# Sign Regulations in Anaheim, California

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Anaheim, California, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Anaheim, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/anaheim
- **Data last verified:** 2025-08-12
- **Source:** [amlegal municipal code](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/anaheim/latest/anaheim_ca/0-0-0-69363)

## At a glance

Anaheim, California regulates 51 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Temporary Real Estate Signs in the RH-1 Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone (RH-1), RH-2 Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone (RH-2), RH-3 Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone (RH-3), RS-1 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-1), RS-2 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-2), RS-3 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-3), RS-4 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-4), Single-Family Residential Zones (General Regulations For All Zones) zoning district are capped at 6 ft frame (single-family), 6 ft for other freestanding signs tall, 5 sq ft per lot (single-family); 20 sq ft aggregate (≤1 acre); 50 sq ft per sign (>1 acre), and 4 ft (single-family) wide, with a Not closer than 7 ft to any public right-of-way. setback (Sec. 18.44.180). Most commercial signs in Anaheim require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (13 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RH-1 Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone (RH-1), RH-2 Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone (RH-2), RH-3 Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone (RH-3), RS-1 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-1), RS-2 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-2), RS-3 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-3), RS-4 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-4), Single-Family Residential Zones (General Regulations For All Zones) | 10 | 8 ft | 65 sq ft | — |
| RM-1 Multiple-Family Residential Zone (RM-1), RM-2 Multiple-Family Residential Zone (RM-2), RM-3 Multiple-Family Residential Zone (RM-3), RM-3.5 Multiple-Family Residential Zone (RM-3.5), RM-4 Multiple-Family Residential Zone (RM-4), Multiple-Family Residential Zones (General Regulations For All Zones) | 7 | 8 ft | 65 sq ft | — |
| C-G General Commercial Zone (C-G), C-NC Neighborhood Center Commercial Zone (C-NC), C-R Regional Commercial Zone (C-R), O-L Low Intensity Office Zone (O-L), O-H High Intensity Office Zone (O-H), Commercial Zones (General Regulations For All Zones) | 14 | Max 30 ft; 25 ft within 300 ft of residential, increased 1 ft/10 ft over 300 ft to residential; subject to conditional use permit findings | 125 sq ft or 0.5 sq ft per linear ft of freeway/frontage road, whichever less | — |
| I Industrial Zone (I), Industrial Zone (General Regulations For All Zones) | 7 | max 30 ft (see code for adjacency to residences) | See commercial zone for rules; wall facing freeway/railroad limited to 150 sq ft or per formula. | — |
| MU-C Mixed-Use Corridor Zone (MU-C), MU-LM Mixed-Use Low-Medium Zone (MU-LM), MU-MID Mixed-Use Mid Zone (MU-MID), MU-MED Mixed-Use Medium Zone (MU-MED), MU-H Mixed-Use High Zone (MU-H), MU-UC Mixed-Use Urban Core Zone (MU-UC), MU-I Mixed-Use Industrial Zone (MU-I), Mixed-Use Zone (General Regulations For All Zones) | 12 | 8 ft (most), 25 ft (large/major centers only) | See commercial rules: 65 sq ft (non-res w/ <300 ft frontage, Table 44-A); 250 sq ft (centers, 300+ ft frontage, Table 44-B) | — |
| OS Open Space Zone (OS), PR Public Recreational Zone (PR), SP Semi-Public Zone (SP), T Transition Zone (T), Public and Special Purpose Zones (General Regulations For All Zones) | 9 | 8–25 ft depending on center/lot size | 65 sq ft | — |
| Scenic Corridor (SC) Overlay Zone | 7 | Max 30 ft (by CUP) | By CUP—up to 125 sq ft area, 15 ft wide, 30 ft high | — |
| Platinum Triangle Mixed Use (PTMU) Overlay Zone (PTMU and its Districts), PTMU Overlay Zone – Arena District, PTMU Overlay Zone – Transit District, PTMU Overlay Zone – Gateway District, PTMU Overlay Zone – Gene Autry District, PTMU Overlay Zone – Katella District, PTMU Overlay Zone – Lewis District, PTMU Overlay Zone – Orangewood District, PTMU Overlay Zone – Sunkist-Lewis District, PTMU Overlay Zone – Office District, PTMU Overlay Zone – Stadium District | 4 | 8–25 ft (see use/case) | Banner: ≤225 sq ft or 1% of building face; Real Estate: 20 sq ft (≤1 acre), 50 sq ft (>1 acre); Tract: 65 sq ft, 8 ft H. | — |
| Brookhurst Commercial Corridor (BCC) Overlay Zone | 3 | 8–25 ft (per Table 44-A/B) | See underlying/regular commercial sign code—up to 65 sq ft or by frontage, per Table 44-A/B. | — |
| South Anaheim Boulevard Corridor (SABC) Overlay Zone, SABC Neighborhood Residential District, SABC Boulevard Residential District, SABC Neighborhood Commercial District, SABC Neighborhood Commercial-Mixed District, SABC Professional Office/Medical District, SABC Regional Commercial District, SABC Open Space/Educational District | 3 | 25 ft south of Ball (CUP); 8 ft north (monument only, per Table 44-A/B) | See Table 44-A/44-B (also overlays may limit overall aggregate) | — |
| Mobile Home Park (MHP) Overlay Zone | 2 | 6–10 ft (see general city code); | Same as multi-family residential: 20 sq ft; | — |
| Floodplain (FP) Overlay Zone | 2 | 6–10 ft (see underlying zone sign rules) | See underlying zone for allowed area; e.g., real estate up to 20 sq ft (≤1 acre), 50 sq ft (>1 acre); tract up to 65 sq ft; political up to 32 sq ft if temp. | — |
| Residential Opportunity (RO) Overlay Zone | 4 | 6–10 ft (see temp sign type respective city code rules) | 20 sq ft (multi-family), 4 ft high for monument signs (monument not less than 7 ft from ROW) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 13 zones)

