Sign Regulations in Highland, California
Highland, California has specific sign regulations covering 38 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directory Sign - Freestanding (On Premises), Directory Sign - Building-Mounted (On Premises), Directional Sign (On-Site). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 15, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Highland, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Highland
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - Monument/Pedestal (<100 ft frontage) | Overall height: 5.5 ft; 4 ft from finished grade under sign to top of sign face | Sign face copy area: 24 sq ft | Within front setback; may not extend into public right-of-way unless Planning Commission approves via CSP and easements obtained |
| Freestanding Sign - Monument/Pedestal (100–299 ft frontage) | Overall height: 8 ft; 7 ft from finished grade under sign to top of sign face | Sign face copy area: 54 sq ft | Within front setback; no encroachment into public ROW unless approved via CSP and easements |
| Freestanding Sign - Monument/Pedestal (≥300 ft frontage) | Overall height: 11 ft; 10 ft from finished grade under sign to top of sign face | Sign face copy area: 66 sq ft | Within front setback; may not encroach into public ROW unless Planning Commission approves via CSP and easements |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for HighlandFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
38
- Directory Sign - Freestanding (On Premises)
- Directory Sign - Building-Mounted (On Premises)
- Directional Sign (On-Site)
- Flag - On Permanent Flagpole (≤15 sq ft)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Highland
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Highland, monument signs are limited to Overall height: 5.5 ft; 4 ft from finished grade under sign to top of sign face. 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 Highland, 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 Highland, regulated sign types include Directory Sign - Freestanding (On Premises), Directory Sign - Building-Mounted (On Premises), Directional Sign (On-Site), Flag - On Permanent Flagpole (≤15 sq ft), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Highland, monument signs typically require a Within front setback; may not extend into public right-of-way unless Planning Commission approves via CSP and easements obtained 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 Highland are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Highland has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Highland, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Highland (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Commercial (CG) District, Neighborhood Commercial (NC) District, Planned Commercial (PC) District, Village Commercial (VC) District, Business Park (BP) District, Industrial (I) District, Office Professional (OP) District | 17 | Freestanding flagpoles: ≤district height or 25 ft, whichever is less; building-mounted poles shall not extend above roof | Max 100 sq ft total surface area; no cutouts or extensions | — |
| Mixed Use (MU) District | 9 | Max 25 ft (may exceed via CSP after flag test) | Max 200 sq ft per side (may exceed via CSP after flag test) | — |
| Planned Development (PD) | 9 | Max 25 ft (may exceed via CSP after flag test) | Max 200 sq ft per side (may exceed via CSP after flag test) | — |
| Public/Quasi-Public (P/Q) District | 7 | ≤district height or 25 ft; building-mounted poles not above roof | 32 sq ft | — |
| Agricultural Equestrian Residential (A/EQ) District, Single-Family (R-1) District, Two-Family (R-2) District, Corridor Residential (R-2C) District, Multiple-Family (R-3) District, Multiple-Family (R-4) District, Residential High Density Special Overlay (HDS), Village Residential (VR) District | 14 | ≤district height or 25 ft; building-mounted poles not above roof | 32 sq ft | — |
| Open Space (OS) | 7 | ≤district height or 25 ft; building-mounted poles not above roof | 32 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 15 ft | 32 sq ft (larger than 6 sq ft not permitted in residential districts) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Highland(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
General Commercial (CG) District, Neighborhood Commercial (NC) District, Planned Commercial (PC) District, Village Commercial (VC) District, Business Park (BP) District, Industrial (I) District, Office Professional (OP) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - Monument/Pedestal (<100 ft frontage) | Overall height: 5.5 ft; 4 ft from finished grade under sign to top of sign face | Sign face copy area: 24 sq ft | — | Within front setback; may not extend into public right-of-way unless Planning Commission approves via CSP and easements obtained | 1 per street frontage | Within site's front setback; not into public right-of-way unless approved via Comprehensive Sign Program (CSP) | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.060(A) Notes 1–6; HMC 16.56.140(C) |
| Freestanding Sign - Monument/Pedestal (100–299 ft frontage) | Overall height: 8 ft; 7 ft from finished grade under sign to top of sign face | Sign face copy area: 54 sq ft | — | Within front setback; no encroachment into public ROW unless approved via CSP and easements | 1 per street frontage | Within site's front setback; not into public right-of-way unless approved via CSP | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.060(A) Table; Notes; HMC 16.56.140 |
