defined in §12-10 of the New York City Zoning Resolution glossary. General Definition A "sign" is any writing (including letter, word or numeral), pictorial representation (including illustration or decoration), emblem (including device, symbol or trademark), flag, (including banner or pennant) or any other figure of similar character, that: (a)
Where is "sign" used in the NYC Zoning Resolution?
The term "sign" is referenced in 100 sections of the NYC Zoning Resolution. Every section that uses this term must be read in light of the §12-10 definition.
Is "sign" an official NYC zoning term?
Yes. "sign" is an officially-defined term in §12-10 of the NYC Zoning Resolution maintained by the NYC Department of City Planning. The authoritative source is zr.planning.nyc.gov.
Need help interpreting “sign”?
Ask MuniMind for plain-language explanations and case examples.