# Sign Regulations in Diamond Bar, California

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Diamond Bar, California, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Diamond Bar, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/diamond-bar
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-19
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/ca/diamond_bar/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CICO_TIT22DECO_ARTIIISIPLGEDEST_CH22.36SIST)

## At a glance

Diamond Bar, California regulates 62 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Facility Identification (Multi-Family, Condominium, Mobile Home Park) - Walls in the Rural Residential (RR); Low Density Residential (RL); Low/Medium Density Residential (RLM); Medium Density Residential (RM); Medium/High Density Residential (RMH); High Density Residential (RI-I); High Density Residential-30 units/acre (RH-30) zoning district are capped at Below edge of roof tall and Max 16 sq ft, with a Minimum front setback 10 ft; side setback 5 ft setback (Sec. DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(a), Row 2). Most commercial signs in Diamond Bar require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (10 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 31 | ≤ 65 ft | ≤ 1,000 sq ft total face area (ERB area ≤ 33% of total) | — |
| Rural Residential (RR); Low Density Residential (RL); Low/Medium Density Residential (RLM); Medium Density Residential (RM); Medium/High Density Residential (RMH); High Density Residential (RI-I); High Density Residential-30 units/acre (RH-30) | 8 | 6 ft | ≤ 24 sq ft each | — |
| Office, Professional (OP); Office, Business (OB); Commercial Office (CO); Neighborhood Commercial (C-1); Community Commercial (C-2); Regional Commercial (C-3); Light Industry (I) | 14 | Below second floor or ≤ 20 ft whichever is less | ≤ 125 sq ft per use | — |
| Agricultural (AG) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Open Space/Conservation (OS) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Recreation (REC) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Specific Plan (SP) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Specific Plan Overlay | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Development (PD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Hotel Overlay (C-3-PD/Hotel) | 5 | ≤ 65 ft | ≤ 1,000 sq ft (ERB portion ≤ 33%) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Monument Sign - General Standards | Per zone-specific limits; general freeway-oriented monument option up to 12 ft (C-3 freeway-adjacent, by CUP) | As approved per zone-specific limits; address plate up to 4 sq ft does not count toward sign face area | — | Not closer than 25 ft from a property line, except may be up to 10 ft from ultimate street right-of-way line. | — | Only for frontages adjoining a public street; shall not project over public property, vehicular easements, or rights-of-way; shall not obstruct traffic safety sight areas. | — | DBMC § 22.36.120(b)(1)-(6) |
| Freeway-Oriented Freestanding Sign (Fuel/Food/Lodging) | ≤ 25 ft above adjacent street grade or freeway travel lanes (excluding ramps) | Max face: 10 ft (H) × 20 ft (W) per face | ≤ 20 ft | — | 1 per site | Freeway-adjacent site; uses located within 200 ft of freeway ROW; only if wall signage cannot be sited to be visible to freeway motorists both directions. | — | DBMC § 22.36.120(c)(1)-(6) |
| Freeway-Oriented Sign with Electronic Reader Board (C-3 only, Commercial Development Complex) | ≤ 65 ft | ≤ 1,000 sq ft total face area (ERB area ≤ 33% of total) | — | — | 1 per commercial development complex | C-3 zone; commercial development complex on parcel(s) totaling ≥ 4.5 acres immediately adjacent to freeway; sign parcel ≥ 1,300 ft from any residential property. | — | DBMC § 22.36.120(c)(7)(a)-(f) |
| Real Estate Sign (Single-Family Dwelling) | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 4 sq ft; plus up to four “open house” signs ≤ 2 sq ft each when agent/owner present | — | — | 1 per street frontage; plus up to 4 open house signs during event | On private property with owner’s permission. | — | DBMC § 22.36.050(4)(a)1,5 |
| Real Estate Sign (Multifamily Dwellings) | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On private property with owner’s permission. | — | DBMC § 22.36.050(4)(a)2,5 |
| Real Estate Sign (Individual Commercial/Office/Industrial Property not in a Center/Park) | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 16 sq ft (Director may allow larger/higher for parcels with >200 ft frontage, freeway orientation, or constrained visibility) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On private property with owner’s permission. | — | DBMC § 22.36.050(4)(a)3,5 |
| Real Estate Sign (Individual Tenant Space within Multitenant Centers/Office Structures/Industrial Subdivisions) | ≤ 6 ft (frontage sign) | Frontage sign: ≤ 16 sq ft; Additional at tenant space: ≤ 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage; plus 1 per tenant space available (≤ 6 sq ft) | On private property with owner’s permission. | — | DBMC § 22.36.050(4)(a)4-5 |
| Future Tenant Identification Sign (During Construction) | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 32 sq ft; ≤ 50 sq ft if combined with a construction sign | — | — | 1 per street frontage (plus 1 extra if frontage > 500 ft) | On project site during construction. | — | DBMC § 22.36.050(4)(c)1-3 |