| Freestanding Sign - Monument/Pedestal (≥300 ft frontage) | Overall height: 11 ft; 10 ft from finished grade under sign to top of sign face | Sign face copy area: 66 sq ft | — | Within front setback; may not encroach into public ROW unless Planning Commission approves via CSP and easements | 1 per street frontage | Within site's front setback; not into public right-of-way unless approved via CSP | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.060(A) Table; Notes; HMC 16.56.140 |
| Wall Sign - Major Identification | Not above roof line | Aggregate area of wall/awning signs on that frontage ≤10% of storefront area, or 100 sq ft, whichever is less | Sign length ≤75% of business frontage | — | 1 per business per street frontage (up to 3) | Building-mounted; not above roof/eave/parapet | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.070(A) Table; Notes; HMC 16.56.140 |
| Wall Sign - Secondary Identification (Parking Lot Frontage) | Not above roof line | Aggregate area ≤2.5% of the face of the building to which attached, or 25 sq ft, whichever is less | — | — | 1 per parking lot frontage | Building-mounted on parking lot frontage | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.070(A) (Secondary Identification); HMC 16.56.140 |
| Flag - On Permanent Flagpole (≤15 sq ft) | Freestanding flagpoles: ≤district height or 25 ft, whichever is less; building-mounted poles shall not extend above roof | Max 15 sq ft per flag | — | Freestanding poles must be ≥10 ft from any property line | Max 2 flags; 1 flagpole per premises | Attached to freestanding or building-mounted flagpoles/supports | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.090(A) |
| Flag - On Permanent Flagpole (>15 sq ft) | Freestanding flagpoles: ≤district height or 25 ft, whichever is less; building-mounted poles shall not extend above roof | Max 32 sq ft per flag (unless Planning Commission approves alternative) | — | Freestanding poles must be ≥10 ft from any property line | Max 2 flags; 1 flagpole per premises | Attached to freestanding or building-mounted flagpoles/supports | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.090(B) |
| Off-Site Advertising Display (Industrial Only) | Max 20 ft from roadbed of adjacent freeway/highway or from grade, whichever is less | Max 100 sq ft total surface area; no cutouts or extensions | — | Min 1 ft from property line; not within established building lines or ROW lines; state permit required within 660 ft of primary highway | No more than one proposed off-site display per application | Only in Industrial (I) Zone; not within setbacks or road ROW/future ROW; spacing: ≥2,500 ft from any other off-site display on same street; ≥150 ft from property where zoning does not allow advertising displays (with limited exception) | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.190(B)(1)–(16) |
Agricultural Equestrian Residential (A/EQ) District, Single-Family (R-1) District, Two-Family (R-2) District, Corridor Residential (R-2C) District, Multiple-Family (R-3) District, Multiple-Family (R-4) District, Residential High Density Special Overlay (HDS), Village Residential (VR) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood Identification Sign - Monument | Sign copy area not more than 4 ft in height; overall monument height ≤5.5 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per primary street frontage | Each primary street frontage of residential development/neighborhood/subdivision (4+ dwelling units) | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.100 (Neighborhood Identification Signs – Monument) |
| Neighborhood Identification Sign - Building-Mounted | Not above first floor or roof line (whichever is less) | 1 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage, up to 30 sq ft max | Not to exceed 75% of building’s frontage | — | 1 per on-site office/clubhouse facility | On-site office or clubhouse facility in residential project (4+ dwelling units) | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.100 (Neighborhood Identification Signs – Building-Mounted) |
| Temporary Garage/Yard Sale – Directional Signs | 5 ft (or 4 ft if placed in front yard or side street setback area) | 6 sq ft per sign (double-faced) | — | — | 3 per parcel | On the parcel where the garage/yard sale is being held; not on public property or within public right-of-way | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.050(E) Table 16.56.050.E (Temporary Signs in Residential Districts) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential) | 5 ft | 6 sq ft per sign (double-faced) | — | — | 1 double-faced sign per street frontage of a lot | On premises while property is for sale or in escrow | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.050(E) Table 16.56.050.E (Temporary Signs in Residential Districts), Notes |
| Temporary Model Home Signs | As approved by Community Development Director | 20 sq ft per sign | — | — | As approved by Director | On-premises (may be building-mounted or freestanding) at model home complex | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.050(E) Table 16.56.050.E (Temporary Model Home Signs) |
