Sign Regulations in Covina, California
Covina, California has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Promotional Signs – Banners/Flags/Streamers/Window Painting/Window Posters/Balloons, All General Commercial Signs (from Commercial zones), Mural. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 3, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Covina, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Covina
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | May be located within street setback; may not project into present or future right‑of‑way. |
| Freestanding Sign (General) | — | — | No projection into right‑of‑way; comply with street setback rule. |
| Monument Sign (General) | — | — | Within landscaped setback; not into right‑of‑way. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
30
- Temporary Promotional Signs – Banners/Flags/Streamers/Window Painting/Window Posters/Balloons
- All General Commercial Signs (from Commercial zones)
- Mural
- Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Covina
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Covina 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 Covina, 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 Covina, regulated sign types include Temporary Promotional Signs – Banners/Flags/Streamers/Window Painting/Window Posters/Balloons, All General Commercial Signs (from Commercial zones), Mural, Wall 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 Covina, monument signs typically require a No projection into right‑of‑way; comply with street setback rule. 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 Covina are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Covina has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Covina, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Covina, California regulates 30 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Service Station – Monument Signs in the Commercial, administrative and professional office zone (C-P); Commercial zone (neighborhood shopping center) (C-2); Commercial zone (central business) (C-3); Commercial zone (regional or community shopping centers) (C-3A); Commercial zone (highway) (C-4); Commercial zone (specified highway) (C-5); Commercial zone (recreation) (C-R) zoning district are capped at 10 ft (maximum overall height) tall and 26 sq ft per side (maximum), with a Located within planting area; observe visibility and setback rules. setback (Sec. CMC § 17.74.060(A)(1), (3)). Most commercial signs in Covina require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Covina, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Covina (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial, administrative and professional office zone (C-P); Commercial zone (neighborhood shopping center) (C-2); Commercial zone (central business) (C-3); Commercial zone (regional or community shopping centers) (C-3A); Commercial zone (highway) (C-4); Commercial zone (specified highway) (C-5); Commercial zone (recreation) (C-R) | 13 | 18 ft (maximum); bottom of sign between 8 ft and 10 ft above grade | Building/wall‑mounted banners/flags/streamers: each ≤100 sq ft or ≤2.5 sq ft per linear foot of building/wall front (whichever is less); window painting/posters ≤50% of window area; light‑standard mounted bunting/flags/streamers/banners: total ≤50 sq ft per light standard | — |
| C-3A (Shoppers Lane district) | 5 | Pole height ≤9 ft (to top of pennant/flag) | 15 sq ft per side (maximum) | — |
| TC-C; TC-P | 5 | Pole height ≤9 ft (to top) | 15 sq ft per side (maximum) | — |
| Light manufacturing zone (M-1) | 3 | — | Wall‑mounted banners/flags/streamers: ≤100 sq ft each or ≤2.5 sq ft per linear foot of building/wall front (whichever less); window items ≤50% of window area; on light standards: ≤50 sq ft per standard | — |
| Outdoor Advertising Structure Overlay (S) | 3 | 85 ft maximum (measured from finished grade to highest element) | Display panel ≤700 sq ft (per panel); up to two panels per structure (single‑sided or double‑sided) | — |
| Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Community Development District (PCD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | Base: 32 sq ft total where frontage ≤100 linear ft; if frontage >100 ft, increase by 0.5 sq ft per linear foot of frontage beyond 100 ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Covina(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Commercial, administrative and professional office zone (C-P); Commercial zone (neighborhood shopping center) (C-2); Commercial zone (central business) (C-3); Commercial zone (regional or community shopping centers) (C-3A); Commercial zone (highway) (C-4); Commercial zone (specified highway) (C-5); Commercial zone (recreation) (C-R)