### RH-1 Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone (RH-1), RH-2 Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone (RH-2), RH-3 Single-Family Hillside Residential Zone (RH-3), RS-1 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-1), RS-2 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-2), RS-3 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-3), RS-4 Single-Family Residential Zone (RS-4), Single-Family Residential Zones (General Regulations For All Zones)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Identification Sign | 4 ft (monument type in multi-family), 4 ft (business sign on residential structure) | 20 sq ft (multiple-family), 6 sq ft (converted residential to business, unaltered exterior) | — | Not closer than 7 ft to public right-of-way. | 1 per building/unit. May be increased to 2 per street frontage if incorporated into entry monument walls on either side of an entry. | On building below roof level or monument type in required location. | — | 18.44.070; 18.44.130 |
| Nameplate | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per residence or business | Mounted on or near entry. | — | 18.44.110.060 |
| Directional Sign | 4 ft (monument/freestanding), 6 ft (wall-mounted measured from grade) | 4 sq ft per face | — | Must meet line-of-sight requirements. | 1 per vehicular entrance | Within required landscape setback. | — | 18.44.110.020 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | 6 ft frame (single-family), 6 ft for other freestanding signs | 5 sq ft per lot (single-family); 20 sq ft aggregate (≤1 acre); 50 sq ft per sign (>1 acre) | 4 ft (single-family) | Not closer than 7 ft to any public right-of-way. | 1 per street/highway frontage per parcel | On lot being sold/leased; not closer than 7 ft to public right-of-way. | — | 18.44.180 |
| Temporary Political Sign | — | 32 sq ft (building permit not required ≤32 sq ft and removed <120 days after erection or 30 days after election) | — | Must not block required sight lines. | — | On private property. | — | 18.44.210.030 |
| Temporary Tract Sign | 8 ft | 65 sq ft | — | — | 1 on-site per tract; 2 off-site per tract (with further limits if multiple signs on same parcel) | On-site or off-site. Off-site allowed on vacant property with minimum distances as per code. | — | 18.44.190 |
| Temporary Sign for Future Establishment | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | 8 ft (dimension) | At least 10 ft from property or right-of-way; corner lots must observe fence setbacks. | 1 per parcel (2 allowed for ≥5 acres with 2 street frontages) | On-site, set back at least 10 ft from property line or right-of-way. | — | 18.44.200 |
| Public Utility or Required by Law Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | As required by law or utility operations. | — | 18.44.140 |

