Sign Regulations in Clovis, California
Clovis, California has specific sign regulations covering 74 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Signs - General Permit Requirement, Illuminated Signs - General, Freestanding Sign - General Standard. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 28, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Clovis, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Clovis
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illuminated Signs - General | — | — | For freestanding: also subject to freestanding sign setback rules in §9.34.100(B). |
| Freestanding Sign - General Standard | Per applicable district tables; general measurement method in §9.34.100(B)(3) | Per applicable district tables (residential §9.34.120, nonresidential §9.34.130, industrial §9.34.130(B), and special uses Table 3-30) | ≥1 ft inside property line; must not obstruct traffic sight distance; not placed to be viewed from other street on corner lots. |
| Wall Sign - General Standard | May not be placed on or project above roof or parapet; measured per §9.34.100(B)(3) | Per applicable zone/district formulas (e.g., commercial Table 3‑17, office, industrial, R‑T tables, residential limits) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ClovisFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
74
- All Signs - General Permit Requirement
- Illuminated Signs - General
- Freestanding Sign - General Standard
- Wall Sign - General Standard
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Clovis
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Clovis, wall signs can be up to May not be placed on or project above roof or parapet; measured per §9.34.100(B)(3) and monument signs are limited to Per applicable district tables; general measurement method in §9.34.100(B)(3). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Clovis, 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 Clovis, regulated sign types include All Signs - General Permit Requirement, Illuminated Signs - General, Freestanding Sign - General Standard, Wall Sign - General Standard, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Clovis, monument signs typically require a ≥1 ft inside property line; must not obstruct traffic sight distance; not placed to be viewed from other street on corner lots. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Clovis are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Clovis has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Clovis, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Clovis, California regulates 74 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Subdivision Directional Signs / Kiosk Panels (Residential)s in the Residential Districts (A, R-R, R-A, R-1-A, R-1-AH, R-1-MH, R-1, R-1-B, R-1-C, R-1-MD, R-1-PRD, R-2, R-2-A, R-3, R-3-A, R-4, MHP) zoning district are capped at Directional/kiosk sign structures ≤12 ft tall tall, Kiosk/directional panel sizes not individually specified; sign structures limited to 12 ft height and 5 ft width; individual panels sized to fit structure., and Directional/kiosk structures ≤5 ft wide wide, with a Must avoid obstructing visibility at intersections and encroach only with permits. setback (Sec. §9.34.160(D)(1)-(11)). Most commercial signs in Clovis require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Clovis, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Clovis (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | Per applicable district tables; general measurement method in §9.34.100(B)(3) | Permanent + temporary: ≤25% of any one window’s area; temporary signs for sales/management: ≤50% of any single window and 50% of a group of windows, but total window sign area may not exceed allowed permanent on‑building sign area for the business elevation. | — |
| Residential Districts (A, R-R, R-A, R-1-A, R-1-AH, R-1-MH, R-1, R-1-B, R-1-C, R-1-MD, R-1-PRD, R-2, R-2-A, R-3, R-3-A, R-4, MHP) | 13 | Flagpoles ≤30 ft | 128 sq ft for principal on‑site subdivision sign | — |
