# Sign Regulations in Dunsmuir, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Dunsmuir, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/dunsmuir
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-07
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/CA/Dunsmuir/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=TIT17ZO_CH17.80SI)

## At a glance

Dunsmuir, California regulates 33 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Monument Sign (Detached sign in residential zones)s in the Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and As specified for use category (see above entries), with a Detached signs must be located >5 ft from public ROW. setback (Sec. 17.80.060(B)(8)). Most commercial signs in Dunsmuir require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 7 | 6 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Mixed-Use District (MU-1, MU-2, MU-3) | 7 | 35 ft | 100 sq ft additional display area; single sign may be up to 35 ft height | — |
| Town Center District (T-C) | 4 | 20 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Service Commercial and Manufacturing District (S-C, L-M, M) | 4 | 20 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Planned Development Zoning District (P-D) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic Combining District (H) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | 10 ft | 100 sq ft per sign face | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single-family, Duplex, Small Employee, Supportive/Transitional Housing) | — | 1 sq ft per occupancy | — | — | 1 per occupancy | Flat against a building, fence, or wall or designed as part of an architectural feature | — | 17.80.060(B)(1), 17.80.070(F)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Dormitories) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dormitory | Flat against a building, fence, or wall or designed as part of an architectural feature | — | 17.80.060(B)(2), 17.80.070(F)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Multifamily residential) | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per multifamily development | Flat against a building, fence, or wall or designed as part of architectural feature | — | 17.80.060(B)(3), 17.80.070(F)(1) |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Residential care facilities) | — | 24 sq ft | — | Detached sign must be >5 ft from public ROW | 1 per facility | Flat against building, fence, or wall or designed as architectural feature or as a monument in yard (see setback) | — | 17.80.060(B)(4) |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Meeting places, places of worship, private schools) | — | 32 sq ft main + 8 sq ft additional | — | Detached sign must be >5 ft from public ROW | 2: 1 up to 32 sq ft (attached or detached), 1 up to 8 sq ft (attached only) | Flat against building or monument in yard (see setback) | — | 17.80.060(B)(5) |
| Wall Sign (Other nonresidential uses) | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per nonresidential use | Flat against building, fence, wall, or as architectural feature | — | 17.80.060(B)(6) |
| Monument Sign (Detached sign in residential zones) | 6 ft | As specified for use category (see above entries) | — | Detached signs must be located >5 ft from public ROW. | Per use category above | Front or exterior side yard setback; minimum 5 ft from public ROW. | — | 17.80.060(B)(8) |

