Sign Regulations in Apple Valley, California
Apple Valley, California has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant), Free-Standing Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant), Projecting or Shingle Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Apple Valley, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Apple Valley
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Identification Sign | 4 ft for free-standing | 2 sq ft | — |
| On-site Subdivision and Mobile Home Park Identification Sign | 6 ft | 24 sq ft per sign | 10 ft from project boundary |
| Multi-family Residential Sign | Monument: 4 ft; Wall: below roof eave/awning, up to 2/3 height of surface | 24 sq ft per frontage | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Apple ValleyFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
30
- Wall Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant)
- Free-Standing Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant)
- Projecting or Shingle Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant)
- Free-Standing Sign (Gasoline & Vehicular Fuel Stations)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Apple Valley
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Apple Valley vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Apple Valley, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Apple Valley, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant), Free-Standing Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant), Projecting or Shingle Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant), Free-Standing Sign (Gasoline & Vehicular Fuel Stations), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Apple Valley vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Apple Valley are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Apple Valley has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Apple Valley, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Apple Valley, California regulates 30 sign types across 7 zoning districts. On-site Subdivision and Mobile Home Park Identification Signs in the Residential Zones, Agricultural Zones zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 24 sq ft per sign, with a 10 ft from project boundary setback (Sec. 9.74.120.B). Most commercial signs in Apple Valley require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Apple Valley, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Apple Valley (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Zones, Agricultural Zones | 6 | 20 ft, but not above eave, parapet, awning, or canopy | 32 sq ft per frontage | — |
| Commercial and Office Zones, Commercial Districts, General Commercial (C-G) | 9 | Height depends on road and lot size (see additional): - Major/Major Divided, 25+ ac: 25 ft - Major/Major Divided, 15-24.99 ac: 20 ft - Major/Major Divided, 8-14.99 ac: 12 ft - Major/Major Divided, <8 ac or Secondary/Other: 6 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Shopping Center or Multiple Tenant Buildings, Village Commercial (C-V), Regional Commercial (C-R) | 3 | Dependent on road and lot size: 25 ft (25+ acres on Major), 20 ft (15-24.99 ac), 12 ft (8-14.99 ac), 6 ft (<8 ac or Secondary) | 200 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Zones, Industrial Districts | 7 | 6 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| The Village Business District, The Desert Knolls Business District | 2 | 7 ft | 12.5 sq ft | — |
| Regional Commercial (C-R) | 2 | 45 ft above freeway lane elevation | 750 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 6 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Apple Valley(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Residential Zones, Agricultural Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Identification Sign | 4 ft for free-standing | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | Building-attached or free-standing | — | Unlock | 9.74.120.A |
| On-site Subdivision and Mobile Home Park Identification Sign | 6 ft | 24 sq ft per sign | — | 10 ft from project boundary | One per public street entrance, max two | Wall or monument sign at public street entrance | — | Unlock | 9.74.120.B |
| Multi-family Residential Sign | Monument: 4 ft; Wall: below roof eave/awning, up to 2/3 height of surface | 24 sq ft per frontage | — | — | — | Monument signs in landscape area, wall signs below eave/canopy, on awning/canopy | — | Unlock | 9.74.120.C |
| Directory Sign (Multifamily or Mobile Home Parks) | 4 ft (within front/street side setback); 6 ft (behind required setbacks) | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per vehicle entrance | Monument sign per vehicle entrance | — | Unlock | 9.74.120.D |
| Free-Standing Sign (Nonresidential Uses, e.g., church, school, ag use) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft per frontage | — | — | Monument signs minimum 100 ft apart | At nonresidential use in Residential or Agricultural Zone | — | Unlock | 9.74.120.E.1 |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | 20 ft, but not above eave, parapet, awning, or canopy | — | — | — | — | On building wall, below eave/roof line | — | Unlock | 9.74.120.E.2 |
Commercial and Office Zones, Commercial Districts, General Commercial (C-G)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant) | — | — | — | — | — | On building wall; awning/canopy/window signs count towards wall sign area | — | Unlock | 9.74.130.A.1 |
| Free-Standing Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant) | 6 ft | 60 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | For each street frontage | — | Unlock | 9.74.130.A.2 |
