Commercial Artwork Guidelines

What is Commercial Artwork?

Commercial artwork refers to any sign containing drawings, pictures, symbols, paintings (including patterns or designs), or objects that incorporate a company or corporate logo, commercial name, branding, or images identifying products, services, or items sold or available on the premises.

A sign permit is required for a Commercial Artwork Sign (Mural). Visit the City's Building and Permitting Page for more information, including the applications portal, sign installation checklist(PDF, 172KB), and contact information. 

Where Is Commercial Artwork Allowed?

• Commercial artwork signs are prohibited in the Downtown Neighborhood (DTN) zoning district.
• Commercial artwork signs are permitted in the Downtown Neighborhood East (DTNE), Downtown East (DTE), Downtown Core (DTC), and Downtown Business (DTB) zoning districts, subject to the following restrictions.

Commercial Artwork Sign Requirements

• Maximum size: Commercial artwork signs shall not exceed 500 square feet.
• Window coverage: Commercial artwork signs shall not cover windows.
• Branding limits: No more than 2.5% of the commercial artwork sign area may contain a commercial name, logo, or branding.
• Quantity: Only one commercial artwork sign per zoning lot is allowed.
• A sign permit is required for a Commercial Artwork Sign (Mural). Visit the City's Building and Permitting Page for more information, including the applications portal, sign installation checklist(PDF, 172KB), and contact information.

These guidelines are designed to balance creative expression with community character and maintain the aesthetic integrity of the city’s commercial areas. For more detailed zoning information, please visit the City of Sarasota Zoning Code.