Code of the City of Washington, North Carolina
Chapter 27 - Zoning
Article XVI. Signs
Illustrated Sign Ordinance
Section 166: Signs excluded from regulation

The following signs are exempt from regulation under this Chapter except for those restrictions stated in Section.
(a) Signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area that are customarily associated with residential use and that are not of a commercial nature, such as signs giving property identification names or numbers or names of occupants, signs on mailboxes or paper tubes, and signs posted on private property relating to private parking or warning the public against trespassing, danger from animals, or other dangers.
(b) Signs erected by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and informational signs, and traffic, directional, or regulatory signs.
(c) Official signs of a noncommercial nature erected by public utilities.
(d) Flags, pennants, or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.

(e) Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works of art, so long as such features or works do not contain letters, trademarks, moving parts, or lights.
(f) Signs directing and guiding traffic, such as entrance and exit signs, on private property that do not exceed four (4) square feet each.
(g) Church bulletin boards and church identification signs that do not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area.
(h) Signs painted on or otherwise permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles and trailers that are not primarily used as signs.
(i) Sign proclaiming religious, political, or other non-commercial messages that do not exceed one (1) per lot per abutting street and sixteen (16) square feet in area.
(j) Signs located on the interior of buildings, courts, lobbies, stadiums, or other structures that are not intended to be seen from the exterior of said building or structure.
(k) Memorial and historical plaques or markers.
 
 (l) Sign painted to or attached to vending machines, or similar devices which indicate the contents of the machine, the price, or operating instructions.
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