Sign Regulations in Fresno, California
Fresno, California has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 15 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Awning and Canopy Sign, Projecting Sign, Wall Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Fresno, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Fresno
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Agricultural Operations) | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per sign | Minimum 5 ft from public right-of-way |
| Freestanding Sign (Public and Semi-Public Uses) | 5 ft within required front or street-side setback; 8 ft otherwise | 32 sq ft per sign | Per district setbacks; height varies based on location within the required setback area |
| Wall Sign (Public and Semi-Public Uses) | — | 10% of wall area | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for FresnoFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Awning and Canopy Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Wall Sign
- Window Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
15
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Fresno
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Fresno, monument signs are limited to 20 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 Fresno, 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 Fresno, regulated sign types include Awning and Canopy Sign, Projecting Sign, Wall Sign, Window 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 Fresno, monument signs typically require a Minimum 5 ft from public right-of-way 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 Fresno are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Fresno has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Fresno, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Fresno, California regulates 29 sign types across 15 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the Regional Mixed-Use (RMX) zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 60 sq ft per sign (RMX, CR, CG, CH, RBP districts), with a Minimum 5 ft from property line; not within 660 ft of visible freeway travel lanes (Freeway 41) setback (Sec. Table 15-2608 (RMX: Monument permitted); Sec. 15-2610(C)(1)-(6)). Most commercial signs in Fresno require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Fresno, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Fresno (15 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffer (B) | 4 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per sign | — |
| Residential Estate (RE); Residential Single-Unit, Extremely Low Density (RS-1); Residential Single-Unit, Very Low Density (RS-2); Residential Single-Unit, Low Density (RS-3); Residential Single-Unit, Medium Low Density (RS-4); Residential Single-Unit, Medium Density (RS-5) | 4 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per sign | — |
| Residential Multi-Unit, Medium High Density (RM-1); Residential Multi-Unit, Urban Neighborhood (RM-2); Residential Multi-Unit, High Density (RM-3) | 3 | 8 ft when within required front or street-side setback; 10 ft otherwise | 32 sq ft per sign (may be increased by CUP at Review Authority’s discretion) | — |
| Mobile Home Park (RM-MH) | 3 | 8 ft when within required front or street-side setback; 10 ft otherwise | 32 sq ft per sign | — |
| Open Space (OS); Parks and Recreation (PR); Public and Institutional (PI) | 2 | 5 ft within required front or street-side setback; 8 ft otherwise | 32 sq ft per sign | — |
| Neighborhood Mixed-Use (NMX) | 5 | If building includes residential uses: ≤ 20 ft or wall height, whichever is lower; otherwise: ≤ wall height | 50 sq ft (MX and CMS districts) | — |
| Corridor/Center Mixed-Use (CMX) | 6 | If building includes residential uses: ≤ 20 ft or wall height, whichever is lower; otherwise: ≤ wall height | 50 sq ft (MX and CMS districts) | — |
| Regional Mixed-Use (RMX) | 7 | If building includes residential uses: ≤ 20 ft or wall height, whichever is lower; otherwise: ≤ wall height | ≤ 80 sq ft per sign (unless >20 ft height; then area at Review Authority’s discretion) | — |
| Commercial - Main Street (CMS) | 4 | If building includes residential uses: ≤ 20 ft or wall height, whichever is lower; otherwise: ≤ wall height | 50 sq ft (MX and CMS districts) | — |
| Commercial - Community (CC); Office (O); Business Park (BP) | 5 | If building includes residential uses: ≤ 20 ft or wall height, whichever is lower; otherwise: ≤ wall height | 32 sq ft per sign (Other permitted districts) | — |
| Commercial - Regional (CR); Commercial - General (CG); Commercial - Highway and Auto (CH); Commercial - Recreation (CRC); Regional Business Park (RBP) | 6 | If building includes residential uses: ≤ 20 ft or wall height, whichever is lower; otherwise: ≤ wall height | ≤ 80 sq ft per sign (unless >20 ft height; then area at Review Authority’s discretion) | — |
