# Sign Regulations in Brea, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Brea, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/brea
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/47193664)

## At a glance

Brea, California regulates 50 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Temporary Off-site Real Estate Directional Sign (Subdivision)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 16 ft overall height; ground clearance between 5 and 8 ft tall, 50 sq ft per face, and 8 ft width; 10 ft length max wide, with a 100 ft from residences/schools/parks; 25 ft from arterial ROW; 100 ft from intersection of street with arterial; 500 ft from freeway ROW setback (Sec. §20.28.120.A–D). Most commercial signs in Brea require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 32 | 65 ft maximum from bottom of supports to top of sign face | 200 sq ft per sign; up to 800 sq ft total for large subdivisions | — |
| R-1 Single Family Residential Zone (R-1) | 3 | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| R-2 and R-3 Multiple Family Residential Zones (R-2, R-3) | 7 | 6 ft max; 4 ft max if within 20 ft of ultimate street right-of-way | 32 sq in (0.22 sq ft) | — |
| Non-residential zones (C-P, C-C, C-M Commercial Industrial Zone, C-RC Commercial Recreation Zone, M-P Planned Industrial Zone, M-1 Light Industrial Zone, M-2 General Industrial Zone, MU-1 Mixed-Use I Zone, MU-2 Mixed-Use II Zone, MU-3 Mixed-Use III Zone, PRO-NOS Parks/Recreation/Open Space - Natural Open Space Zone, PRO-P/R Parks/Recreation/Open Space - Parks/Recreation Zone, P-D Precise Development Zone, PF Public Facilities Zone, WD Wall Design Overlay Zone, E Equestrian overlay Zone, Oil Production Zone, P-C Planned Community Zone, FP Flood Plain Overlay Zone District No. 1, SGS Special Geological Studies Zone, SP) | 9 | 6 ft | May not obscure more than 25% of total transparent area of any window | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| On-site Real Estate For Sale or Rent Sign (General, All Zones) | — | 6 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft inside property line | 1 per lot or parcel | On the lot or parcel offered for sale or rent | — | §20.28.080.A.4 |
| Flag(s) | 25 ft max pole height (18 ft on single-family home lots); 10 ft above permitted building height if roof- or wall-mounted | — | — | Flagpoles must meet setbacks of underlying zoning district | Up to 3 flags per lot/parcel | On lot or parcel; poles must meet underlying zone setbacks | — | §20.28.080.A.5 |
| Temporary Construction / Contractor’s Sign | 8 ft overall height | 50 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft inside property line | 1 per development | On the development site (residential, manufacturing, or commercial) | — | §20.28.110.A |
| Temporary Sign – 90-Day Permit – Wall Banner | — | Up to 10% of total outside wall area (exclusive of windows/doors) OR 100 sq ft, whichever is less | — | Must be on private property (not in right-of-way) | 1 per 90-day permit | On building or structure wall on private property | — | §20.28.090.A.1.a(1) |
| Temporary Signs – Once-per-week, 8-hour Portable Signs | 5 ft overall height | 6 sq ft per face (max 2 faces, i.e., 12 sq ft total per sign) | — | Must avoid interference with pedestrian/vehicular traffic and ADA access; not in public right-of-way | Maximum 2 | On private property | — | §20.28.090.A.2.c–f |
| Temporary Off-site Real Estate Directional Sign (Subdivision) | 16 ft overall height; ground clearance between 5 and 8 ft | 50 sq ft per face | 8 ft width; 10 ft length max | 100 ft from residences/schools/parks; 25 ft from arterial ROW; 100 ft from intersection of street with arterial; 500 ft from freeway ROW | Per subdivision: up to 4 within city; per external development: up to 2 within city | On vacant property only, within 100 ft of a major or secondary highway; not on buildings, fences or walls; not within 500 ft of freeway ROW | — | §20.28.120.A–D |
| Freeway Oriented Off-site Advertising Sign (Non-Electronic) | 65 ft maximum from bottom of supports to top of sign face | Not specified in sq ft; subject to Caltrans spacing and size; implied billboard scale | — | At least 200 ft from any residential zone (measured edge of sign face to edge of residential zone); spacing per Caltrans from other freeway-oriented signs and from freeway ROW | Not specified; functionally limited by spacing rules | Within 500 ft of SR-57 freeway right-of-way, in non-residential zones only, at least 200 ft from any residential zone | — | §20.28.020 (definitions: freeway oriented off-site advertising sign); §20.28.240.F; §20.28.300.B–C |
| Electronic Freeway Oriented Off-site Advertising Sign | 65 ft maximum; 30 ft minimum clearance as specified | Not specified in sq ft; brightness regulated by face size table | — | Same as general freeway-oriented off-site signs | Not specified; limited by spacing rules | Same as other freeway-oriented off-site signs (within 500 ft of SR-57, in non-residential zones) | — | §20.28.020 (definition: Electronic freeway-oriented off-site advertising sign); §20.28.300.B–D |