| Commercial and Professional Office Districts (C-P, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-R, U-C, P-C-C, plus R-T Commercial Portions) | 26 | Freestanding freeway sign: 20 ft by default; Director can approve up to 35 ft via AUP (C‑2 commercial) and up to 50 ft in R‑T college case. | Base caps: 100 sq ft (≤150 ft setback) or 150 sq ft (>150 ft). With Director special approval for major tenants ≥100,000 sq ft GLA: up to 200 sq ft (≤150 ft setback) or 300 sq ft (>150 ft setback). | — |
| Industrial Districts (C-M, M-1, M-2, M-P) | 4 | Freestanding: per zone district tables; in residential adjacency, monument height ≤6 ft with 2 ft base (total 6 ft sign). | 300 sq ft | — |
| R-T District (Research and Technology Business Park, including R-T Industrial and R-T Commercial) | 9 | Base 20 ft; Director may approve up to 50 ft via administrative use permit | Freestanding: 150–350 sq ft; On‑building: 200 sq ft | — |
| O District (Open Space Conservation) | 3 | 10 ft | Community activity signs: ≤32 sq ft. Nonprofit posters: unspecified size but temporary. | — |
| P-F District (Public Facilities) | 4 | — | Monument: directory 12 sq ft; freestanding monument 32 sq ft total. Wall signs: 0.25 sq ft per front ft of structure. | — |
| M-P-C District (Master Planned Community) | 1 | — | Not specifically enumerated in sign chapter; drawn from underlying districts (residential, commercial, P‑F) implemented by MPC plan. | — |
| M-U District (Mixed Use) | 1 | Per applicable underlying standard. | If predominant use is residential: apply §9.34.120 residential standards. If predominant use is commercial/professional: apply §9.34.130 commercial/office standards. If predominant use is industrial: apply §9.34.130(B) industrial standards. | — |
| Design District – Downtown | 1 | — | Not specified in Chapter 9.34 – governed by Downtown Design District regulations where they conflict with general sign standards. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Clovis(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
Residential Districts (A, R-R, R-A, R-1-A, R-1-AH, R-1-MH, R-1, R-1-B, R-1-C, R-1-MD, R-1-PRD, R-2, R-2-A, R-3, R-3-A, R-4, MHP)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign (Multifamily / Multiple-Family Development Identification) | 6 ft | 12–24 sq ft per sign, based on frontage formula | — | ≥1 ft inside property line; ≥100 ft from another freestanding sign on same parcel. | 1 monument sign per street frontage per multifamily development. | At multifamily residential developments (apartments/multifamily, PUDs where applicable) along each street frontage; either freestanding or wall‑mounted. | — | Unlock | §9.34.120(A)(1)(b)-(3); §9.34.100(B) |
| Planned Unit Development (Residential) Signs | — | Not specified; case‑by‑case | — | As set by CUP and general sign standards. | As set by CUP. | Within residential planned unit developments (PUDs). | — | Unlock | §9.34.120(A)(1)(c) |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Permanent - Residential) | 10 ft | 12 sq ft per sign | — | If on private land, ≥1 ft inside property line; if in right‑of‑way, location per encroachment permit. | Max 1 per entrance, up to 2 per subdivision. | Within center island or on one side of the street at up to 2 entrances to a residential subdivision; may be within public right‑of‑way with encroachment permit. | — | Unlock | §9.34.140, Table 3‑30 “Subdivision Identification (Permanent)” |
| Residential Subdivision Signs - Temporary (On-site Principal Subdivision Sign) | — | 128 sq ft for principal on‑site subdivision sign | — | Not spelled out here; must not create traffic hazard and must meet general freestanding sign setbacks. | 1 principal sign per subdivision (as part of total ≤5 on‑site temporary subdivision signs). | Within subdivision being marketed (on site). | — | Unlock | §9.34.160(A)(1), (C) |
| Residential Subdivision Signs - Temporary (Additional Interior/Entrance Signs) | — | 60 sq ft per additional sign | — | Must not create traffic safety hazard; general freestanding setbacks apply. | Up to 4 additional signs (total on‑site subdivision signs ≤5 including principal). | At each street entrance to or within the subdivision. | — | Unlock | §9.34.160(A)(1), (C) |
| Residential Subdivision Signs - Temporary (Model Home Signs) | — | 16 sq ft per sign | — | Must not create traffic safety hazard. | 1 per model home. | On or at each model home within subdivision. | — | Unlock | §9.34.160(A)(2) |
