Sign Regulations in Colfax, California
Colfax, California has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Civic Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding), Window Sign, Real Estate Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding). 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 Colfax, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Colfax
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding) | 6 ft | 3 sq. ft. | 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable |
| Real Estate Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding) | 6 ft | 4 sq. ft. | 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable |
| Mobilehome Subdivision/Park Entry Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq. ft. | 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
24
- Civic Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding)
- Window Sign
- Real Estate Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding)
- Real Estate Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Colfax
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Colfax, wall signs can be up to 6 ft and monument signs are limited to 6 ft. 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 Colfax, 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 Colfax, regulated sign types include Civic Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding), Window Sign, Real Estate Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding), Real Estate Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Colfax, monument signs typically require a 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable 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 Colfax are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Colfax has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Colfax, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Colfax, California regulates 24 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Street Numbers in the Commercial District (CR), Highway Commercial District (CH), Industrial District (I) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 2 sq. ft., with a Below roof line or 10' from property line setback (Sec. Table: Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards). Most commercial signs in Colfax require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Colfax, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Colfax (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District (R-1-20, R-1-10, R-1-5, RM-1, R-M-2, R-MHS, mobilehome subdivision, mobilehome park) | 3 | 6 ft | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Commercial District (CR), Highway Commercial District (CH), Industrial District (I) | 13 | As determined pursuant to section 17.40.070 | 120 sq. ft. | — |
| Agricultural District (A) | 5 | 6 ft | 4 sq. ft. | — |
| Historic District (H) | 7 | 35 ft measured from ground level to top of sign | 120 sq. ft. | — |
| Open Space District (O) | 2 | 6 ft | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Special Public Service District (SPSD) | 2 | 6 ft | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 6 ft | 32 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Colfax(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Commercial District (CR), Highway Commercial District (CH), Industrial District (I)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street Numbers | 6 ft | 2 sq. ft. | — | Below roof line or 10' from property line | 1 | Below roof line or 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable | — | Unlock | Table: Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards |
| Civic Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding) | 6 ft | — | — | 10' from property line | 1 | 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable | — | Unlock | Table: Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards |
| Real Estate Sign | 6 ft | 4 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line | 1 | 10' from property line, where reasonable/applicable or within a window/on wall | — | Unlock | Ch. 17.112.180(C); Table: Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards |
| Future Tenant Identification Sign | As determined pursuant to section 17.40.070 | As determined pursuant to section 17.40.070 | — | As determined | 1 | As determined | — | Unlock | Table: Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards |
| Roof Sign | 6 ft above roof line | — | — | 6 ft above roof line | 1 | 6 ft above roof line | — | Unlock | Table: Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards |
| Freestanding Sign | As determined via 17.40.070. Bottom of sign must be 16' above ground | 120 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line; bottom 16' above ground | 1 | 10' from property line, ground-mounted | — | Unlock | Table: Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards |
| Freestanding Multi-tenant Sign | As determined via 17.40.070 | As determined via 17.40.070 | — | As determined | 1 | As determined | — | Unlock | Table: Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards |
| Master Sign Program | As determined via 17.40.070 | 30 sq. ft. minimum per business; cumulative maximum 200 sq. ft. or five at 40 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line | 1 | 10' from property line, where applicable | — | Unlock | Table: Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards |
Agricultural District (A)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding) | 6 ft | 3 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line | 1 | 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable | — | Unlock | Table: Agricultural Sign Standards |
| Real Estate Sign | 6 ft | 4 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line | 1 | 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable | — | Unlock | Table: Agricultural Sign Standards |
| Name Plate & Street Numbers (Wall/Flat/Freestanding) | 6 ft | 2 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line | 1 | 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable | — | Unlock | Table: Agricultural Sign Standards |
| Agriculture Sign | 6 ft | 2 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line or attached to wall | 1 | 10' from property line or attached to building wall | — | Unlock | Table: Agricultural Sign Standards |
| Window Sign | — | Maximum 4 sq. ft.; Not to exceed 25% of window area | — | — | 1 | Within window | — | Unlock | Table: Agricultural Sign Standards |
Historic District (H)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding) | 6 ft | 3 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line | 1 | 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable | — | Unlock | Table: Historic District Sign Standards |
| Business Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding/Projecting/Window) | 6 ft above roof line | — | — | — | 1 | Wall/flat attached; Window sign within window; Projecting sign noted | — | Unlock | Table: Historic District Sign Standards |
| Real Estate Sign (Wall/Flat/Freestanding) | 6 ft | 4 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line or attached | 1 | Attached to building or 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable | — | Unlock | Table: Historic District Sign Standards |
| Awning/Canopy Sign | 35 ft measured from ground level to top of sign | — | — | 2' from curb line, 7' above walking surface | 1 | 2' from curb line of street/alley/vehicle access area | — | Unlock | Table: Historic District Sign Standards |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 120 sq. ft. | — | 10' from property line | 1 | 10' from property line, where reasonable and applicable | — | Unlock | Table: Historic District Sign Standards |
| Sandwich Board | 4 ft | — | — | — | 1 | On the property or business site | — | Unlock | Table: Historic District Sign Standards |
| Window Sign | — | Maximum 4 sq. ft.; Not to exceed 25% of window area | — | — | 1 | Within the window | — | Unlock | Table: Historic District Sign Standards |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Colfax — 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 Colfax — start freeProhibited Signs in Colfax
- Any sign not in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 17.112 (the Sign Ordinance).
