Sign Regulations in Desert Hot Springs, California
Desert Hot Springs, California has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Business identification, Drive-through restaurants, Business identification – Single tenant. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Desert Hot Springs, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Desert Hot Springs
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate – Single-family uses | Below eave line | 2 sq ft | — |
| Identification Sign – Multifamily or condominium complex | Below eave line for wall sign & 6 ft. for monument | 15 sq ft each | — |
| Identification Sign – Residential community single-family | 6 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Business identification
- Drive-through restaurants
- Business identification – Single tenant
- Name Plate – Single-family uses
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Desert Hot Springs
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Desert Hot Springs 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 Desert Hot Springs, 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 Desert Hot Springs, regulated sign types include Business identification, Drive-through restaurants, Business identification – Single tenant, Name Plate – Single-family uses, 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 Desert Hot Springs 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 Desert Hot Springs are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Desert Hot Springs has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Desert Hot Springs, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Desert Hot Springs, California regulates 19 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Name Plate – Single-family uses in the Residential District zoning district are capped at Below eave line tall and 2 sq ft (Sec. § 17.44.060). Most commercial signs in Desert Hot Springs require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Desert Hot Springs, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Desert Hot Springs (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District | 7 | Below eave line for wall sign & 6 ft. for monument | 40 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Highway District (C-H) | 4 | 25 ft with 22 ft max. sign face or copy areas height | 125 sq ft per face | — |
| Commercial Downtown (C-D) | 6 | 25 ft with 22 ft max. sign face or copy height & monument or supportive structure to consist of an area equal to sign face or copy area | 125 sq ft/face | — |
| Industrial District | 5 | Monument signs 8 ft above grade or max of 4 ft above landscape mound | 200 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 10 feet | 16 square feet per sign | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Desert Hot Springs(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate – Single-family uses | Below eave line | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per occupied unit | Wall/door | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Identification Sign – Multifamily or condominium complex | Below eave line for wall sign & 6 ft. for monument | 15 sq ft each | — | — | 1 sign per entrance | At or near main entrance | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Identification Sign – Residential community single-family | 6 ft | 40 sq ft | — | — | 2 signs per primary entrance | At primary entrances to residential community | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Identification Sign – Mobile home parks | 6 ft | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 sign per street frontage | At primary entrances to mobile home park | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Identification Sign – Nonresidential uses within residential districts | Below eave line for wall sign & 6 ft for monument | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 sign of each type | At primary entrance | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Identification Sign – Commercial uses within residential districts | Below eave line for wall sign & 6 ft for monument | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 sign of each type | At primary entrance | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Identification Sign – Hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
Commercial Downtown (C-D)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business identification | Shall not project above the eave line | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 single-faced per building or street frontage or parking lot frontage. Max. 2 signs per business | May be located on project site | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Business identification | The area between 4 ft and 7 ft shall remain clear | 25% of the glass area upon which the sign is located | — | — | 1 sign per window | Placed on the inside of a window | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Business identification – Shopping centers less than 15 acres | Sign shall not exceed the height of the structure it identifies or 20 ft, whichever is less | 75 sf per face | — | — | 1 double-faced per each street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Business identification – Shopping centers 15 acres or greater | Sign shall not exceed the height of the structure it identifies or 20 ft, whichever is less | 120 sf per face | — | — | 1 double-faced per each street frontage | Shall not be located so as to be a hazard for a driveway | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Business identification – Center adjacent to freeway within Commercial Highway (C-H) District | 25 ft with 22 ft max. sign face or copy height & monument or supportive structure to consist of an area equal to sign face or copy area | 125 sq ft/face | — | — | 1 double-faced sign per center | May be located in landscaped setback area | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Drive-through restaurants | 7 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per drive-through lane | Shall face away from the street | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business identification – Single tenant | Monument signs 8 ft above grade or max of 4 ft above landscape mound | 100 sq ft | — | — | 2 per street spaced a minimum of 200 ft apart | Shall not be located to create traffic hazard for driveway or corner radius as determined by the City Engineer | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Business identification – Single tenant | May not project above eave line | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street | Building façade or other location below the eave line | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Business identification – Multi-tenant | May not project above eave line | 25 sq ft in area | — | — | 1 per tenant | Building façade or other location below the eave line | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Business identification – Center or project | 8 ft above grade or max. 4 ft above top of planter or landscape mound | 40 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per street entrance & 1 per major intersection | Shall not be located so as to create traffic hazard for driveway or corner | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
| Business directory | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per street or parking lot frontage | Ground mounted | — | Unlock | § 17.44.060 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Desert Hot Springs. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Desert Hot Springs
- Abandoned signs
- Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or any other similar sign, including searchlights, except electronic message board displays
- Balloons and other inflated devices or signs designed to attract attention, unless permitted subject to Temporary Sign Permit
- Banners, feather signage, unless Temporary Sign Permit is first obtained
- Cabinet or can signs that are internally illuminated with translucent panels that allow the entire sign background to be illuminated
- Gator foam board signs
- Signs on public property, in the public right-of-way, or on public utility poles unless otherwise authorized
- Signs which simulate in color or design a traffic sign or signal, or which make use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic
Exempt Signs in Desert Hot Springs
- Signs required or contemplated by County, State or Federal law, signs erected by the City Engineer on public property or in the public right-of-way to instruct or direct traffic, and signs owned or permitted by a governmental agency over which the City does not have jurisdiction
- Signs within a structure not visible from the outside of a building
- Flags, not to exceed 15 square feet per flag, per residential lot
- A maximum of 5 flags not exceeding 60 square feet each, on nonresidential lots
- Wall plaque signs with specific conditions
- On-site for-sale or for-rent signs during the period that the subject property is offered to the general public for sale or for lease
- A 'no trespassing' or 'no dumping' sign not exceeding 3 square feet
- Roadside memorial signs, which are only erected for a period not exceeding 30 days
- A-Frame sign, pedestal, or other stand type signs placed near the main entrance on private property and oriented to pedestrians
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Desert Hot Springs
- A permit for a sign program shall be required for all new commercial, office, and industrial centers consisting of 3 or more tenant spaces within the same structure or building
- Application for a sign program shall be filed with the project application to construct the center and shall be processed concurrently with the project application
- Revisions to sign programs may be approved by the Community Development Director or his or her designee, so long as the revision is consistent with the requirements of this chapter
Source: municode municipal code