Sign Regulations in Campbell, California
Campbell, California has specific sign regulations covering 15 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Temporary Sign. 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 Campbell, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Campbell
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | — | 40 sq ft (nonresidential districts, per business) | — |
| Off-site Sign (Noncommercial only) | — | 40 sq ft | — |
| Construction Sign (Exempt) | — | 32 sq ft per display surface (max 2 faces) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
15
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Temporary Sign
- Readerboard Sign (Manual/Electronic)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Campbell
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Campbell 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 Campbell, 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 Campbell, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Temporary Sign, Readerboard Sign (Manual/Electronic), 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 Campbell 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 Campbell are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Campbell has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Campbell, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Campbell, California regulates 15 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Freestanding Real Estate Signs in the Nonresidential Zoning Districts zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 32 sq ft per face (2 faces max) (Sec. 21.30.070(C)(1)). Most commercial signs in Campbell require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Campbell, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Campbell (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | — | 40 sq ft (nonresidential districts, per business) | — |
| Nonresidential Zoning Districts | 3 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft (all temporary signs per business) | — |
| Commercial Districts (except CB-MU District) | 2 | 14 ft | 50 sq ft (min 20 sq ft) | — |
| Office Districts | 2 | 14 ft | 40 sq ft (none may exceed this) | — |
| Industrial Districts | 2 | 14 ft | 50 sq ft (min 20 sq ft) | — |
| Public/Semi-Public and Institutional Districts | 2 | 6 ft | 40 sq ft (total for all signs) | — |
| Multi-Family Residential Districts | 2 | 6 ft | 40 sq ft (no individual sign) | — |
| Single-Family Residential Zones, Two-Family Residential Zones | 3 | — | 12 sq ft (total for all on-site signs) | — |
| Regional Commercial Center | 5 | 45 ft | 350 sq ft | — |
| CB-MU District (Central Business Mixed-Use) | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Campbell(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Attached to wall or painted on building; must be parallel to wall | — | Unlock | 21.30.030, 21.30.080(A, B, C, D), 21.30.110 |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On-site, not projecting into public right-of-way more than 2 feet | — | Unlock | 21.30.030, 21.30.080(A, B, C, D), 21.30.110 |
| Temporary Sign | — | 40 sq ft (nonresidential districts, per business) | — | — | 2 per business (nonresidential districts) | Attached and parallel to building wall; may not extend above building; not in ROW or median | — | Unlock | 21.30.070, 21.30.040(J) |
| Readerboard Sign (Manual/Electronic) | — | — | — | — | — | Allowed only for theaters and public assembly uses per specified criteria; must be within 5ft of window inside building | — | Unlock | 21.30.080(G) |
| Off-site Sign (Noncommercial only) | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | — | Must not limit visibility or cause hazards | — | Unlock | 21.30.080(F) |
| Construction Sign (Exempt) | — | 32 sq ft per display surface (max 2 faces) | — | — | 1 per display surface (2 faces max) | On-site, for construction or in-progress multi-family, commercial, or industrial project | — | Unlock | 21.30.040(B) |
| Informational/Directional Sign (Exempt) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On-site, for directing pedestrians/vehicles on private property | — | Unlock | 21.30.040(F) |
Nonresidential Zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | — | 40 sq ft (all temporary signs per business) | — | — | 2 per business | On the site of the business | — | Unlock | 21.30.070(B) |
| Freestanding Real Estate Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per face (2 faces max) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On-site for vacant or 25% unleased/under construction property, 1 per street frontage | — | Unlock | 21.30.070(C)(1) |
| Building-mounted Real Estate Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On-site, building-mounted, 1 per street frontage | — | Unlock | 21.30.070(C)(2) |
Regional Commercial Center
| 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 | — | — | — | — | — | As per approved master sign plan | — | Unlock | 21.30.030(H), 21.30.080(E) |
| Roof-mounted Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Roof-mounted, only if included in approved master sign plan | — | Unlock | 21.30.030(H)(4) |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | — | — | As per approved master sign plan | — | Unlock | 21.30.030(H) |
| Freeway-oriented Sign (Wall-mounted) | — | 350 sq ft | — | — | 1 wall-mounted & 1 freestanding per regional commercial center | On buildings adjoining freeway/expressway, oriented to freeway | — | Unlock | 21.30.080(E)(3),(c) |
| Freeway-oriented Sign (Freestanding) | 45 ft | 350 sq ft | — | — | 1 wall-mounted & 1 freestanding per regional commercial center | On parcel adjoining freeway or expressway | — | Unlock | 21.30.080(E)(3),(c) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Campbell — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Campbell — start freeProhibited Signs in Campbell
- Abandoned signs are prohibited and shall be promptly removed by the owner of the premises.