| Residential Subdivision Grand Opening Banners/Flags/Temporary Signs (On-site) | Flagpoles ≤30 ft | Banners: up to 4 ft x 20 ft (80 sq ft) each (max 3). Flags: each ≤15 sq ft; number of flags/poles ≤24 + 1 per model home. | — | Flagpoles not located within public rights‑of‑way. | Up to 24 flagpoles plus one per model home; up to 3 banners. | Within subdivision site; flags not in public right‑of‑way. | — | Unlock | §9.34.160(A)(3)-(5) |
| Subdivision Directional Signs / Kiosk Panels (Residential) | Directional/kiosk sign structures ≤12 ft tall | Kiosk/directional panel sizes not individually specified; sign structures limited to 12 ft height and 5 ft width; individual panels sized to fit structure. | Directional/kiosk structures ≤5 ft wide | Must avoid obstructing visibility at intersections and encroach only with permits. | Number and locations controlled by City through license and sign location plan, not per‑subdivision numeric cap. | At intersections/strategic locations in City as approved; not in immediate vicinity of street intersections; must not obstruct sidewalks/bikeways/visibility. Some may be in public right‑of‑way with encroachment permits and breakaway design where required. | — | Unlock | §9.34.160(D)(1)-(11) |
Commercial and Professional Office Districts (C-P, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-R, U-C, P-C-C, plus R-T Commercial Portions)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - Individual Business (Commercial) | 0–50 ft frontage: 6 ft; 51–100: 8 ft; 101–150: 10 ft; 151–200: 12 ft; 201–400: 14 ft; 401+ ft: 20 ft | 0–50 ft frontage: 20 sq ft; 51–100: 36 sq ft; 101–150: 40 sq ft; 151–200: 50 sq ft; 201–400: 60 sq ft; 401+ ft: 100 sq ft (per face) | — | ≥1 ft inside property line; must not obstruct visibility or be placed at corner solely to be viewed from another street. | 1 freestanding sign per street frontage (see separate entry for corner parcel combination). | On individual commercial sites (single tenant) along each street frontage in C‑1, C‑2, C‑3, C‑R, U‑C, P‑C‑C (and R‑T commercial where Table 3‑22 parallels this). | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(2)(a); Table 3‑14 |
| Freestanding Sign - Multi-Business Center (Commercial) | 0–50 ft: 6 ft; 51–100: 8 ft; 101–150: 10 ft; 151–200: 12 ft; 201–400: 14 ft; 401+ ft: 20 ft | 0–50 ft frontage: 30 sq ft; 51–100: 40 sq ft; 101–150: 50 sq ft; 151–200: 60 sq ft; 201–400: 70 sq ft; 401+ ft: 100 sq ft (per face) | — | ≥1 ft inside property line; visibility preserved. | 1 per street frontage (subject to corner combination rule). | At multi‑tenant commercial developments (multi‑business centers) in commercial/office districts along each street frontage. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(2)(a); Table 3‑15 |
| Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center Primary Identification | 0–200 ft: 14 ft; 201–400: 16 ft; 401–500: 20 ft; 501+ ft: 20 ft | 0–200 ft: 50 sq ft; 201–400: 70 sq ft; 401–500: 80 sq ft; 501+ ft: 100 sq ft (per face) | — | ≥1 ft inside property line; must not obstruct visibility. | 1 primary shopping center sign per street frontage; additional secondary/directional signs allowed by separate standards. | Shopping centers in P‑C‑C, U‑C, and other commercial districts along each center street frontage. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(2)(a); Table 3‑16; §9.34.090(C) |
| Shopping Center Secondary Tenant Freestanding Identification Signs | 10 ft | 30 sq ft per sign, with individual panels ≤10 sq ft | — | Same general freestanding setbacks; often internal. | Max 1 per main drive approach; up to 2 per center. | Within shopping centers having street frontage ≥700 linear ft; for minor tenants located >150 ft from street they serve. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(2)(a) Note under Table 3‑16; §9.34.130(A)(3)(j) |
| Shopping Center Minor Tenant Directional Signs (On-site) | 6 ft | 10 sq ft per sign; individual panels ≤3 sq ft | — | ≥40 ft from nearest street property line. | Max 1 per main driveway. | On-site within shopping centers; at internal circulation points at least 40 ft from nearest street property line. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(3)(i) |