### R-2 and R-3 Multiple Family Residential Zones (R-2, R-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign – Identification | — | Aggregate with freestanding sign: 20 sq ft (<100 ft frontage); 25 sq ft (100–125 ft); 30 sq ft (>125 ft) | — | — | 1 wall ID sign per parcel/lot per street frontage (max 2 if two streets) | On a building wall, one per parcel or lot; additional wall sign allowed on second street frontage per §20.28.330.A.5 | — | §20.28.330.A.1, A.5, B |
| Freestanding Sign – Identification | 6 ft max; 4 ft max if within 20 ft of ultimate street right-of-way | Same aggregate caps as wall sign (20/25/30 sq ft based on frontage) | — | ≥15 ft from curb face; height limit reduced to 4 ft for signs within 20 ft of ultimate street ROW | 1 freestanding ID sign per parcel/lot per street frontage (max 2 if two streets) | On parcel or lot, at least 15 ft from curb face; within required landscaped base | — | §20.28.330.A.2, A.5, B, C |
| On-site Real Estate Sign (Sale/Lease/Rental) – R-2/R-3 | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building/property/premises | On the particular building, property, or premises | — | §20.28.330.A.3; §20.28.110.B |
| Nameplate – Individual Dwelling Unit – R-2/R-3 | — | 32 sq in (0.22 sq ft) | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | For each dwelling unit, likely near entry | — | §20.28.330.A.4; §20.28.080.A.1.a |
| Additional Identification Signs – Multiple Frontages – R-2/R-3 | Freestanding: 6 ft (4 ft near ROW); wall: subject to building height and §20.28.190 | Per frontage: 20/25/30 sq ft aggregate wall+freestanding based on frontage of that street | — | Freestanding: ≥15 ft from curb face; height reduced within 20 ft of ultimate ROW | Per additional street: 1 additional wall and/or 1 additional freestanding ID sign | On apartment developments with frontage on more than one street | — | §20.28.330.A.5, B |
| Signs Permitted in All Zones (R-2/R-3) | — | — | — | — | As allowed | Within these zones | — | §20.28.110; §20.28.080; §20.28.090; §20.28.170 |
| Prohibited Signs – R-2/R-3 | — | — | — | — | N/A | R-2 and R-3 zones | — | §20.28.330.D; §20.28.240 |