| 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 | — | — | — | May be located within street setback; may not project into present or future right‑of‑way. | — | On building face; may be within street setback but may not extend into present or future right‑of‑way. | — | Unlock | CMC §§ 17.74.030(A)-(D), 17.74.050(A)-(N), 17.74.020(O), 17.74.020(FF), 17.74.020(FF), 17.74.050(C)-(F), (L)-(N) |
| Identification Sign (Address Only) (Permit‑Exempt) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | One per premises | On building/premises. | — | Unlock | CMC § 17.74.040(A) |
| Temporary Promotional Signs – Banners/Flags/Streamers/Window Painting/Window Posters/Balloons | — | Banners/flags/streamers: total 50 sq ft per site (or 100 sq ft if principal building frontage >100 ft); window painting/posters up to 50% of window area (not counted against 50/100 sq ft total); balloons ≤3.5 cubic ft each; up to 2 balloons per linear foot of building frontage | — | No placement in public right‑of‑way; must not create hazards or obstruct sight distances. | Max 3 banners/building; balloons: ≤2 per linear foot of frontage; large inflatable: 1 with ACUP up to 30 days/year | Banners flush to wall or over landscaped area; window items on glazing; balloons on site. | — | Unlock | CMC §§ 17.74.055(A)-(E) |
| Temporary Signs – Outdoor Uses on Large Sites (Optional Alternative to 17.74.055) | — | Building/wall‑mounted banners/flags/streamers: each ≤100 sq ft or ≤2.5 sq ft per linear foot of building/wall front (whichever is less); window painting/posters ≤50% of window area; light‑standard mounted bunting/flags/streamers/banners: total ≤50 sq ft per light standard | — | Within approved display area; not in right‑of‑way. | — | On buildings/walls, within city‑approved outdoor display areas, or on light standards on qualifying sites. | — | Unlock | CMC §§ 17.74.056(A)-(D) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Permit‑Exempt) | — | 16 sq ft per face (maximum) | — | — | One per occupancy or per street frontage | On the property to which it refers. | — | Unlock | CMC § 17.74.040(G) |
| Temporary Contractor Sign(s) (Permit‑Exempt) | 8 ft overall height (directory sign) | Single firm sign ≤16 sq ft; or one construction directory sign ≤32 sq ft per face; | — | — | — | At construction site. | — | Unlock | CMC § 17.74.040(H) |
| Service Station – Monument Sign | 10 ft (maximum overall height) | 26 sq ft per side (maximum) | — | Located within planting area; observe visibility and setback rules. | Up to two monument signs; or one monument + one freestanding (alternative) | Within a planting/landscaped area on site. | — | Unlock | CMC § 17.74.060(A)(1), (3) |
| Service Station – Freestanding Sign | 18 ft (maximum); bottom of sign between 8 ft and 10 ft above grade | 26 sq ft per face (maximum); up to 3 faces | — | Located within/over a planting area; visibility maintained. | Up to two; or one with combined area if approved | Within or over a planting area on site. | — | Unlock | CMC § 17.74.060(A)(2) |
C-3A (Shoppers Lane 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk Sign (A‑frame) (Shoppers Lane) | 3 ft to 5 ft (overall sign height) | 6 sq ft per side (maximum) | — | Must maintain ADA/clear path and visibility; not in crosswalks. | 1 per ground‑floor business; 1 per building for upstairs/downstairs businesses | On premises or public sidewalk adjacent to business; must not obstruct required walkways/entries, crosswalks, seating, or impede driver visibility. | — | Unlock | CMC § 17.74.063(B)-(K); 17.74.040(I) |
| Pennant/Flag (Pedestrian Pole Flag) (Shoppers Lane) | Pole height ≤9 ft (to top of pennant/flag) | 15 sq ft per side (maximum) | — | Maintain clear path and visibility. | 1 per business (alternative to sidewalk sign) | On premises or public sidewalk adjacent, subject to sidewalk permit and safety/visibility clearance. | — | Unlock | CMC § 17.74.063(C), (F) |
| Painted Sign (Principal Wall Sign Alternative) (Shoppers Lane) | — | — | — | — | — | Painted/silk‑screened onto building wall or window (permanent). | — | Unlock | CMC § 17.74.020(JJ); 17.74.062(B)-(J) |
