What is a Visibility Obstruction Triangle and how does it affect my sign?

The placement of a sign has great impact on the ability of drivers to see oncoming traffic and pedestrians.  The visibility obstruction triangle is also referred to as: "clear vision area" or "the sight triangle".  This triangular-shaped area is a geometric calculation of the ability of drivers or pedestrians to tell if they can safely enter the traffic flow or cross the street. 

Signs, fences, landscaping and other obstructions within this area are limited to a specific height above the elevation of the curb or street centerline so that drivers stopped at an intersection can see oncoming traffic.  For design standards of visibility obstruction triangles see our standard drawing STD-401(Visibility Obstruction Triangle, Missoula Municipal Code 12.28.020).

All ground, sidewalk and other signs, as determined by Development Services staff, require the Visibility Obstruction Triangle to be shown on the site plan required with the application documentation. 

Engineering Division approval must be in place before a sign permit is issued final approval. 

Show All Answers

1. What is a Visibility Obstruction Triangle and how does it affect my sign?
2. When is a sign permit required?
3. When do signs require electrical permits?
4. Where can I see the status of my sign permit?
5. Outdoor lighting of signs and electrical permits
6. When is a building permit required for my sign?
7. How is the height of a sign determined?
8. When is an engineering review required for my sign?
9. What clearances affect my signs?
10. What are the application requirements for a sign permit?
11. What are the required documents for a sign permit?
12. What is a frontage and how does it affect my sign?
13. When and where are political signs allowed?
14. What is Fire Premise Identification?
15. How is Street Addressing handled under Missoula Municpal Code?