Most signs require Planning Department approval before they can placed on a building or constructed on a site. After Planning department approval is obtained most signs also require the issuance of a building permit from the Building and Safety Department.
For a list of signs that do not require planning approval over the counter please click here. Please note that some of these signs will still require a building permit.
If you are looking for information about temporary signs please click here.
If you are looking for information about permanent and temporary sign in Old Town please click here.
How do I obtain Planning Department approval for my sign?
Step 1: Determine if you are in a sign program area
A sign program is a document that contains a comprehensive set of sign criteria that are unique to a specific shopping center, building or development. To determine if you are in a sign program area you should access the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) database tool. Once you access the City's GIS tool you should click on the Planning folder located on the right hand side of the screen to open and view the map layers within this folder. Then click on the Sign Program check box to show the Sign Program layer on the map viewer tool.
If you are not in a Sign Program area please proceed to the following section:"What if I am not in a Sign Program Area?"
Click here to access the City's GIS database tool.
If you are new to using the City's GIS database tool click here for a tutorial.
Step 2: Access the appropriate sign program document
All of our sign program documents are available online to view, download and print.
Please note: All of the sign program documents are located in the Community Development folder in the Sign Programs sub-folder.
To access the sign program documents please click here.
Step 3: Submit your sign drawings to the planning department
You should contact a sign company to assist in the preparation of the sign proposal documents and renderings. Drawings should be to scale and drawn in accordance with the sign program criteria and requirements. Once the drawings are complete you will need to bring two color copies to City Hall to have a planner review your signage proposal and approval them over the counter. Planning does not collect a fee to approve signage over the counter. Once planning approves your sign you will need to obtain a building permit. Building permit fees are due at permit issuance.
What if I am not in a sign program area?
If you are not in a sign program area you will be required to comply with the Development Code Requirements for signage in your appropriate district. Sign requirements vary by commercial, office, industrial or residential districts. To access the Development Code section that addresses signage requirements and criteria please use the link below. Once you have determined the appropriate sign standards and criteria that are required for your sign please proceed with step three (above). To determine if you are in a commercial, office, industrial or residential district you should access the GIS database tool. To access the City's GIS database tool please click here.
Sign Standards - Development Code Section 17.28
- To access the Development Code Section (Title 17.28) that outlines the requirements for signs please click here.
Questions? Contact us!
If you have an questions regarding signs please contact the Planner of the Day at (951) 694-6400.
|