| Projecting or Shingle Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant) | — | 2 sq ft per entrance | — | — | One per building entrance | Perpendicular to building face at entrance, under canopy or projecting | — | Unlock | 9.74.130.A.3 |
| Wall Sign (Tenants in Shopping Center / Multiple Tenant Buildings) | — | — | — | — | — | On building wall | — | Unlock | 9.74.130.B.2 |
| Free-Standing Sign (Shopping Center / Multiple Tenant Buildings) - Center Identification | Height depends on road and lot size (see additional): - Major/Major Divided, 25+ ac: 25 ft - Major/Major Divided, 15-24.99 ac: 20 ft - Major/Major Divided, 8-14.99 ac: 12 ft - Major/Major Divided, <8 ac or Secondary/Other: 6 ft | 200 sq ft | — | — | — | At shopping center entrance or street frontage | — | Unlock | 9.74.130.B.3.c |
| Projecting or Shingle Sign (Shopping Center / Multiple Tenant Buildings) | — | 6 sq ft per entrance | — | — | One per building entrance | Perpendicular to building face at entrance, under canopy or projecting | — | Unlock | 9.74.130.B.4 |
| Free-Standing Sign (Freeway Identification, Shopping Center) | 25 ft above freeway lane elevation | 200 sq ft | — | — | One per shopping center | Adjacent to freeway/freeway ramp or at shopping center parallel to freeway | — | Unlock | 9.74.130.C.3 |
| Menu Board (Drive-thru/Walk-up Facilities, Fast Food) | — | 25 sq ft per board | — | — | Two per facility | Drive-thru or walk-up area | — | Unlock | 9.74.130.E |
Industrial Zones, Industrial Districts
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant) | — | — | — | — | — | On building wall; awning/canopy/window signs count towards wall sign area | — | Unlock | 9.74.140.A.1 |
| Free-Standing Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant) | 6 ft | 60 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | For each street frontage | — | Unlock | 9.74.140.A.2 |
| Projecting or Shingle Sign (Free-standing Single Tenant) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per building entrance | Perpendicular to building face at entrance, under canopy or projecting | — | Unlock | 9.74.140.A.3 |
| Wall Sign (Tenants in Multiple Tenant Buildings) | — | — | — | — | — | As approved under sign program | — | Unlock | 9.74.140.B.2 |
| Free-Standing Sign (Multiple Tenant Building Identification) | 6 ft | 200 sq ft | — | — | — | Multiple tenant development | — | Unlock | 9.74.140.B.3 |
| Projecting or Shingle Sign (Multiple Tenant Buildings) | — | 2 sq ft per entrance | — | — | One per building entrance | Perpendicular to building face at entrance, under canopy or projecting | — | Unlock | 9.74.140.B.4 |
| Free-Standing Sign (Gasoline & Vehicular Fuel Stations) | — | — | — | At least 100 ft from another freestanding sign on same property | — | — | — | Unlock | 9.74.140.C |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Apple Valley — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Apple Valley — start freeProhibited Signs in Apple Valley
- Signs which make sounds.
- Portable signs, unless otherwise exempt under this Chapter.
- Vehicle Signs.
- Animated or moving signs, or signs which contain any moving parts, except as expressly set forth in Section 9.74.110.G, Digital Advertising Displays.
- Any sign, lighting, or other advertising display located in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision at any location where, by reason of the position, shape, color, or movement may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device. Nor shall such sign or advertising structure make use of any word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
- Sign faces pertaining to activities which have ceased, whose structure has been abandoned by their owner, are not maintained, or which identify occupants which have discontinued use of the premises, where the use is discontinued for a period of ninety (90) days or more.
- Signs which are not effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light being directed at any portion of the traveled way or which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or which otherwise interfere with any driver of a motor vehicle.
- Signs painted on fences, garden walls, roofs, or natural features, such as rocks.
- Signs on vehicles, trailers, boats, or other similar property parked on public or private property within the Town limits for the purpose of advertising said vehicle, trailer, boat, or similar property for rent, sale, or lease, unless: such property is on the premises owned, rented, or leased by the owner and occupied as a business or residence; or is on a business premises licensed for sale/rent/lease of such property; or only one sign, three square feet or less, is displayed and does not interfere with driver visibility as allowed by State Vehicle Code.
- Searchlights or similar lights directed into the sky.
- Roof signs.
- Off-site signs, except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter.
- Snipe signs located in the public right-of-way that do not conform to the requirements of Temporary Subdivision and Model Home Signs in Section 9.74.150(E).
- Signs not specifically permitted by this Chapter are also prohibited.
- Any sign or advertising display illegally erected, placed, or encroaching on or over any public right-of-way, or any obsolete sign in any public right-of-way.
- Any sign or advertising display declared to be hazardous or unsafe by the Building Official or the Director of Economic and Community Development.
Exempt Signs in Apple Valley
- Signs within a structure and not visible from outside.
- Non-advertising warning signs or trespassing signs on private property posted no closer than one hundred (100) feet apart not exceeding three (3) square feet in area.