### Rural Residential (RR); Low Density Residential (RL); Low/Medium Density Residential (RLM); Medium Density Residential (RM); Medium/High Density Residential (RMH); High Density Residential (RI-I); High Density Residential-30 units/acre (RH-30)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Name Plate or Street Address (Single-Family/Duplex Identification) | Below edge of roof | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling or occupant | Wall, fence, or mailbox | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(a), Row 1 |
| Facility Identification (Multi-Family, Condominium, Mobile Home Park) - Wall | Below edge of roof | Max 16 sq ft | — | Minimum front setback 10 ft; side setback 5 ft | 1 per facility | On wall | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(a), Row 2 |
| Facility Identification (Multi-Family, Condominium, Mobile Home Park) - Monument | 4 ft | Max 16 sq ft | — | Minimum front setback 10 ft; side setback 5 ft | 1 per facility | Within required setbacks | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(a), Row 2 |
| Bed and Breakfast Facility Sign - Wall | Below edge of roof | 4 sq ft max | — | 10 ft minimum front and streetside setback | 1 per facility | On wall | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(a), Row 3 |
| Bed and Breakfast Facility Sign - Monument | 4 ft | 4 sq ft max | — | 10 ft minimum front and streetside setback | 1 per facility | Within required setbacks | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(a), Row 3 |
| Religious, Educational, and Governmental Facility Sign - Wall | Below edge of roof | ≤ 16 sq ft (≤ 24 sq ft if frontage ≥ 100 ft) | — | 10 ft minimum front and streetside setback | 1 per street frontage | On wall | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(a), Row 4 |
| Religious, Educational, and Governmental Facility Sign - Monument | 6 ft | ≤ 16 sq ft (≤ 24 sq ft if frontage ≥ 100 ft) | — | 10 ft minimum front and streetside setback | 1 per street frontage | Within required setbacks | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(a), Row 4 |
| Subdivision Entry Feature - Monument | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 24 sq ft each | — | — | 1 per entrance | At subdivision entrance | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(a), Row 5 |

### Office, Professional (OP); Office, Business (OB); Commercial Office (CO); Neighborhood Commercial (C-1); Community Commercial (C-2); Regional Commercial (C-3); Light Industry (I)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign - Business Identification (Single-Tenant Site, Not a Center) | Below edge of roof | ≤ 125 sq ft per use | — | — | 1 per building frontage | On building frontage(s) | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(b) A.1; § 22.36.120(g) |
| Monument Sign - Business Identification (Single-Tenant Site) | 6 ft | ≤ 24 sq ft per sign (≤ 32 sq ft if site has ≥ 200 ft of street frontage) | — | 10 ft from property lines or ultimate ROW line (per Table 3-14(b)); general standards also state not closer than 25 ft from a property line except up to 10 ft from ultimate ROW (§ 22.36.120(b)(2)) | 1 per street frontage | Along street frontage | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(b) A.2; § 22.36.120(b) |
| Service Station Monument Sign - Identification and Pricing | 6 ft | ≤ 32 sq ft per sign | — | Shall not block traffic safety area | 1 per use | Visible from street but not blocking traffic safety area | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(b) A.5.b |
| Secondary Tenant Identification (Major Tenant) - Wall | Below second floor or ≤ 20 ft whichever is less | ≤ 20 sq ft per sign; max letter height 18 in | — | — | 4 per building, or 1 per tenant, whichever is less | Near unit entrance | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(b) A.6 |
| Center Identification Monument (Single-Tenant Site also allowed in addition) | 6 ft | ≤ 32 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Near main entrance | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(b) A.7; § 22.36.120(b) |
| Center Identification Monument (Multi-Tenant Shopping Center) | 6 ft | ≤ 36 sq ft per sign | — | 10 ft from property lines or ultimate ROW line; shall not block traffic safety area | 1 per street frontage | Set back from property lines/ROW as required | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(b) B.1 |
| Monument Sign - Business Identification for Detached Building >10,000 sq ft GFA (Within 40 ft of Public Street) | 5 ft | ≤ 20 sq ft per sign | — | 10 ft from property lines or ultimate ROW line; shall not block traffic safety area | 1 per street frontage | For business located within 40 ft of public street | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(b) B.2 |
| Wall Sign - Business Identification (Multi-Tenant Shopping Center) (Ground Floor) | Below edge of roof | 30 sq ft minimum and 125 sq ft maximum per use | — | — | 1 per tenant | On tenant’s building frontage | — | DBMC § 22.36.130, Table 3-14(b) B.3; § 22.36.120(g) |

