There are many types of signs a business may want to install in the City of Hickory. Displaying a business sign or portable signage where advertising is visible from the public right-of-way, requires a zoning permit.
To receive the required zoning permit a sign must comply with the sign ordinances in LDC in Chapter 10. Installation of signs must begin within one year of the date that the city issues a permit. The city strongly advises businesses not to fabricate signs until permits have been issued. Permits are required for wall signs, ground signs, projecting signs, and temporary signs.
You can view the signs allowed by the district in Chapter 10 of the Land Development Code (LDC). Exempt and Prohibited sign types can also be found in Article 10.1.5 and 10.2 of the LDC. To accurately determine the zoning of the proposed sign location you may use GIS, which is a web-based mapping platform managed by Catawba County.
New signs must be permitted prior to installation. An application for a permanent sign can be obtained from the online ePermit center. The application needs to be accompanied with a site plan showing the following information: property boundary, right of way location, driveway locations, utility easements, size and locations of existing signs on the lot and building, new sign locations, size, and height, sign design sketch, location and dimensions of the building's walls, and a wind-load statement.
For free-standing signs over twelve (12) feet in height and/or over thirty-two (32) square feet in area, one (1) set of complete plans with the appropriate signatures and seals of the architects and engineers are needed for review. Please refer to Section 3107.1 of the North Carolina Building Code for requirements or call Catawba County Building Services at (828) 465-8399. For free-standing signs between six (6) and twelve (12) feet in height, as well as, wall signs, only one (1) complete set of plans are required for review. For free-standing signs under six (6) feet in height, only one (1) set of plans is required for review. Please contact the Permit Center for further information.
Each sign requires a separate application and submittal package. If you are unable to submit via the ePermit center please call 828-323-7410 or email permits@hickorync.gov for assistance.
Paying Fees
Payments are made online through the ePermit system. Once, you plan is approved, you will receive notification to make payment.