- Signs, flags, emblems, notices erected, or issued, by a constituted governmental body, public agency, court, person, or officer in performance of a public duty, including traffic or highway signs, railroad crossing signs, or similar regulatory or warning devices, and legal notices.
- Utility company signs not exceeding six (6) square feet identifying conduits, cables, danger, or providing other such similar notice.
- Non-advertising displays, signs, and decorations commemorating municipal, State or nationally designated holidays; providing, however, that said displays are not detrimental to public health, safety, and general welfare and are not otherwise prohibited by this Chapter.
- Residential identification signs in compliance with Section 9.74.120.
- One single-faced identification nameplate or sign on an apartment house, boarding or rooming house, or similar use, not exceeding six (6) square feet in area; provided that said sign is attached to or mounted parallel to the face of the building and not exceeding one (1) foot from the wall.
- One nameplate or occupational sign denoting the name, occupation, address and telephone number of an occupant in a commercial building or public institutional building, provided that said sign does not exceed two (2) square feet in area and is attached and mounted parallel to the face of the building, not exceeding four (4) inches from the wall.
- On-site directional signs for public and private developments, denoting the entrance, exit, and direction of traffic flow and not exceeding four (4) square feet in area, or four (4) feet in height. There shall not be more than one (1) sign per entry or exit.
- Window signs in commercial and industrial zones and for institutional use not exceeding four (4) square feet in area and limited to business identification, address, telephone number, hours of operation, "open" or "closed" and emergency information.
- Temporary sale, lease, or rent signs not exceeding eighteen (18) square feet, subject to the regulations in Section 9.74.160 Temporary Real Estate Signs of this Chapter.
- Civic event signs are permitted on private property in all districts subject to criteria (e.g., sign size, display duration, removal, location, responsible party info, and not in Clear Sight Triangle).
- Temporary window signs not exceeding twenty-four (24) square feet or fifteen (15) percent of the window area per frontage of the unit in which it is displayed, whichever is greater. Restrictions on display duration and frequency apply.
- Signs on a coin operated vending machine, gasoline pump, telephone booth, news rack, or incidental signs provided conditions (e.g., size limits, informational only) are met.
- Construction signs, such as those identifying the developer, architect, engineer, contractor, lending institution or pending development, subject to area and height restrictions.
- Incidental signs provided there are no more than four, attached to the building or within a window, and maximum area is one square foot each.
- Copy applied to fuel pumps or dispensers for fuel identification, station logo, and other signs required by law.
- Temporary political signs, subject to the regulations in Section 9.74.170 Temporary Political Signs of this Chapter.
- Protected, non-commercial messages are expressly allowed wherever commercial messages are permitted.
- Shingle (projecting/under canopy) signs are permitted subject to conditions (location, clearance, size, number).
- Signs located on the site of a public school for grades K through 12, not regulated by the Town of Apple Valley.
- Special Event window signs not exceeding 25% of any window area.
- All signage located within any public park or public facility, including bus stop shelters, subject to the Town's Display Advertising Policy.
- Temporary portable signs are permitted subject to listed restrictions (e.g., only one per business, size, location, hours, construction, not illuminated, separation, no placement in public right-of-way or clear sight triangle, etc.).
- Human-operated commercial signs are permitted subject to restrictions (not in residential zones, not near emergency facilities, size, manner of operation).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Apple Valley
- A sign plan (sign program) is required for any business, shopping center or group of business uses with shared sign facilities; master planned communities and specific plans may require the review and approval of a sign program, subject to this section and other provisions within this Chapter.
- A sign program is required for all business or shopping centers or any group of business uses with shared sign facilities to insure that all signs are integrated and compatible (Commercial, Office, and Industrial Districts).
- All signs in shopping centers, multiple tenant buildings, or developments with shared sign facilities must comply with the approved sign program, which itself must comply with the sign program requirements (Section 9.74.100).
- Master planned communities may be allowed, within the project boundaries, sign programs to facilitate identification of different uses and areas designated for future uses or construction phases.
- Sign Programs for special or unique uses as a part of a specific plan may be approved with different standards, except that the general design criteria apply.
- Any proposed sign design that does not conform to the standards provided in this Chapter shall be subject to the Variance provisions of the Development Code.
- Design Merit Sign Permits or Landmark Sign Permits require special applications and findings for approval; these are discretionary and can allow limited modifications from standard sign regulations.
- Temporary subdivision and model home signs require approval of a Temporary Use Permit.
- Kiosk location plans, sign structures, and panel designs (for business or residential directional kiosks) require Planning Commission approval at a public hearing.
- Any sign not specifically listed or addressed in its sign code shall be subject to review and approval by the Director.
Source: municode municipal code