| Industrial - Light (IL); Industrial - Heavy (IH) | 6 | If building includes residential uses: ≤ 20 ft or wall height, whichever is lower; otherwise: ≤ wall height | ≤ 80 sq ft per sign (unless >20 ft height; then area at Review Authority’s discretion) | — |
| Downtown - Neighborhood (DTN); Downtown - Core (DTC) | 5 | Downtown Districts: wall signs shall not be located closer than 12 inches to the eave or parapet; buildings in DT: top of wall sign per DT placement rules | 150 sq ft (DT Districts) | — |
| Downtown - General (DTG) | 6 | Downtown Districts: wall signs shall not be located closer than 12 inches to the eave or parapet | 150 sq ft (DT Districts) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 14 | Flagpole ≤ 25 ft | Total site: 320 sq ft + 20 sq ft for every 20 acres over 60 acres; Per sign: 80 sq ft (≤20 acres) or 160 sq ft (>20 acres) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Fresno(sample of 3 of 15 zones)
Regional Mixed-Use (RMX)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning and Canopy Sign | — | Up to 10 sq ft or 25% of awning area, whichever is less | — | — | — | On ground floor awnings/canopies | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (RMX: Awning permitted); Sec. 15-2610(A)(1)-(4) |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft | 60 sq ft per sign (RMX, CR, CG, CH, RBP districts) | — | Minimum 5 ft from property line; not within 660 ft of visible freeway travel lanes (Freeway 41) | 1 per 600 ft of street frontage | Freestanding monument near frontage | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (RMX: Monument permitted); Sec. 15-2610(C)(1)-(6) |
| Pole Sign (Height by GFA and Street Class) | See additional requirements matrix | ≤ 80 sq ft per sign (unless >20 ft height; then area at Review Authority’s discretion) | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line; not within 660 ft of visible freeway travel lanes (41/180/168) | 1 per 600 ft of street frontage | Freestanding pole sign on-site | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (RMX: Pole permitted); Sec. 15-2610(B)(1)-(8); height table Sec. 15-2610(B)(5) |
| Projecting Sign | Up to 10 ft above roof | 50 sq ft (MX and CMS districts) | — | — | 1 per tenant space per frontage | Under canopies/awnings or projecting from building facades | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (RMX: Projecting permitted); Sec. 15-2610(D)(1)-(6) |
| Roof Sign | Buildings <5 stories: 10 ft; ≥5 stories: 20 ft | Buildings <5 stories: 300 sq ft; ≥5 stories: 500 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | On building roofs per standards | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (RMX: Roof permitted); Sec. 15-2610(G)(1)-(6); Sec. 15-2612(A)(7) |
| Wall Sign | If building includes residential uses: ≤ 20 ft or wall height, whichever is lower; otherwise: ≤ wall height | 10% of wall area | — | — | 1 per building frontage or tenant space; +1 building ID sign per frontage for buildings with ≥4 stories | Flat against building wall | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (RMX: Wall permitted); Sec. 15-2610(E)(1)-(7) |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per window | Ground floor window area | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (RMX: Window permitted); Sec. 15-2610(F)(1)-(3); Sec. 15-2604(I) |
Commercial - Regional (CR); Commercial - General (CG); Commercial - Highway and Auto (CH); Commercial - Recreation (CRC); Regional Business Park (RBP)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning and Canopy Sign | — | Up to 10 sq ft or 25% of awning area, whichever is less | — | — | — | On ground floor awnings/canopies | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (CR/CG/CH/CRC/RBP: Awning permitted); Sec. 15-2610(A)(1)-(4) |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft | 60 sq ft per sign (RMX, CR, CG, CH, RBP districts) | — | Minimum 5 ft from property line; not within 660 ft of visible freeway travel lanes (Freeway 41) | 1 per 600 ft of street frontage | Freestanding monument near frontage | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (CR/CG/CH/CRC/RBP: Monument permitted); Sec. 15-2610(C)(1)-(6) |
| Pole Sign (Height by GFA and Street Class) | See additional requirements matrix | ≤ 80 sq ft per sign (unless >20 ft height; then area at Review Authority’s discretion) | — | Minimum 10 ft from property line; not within 660 ft of visible freeway travel lanes (41/180/168) | 1 per 600 ft of street frontage | Freestanding pole sign on-site | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (CR/CG/CH/CRC/RBP: Pole permitted); Sec. 15-2610(B)(1)-(8); height table Sec. 15-2610(B)(5) |
| Projecting Sign | Up to 12 ft above finished grade | 12 sq ft (All other districts outside DT, MX, CMS) | — | — | 1 per tenant space per frontage | Under canopies/awnings or projecting from building facades | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (CR/CG/CH/CRC/RBP: Projecting permitted); Sec. 15-2610(D)(1)-(6) |