- Signs shall not move, rotate, or be animated by flashing or traveling lights.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Promotional devices are prohibited.
- Roof-mounted signs are prohibited, except as permitted by a master sign plan for a regional commercial center.
- Signs attached to any tree or other landscape material, utility poles, traffic control devices, light poles, and similar structures not originally intended to support signs are prohibited.
- The parking of any vehicle or trailer on either public or private property at or within three hundred feet of a business location, which vehicle has attached to it any sign that is intended to attract the attention of the public to that business or direct the public to that business is prohibited, except as specified for business vehicles.
- All other signs not specifically allowed by or exempt from the regulations of this chapter are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Campbell
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings are exempt, except letters, trademarks, running neon or moving parts.
- One on-site construction sign not exceeding thirty-two square feet per display surface for multi-family, commercial, or industrial complexes, removed within three months after final inspection, is exempt.
- A maximum of two on-site garage sale signs, not exceeding a combined total of twelve square feet, located on-site and removed at the end of the last day of sale, are exempt.
- Legal notice, identification, informational, safety, or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies or public utilities are exempt.
- On-site identification signs not exceeding one and one-half square feet in area are exempt.
- On-site informational or directional signs for private property, with a maximum display area of six square feet, are exempt.
- Normal maintenance of existing legal signs is exempt provided the maintenance does not exceed fifty percent of the sign, is not facial copy replacement, and is repaired within thirty days of damage.
- Temporary on-site real estate signs in residential zoning districts not exceeding twelve square feet in aggregate total display area, with specified limitations on number and location, are exempt.
- Repainting or refacing an existing conforming, legally created sign is exempt if there is no change in advertising display area, colors, materials, illumination, structural size, height, or design.
- Noncommercial temporary signs, including political signs, posted for no more than seventy-five days, under specified area and height restrictions and not in the public right-of-way or on city property, are exempt.
- Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion, are exempt.
- Window signs temporarily attached to or lettered on the exterior or interior of a store window for nonresidential uses, not exceeding twenty-five percent of the window area per facade, are exempt.
- Signs installed and displayed by a public entity in compliance with an executed agreement with the city on bus shelters, as specified, are exempt.
- Display and use of the United States and California flags in conformance to federal and state regulation are exempt.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Campbell
- A master sign plan is required prior to the issuance of a sign permit for new nonresidential projects with four or more tenants, major rehabilitation work to existing nonresidential projects with four or more tenants, or when a sign application for a nonresidential project with four or more tenants seeks approval of two or more signs.
- The community development director is the decision-making body for a master sign plan, except where the plan includes requests for a freeway-oriented sign, off-site sign, readerboard sign, increase in sign area, increase in sign height, or additional signs; in those cases, approval must be by the Planning Commission or City Council.
- Signs covered by a master sign plan must adhere to uniformity in background color, illumination, materials, letter colors, sign type, and location with respect to building design.
- A master sign plan for a regional commercial center may include provision for roof-mounted signs.
- Approval of a master sign plan requires findings of consistency with code requirements, compliance with uniform design elements, legibility under normal conditions, and avoidance of sign obscuring.
- Individual signs for occupants in the same building or commercial center shall be of the same design, and a master sign plan may be required in such cases.
- Freeway-oriented signs, off-site signs, readerboard signs, requests for increased sign area/height, or additional signs generally require approval by the Planning Commission or City Council after a public hearing.
Source: municode municipal code