| Mural (Shoppers Lane) | — | — | — | — | — | Exterior wall; if on a wall that would not normally qualify as eligible wall for a sign, approval of mural makes that side eligible (does not increase max signage). | — | Unlock | CMC §§ 17.74.020(II), 17.74.061(B)-(H) |
| All General Commercial Signs (from Commercial zones) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | CMC Ch. 17.74 generally |
TC-C; TC-P
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk Sign (A‑frame) | 3 ft to 5 ft (overall sign height) | 6 sq ft per side (maximum) | — | Maintain ADA/visibility clearances. | 1 per ground‑floor business; or 1 per building for upstairs/downstairs businesses | On premises or public sidewalk adjacent; must not obstruct required walkways/entries, crosswalks, seating, or driver visibility. | — | Unlock | CMC §§ 17.74.020(KK), 17.74.040(I), 17.74.063(B)-(K) |
| Pennant/Flag (Pedestrian Pole Flag) | Pole height ≤9 ft (to top) | 15 sq ft per side (maximum) | — | Maintain clear path/visibility. | 1 per business (alternative to sidewalk sign) | On premises or public sidewalk adjacent; subject to sidewalk permit and safety clearances. | — | Unlock | CMC § 17.74.063(C), (F) |
| Painted Sign (Principal Wall Sign Alternative) | — | — | — | — | — | Painted/silk‑screened onto building wall or window (permanent). | — | Unlock | CMC §§ 17.74.020(JJ), 17.74.062(B)-(J) |
| Mural | — | — | — | — | — | Exterior wall; approval may render that wall eligible for signage under design guidelines (without increasing max signage). | — | Unlock | CMC §§ 17.74.020(II), 17.74.061(B)-(H) |
| All General Commercial Signs (from Commercial zones) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | CMC Ch. 17.74 generally |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Covina — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Covina — start freeProhibited Signs in Covina
- Roof signs are not permitted in any zone in the city.
- Outdoor advertising structures (billboards) are prohibited on any property except within an Outdoor Advertising Structure overlay (S) zone.
- Advertising for tobacco products or alcoholic beverages is prohibited on any billboard within any residential zone or within 1,000 feet of any school, park, recreational facility, youth center, or church.
- Incidental signs: posting on or affixing to public right-of-way objects (e.g., sidewalks, lampposts, poles, benches, hydrants, trees, street or traffic signs) is prohibited.
- Incidental signs: may not be constructed or located within the public right-of-way, may not obstruct sight distances or constitute a hazard, and must be at least five feet from any property line.
- Incidental signs: may not be affixed to permanent buildings, structures, or facilities using glue, mastic, tape, or tacks penetrating more than one-half inch.
Exempt Signs in Covina
- Incidental signs: posting of legally required public notices by public officers or employees (e.g., notices under the Streets and Highways Code) is exempt.
- Incidental signs: posting is allowed on structures within the right-of-way designated for public communication (e.g., kiosks, bulletin boards, authorized advertising benches, newspaper racks, authorized billboards).
- Incidental signs: signs for events or activities sponsored by the city or redevelopment agency are exempt.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Covina
- For new developments, a signing program must be submitted as part of the site plan review process (commercial zones).
- A coordinated signing program is required where several businesses require signing on the same property (commercial zones).
- Mixed-Use Overlay District projects require a sign program describing sign types, locations, sizes, colors, materials, and text; the program must be approved prior to issuance of a building permit.
- In TC-C, TC-P, and the Shoppers Lane area of C-3A, pennant/flag signage must conform to a coordinated signing program developed for those areas (and approved by city staff).
- Planned Community Development (PCD) precise plans must include the size, type, location, and design of all signs and advertising devices; no development or permits may be issued until the precise plan is approved.
- Outdoor advertising structures adjacent to landscaped freeways require compliance with Caltrans requirements, a City Council-approved development agreement, a conditional use permit, and a lighting study approved by the planning department.
- Minor variances may be granted administratively (without public hearing) for up to a 10 percent increase in sign area, height, or changes in sign location.
Source: ecode360 municipal code