Wall Signs vs. Pylon Signs in Dover Zoning: What You Can and Can’t Combine

Based on Public Record: Dover Zoning Ordinance Article 5 §4.7 (from 17798.pdf)

When More Signs Means More Trouble

You’ve got the storefront. You’ve got the traffic. And you’ve got a bold branding vision—wall signs and a pylon to grab attention from every angle. But then your sign permit hits a wall: “Combination exceeds allowable sign count.”

Welcome to the complexities of Dover’s signage code. In this city, wall and freestanding signs aren’t just regulated separately—they’re often mutually exclusive. Get it wrong, and your investment could be denied, downsized, or delayed.

Let’s break down exactly what the code allows, and how to design the right mix—legally and effectively.

 

Wall Signs vs. Pylon Signs: What’s the Difference?

Dover’s zoning ordinance distinguishes between two key sign types:

Wall Signs

• Mounted flat against the façade of a building
• Typically placed on the front or side visible from public rights-of-way
• Common for retail, restaurants, and multi-tenant buildings

Freestanding Signs (Including Pylon Signs)

• Detached, ground-mounted structures
• Used for roadside visibility, often near entrances or property lines
• May be single-tenant or multi-tenant (e.g., shopping plazas)

 

Dover’s Sign Code: What Article 5 §4.7 Says

According to Dover’s zoning ordinance, most commercial properties are allowed:

• Two wall signs by default
• One freestanding sign (including pylon or monument styles)

But not necessarily both.

“An additional wall sign may be permitted in lieu of a freestanding sign…”
— City of Dover Zoning Ordinance Article 5 §4.7
📎 (Source: 17798.pdf, City of Dover Board of Adjustment Case)

This clause is key: if you use up your two wall signs, you may need to forgo a pylon sign—or vice versa—unless you apply for and are granted a variance.

 

Wall, Pylon, Monument & Channel Letter Signs Compared: Visibility, Cost & Code Compliance

Sign Type	Visibility	Best Use Case	Customization	Estimated Cost	Permit Required
Wall Sign	Moderate–High	Storefronts in walkable areas	Moderate (size/material limits)	$1,000–$5,000	Yes
Pylon Sign	High	High-speed roads, distant buildings	High (tall structures, lighting options)	$5,000–$20,000+	Yes
Monument Sign	Moderate	Entrances, plazas, low-profile retail	Moderate (limited size but stylized)	$3,000–$10,000	Yes
Channel Letter	High	Retail branding, especially franchises	High (individual letter styling, backlit)	$3,000–$12,000	Yes

Tupp Signs

When You Can—and Can’t—Combine Wall and Pylon Signs

Permitted Combinations:

• 1 Wall Sign + 1 Freestanding Sign – standard layout for single-frontage buildings
• 2 Wall Signs Only – when positioned on two building facades facing public streets
• 3 Wall Signs (with variance) – often requires forgoing freestanding sign

Not Permitted Without Variance:

• 2 Wall Signs + 1 Pylon Sign – exceeds total sign allotment
• Wall Signs on Non-Street-Facing Walls – not allowed unless part of a multi-frontage parcel
• Freestanding Signs Exceeding Height or Area Limits – varies by zoning district

Strategic Considerations: Visibility vs. Compliance

When choosing between wall and freestanding signs, consider:

• Traffic Speed: Pylon signs perform better along fast-moving roads like Route 13
• Building Placement: Setback buildings benefit more from freestanding signage
• Pedestrian vs. Vehicular Audience: Wall signs work well in walkable districts
• Zoning Restrictions: Overlay districts and historic areas may limit sign types and materials

🔎 Want help assessing your lot’s zoning? Tupp Signs provides full sign code reviews.

 

How to Maximize Impact Within the Code

1. Start with a site survey
   Understand frontage length, access points, and pedestrian flow
2. Design for cohesion
   Align sign types and placements with brand standards and architectural style
3. Plan for substitution
   If you need more wall signs, you may have to relinquish your pylon option
4. Apply for a variance if justified
   Demonstrate hardship or functional need—Tupp Signs can prepare and submit this for you

 

How Tupp Signs Supports Dover-Compliant Signage Plans

We help businesses throughout Delaware create impactful signage that passes code with confidence.

Our Services Include:

• Site-specific code reviews
• Custom sign design (wall, pylon, monument, blade, etc.)
• Variance preparation and zoning coordination
• Fabrication and expert installation

🔗 View Pylon Sign Solutions

📣 The Takeaway: More Isn’t Always Legal—But Smart Design Always Wins

Dover’s signage code doesn’t stop you from being seen—it just requires that you be smart about how you do it. With the right mix of wall and pylon signage—and an expert who knows the code—you can make a big impact without overstepping boundaries.

 

✅ Ready to Build a Smarter Sign Strategy?

 

📞 Call Tupp Signs at (302) 322-1600
📩 Request Your Custom Signage Code Review