| Freestanding Signs - Number and Corner Parcel Options (Commercial) | Base per tables for frontage on which sign located; may not be increased via combining. | Base per Tables 3‑14, 3‑15, 3‑16; may be increased up to 25% on one frontage via combining. | — | ≥1 ft inside property line; must not be located at corner of one frontage to be viewed from another. | 1 per frontage; combining affects area, not count. | Commercial parcels with 1+ street frontages. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(3)(h) |
| Drive-Through/Drive-In Menu and Preview Boards (Commercial) | Menu/preview: 6 ft; Carhop/walk‑up: 6 ft | Menu board: 20 sq ft; Preview board: 20 sq ft; Carhop/walk‑up boards: 6 sq ft | — | Placed so not visible from street; no explicit numeric setback but likely interior to site. | Per drive‑through lane: 1 menu + 1 preview board; additional limited carhop/walk‑up boards. | On‑site at drive‑through restaurants in commercial zoning districts, adjacent to lane and not visible from street. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(3)(k); §9.34.140 Table 3‑30 “Drive-In or Drive-Through Uses” |
| Professional Office Freestanding Signs - Option 2 (Multiple Low-Profile Signs per Building) | 4 ft per low‑profile sign | Individual low‑profile signs: each business sign ≤4 ft height, ≤8 ft length, ≤2 ft width; total site low‑profile sign face area ≤2 × Table 3‑18 allowance | 8 ft length; 2 ft depth | ≥1 ft inside property line; must not interfere with traffic or pedestrian safety. | ≤1 low‑profile sign per 2 buildings; overall site sign area limited as above. | Professional office developments in C‑P District with multiple tenants and possibly multiple buildings. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(4)(c)(2) |
R-T District (Research and Technology Business Park, including R-T Industrial and R-T Commercial)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Monument Sign - R-T Industrial Developments | 0–150 ft frontage: 6 ft; 151+ ft: 8 ft | 0–75 ft frontage: 25 sq ft; 76–100: 50 sq ft; 101–150: 60 sq ft; 151–200: 75 sq ft; 201+ ft: 100 sq ft | — | ≥1 ft inside property line; must not interfere with vehicular/pedestrian safety. | Total face area per R‑T use; may be split into multiple signs (one per frontage) with Director approval. | R‑T industrial uses along street frontages in R‑T District. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(6)(a)-(3); Table 3‑19 |
| On-Building Identification Signs - R-T Industrial Uses (Frontages with Public Entrances) | — | 50–150 sq ft depending on tenant class and setback | — | — | Multiple signs per frontage allowed within total area. | On R‑T industrial building frontages with public entrances. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(6)(b); Table 3‑20 |
| R-T Commercial Monument Sign - Option 1 (Single Center Sign) | 0–200 ft frontage: 6 ft; 201–400: 8 ft; 401+ ft: 8 ft; Director may grant increase where enhances design | 0–50 ft: 8 sq ft; 51–100: 32 sq ft; 101–200: 50 sq ft; 201–400: 75 sq ft; 401+ ft: 100 sq ft | — | ≥1 ft inside property line; safety visibility must be preserved. | Base 1 per frontage; may be split per Option 2 rules. | R‑T commercial developments along street frontages. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(7)(a)-(b); Table 3‑21 |
| R-T Commercial Monument Sign - Option 2 (Low-Profile Signs per Tenant) | 4 ft per low‑profile sign | Each low‑profile sign per business: ≤4 ft height, ≤8 ft length, ≤2 ft width; total area for all low‑profile signs ≤2 × Table 3‑21 limit | 8 ft length; 2 ft depth | ≥1 ft inside property line; must not impact traffic safety. | Individual low‑profile signs for each tenant; number not explicitly capped but limited by total area and spacing. | Within R‑T commercial developments for each tenant as alternative to single monument sign. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(7)(c) |
