Sign Regulations in Barstow, California
Barstow, California has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Freeway Oriented Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: March 26, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Barstow, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Barstow
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Identification Nameplate | — | 2 square feet | — |
| Entrance Sign | 5 feet | 20 square feet | Minimum of 300 feet separation along any given street |
| Wall Sign | — | 25 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Wall Sign
- Monument Sign
- Freeway Oriented Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Barstow
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Barstow 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 Barstow, 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 Barstow, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Freeway Oriented Sign, Freestanding Sign, 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 Barstow 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 Barstow are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Barstow has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Barstow, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Barstow, California regulates 16 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Freeway Oriented Signs in the Commercial District zoning district are capped at 50 feet tall and 300 square feet (Sec. Sec. 19.06.060(f)(3)). Most commercial signs in Barstow require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Barstow, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Barstow (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District (Single-family) | 2 | 5 feet | 20 square feet | — |
| Multiple-family Residential District | 2 | 4 feet | 30 square feet | — |
| Diverse Use (DU) and Human Services (HS) Districts | 2 | 4 feet | 30 square feet | — |
| Commercial District | 4 | 50 feet | 300 square feet | — |
| Industrial District | 4 | 50 feet | 300 square feet | — |
| Open Space and PF Public Facilities Districts | 3 | 20 feet | 50 square feet | — |
| SP Specific Plan District | 1 | — | — | — |
| PUD Planned Unit Development | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | 50 feet | 300 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Barstow(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
Commercial District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeway Oriented Sign | 50 feet | 300 square feet | — | — | 1 per parcel | Visible from freeway | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(f)(3) |
| Freestanding Pylon Sign | 25 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Business frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(d)(4)b |
| Monument Sign | 5 feet | 40 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Business frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(d)(4)b |
| Wall Sign | — | — | 75% of business frontage | — | 1 per street frontage | Each street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(d)(4)c |
Industrial District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeway Oriented Sign | 50 feet | 300 square feet | — | — | 1 per parcel | Visible from freeway | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(f)(3) |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Business frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(d)(5)b |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 50 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Business frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(d)(5)b |
| Wall Sign | — | — | 30% of business frontage | — | 1 per street frontage | Each street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(d)(5)c |
General Regulations For All 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | 10 feet | Varies by type | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(e) |
| Window Sign | — | 30% of total window area | — | — | — | Commercial and industrial districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(e) |
| Construction Site Sign | 10 feet | 48 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | All zone districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(e) |
| Subdivision or Model Home Site Sign | 10 feet | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 per street entrance | Private property in subdivision | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(e) |
| Non-commercial Temporary Sign | — | 4 square feet (residential), 25 square feet (non-residential) | — | — | — | Private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(e) |
| Fueling Station Sign | 25 feet | 45 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Fueling station | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(f) |
| Permanent Directional Sign | 42 inches | 4 square feet per face | — | — | — | Same parcel or center as the sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(f) |
| Freeway Oriented Sign | 50 feet | 300 square feet | — | — | 1 per parcel | Visible from freeway | — | Unlock | Sec. 19.06.060(f)(3) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Barstow. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Barstow
- Off-site signs unless allowed in section 19.06.060(d)(f).
- Portable signs, such as 'A-Frame' or 'sandwich board' type sign structures.
- Signs that create a safety hazard by obstructing clear view of pedestrians and/or vehicular traffic.
- Roof signs are prohibited except when other signing alternatives are considered impractical or unreasonable by the director.
- Pennants and flags except as allowed for special events, promotional events and automobile dealers.
- Inflatable signs and tethered balloons except as allowed for special events.
- Animated or revolving signs where the physical structures or extensions of the sign structure are in motion.
- Signs or sign structures which, by color, text, location and/or shape conflict with a traffic control sign or device.
- Signs that depict specific sexual activities or specified anatomical parts as defined under chapter 19.24.
- Vehicle signs, unless the vehicle is used for transporting goods or for services for business purposes.
- Signs in the public right-of-way, except as approved by the city.
- Signs that make sounds, emit odors, produce smoke or beacons.
- Signs that contain fighting words or obscene language, or create a clear and present danger to the general public.
- Billboard signs.
Exempt Signs in Barstow
- Signs within a structure and not visible from outside.
- Non-advertising warning signs or trespassing signs on private property posted no closer than 100 feet apart not exceeding three 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.
- Utility company signs not exceeding six 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.
- Property identification in compliance with section 12.20.060.
- One single-faced identification nameplate or sign on an apartment house, boarding or rooming house, or similar use, not exceeding six square feet in area.
- 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 square feet in area.
- Civic event signs are allowed on private property in all districts.
- Signs on a coin operated vending machine, telephone booth, news rack, or other such incidental signs.
- Incidental informational signs.
- Temporary signs posted prior to an election.
- Protected, non-commercial messages are expressly allowed wherever commercial messages are allowed.
- Shingle (projecting/under canopy) signs are allowed.
- Signs located on the site of a public school for grades K through 12 that is not regulated by the City of Barstow.
- Special event window signs not exceeding 25 percent of any window area.
- All signage located within any public park or public facility, including bus stop shelters.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Barstow
- Where specified in this code, certain signs shall require the approval of a conditional use permit prior to the issuance of a sign or construction permit.
- Sign programs shall be processed in a manner consistent with the review and approval of a conditional use permit pursuant to chapter 19.30.
- Requests to modify an approved sign program shall be through a conditional use permit modification.
Source: municode municipal code