### Mixed-Use District (MU-1, MU-2, MU-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (MU-1 Residential Use) | — | See Residential District restrictions | — | — | Per Residential standards | Same as Residential District | — | 17.80.060(C)(1)-(2) |
| Wall Sign (MU-2/MU-3 Nonresidential Uses or Vertical Mixed Use: Front, main sign) | 20 ft | — | — | — | — | Flat against front of building or on/attached to/part of architectural projection | — | 17.80.060(C)(3)(a), (f), (g) |
| Wall Sign (MU-2/MU-3 Nonresidential: Side or Rear sign) | 20 ft | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per qualifying facade | Flat against side or rear facing public lot or street | — | 17.80.060(C)(3)(b), (f) |
| Detached Sign (MU-2/MU-3 Nonresidential) | 6 ft | — | — | — | 1 per occupancy | — | — | 17.80.060(C)(3)(c), (f) |
| Drive-through Lane Sign (MU-2/MU-3 Nonresidential) | — | 32 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per qualifying use | Within or adjacent to drive-through lane; must be screened from public rights-of-way | — | 17.80.060(C)(3)(d) |
| Wall or Detached Sign (Service businesses near highway interchange) | 35 ft | 100 sq ft additional display area; single sign may be up to 35 ft height | — | — | 1 per occupancy (as additional to base signage) | Within 330 ft of highway interchange | — | 17.80.060(C)(3)(g) |
| Roof Sign (with Conditional Use Permit) | — | — | — | — | — | On roof | — | 17.80.060(C)(3)(h) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sandwich Board Sign (Exempt) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per sign face; max 2 faces | 3 ft | — | 1 per business | May be placed outdoors, not blocking accessible paths of travel or inhibiting sight distance; not secured to structures or trees | — | 17.80.030(H) |
| Community Garden Sign (Exempt) | 6 ft | 2 sq ft per 5 linear ft street frontage; max height 6 ft | — | — | — | Within community garden, outside accessible paths of travel | — | 17.80.030(F) |
| Temporary Sign (Residential and MU-1) | 6 ft | 12 sq ft (cumulative, all temporary signs on parcel) | — | — | — | On developed or undeveloped parcel; not within or over public right-of-way except with council approval | — | 17.80.030(J)(1), 17.80.080(B)(1) |
| Temporary Sign (MU-2, MU-3, T-C) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft (cumulative, all temporary signs on parcel) | — | — | — | On developed or undeveloped parcel; not within or over public right-of-way except with council approval | — | 17.80.030(J)(2), 17.80.080(B)(1) |
| Temporary Sign (S-C, L-M, M) | 6 ft | 48 sq ft (cumulative, all temporary signs on parcel) | — | — | — | On developed or undeveloped parcel; not within or over public right-of-way except with council approval | — | 17.80.030(J)(3), 17.80.080(B)(2) |
| Temporary Sign (Undeveloped Parcels, Residential/Mixed/Town Center) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft (4 ft x 6 ft); 1 per 300 ft lot frontage | 4 ft | — | 1 per 300 ft lot frontage | — | — | 17.80.080(B)(1) |
| Temporary Sign (Undeveloped Parcels, S-C, L-M, M) | 10 ft | 64 sq ft (8 ft x 8 ft); 1 per 300 ft lot frontage | 8 ft | — | 1 per 300 ft lot frontage | — | — | 17.80.080(B)(2) |
| Construction-Site Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | On lot or attached to building during construction | — | 17.80.080(A) |

## Prohibited signs in Dunsmuir

- No sign shall be permitted at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of motor vehicle operators or at any location where by reason of its position, shape, or color it may interfere with or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.
- No sign shall be permitted which is animated by means of flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination.
- No sign shall be permitted which, because of its intensity of light, constitutes a nuisance or hazard to vehicular traffic, pedestrians, or adjacent properties.
- No sign or any other portion thereof shall be allowed that moves or assumes any other motion constituting a nonstationary or fixed condition.
- Outlining of a building or structure by means of exposed neon tubing, exposed incandescent lighting, or other artificial lighting, or an equivalent effect is prohibited.
- The construction, erection, installation, and use of new off-site signs and billboards is prohibited, with certain legal exceptions.
- No person shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way which has attached or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of advertising.
- No advertising sign or device shall be permitted which emits audible sound, odor, or visible matter.
- The use of a fixed balloon within the city as a sign is prohibited.
- The tacking, painting, pasting, or otherwise affixing of signs or posters of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of buildings, barns, sheds, on trees, poles, posts, fences, or other structures is prohibited.
- No sign shall be allowed that is located on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, electrolier, hydrant, bridge, tree, or other surface located on public property or over or across any street or public thoroughfare except as may otherwise be expressly authorized.
- Pennants, streamers, bunting, and wind signs are prohibited.
- Signs that are located on or project over the roof of a building or structure are prohibited.
- Off-site signs and signs displaying general advertising for hire are prohibited.
- Statues, real or simulated, utilized for advertising purposes, are prohibited.
- Sidewalk clocks are prohibited.
- No sign shall be located nearer than five (5) feet to an interior property line nor nearer than five (5) feet to any common wall or point common to two occupancies, except signs painted on or attached flat against a wall or architectural projection.
- No sign or its supporting members shall interfere with or restrict access to windows or openings in a building in such manner as to unduly limit air circulation or obstruct or interfere with fire escapes, exits, or similar openings.
- No permit for any sign shall be issued and no sign constructed or maintained which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communications or power lines than required by state law.
- No detached sign shall project over a public right-of-way (except as otherwise authorized).
- On detached signs, sign structure embellishments may not include any commercial or non-commercial text, logos, or trademarks.
- No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing due to wind action.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited and shall be removed.
- No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained any dangerous or defective sign.
- No person shall erect or maintain any sign which does not comply with the provisions of this chapter.