- Roof signs extending more than six feet above the eave or parapet line, except when approved as a complementary architectural feature (does not apply to integral roof signs).
- Beacons (any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere, or which rotates or moves).
- Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter.
- Portable signs not specifically permitted by the provisions of this chapter.
- Signs within the public right-of-way except those permitted by a governmental agency, and otherwise permitted for digital billboard signs.
- Signs in any location that interferes with vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian circulation or safety.
- Signs in proximity to utility lines that have less horizontal or vertical clearance from authorized communication or energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by state law or applicable regulations.
- Signs blocking driveways, door or window openings, or fire escapes.
- Electric reader board signs that are not exempt as interior signs or not otherwise specifically permitted (e.g., digital billboards, master sign program).
- Signs that simulate, by virtue of size, shape, color, lettering, or design, a traffic sign or signal, or with characters/graphics that interfere with or confuse motorists or pedestrians.
- Abandoned signs (signs not maintained for 30 days after notice, or pertaining to a business no longer in existence at that location).
- Any sign not structurally safe or not maintained in good condition.
- No sign may be attached or constructed so as to interfere with required building ventilation or in violation of fire or building codes.
- No sign that moves, swings, rotates, or creates the appearance of motion by chains or other devices.
- No temporary accessory or sandwich board sign and banner may be used at the same time for a business.
- Any sign exceeding permitted height, area, or location standards without permit/approval.
- No sign shall be illuminated with non-stationary or non-constant intensity/color light.
- No sign copy may continue after a business closes or the subject matter changes; such sign must be removed within 30 days.
- No sign, except as otherwise permitted, shall extend over a public right-of-way without an encroachment permit and required clearances.
- No hazardous or dangerous sign may remain after notice.
Exempt Signs in Colfax
- Official federal, state, or local government flags, emblems, and historical markers.
- Official federal, state, or local government traffic, directional, and information signs and notices issued by any court, person, or officer in performance of public duty.
- Temporary signs warning of construction, excavations, or similar hazards.
- Temporary holiday decorations.
- "No Trespassing" signs not more than one square foot in size, placed at each corner and entrance to a property and at intervals of not less than 100 feet.
- Parking lot and other private traffic directional signs not exceeding three square feet in area, limited to the guidance of pedestrian or vehicular traffic (restrictions apply for off-site use).
- For each service station, pricing and grade signs as required by the state.
- Legal or ordinance enforcement signs not exceeding three square feet in area and erected by private individuals or businesses and not otherwise regulated by the Code.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Colfax
- All sign applications are subject to sign review by the planning director for compliance with the ordinance. Unless expressly exempt, no sign may be erected, displayed, reconstructed, or altered until a sign permit is granted as set forth in this chapter.
- Signs associated with projects subject to design review must also have a sign permit from the planning director, reviewed as part of the design review process.
- Planning commission approval is required for sign applications combined with a project before the planning commission (e.g., conditional use permit, general plan amendment, rezone).
- A master sign program is required for a unified commercial area, such as a retail shopping, commercial, or business center, and must be processed prior to the installation of any signs in that area.
- Any sign that conforms to an approved master sign program may be approved by the planning director, but individual sign permits are still required.
- No signs shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained except in conformance with an approved master sign program, if one exists, for that property; the master sign program is enforced as part of the sign ordinance.
- Amendments to a master sign program must be approved by the planning director.
- Revisions to a sign (other than copy/text) require a modification application per section 17.36.180.
- Sign permits may be appealed per Chapter 17.44.
- Any deviation from approved master sign program standards requires new approval; all individual signs within such a program remain subject to review/permitting.
Source: municode municipal code