### Non-residential zones (C-P, C-C, C-M Commercial Industrial Zone, C-RC Commercial Recreation Zone, M-P Planned Industrial Zone, M-1 Light Industrial Zone, M-2 General Industrial Zone, MU-1 Mixed-Use I Zone, MU-2 Mixed-Use II Zone, MU-3 Mixed-Use III Zone, PRO-NOS Parks/Recreation/Open Space - Natural Open Space Zone, PRO-P/R Parks/Recreation/Open Space - Parks/Recreation Zone, P-D Precise Development Zone, PF Public Facilities Zone, WD Wall Design Overlay Zone, E Equestrian overlay Zone, Oil Production Zone, P-C Planned Community Zone, FP Flood Plain Overlay Zone District No. 1, SGS Special Geological Studies Zone, SP)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall-affixed Sign – General (Non-residential) | — | 1 sq ft per lineal foot of building or tenant space frontage | Max sign length = 75% of building or tenant frontage | Must not extend above eave or parapet (§20.28.190.E); clearances from electrical conductors per §20.28.190.F | Max 1 sign per building face or tenant space, not to exceed 3 signs per tenant | On exterior building face or attached structures (including awning, marquee, parapet, projecting, wall signs), any non-residential zone | — | §20.28.340.A.1; §20.28.340.C.1; §20.28.020 (wall-affixed); §20.28.040.B; §20.28.230 |
| Freestanding Sign – Small Project (Non-residential) | 4 ft | 24 sq ft | — | General freestanding sign max height 12 ft per §20.28.190.H but overridden here with specific 4 ft limit | 1 per street frontage | On small project site (<100 lineal ft of street frontage) in non-residential zones | — | §20.28.340.C.2.a(1) table (Small project); §20.28.340.C.2.a(2); §20.28.340.C.2.a(3)–(4); §20.28.340.C.2.b |
| Freestanding Sign – Midsize Project (Non-residential) | 6 ft | 0.2 × frontage (sq ft); minimum 24 sq ft if frontage <120 ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On midsize project site (100–250 lineal ft frontage) in non-residential zones | — | §20.28.020 (midsize project); §20.28.340.C.2.a(1) table (Midsize); §20.28.340.C.2.a(2); §20.28.340.C.2.a(3)–(4); §20.28.340.C.2.b |
| Freestanding Sign – Large Project (Non-residential) | 0.03 × total frontage; ≤12 ft | 0.2 × total frontage; no single sign face >80 sq ft | — | General height cap for freestanding signs 12 ft per §20.28.190.H; spacing ≥300 ft between signs on same frontage | 3 per street frontage | On large project site (>250 lineal ft frontage) in non-residential zones | — | §20.28.020 (large project); §20.28.340.C.2.a(1) table (Large project); §20.28.340.C.2.a(2); §20.28.340.C.2.a(3)–(4); §20.28.340.C.2.b |
| Window Sign – Non-residential | — | May not obscure more than 25% of total transparent area of any window | — | — | Limited by 25% window coverage | On windows of commercial/industrial structures in non-residential zones | — | §20.28.340.A.5; §20.28.340.C.3; §20.28.160; §20.28.080.A.1.c |
| Address Plate – Non-residential | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel/lot/business/tenant | On parcel/lot/building or tenant space | — | §20.28.340.A.3 |
| Real Estate Signs – Non-residential | — | Per §§20.28.120 and 20.28.130 (e.g., up to 200 sq ft for tract signs; 50 sq ft per face for off-site directional signs) | — | — | Per general real estate sign limits | On or off-site in non-residential zones as allowed by general provisions | — | §20.28.340.A.4; §20.28.120; §20.28.130 |
| Comprehensive Sign Program – Non-residential | — | — | — | — | Program defines allowed signs within chapter caps | Applies to multi-tenant projects, shopping centers, mixed-use projects, and sites ≥1 acre | — | §20.28.340.A.6; §20.28.045.A–C |