## Prohibited signs in Diamond Bar

- Abandoned or dilapidated signs and sign structures are prohibited citywide.
- Use of live or simulated animals or human beings to attract attention is prohibited.
- Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, or revolving signs are prohibited (except time/temperature devices, barber poles, and holiday decorations).
- Banners, streamers, and pennants are prohibited except as specifically allowed under section 22.36.120(f).
- Bench signs are prohibited except at approved bus passenger loading areas.
- Changeable copy signs are prohibited except for civic organizations/institutions, places of worship, movie theaters, or gasoline pricing.
- Electronic reader board signs are prohibited except time/temperature devices and as provided in section 22.36.120(c)(7).
- Inflated signs, balloons, and figures are prohibited except as provided in section 22.36.120(f)(2).
- Neon signs are prohibited except when approved through a comprehensive sign program.
- Obscene or offensive signs are prohibited.
- Off-site signs (including billboards and outdoor advertising) are prohibited unless expressly allowed by this chapter.
- Painted signs on fences, walls, or roofs are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited except as approved through a comprehensive sign program.
- Pole-mounted signs are prohibited.
- Price signs are prohibited except for service stations.
- Projecting signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs that extend above the edge of the roof are prohibited.
- Signs may not interfere with or obstruct fire escapes, exits, standpipes, required ventilators, doors, stairways, or windows above the first story.
- Any sign not in compliance with the sign chapter is prohibited.
- Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Signs that conflict with or imitate traffic control devices or that interfere with safe vehicular or pedestrian traffic are prohibited.
- Signs on public property or projecting within the public right-of-way are prohibited, except political signs and signs with a city encroachment permit.
- Strings of lights or signs outlined with individual light bulbs are prohibited.
- Signs attached to or painted on motor vehicles or trailers parked for more than 48 consecutive hours primarily to advertise are prohibited.
- Signs attached to trees are prohibited.
- Permanent “come-on” signs that advertise continuous sales or special prices are not allowed.
- Illuminated signs may not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or changing light intensity, brightness, or color.
- Colored lights may not be used so as to be confused with traffic control devices.
- Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps exceeding 15 watts may not be exposed on sign exteriors facing public rights-of-way or adjacent property.
- Neither direct nor reflected light from primary sources may create a hazard to motor vehicle operators.
- Illumination intensity or brightness may not interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of nearby residential properties.