### C-G General Commercial Zone (C-G), C-NC Neighborhood Center Commercial Zone (C-NC), C-R Regional Commercial Zone (C-R), O-L Low Intensity Office Zone (O-L), O-H High Intensity Office Zone (O-H), Commercial Zones (General Regulations For All Zones)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | Wall facing street: 1 sq ft/linear ft of that elevation (or 150 sq ft facing freeway/railroad, or 3 sq ft/linear ft for offices 4+ stories) | — | — | 1 per eligible elevation (more allowed for buildings >100 ft long, minor variations for office buildings, see code) | On eligible elevations (see code for building elevations facing street, parking, freeway, or main entrance). | — | 18.44.110.010 |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft (most properties), 20–25 ft (for larger centers, see Table 44-B) | See Table 44-A and Table 44-B: up to 250 sq ft for large centers (300+ ft frontage), or 65 sq ft for most parcels, or based on frontage (0.33–0.5 sq ft/ft) | 10–20 ft (per Table 44-A/B) | 2 ft min from ultimate right-of-way; must not violate sight triangle provision. | 1 per 300 ft frontage (see Table 44-A); multiple possible for very large parcels, max 1 per 300 ft spacing | Within required landscaped planter (see code for sight lines/ROW, setbacks, location). | — | 18.44.090; 18.44.080 |
| Freestanding Sign (Pole/Pylon) | 8 ft (regular), 20–25 ft (large centers) | See monument sign limits (above; same area limits apply) | 8–20 ft (per Tables) | As monument sign; see code for precise rules. | Same as monument (see above) | Within required landscaped planter, respecting setback and sight triangle regulation. | — | 18.44.080; 18.44.090 |
| Freeway-Oriented On-Site Sign | Max 30 ft; 25 ft within 300 ft of residential, increased 1 ft/10 ft over 300 ft to residential; subject to conditional use permit findings | 125 sq ft or 0.5 sq ft per linear ft of freeway/frontage road, whichever less | 15 ft | Location must be within planter, further than 25% parcel width from abutting property (max 50 ft), not in required triangle. | 1 per project/center; major tenants only. See permit process. | On property abutting freeway/frontage road; must not combine street and freeway frontages for size. | — | 18.44.100 |
| Directional Sign | 4 ft (fs/monument); 6 ft (wall, measured from grade) | 4 sq ft/face | — | Must comply with sight triangle requirements. | 1 per vehicle entrance | Within required landscape setback at vehicle entrances. | — | 18.44.110.020 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | 6 ft (frame), 6 ft if freestanding, 4 ft width (single-family type sign); 10 ft for parcels >1 acre (not width) | 20 sq ft (≤1 acre); max 50 sq ft (>1 acre, per sign); | 4 ft (single-family) | Not closer than 7 ft to public right-of-way | 1 per street/highway frontage | On property being offered; not closer than 7 ft to right-of-way. | — | 18.44.180 |
| Temporary Tract Sign (On or Off-site) | 8 ft | 65 sq ft | — | — | 1 on-site per tract; Up to 2 off-site (additional w/ long frontages, see code) | On-site or off-site (vacant lots for off-site); must specify location, identification and date built. | — | 18.44.190 |
| Temporary Sign for Future Establishment | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | 8 ft | 10 ft minimum from property/ROW line | 1 (or 2 on large corner lots) | On-site; one per site (or 2 if ≥5 acres, 2 streets) | — | 18.44.200 |

