September 1, 1983
Subject:
Building Code – Building Permits Bill Boards/Commercial Signs
Requested By:
Mr. H. T. Mullen, Jr.
County Attorney, Pasquotank County
Question:
Are commercial signs [permanent outdoor advertising displays] that are built for lease, or rental to various businesses or concerns subject to the State Building Code permit requirements?
Conclusion:
Yes, commercial signs [permanent outdoor advertising displays] fall under the State Building Code and permits are required prior to construction.
Relevant Section of Chapter XXIII, Volume 1, North Carolina State Building Code reads as follows:
- "Sec. 2301.1 – OUTDOOR ADVERTISING DISPLAYS
- Outdoor advertising displays, means any letter, figure, character, mark, plane, point, marquee sign, design, poster, pictorial, picture, stroke, stripe, line, trademark, reading matter or illuminated service, which shall be so constructed, placed, attached, painted, erected, fastened or manufactured in any manner whatsoever, so that the same shall be used for the attraction of the public to any place, subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, article, machine or merchandise, whatsoever, which are displayed in any manner whatsoever out of doors. Every outdoor display shall be classified and conform to the requirements of that classification as set forth in this chapter."
- "Sec. 2301.3 – PERMITS REQUIRED
(a) No "Outdoor Advertising Display Sign" shall hereafter be erected, constructed, altered or maintained except as provided in this Code, until after permit for the same has been issued by the Building Official as required in Section 105 and the fee paid."
In addition to any permits required under the State Building Code a permit must be obtained from the Department of Transportation before placement of outdoor advertising on Interstate or Federal aid highways. See North Carolina Administrative Code T19A:02E.0203 et seq.
RUFUS L. EDMISTEN ATTORNEY GENERAL
William W. Melvin
Senior Deputy Attorney General