| R-T Commercial Multi-Business Freestanding Signs (Individual & Centers) | R‑T Individual: 6–20 ft; Multi‑Business: 6–20 ft; Shopping Center primary: 14–20 ft; secondary tenant signs: 10 ft max. | R‑T Individual Business (Table 3‑22): 20–100 sq ft per face (based on frontage). R‑T Multi‑Business (Table 3‑23): 30–100 sq ft. R‑T Shopping Center (Table 3‑24): 50–100 sq ft primary center sign; plus secondary signs 30 sq ft. | — | ≥1 ft inside property line; safety and corner visibility conditions consistent with §9.34.130(A)(8)(b)-(c). | 1 primary freestanding sign per frontage; 1 per frontage for individual site; plus up to 2 secondary tenant signs as allowed. | R‑T commercial frontages and R‑T shopping centers. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(8)(a)-(c); Tables 3‑22, 3‑23, 3‑24 |
| R-T Commercial On-Building Identification Signs (Frontages with Public Entrances) | — | Minor: 50 or 75 sq ft; Major: 100 or 150 sq ft; Director may increase major caps to 200 or 300 sq ft for ≥100,000 sq ft GLA tenants. | — | — | Multiple on‑building signs allowed within total area. | On R‑T commercial building façades. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(9)(a); Table 3‑25 |
| R-T Commercial On-Building Identification Signs (Frontages without Public Entrances) | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | Total 25 sq ft per such frontage, divided among signs. | End walls facing streets without entrances in R‑T commercial sites. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(9)(b) |
| R-T Freeway-Oriented Signs for Accredited College/University Uses | Base 20 ft; Director may approve up to 50 ft via administrative use permit | Freestanding: 150–350 sq ft; On‑building: 200 sq ft | — | Height measured from finish grade at base; placement must satisfy standard freestanding and freeway safety setbacks. | 1 freeway freestanding identification sign per campus; on‑building freeway sign(s) for major freeway‑front building. | Accredited college/university campus sites ≥5 acres in R‑T directly adjacent to SR‑168. | — | Unlock | §9.34.130(A)(3)(l)(5); Table 3‑30 “Freeway Signs” |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Clovis — 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 Clovis — start freeProhibited Signs in Clovis
- Only signs authorized by Chapter 9.34 are allowed unless otherwise expressly provided in that chapter.
- No sign shall be altered, constructed, erected, re‑erected, relocated, displayed, or maintained without an approved sign review permit, unless specifically exempted.
- Signs having changeable copy as part or all of their copy are prohibited, except where specifically allowed.
- Permanent signs containing fluorescent colors as all or part of their copy are prohibited.
- Signs that imitate or may be construed as official traffic signs, signals, or public notices, or that use words such as go, caution, danger, slow, stop, or warning (except when used for traffic direction) are prohibited.
- Signs burned, cut, limed, painted, or otherwise marked on fields, rocks, trees, or other natural items are prohibited.
- Obscene signs or signs offensive to morals (as defined in the ordinance) are prohibited.
- Privilege signs in which the manufacturer’s name or emblem exceeds one‑fourth of the face of the sign are prohibited.
- Signs placed on tower elements of a building that conflict with the intent to preclude signs on or above the roof or in excess of allowed freestanding sign height are prohibited except by variance.
- Human signs (including sign spinners and costumed humans who wear, carry, or function as signs) are prohibited.
- Animated signs (mechanical movement, changing shape/content, blinking, flashing, flickering, rotating, moving textual messages, or frames that appear to rotate) are prohibited, except time and temperature devices where allowed.
- Banners are prohibited except where specifically allowed elsewhere in the chapter.
- Flashing signs or signs with changing light color or intensity are prohibited, except where specifically allowed.
- Signs that produce smoke, sound, or other substances as part of the sign are prohibited.
- Windblown and wind‑aided devices and inflated signs whose movement is designed to attract attention (e.g., balloons, flags, pennants, reflective attachments), are prohibited, except where specifically allowed.
- Portable A‑frame and I‑frame signs are prohibited, except where specifically allowed (e.g., limited grand opening or temporary outdoor/seasonal use allowances).