### MU-C Mixed-Use Corridor Zone (MU-C), MU-LM Mixed-Use Low-Medium Zone (MU-LM), MU-MID Mixed-Use Mid Zone (MU-MID), MU-MED Mixed-Use Medium Zone (MU-MED), MU-H Mixed-Use High Zone (MU-H), MU-UC Mixed-Use Urban Core Zone (MU-UC), MU-I Mixed-Use Industrial Zone (MU-I), Mixed-Use Zone (General Regulations For All Zones)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Stand-Alone Residential Project Sign (Identification Sign) | 4 ft (monument/multi-family); 4 ft (business/residential conversion-unaltered appearance) | 20 sq ft, double-faced, monument not to exceed 4 ft high (multi-family/attached); 6 sq ft, 4 ft high (business in residential structure with unaltered appearance) | — | Not closer than 7 ft to ROW (if monument). | 1 per unit, plus entry monument sign(s) per frontage if at entry walls. | On building below roof level or as a monument sign outside required setbacks (not <7 ft from ROW if monument); one per building/unit. Window/door nameplates also allowed. | — | 18.44.070; 18.44.130; 18.12.120.010 |
| Stand-Alone Residential Nameplate | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entry/unit | At or near entrance. | — | 18.44.110.060 |
| Stand-Alone Residential Directional | 4 ft (monument/freestanding); 6 ft (wall, measured from grade) | 4 sq ft per face | — | Sight triangle must be maintained. | 1 per vehicular entrance | Within required landscape setback. | — | 18.44.110.020 |
| Mixed-Use or Stand-Alone Nonresidential (Monument/Freestanding Sign) | 8 ft (most), 25 ft (large/major centers only) | See commercial rules: 65 sq ft (non-res w/ <300 ft frontage, Table 44-A); 250 sq ft (centers, 300+ ft frontage, Table 44-B) | 10–20 ft (see Table 44-A/B) | 2 ft min from ultimate ROW, not in sight triangle. | 1 per 300 ft frontage | Within required landscaped planter, respecting setbacks/sightlines. | — | 18.44.090; 18.44.080; 18.44.055 (sign program) |
| Mixed-Use/Nonresidential Directional Sign | 4 ft (free/monument), 6 ft (wall, grade) | 4 sq ft per face | — | Sight triangle compliance. | 1 per entry | Within required landscape setback at vehicle entrance. | — | 18.44.110.020 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | 6 ft (frame/freestanding, ≤1 acre), 10 ft (>1 acre); | 20 sq ft (≤1 acre); 50 sq ft (>1 acre); | 4 ft (single-family frame) | 7 ft min from ROW (freestanding) | 1 per street/highway frontage | On property for sale/lease; setback requirements apply. | — | 18.44.180 |
| Temporary Tract Sign | 8 ft | 65 sq ft | — | — | 1 onsite/2 offsite per tract, more possible with long frontage | On-site/off-site (vacant, subject to separation/minimums). | — | 18.44.190 |
| Temporary Sign for Future Establishment | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | 8 ft | 10 ft setback; corner exceptions per 18.44.200.050 | 1 or 2 (large corner parcels) | On-site; 1 per site, 2 for lots ≥5 acres w/ two street frontages. | — | 18.44.200 |

## Prohibited signs in Anaheim

- Any sign that is not specifically permitted in Chapter 18.44 is prohibited.
- Abandoned signs.
- Awning signs, except as specifically permitted as part of a coordinated sign program.
- Balloons and other inflatable devices that are roof-mounted or enclose more than two (2) cubic feet, except by special event permit.
- Billboards.
- Flashing or blinking signs or lights, or signs that have moving parts or animate, or emit glare, momentary blindness, or discomfort.
- Illegal signs.
- Cabinet signs, illuminated or non-illuminated, with tenant names mounted on Plexiglas-type strips that slide within channels (directory/cabinet-type tenant signage).
- Nonconforming signs that have been subject to an amortization period that has expired, and conformance has not been accomplished.
- Parking of vehicles/trailers so as to be visible from the right-of-way, for the basic purpose of sign advertisement.
- Pennant signs, except as permitted by special event permit.
- Permanent sale or 'come-on' signs.
- Placards, posters, announcements, and similar signs attached to any fence, pole, tree, or any other object in the public right-of-way, except official signs.
- Pole-mounted freestanding signs.
- Portable signs, including A-frame signs.
- Private-use signs on public land or right-of-way.
- Pump island signs.
- Roof signs.
- Rotating or revolving signs.
- Signs that exceed the height of a roofline.
- Signs encroaching into the public right-of-way, unless an encroachment license has been approved or the sign is part of an approved wayfinding sign program.
- Signs painted on fences or walls (other than building walls).
- Signs that are a danger to the public or are unsafe.
- Signs that cause a potential traffic hazard or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
- Signs made of vinyl fabric and used as permanent signage.
- Signs painted on plywood or particle board (excluding temporary real estate signs).
- Statuary or representative figures, real or simulated, used for advertising purposes.
- Any sign with rust, chipped, cracked or peeling paint; hanging, dangling, torn, or frayed parts; permanently burned-out bulbs; illegible letters or numbers; or graffiti.
- Any sign that is not maintained as required by Section 18.44.160.
- All signs must comply with the Uniform Codes and other safety regulations.
- No sign may project above a roofline or be classified as a roof sign.
- No sign may project over or into the public right-of-way, unless specifically allowed.
- Temporary signs and other kinds of signs as outlined in 18.44.035 are prohibited unless explicitly exempt or allowed by permit or sign code (e.g., certain special events, wayfinding programs, etc.).
- All off-site advertising signs (as defined as billboards) are prohibited except as otherwise allowed for regional guide signs or by conditional use permit.
- Nonconforming billboards are required to be removed or made conforming per applicable amortization schedules.
- Signs must not interfere with visibility at driveways and intersections as described in minimum sight distance diagrams (line-of-sight triangles).
- Portable signs (including sandwich boards, A-frame signs, and temporary signage not mounted per code) are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Anaheim