## Prohibited signs in Brea

- No sign may be erected, reerected, constructed, or altered anywhere in the city without a sign permit or conditional use permit, except where this chapter specifically provides otherwise (§20.28.040.A).
- All signs, except directional or temporary signs, must be erected on the same premises as the person or business they identify (§20.28.190.A).
- No sign may be located within the public right-of-way except certain temporary signs specifically allowed in §20.28.095 and as allowed by other cited code sections (§20.28.190.B).
- No sign may be attached in any way to a public utility pole or public property, except non‑advertising utility signs required for public service or by law (§20.28.190.C).
- No sign may be placed so that it obscures the visibility of signs on adjacent properties (§20.28.190.D).
- No sign may extend above the eave line or parapet of the building on which it is located, unless it forms an integral and structurally necessary part of the building (§20.28.190.E).
- No sign or sign structure may be erected closer than 6 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically to overhead electric conductors energized over 750 volts (§20.28.190.F).
- No sign may interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or any public right‑of‑way (§20.28.190.G).
- Maximum height of freestanding signs is 12 feet citywide, except where a different maximum is prescribed in §20.28.340 or otherwise in this chapter (§20.28.190.H).
- All signs and sign structures must be kept in good repair and presentable condition so they do not detract from the appearance of the surrounding area (§20.28.210).
- All permanent, exterior, permitted signs must be constructed of wood, metal, or comparable weatherproof, structurally safe material; no material more combustible than wood may be used; signs must be enclosed to prevent infestation by birds or vermin (§20.28.220).
- Illuminated signs may not use illumination that is excessively brilliant; illumination is excessive if it prevents normal perception of nearby objects/buildings or shines directly onto residential zones (§20.28.230).
- All signs are prohibited except as expressly permitted in the chapter (§20.28.240 cap text).
- The following sign types are prohibited citywide unless expressly allowed elsewhere in the chapter: flashing signs (§20.28.240.A); moving or rotating (animated) signs (§20.28.240.B); projecting signs (§20.28.240.C); roof signs (§20.28.240.D); portable signs (§20.28.240.E); painted signs (§20.28.240.J); pole signs (§20.28.240.K).
- Off‑site advertising signs (billboards) are prohibited except freeway‑oriented off‑site advertising signs specifically allowed under §20.28.300 (§20.28.240.F).
- No sign may contain obscene, indecent, or immoral matter (§20.28.240.G).
- Flags, streamers, pennants, or banners are prohibited unless specifically permitted by this chapter (§20.28.240.H).
- Any sign not otherwise in conformance with Title 20 is prohibited (§20.28.240.I).
- Any sign which, due to its size, location, movement, content, coloring, or illumination, creates a traffic hazard or detriment to traffic safety (e.g., obstructs driver vision, detracts from visibility of traffic control devices, or diverts drivers’ attention from traffic) is prohibited (§20.28.250.A).
- All signs must be located so as not to impair sight distance for vehicular traffic to and from the premises (§20.28.250.B).
- No vehicle or trailer may be parked on a public right‑of‑way, or on private property in a location obviously intended to be viewed primarily from the right‑of‑way, with an attached or suspended advertising or directional sign, except a decoratively painted or regularly affixed sign on the vehicle body and subject to Community Development Director approval (§20.28.260).
- No advertising structure, accessory sign, post sign, or other advertising sign may be erected, located, or maintained if it is designed to have or has advertising primarily viewed from a freeway, or if because of its location, size, nature, or type, it constitutes or tends to constitute a hazard to safe and efficient freeway operation or endangers persons or property on a freeway, except where allowed under §20.28.060.C.1.f and freeway‑oriented provisions (§20.28.310.B.1–2).