| Wall Sign | If building includes residential uses: ≤ 20 ft or wall height, whichever is lower; otherwise: ≤ wall height | 10% of wall area | — | — | 1 per building frontage or tenant space; +1 building ID sign per frontage for buildings with ≥4 stories | Flat against building wall | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (CR/CG/CH/CRC/RBP: Wall permitted); Sec. 15-2610(E)(1)-(7) |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per window | Ground floor window area | — | Unlock | Table 15-2608 (CR/CG/CH/CRC/RBP: Window permitted); Sec. 15-2610(F)(1)-(3); Sec. 15-2604(I) |
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 | No less than 18 inches; no more than 36 inches | — | No less than 18 inches; no more than 24 inches | ≥18 inches from curb; 5 ft pedestrian travel path maintained | 1 per business | On sidewalks away from primary pedestrian paths; not less than 18 inches from curb; not in front of another commercial establishment; not more than 50 ft from the establishment advertised | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-2611(A)(1)-(3) |
| Banners, Streamers, Moving Signs, and Inflatables (Non-Residential Districts) | Banner pole height ≤ 20 ft; all other signs not above roofline; air-inflated signs ≤ 20 ft in height | Total sign area ≤ 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 type per Major Street frontage | On establishments within Non-Residential Districts, subject to Temporary Use Permit | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-2611(B)(1)-(6) |
| Temporary Subdivision Sign (On-site) | 16 ft | Total site: 320 sq ft + 20 sq ft for every 20 acres over 60 acres; Per sign: 80 sq ft (≤20 acres) or 160 sq ft (>20 acres) | — | — | 4 per site | On-site for property subdivided for sale or lease | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-2611(C)(1)(a)-(e) |
| Temporary Subdivision Sign (Off-site, Directional) | 12 ft | 32 sq ft per sign | — | Minimum 5 ft from property line | 4 per subdivision | On private property within 1 mile of subdivision boundary; with owner’s permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-2611(C)(2)(a)-(f) |
| Subdivision Flags | Flagpole ≤ 20 ft | 24 sq ft per flag; no single dimension > 8 ft | — | — | Per spacing rules | Residential subdivisions with lots for sale | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-2611(C)(3)(a)-(g) |
| Real Estate Sign (On-site, Non-Residential Districts) | Wall signs: ≤ 15 ft above grade; Freestanding signs: ≤ 8 ft | Aggregate area ≤ 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage per lot | On premises advertising sale, rental, or lease | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-2611(D)(1)(a)-(e) |
| Directional Signs for Open Houses (Off-site) | ≤ 3 ft | ≤ 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to 3 per event | On public or private land | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-2611(D)(2)(a)-(c) |
| Signs Associated with Projects Under Construction | ≤ 10 ft | ≤ 80 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per street frontage (+1 additional if >500 linear ft frontage) | On project sites under construction | — | Unlock | Sec. 15-2611(E)(1)-(3) |
PermitPal covers all 15 zoning districts in Fresno — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 15 zones for Fresno — start freeProhibited Signs in Fresno
- Animated, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or similar signs; signs with visibly moving or rotating parts; and rolling or running letters or messages are prohibited unless expressly allowed elsewhere in the article
- Billboards and other off‑premises outdoor advertising signs conveying a commercial message are prohibited, except for relocation of existing legal billboards pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 5412 (replacement billboards may be on City‑owned property at the City Manager’s discretion and must comply with applicable regulations)
- Signs shall not be located or installed on any door, window, or fire escape in a manner that prevents free ingress or egress
- No sign shall be attached to any standpipe or fire escape, except those required by other codes
- Snipe signs (off‑site signs attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, trailers, temporary construction barriers, or other supporting structures) are prohibited
- Signs are prohibited in the public right‑of‑way on median strips or islands, sidewalks, trees, retaining walls, bridges, benches, traffic signals, public fences, poles or utility equipment, street lighting, utility poles, traffic signs or posts, supporting structures, anchor wires, or guy wires, except subdivision monument signs may be permitted at the discretion of the City Engineer
- Signs that produce noise or sounds audible at the property line (excluding voice units at menu boards), or that emit visible smoke, vapor, particles, or odors, are prohibited