- Nameplates per Section 18.44.110 (limited to one square foot per residence/business).
- Window signs erected in accordance with Section 18.44.110 (must not exceed 20% of window area).
- Public utility signs and signs required by law erected in accordance with Section 18.44.140 (not exceeding four square feet).
- Political signs, subject to Section 18.44.210 and location, duration, and size limitations.
- Non-illuminated, foam-letter signs and non-illuminated wall signs, provided no wall is punctured.
- Temporary real estate signs (Section 18.44.180) and temporary tract signs (Section 18.44.190), subject to location, size, and time limitations.
- Temporary event and special event signage when authorized by Section 18.44.170 et seq., subject to event permits.
- Temporary fruit stand or seasonal fruit stand signs as permitted (Section 18.44.210.020).
- Signs allowed by special event permit or wayfinding sign program, subject to program/permitting as specified.
- Religious, educational, governmental, or institutional signs when required by law or for identification at places of assembly, per Section 18.44.140.
- Signs for which the code specifically states 'no permit required,' as long as all code requirements are met (Section 18.44.060.010).
- One business flag, per property, on commercial or industrial zoned properties, per Section 18.44.065, must comply with building code and other listed restrictions.
- Signs displaying a noncommercial message on a temporary sign that is less than twenty (20) square feet in residential zones (per Section 18.44.070.030).
- Temporary window signs (for commercial/industrial) so long as they do not exceed area thresholds and comply with the limitations in 18.44.110.070.
- Signs for public utility purposes or required by law (Section 18.44.140).
- Certain real estate and tract signage which complies with all specified standards and time limits.
- Temporary future establishment signs per Section 18.44.200 (subject to area, height, time, and content limitations).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A coordinated sign program is required for: (1) multiple-occupancy sites of two or more tenant spaces; (2) any separately identifiable building group; (3) a neighborhood or community shopping center; (4) any site containing at least 40,000 square feet of land area; and (5) any project for which a coordinated sign program is specifically required by zone or entitlement conditions (Section 18.44.055.010).
- All sign programs must be approved by the Planning Director and, if any sign exceeds normal code limits, the coordinated sign program requires a minor conditional use permit and additional findings.
- If the coordinated sign program does not comply with code, submittal and approval of a minor conditional use permit is required, with detailed findings relating to design, scale, and consistency.
- For mixed-use, Platinum Triangle, and Anaheim Canyon projects: a coordinated sign program is always required for master planned areas, mixed-use overlays, and as required by the underlying district/zoning or as specifically stated in conditions of approval.
- Residential and non-residential mixed-use and large shopping centers (and projects with conditions requiring a sign program) must submit a coordinated sign program before the first sign permit is issued.
- Special sign districts (e.g., Arena and Transit Districts) require a coordinated sign program in accordance with specific master site/exhibit plans attached to development agreements.
- In mixed-use projects in the city’s Mixed-Use Overlay or PTMU Overlay Zone, a coordinated sign program is required and is specified as a submittal requirement for the project (and evaluated as part of the final site or master site plan).
- Coordination with final plan review (in Mixed-Use and PTMU Overlays): application for a coordinated sign program must be submitted in conjunction with the project's final plan or master plan.
- Amendments to an approved coordinated sign program are reviewed as minor amendments, unless any signs are noncompliant or discretionary review is required.
- In mixed-use projects, stand-alone residential: follow residential zone sign standards (generally, only address and small identification signs); for non-residential/mixed-use: coordinated sign program required, including as part of plan review.
- Certain districts (e.g., Arena, Transit) require adherence to a Sign Identity Program or Coordinated Sign Program as referenced in the specific development agreement/master site plan.
- If a project or entitlement specifically requires a sign plan (e.g., Master Sign Plan, Coordinated Sign Program, or sign program as a condition of approval), the sign plan must be submitted and approved before sign permits.
- For any project for which a sign variance or sign conditional use permit is requested, a sign plan must be submitted as part of the application.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 13 zoning districts in Anaheim — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Anaheim+CA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-anaheim

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