- Signs may not be located so as to create a hazardous condition to pedestrians or traffic by obstructing exits, structures, or sites, or by creating visual distraction, glare, sound, or representing a traffic control device.
- Bench signs, including signs located on benches or similar structures along bus routes, are prohibited.
- Signs may not be located on a premises so as to be visible from beyond the property line after removal, before erection, or while in storage.
- Signs located on the upper one‑third of a mansard roof are prohibited; mansard roofs must be designed so sign placement is architecturally integrated.
- Miscellaneous temporary signs and posters affixed to walls of structures, barns, sheds, fences, poles, posts, trees, or other structures and visible from a public way are prohibited unless specifically allowed elsewhere in the chapter.
- Projecting signs that project more than twelve inches from the face of a structure are prohibited.
- Roof signs (other than mansard‑roof signs specifically allowed) are prohibited.
- Signs on humans or animals are prohibited.
- Vehicles may not be used as a platform or substitute for a billboard, freestanding sign, or movable sign (whether on private property or in the public right‑of‑way) for advertising purposes.
- Stabber signs may not be installed.
- Signs may not be mounted or affixed to public or private utility poles or posts.
- Signs in public parking lots, streets, rights‑of‑way, or sidewalks are prohibited unless they maintain at least 14 feet of clearance above grade and have an encroachment permit, except where specifically allowed (e.g., some marquee signs).
- Permanent signs that advertise continuous sales or special prices are prohibited.
- Signs must not be erected or lit such that they create hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles in public streets or on private premises.
- Signs may not use colored lights in a manner that could be confused with traffic control devices.
- Reflective bulbs and incandescent lamps over 15 watts may not be used on the exterior surface of signs so as to expose the bulb or lamp to public rights‑of‑way or adjacent properties.
- Illuminated freestanding signs may not be placed within 50 feet of an adjacent residential property.
- Freestanding signs may not project over public property, rights‑of‑way, or vehicular easements, and must be at least one foot inside the property line and not interfere with traffic or pedestrian safety.
- Wall signs may not be placed on a roof, may not project above the roof or parapet, and may not obstruct any portion of a window.
- Window signs may occupy no more than 25% of the area of any one window (and temporary window signs are further limited by additional percentage and time rules); the lowermost 24 inches of the window must be free of signs to allow observation by security personnel.
- Signs required to be removed as abandoned, illegal, or nonconforming under the amortization provisions must be removed within the specified timeframes; failure to do so is a violation.
Exempt Signs in Clovis
- Address signs (street number and/or name) not exceeding one square foot per sign for single‑family or duplex structures and four square feet per sign for all other uses, limited to one per street frontage and including manager‑office identification.
- Commemorative plaques, memorial signs and tablets approved under site plan review; structure names and/or erection dates cut into permanent surfaces or constructed of noncombustible materials; and religious symbols/emblems when submitted and approved with the structure design.
- Community activity signs for charitable, civic, cultural, educational, or religious organizations, not exceeding 32 square feet, temporary, non‑illuminated, located on private property, and not creating a visibility hazard.
- Construction announcement signs on property where construction is to occur, identifying parties involved in the project, subject to area limits by site size, time limits before construction, and removal within 30 days after certificate of occupancy for most of the development.
- Credit card, trading stamp, association membership signs that do not exceed 0.5 square foot per window sign and 1.5 square feet per hanging sign, with a maximum of four such signs.
- On‑site directional signs bearing no advertising or logos and limited to arrows and words like Exit, Enter, or Drive‑Thru, up to 2 square feet, not located at site driveways, and not counted against maximum sign area (subject to Director’s limits on number, placement, and size).
- Directory signs up to 12 square feet located within a project and not visible from the street, with freestanding height not exceeding 5 feet and not counted against maximum sign area.
- Flags of any nation, political subdivision, or fraternal/religious organization, and flags deemed noncommercial/nonprofit civic in character, provided the pole height does not exceed the zoning height limit and flag height is not more than one‑fourth of pole height; larger poles/flags may be allowed by sign application to the Commission.