- Signs may not be placed or located so as to constitute a safety hazard or impede the public use of the public right‑of‑way, including blocking or impeding normal pedestrian use of sidewalks
- No sign may be erected or maintained at or near any street intersection that obstructs the free and clear vision of drivers and pedestrians; no sign may be installed within the visibility triangle per Section 15-2018
- No sign, permanent or temporary (including flags and flagpoles), may be erected within the visibility triangle per Section 15-2018
- Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices
- External conduits, boxes, and other connections related to the function of a sign and associated lighting shall not be exposed
- Non‑electronic changeable copy shall not be changed more than once every 24 hours
Exempt Signs in Fresno
- Address signs and name plates: one address sign and one name plate per residence or establishment (per Article 62 standards); exempt from permit and do not count toward total sign area
- Barber poles less than 18 inches in height; exempt from permit and do not count toward total sign area
- Signs placed by the City on City property or public right‑of‑way (subject to CEQA, if applicable); exempt from permit and do not count toward total sign area
- Equipment signs incorporated into permitted displays, machinery, or equipment identifying or advertising only the product or service dispensed (e.g., ATMs, gasoline pumps); exempt from permit and do not count toward total sign area
- Holiday decorations; exempt from permit and do not count toward total sign area
- Interior graphics or signage entirely within a building and not visible from the exterior, or located inside and at least three feet from the window; exempt from permit and do not count toward total sign area
- Official and legal notices by courts, public bodies, officers, utilities, or other government/transportation agencies, including traffic direction, city entrance, directional signs to schools/hospitals/historic sites/public services, public hearing/meeting notices, seismic warning signs, or other signs required or authorized by law; exempt from permit and do not count toward total sign area
- Public carrier graphics mounted on carrier vehicles (e.g., buses, taxicabs, limousines) that legally pass through the city; exempt from permit and do not count toward total sign area
- Operational window signs limited to hours of operation, address, occupancy, and emergency information (not above the second story; maximum 3 square feet); exempt from permit and do not count toward total sign area
- Sidewalk signs meeting Section 15-2611(A) standards (one per business; size, location, and design limits): permit is not required
- On‑site real estate signs meeting Section 15-2611(D)(1) standards (quantity, size, height, non‑illumination, and removal timing): permit is not required
- Directional signs for open houses meeting Section 15-2611(D)(2) standards (quantity, size, timing, and visibility triangle): permit is not required
- Signs associated with projects under construction meeting Section 15-2611(E) standards (quantity, size, height, and removal before occupancy): permit is not required
- Yard signs meeting Section 15-2611(G) standards (size, height/width, timing, location, traffic safety, and maintenance): permit is not required
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Fresno
- A Master Sign Program (MSP) is required per Section 15-2603(D) and Section 15-2612
- MSP required for Multi‑Unit Residential developments of 50 or more units (Section 15-2612(A)(1))
- MSP required for all new non‑residential or mixed‑use projects with five or more separate non‑residential tenants (Section 15-2612(A)(2))
- MSP required for proposals with 10 or more signs on the same building or site with two or more separate tenants (Section 15-2612(A)(3))
- MSP required for any project using the Planned Development provisions of the Code (Section 15-2612(A)(4))
- MSP required for proposals to erect a pole sign (Section 15-2612(A)(5))
- MSP required for signs with electronic copy (electronic signs) (Sections 15-2612(A)(6) and 15-2614)
- MSP required for proposals to erect a roof sign (Section 15-2612(A)(7))
- MSP required for projects seeking flexibility for high‑quality alternative sign designs that do not meet otherwise applicable standards (Section 15-2612(A)(8))
- Exceptions: Projects within Downtown Districts for the sign types in items 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 above do not require an MSP (Section 15-2612(A)(9))
- Electronic copy requires MSP approval; however, one electronic fuel price sign on a site does not require an MSP (Sections 15-2609(E)(5) and 15-2614(C))
- Approval of an MSP does not waive permit requirements for individual signs (Section 15-2612(F)(2))
Source: municode municipal code