## Signs exempt from permit in Dunsmuir

- Governmental signs for regulatory purposes such as traffic control and public safety (e.g., street signs, danger signs, railroad-crossing signs, public-service company danger signs, and aids to service or safety) are exempt.
- The city's use of city property to display the city's own messages is exempt.
- Unilluminated incidental small signs not exceeding four square feet, displaying messages other than general advertising, and not constituting a nuisance or hazard; subject to a cumulative area limit based on street frontage.
- Flags that display messages other than general advertising, are on private property, and do not constitute a nuisance or hazard; subject to a cumulative area limit based on street frontage.
- Interior signs located within the interior of any building, or within an enclosed lobby, or located within the inner/outer lobby, court, or entrance of a theater, provided they are designed and intended to be viewed primarily from inside the premises and not from the public right-of-way.
- Signs within public parks, provided they comply with recreation and parks district regulations.
- Signs within public school property, provided they comply with applicable school district regulations.
- Unilluminated signs within community gardens displaying messages other than general advertising, outside accessible paths, not exceeding six feet in height, and not constituting a hazard; with cumulative area limits based on street frontage.
- Unilluminated signs for certified farmers' markets located on permitted property, outside accessible paths, and displayed only on market day and up to 24 hours prior.
- Sandwich board signs displaying messages other than general advertising, one per business, with two sign faces up to six square feet each, no larger than 3 feet wide or 4 feet high, constructed of durable material, not blocking accessible paths, freestanding or removed during inclement weather, removed at close of business daily, with liability to owner.
- Sponsorship signs for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) on city property, up to two per EVCS and eight square feet each, with internal illumination only, no digital display, no general advertising, and compliance with applicable agreements and not constituting a hazard.
- Temporary signs as specified for each zoning district, not illuminated except by ambient light, not exceeding six feet in height, not displayed for more than 90 days in a calendar year, may be staked/affixed/taped/painted, not located within or over the public right-of-way unless approved by the city council.
- Message substitution: Constitutionally protected noncommercial messages may be substituted for any commercial or other noncommercial message on a legal sign structure without additional approval or permitting, provided there is no increase in signage or structural alteration.
- Unused right to display area on a parcel may be used for constitutionally protected noncommercial messages on temporary signs without permits or approvals.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is generally required before erecting, altering, installing, or relocating a sign, except for signs exempted under Section 17.80.030.
- Sign permit applications must include scaled drawings, electrical info, attachment details, any other required entitlements or documentation, and any other documents the building official needs to determine compliance.
- Within the Historic Combining (H) District, sign permit applications also require review by the historic district delegate and may be referred to the planning commission.
- A conditional use permit is required for signs taller than established height limits in certain zoning districts, for roof signs (where allowed), for neighborhood/tract displays, for integrated architectural feature signs, and for shopping center signage.
- A conditional use permit (after public hearing) or variance is required for any sign proposal that seeks to deviate from or is otherwise not in conformance with the strict application of the code.
- A master sign program may be specified as part of planned development standards in PD zoning districts, which may allow signage otherwise prohibited by the chapter.
- A sign permit is specifically required for certain temporary signs on undeveloped land, as specified in Section 17.80.080.
- Relocation of existing, nonconforming off-site signs or billboards requires approval of a relocation agreement by the city council, following public notice and hearing.

## 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 7 zoning districts in Dunsmuir — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Dunsmuir+CA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-dunsmuir

---

PermitPal — AI sign code research. Full HTML page: https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/dunsmuir