## Signs exempt from permit in Brea

- Non‑illuminated nameplates not exceeding 1 square foot, interior signs, and window signs not exceeding 25% of total window space are allowed in all zones without a sign permit (§20.28.080.A.1).
- Non‑illuminated charitable or educational signs not exceeding 4 square feet that are temporary within the time limits of §20.28.090 are allowed in all zones without a sign permit (§20.28.080.A.2).
- Governmental or other legally required posters, notices, or signs are allowed in all zones without a sign permit (§20.28.080.A.3; also recognized in §20.28.110.D.1–3).
- Non‑illuminated real estate for sale or rent signs (one per lot/parcel, max 6 sq ft, set back at least 5 feet inside the property line) are allowed in all zones without a sign permit (§20.28.080.A.4).
- Flags are allowed in all zones without a sign permit subject to numeric, pole, height, and setback limits and an International Building Code building‑permit requirement for flagpoles where applicable (§20.28.080.A.5).
- Traffic, directional, warning, or informational signs required or authorized by a public body are allowed in all zones without a sign permit (§20.28.080.A.6; reiterated in §20.28.110.D.3).
- Building names and dates of erection cut into masonry or made of incombustible material, not larger than 8 square feet, and similar memorial signs and markers, are allowed without a sign permit (§20.28.080.A.7; see also §20.28.110.D.5).
- City entry/boundary signs containing the city name and information about civic, fraternal, or religious organizations are allowed without a sign permit (§20.28.080.A.8; see also §20.28.110.D.6).
- Changing copy on bulletin boards or similar signs designed for replaceable or changeable copy does not require a permit, unless electrical alterations are made (§20.28.080.B.1).
- Repainting and cleaning of a sign or advertising structure does not require a permit, unless there is a change in structure size, height, or location (§20.28.080.B.2).
- Temporary signs for government‑sponsored events on city street light poles, when approved by the Community Development Director and/or City Engineer and with an encroachment permit, are allowed in the public right‑of‑way (§20.28.095.A, D).
- Certain other temporary portable signs in the public right‑of‑way are allowed only when approved as an accessory use under a valid temporary use, entertainment, film, or conditional use permit for an event, and within or adjacent to the event area, with an encroachment permit; no separate sign permit is specified (§20.28.095.B–D).
- One non‑illuminated temporary construction/contractor sign for each development, meeting size, height, setback, duration, design, and bond requirements, is permitted in all zones under §20.28.110 without a separate cross‑reference to sign permits (§20.28.110.A).
- One non‑illuminated 6‑square‑foot sign for sale/lease/rental of the premises is permitted in all zones under §20.28.110.B (in addition to the general real estate exemption in §20.28.080).
- One grand‑opening banner for new businesses, for up to 30 days, installed within 90 days of certificate of occupancy and meeting area limits, is permitted in all zones and does not require a temporary sign permit (§20.28.110.C, referenced in §20.28.090.D).
- Official notices by courts or public officers, and notices posted in performance of public duties or for legal notice, are permitted without reference to sign permits (§20.28.110.D.1–2).
- Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques, or markers are permitted without express permit requirement and must follow Planning Commission–approved standard designs (§20.28.110.D.5).
- Small convenience signs for the public (e.g., restrooms, public telephone, walkways) not exceeding 2 square feet are permitted without an express permit requirement and must follow standard citywide designs (§20.28.110.D.7).
- Political signs on private property in any zone, subject to property owner approval and removal within 10 days after the related election, are allowed without an explicit permit requirement (§20.28.170).
- Signs on private property not designed to be viewed from a street or highway, and used solely to direct and guide pedestrian/vehicular traffic on the same parcel, are expressly allowed despite other chapter provisions (§20.28.180).
- Temporary on‑site real estate subdivision signs meeting §20.28.130 standards are allowed in all zones without a permit fee; the section does not require a permit application if standards are met (§20.28.130, chapeau).
- Temporary signs for special events and seasonal businesses that meet §20.28.090.A.3 standards and are reviewed and approved as part of another planning entitlement (e.g., temporary use permit, entertainment permit, conditional use permit) do not need a separate temporary sign permit (§20.28.090.A.3.a).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A comprehensive sign program is required for any project with multiple occupancy consisting of two or more tenant spaces (§20.28.045.A.1).
- A comprehensive sign program is required for any shopping center (§20.28.045.A.2).
- A comprehensive sign program is required for any mixed‑use development that includes both residential and non‑residential uses (§20.28.045.A.3).
- A comprehensive sign program is required for any other development on a site of one acre or larger, excluding stand‑alone single‑family residential projects (§20.28.045.A.4).
- A comprehensive sign program is required for any project where it is specifically required by the applicable zone provisions or as a condition of approval of a zoning entitlement (§20.28.045.A.5).
- All comprehensive sign programs are processed through the Plan Review procedure in §20.408.040 (§20.28.045.B.1).
- Comprehensive sign programs that comply with chapter requirements are approved by the Community Development Director, unless the underlying project requires Planning Commission approval, in which case the Planning Commission approves the sign program (§20.28.045.B.2).
- If any sign in a comprehensive sign program does not comply with chapter requirements, the comprehensive sign program must be approved via a conditional use permit (§20.28.045.B.3).
- Each comprehensive sign program must describe type, number, size, location, design, colors, and materials of each sign in the development and show compatibility with building architecture and character of improvements (§20.28.045.C.1–2).
- In non‑residential zones, a comprehensive sign program is specifically listed as a sign type that may be established subject to a sign permit and this chapter (§20.28.340.A.6).
- Temporary signs for special events and seasonal businesses that are reviewed and approved as part of another planning entitlement (temporary use permit, entertainment permit, film permit, or conditional use permit) do not require a separate temporary sign permit (§20.28.090.A.3.a, §20.28.095.B).
- Freeway‑oriented off‑site advertising signs are allowed only in non‑residential zones and require approval of a conditional use permit in addition to compliance with §20.28.300 (§20.28.300.B.1).
- Temporary off‑site real estate directional signs require Planning Commission approval via a conditional use permit; applications must meet §20.28.050 submittal requirements and are reviewed using §20.28.060.C criteria (§20.28.120 chapeau).
- Other off‑site directional signs to direct pedestrians or motorists to a location may be permitted in any zone only with Planning Commission approval of a conditional use permit; applications must meet §20.28.050 requirements and §20.28.060.C plus additional criteria (§20.28.140.A.1–2).
- Variances from sign regulations may be granted by the Planning Commission where strict application creates practical difficulties or hardships; such variances must follow the zoning code variance procedures (§20.28.270).

## 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 4 zoning districts in Brea — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Brea+CA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-brea

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