- Informational signs for safety and convenience of the public (e.g., danger, impaired clearance, no smoking, restrooms, telephone, drive‑in window, parking in rear, and parking facility signs) up to 5 square feet.
- Interior signs located inside a structure or within an enclosed court or lobby and not visible from any public right‑of‑way (though electrical/structural work still requires applicable permits).
- Temporary posters for nonprofit civic and cultural events and noncommercial health, safety, and welfare campaigns, to be removed within 14 days after the event.
- Official signs posted in the discharge of governmental functions (including traffic and street name signs, emblems, notices, and signs required by law).
- Political signs for candidates, parties, ballot measures, or political statements, up to 32 square feet per candidate or issue per site, subject to time limits tied to elections and location/safety restrictions (not on public property or in rights‑of‑way, not on trees/utility poles on public property, and not creating hazards).
- Real estate signs for sale or lease, within specified size, number, and time limits for single‑family, multifamily, business, and industrial properties, including limited on‑site and off‑site open house signs with specified hours and placement rules.
- Replacing only sign copy on conforming signs, without changing sign area, container, or structural/electrical components, is allowed without a new sign review (but any change to the container is subject to review).
- Residential nameplates up to 2 square feet, one per premises, displaying premises name, occupant name, and address, affixed flush to the structure and not illuminated.
- Seasonal decorations and holiday greetings/displays (e.g., Christmas, July 4, Thanksgiving) that are clearly incidental to holidays and not advertising signs disguised as decorations.
- Signs displayed by private individuals when required by law or governmental regulations.
- Temporary, non‑internally‑illuminated window signs announcing changes in management, product/price information, special sales, or similar information, designed to be viewed from adjacent parking lots, rights‑of‑way, sidewalks, or streets, not exceeding 25% of window area, with a maximum display time of 30 days and with temporary window sign area not exceeding allowed permanent sign area for that elevation.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Clovis
- A sign review permit is required for any sign to be altered, constructed, erected, re‑erected, or relocated unless it is explicitly listed as an exempt sign in Section 9.34.060.
- Sign review permit applications must include working drawings showing all existing and proposed signs on the site, with locations, elevations, dimensions, colors, materials, methods of attachment, and illumination.
- A comprehensive sign program is required whenever there is a Zoning Map amendment to the U‑C (Urban Center) or P‑C‑C (Planned Commercial Center) districts; it is processed with the rezone and/or conditional use permit.
- A comprehensive sign program is the required mechanism for multi‑tenant projects and projects with more than five permanent signs when flexible application of sign regulations is sought.
- For shopping centers, the sign program must be approved with the site plan review under Chapter 56 before individual sign permits are reviewed; in P‑C‑C and U‑C districts this review is also part of the Zoning Map amendment process.
- Lessees in developments subject to an approved comprehensive sign program must be informed via their leases that they are required to follow the program.
- Revisions to an approved comprehensive sign program that are minor may be approved administratively by the Director; substantial deviations may require modification of the conditional use permit or amendment to the U‑C or P‑C‑C zoning.
- Minor adjustments (administrative variances) from standard sign regulations, up to 25% of allowed sign area, may be granted by the Director under Section 9.34.110 to address site‑specific hardships or aesthetic integration issues.
- Any deviation from the prohibited sign regulations in Section 9.34.070 can only be processed as a formal variance request rather than as a minor adjustment.
- Drive‑through restaurant menu and preview boards, as well as some freeway‑oriented and time/temperature signs, require approval through conditional use permit or administrative use permit processes in addition to standard sign review.
- Temporary off‑site residential subdivision signs require approval of a comprehensive subdivision signage plan and annual permits, backed by a performance deposit, before any such signs are placed.
- Subdivision directional signs and kiosk systems are governed by a separate licensing and permitting structure; license agreements, encroachment permits, and a City‑approved sign location plan are required before installation.
Source: other municipal code