## Signs exempt from permit in Diamond Bar

- Signs within shopping centers or similar areas that are not visible from any point on the boundary of the premises (permit-exempt).
- Official and legal notices required by a court or governmental agency (permit-exempt).
- Signs erected and maintained in discharge of a governmental function or required by law/regulation, including public utility signs (permit-exempt).
- Signs on licensed commercial vehicles, including trailers (permit-exempt), provided vehicles/trailers are not used as parked/stationary outdoor display signs.
- Bench and other signs located at designated public transit locations (permit-exempt).
- Change of copy within an approved comprehensive sign program that conforms to the program (permit-exempt).
- Occupant name, street number, and street name signs up to 2 square feet per single-family or multifamily unit; address numerals minimum 4 inches (permit-exempt).
- Signs for commercial, office, and industrial uses up to 2 square feet limited to business identification, hours of operation, address, and emergency information (permit-exempt).
- Vehicle-oriented safety and directional signs on private property (no advertising): up to 4 square feet in residential districts and 6 square feet in commercial districts; freestanding height up to 4 feet (permit-exempt; taller may be approved by the director if visibility will not be impaired).
- Affiliation signs for auto-related uses, motels, and hotels (e.g., services provided or required by law, trade affiliations, credit cards accepted) attached to an otherwise approved freestanding sign or structure; up to 0.5 square foot per sign; max six signs per business (permit-exempt).
- Gasoline pump face signs identifying brand, types, and octane rating up to 2 square feet per pump face (permit-exempt).
- Names of structures, commemorative plaques, tablets, dates of construction, etc., in permanent materials; up to 4 square feet area and 5 feet height (permit-exempt).
- Official flags of a nation, the State of California, other states, and municipalities (permit-exempt) subject to pole height limits: 25 feet in residential districts and 35 feet in nonresidential districts; flag length not more than one-fourth of pole height; larger flags may be approved by the director.
- Menu boards for drive-through restaurants: maximum height 6 feet; placed within a landscaped area; only two menu signs allowed per restaurant (permit-exempt).
- Real estate signs offering property for sale, lease, or rent on private property (permit-exempt) subject to limits: single-family (1 per frontage, ≤4 sq ft, 6 ft height; plus up to four 2 sq ft open house signs while agent/owner present), multifamily (1 per frontage, ≤32 sq ft, 6 ft height), individual commercial/office/industrial properties not in centers (1 per frontage, ≤16 sq ft, 6 ft height; larger/higher may be allowed by director for ≥200 ft frontage, freeway orientation, or limited visibility), individual tenant spaces in multitenant centers (1 per frontage, ≤16 sq ft, 6 ft height; plus one ≤6 sq ft sign at tenant space). Signs must be removed within 10 days after sale, lease, or rental.
- Garage or yard sale signs (permit-exempt): ≤3 sq ft; displayed only during the sale; promptly removed at end of sale; not placed on public property, including public utility properties.
- Future tenant identification signs during construction (permit-exempt): 1 per frontage (add one additional sign if frontage exceeds 500 linear feet); ≤32 sq ft and 6 ft height (≤50 sq ft if combined with a construction sign); remove upon occupancy.
- Construction signs naming architects, engineers, and contractors (permit-exempt): 1 per frontage; ≤20 sq ft and 6 ft height (≤32 sq ft if combined with a future tenant sign); remove upon first occupancy.
- Temporary signs placed on public property (permit-exempt) subject to strict limits: no projection over public walkways/alleys/streets except with minimum 7 ft clearance and ≤6 inches projection from building face; not allowed on center medians; must not interfere with construction, maintenance, or facilities (landscape, hardscape, meters, irrigation, etc.); not affixed to trees/plant materials; maximum 6 sq ft sign area; only one sign per side of a single block per idea/event; event-related signs may be placed no more than 30 days prior and must be removed no later than 10 days after the event date.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A comprehensive sign program is required for new multitenant developments of three or more separate tenants sharing the same parcel or structure with common access and parking (Sec. 22.36.060(b)(1)).
- A comprehensive sign program is required whenever five or more signs are proposed for a new or existing development (Sec. 22.36.060(b)(2)).
- A comprehensive sign program is required when wall signs are proposed on structures over two stories in height (Sec. 22.36.060(b)(3)).
- A comprehensive sign program is required when a single tenant in an existing multitenant project requests two or more signs and the project is not currently covered by a comprehensive sign program (Sec. 22.36.060(b)(4)).
- The director may require a comprehensive sign program due to special circumstances (e.g., number/size of signs, constrained visibility, location relative to major routes) (Sec. 22.36.060(b)(5)).
- Single-use buildings with 200 feet or more of frontage may use a comprehensive sign program to exceed the maximum aggregate sign area up to 200 sq ft, subject to limits (no single wall sign >125 sq ft; combined signs exceeding 125 sq ft must be separated by at least half the building frontage; overall max 125 sq ft per use unless otherwise stated) (Sec. 22.36.060(c)).
- Neon signs and portable signs are only allowed if approved through a comprehensive sign program (Secs. 22.36.080(9) and 22.36.080(13)).
- Change of copy within an approved comprehensive sign program is exempt from a sign permit (Sec. 22.36.050(1)(f)).
- Minor revisions to a comprehensive sign program may be approved by the director; substantial deviations may require planning commission approval (Sec. 22.36.060(f)).
- Certain freeway-oriented signage (freestanding, electronic reader boards, monument, and wall signs adjacent to the freeway in C-3) requires conditional use permit approval (Sec. 22.36.120(c), (8), (9)).

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 10 zoning districts in Diamond Bar — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Diamond+Bar+CA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-diamond-bar

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