| Temporary Model Home Flags | As approved by Community Development Director | As approved by Community Development Director | — | — | 5 flags per model home complex | On-premises adjacent to the model home complex | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.050(E) Table 16.56.050.E (Temporary Model Home Flags) |
| Flag - On Permanent Flagpole (≤15 sq ft) | ≤district height or 25 ft; building-mounted poles not above roof | 15 sq ft | — | Freestanding poles ≥10 ft from any property line | Max 2 flags; 1 pole | Freestanding or building-mounted flagpoles | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.090(A) |
| Flag - On Permanent Flagpole (>15 sq ft) | ≤district height or 25 ft; building-mounted poles not above roof | 32 sq ft | — | Freestanding poles ≥10 ft from any property line | Max 2 flags; 1 pole | Freestanding or building-mounted flagpoles | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.090(B) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign or Banner (with TSP) | — | ≤10% of storefront area or ≤100 sq ft (whichever is less) | — | — | 1 per suite/space per street frontage | Attached to exterior wall of building; not on awnings or structures | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.050(A), Table 16.56.050.A; 16.56.050(B) |
| Temporary Posters (Event ≤30 Days Away) | — | 12 sq ft; or if mounted in a window, ≤25% aggregate of window area | — | — | 1 per business suite/space per street frontage | Exterior wall of first floor of building or first floor window; not hung from awnings/structures extending from building | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.050(C) Table 16.56.050.B |
| Temporary Political Signs | Per height/location requirements of zone where located | 32 sq ft (larger than 6 sq ft not permitted in residential districts) | — | — | 1 per candidate per parcel | On private property per zone rules | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.050(D) Table 16.56.050.C |
| Temporary On-Site Construction Announcement Signs | 6 ft | 16 sq ft per sign | — | — | 3 per parcel | On-site (per parcel) | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.050(E) Table 16.56.050.D |
| On-Site Commercial Real Estate Signs | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | ≤1 per street frontage; ≤3 per site | On site for sale/lease of property/building | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.170(B) Table 16.56.170.B |
| Off-Site Business/Subdivision Kiosks | 15 ft | 32 sq ft per sign face | — | ≥50 ft from intersections unless authorized; >600 ft spacing between kiosks of same type | Per city agreement; per kiosk face ≤8 panels | May be located in or out of public right-of-way; placement subject to approval of owner of underlying land (e.g., City Engineer for ROW) and owner of record | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.170(C) Table 16.56.170.C Notes |
| Under-Canopy Pedestrian-Oriented Signs | Minimum 8 ft above walkway | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 or 2 depending on frontage/awning ends | Under canopy or pedestrian-oriented location; may be over public ROW with encroachment permit | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.070(B) |
| Directional Signs (All Districts) | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | NA | On-site to direct traffic | — | Unlock | HMC 16.56.130 |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Highland — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Highland — start freeProhibited Signs in Highland
- Unsafe signs or sign structures are prohibited (any sign deemed a danger to public health, safety, or welfare).
- Abandoned signs are prohibited (signs remaining or not maintained for 180 days that no longer advertise an ongoing business, product, or service).
- Illegally erected signs are prohibited (signs without required permits or erected without complying with applicable ordinances/regulations at the time of construction).
- Animated, moving, or rotating signs are prohibited, including signs with alternating messages that change more than once an hour (time and temperature displays may be permitted in nonresidential districts).
- Flashing or light-animated signs are prohibited (lights intermittently on/off, changing intensity, or creating the illusion of flashing).
- Signs that make audible recorded or programmed sounds are prohibited.
- Signs that resemble, obscure, imitate, or limit the effectiveness of traffic control signs/devices are prohibited.
- Signs that obscure clear views of pedestrian or vehicular traffic or block/impede traffic in the public right-of-way are prohibited.
- Balloons or other inflatable devices used to draw attention to a use or event are prohibited.
- Flags, pennants, streamers, spinners, festoons, windsocks, valances, or similar displays are prohibited unless expressly permitted by the chapter.
- Moveable or portable signs are prohibited, including signs attached to or painted on trailers or semi-truck trailers parked to gain unauthorized sign area.
- Signs placed within, on, or over public right-of-way, on public land, or on utility poles or fences are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
- Signs drawn, painted, or affixed to trees, rocks, or fences are prohibited.
- Building-mounted signs placed on or above the eave line of a pitched/mansard roof or above the top of wall of a flat/parapet roof are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
- Luminous tube (neon or similar) lighting outlining a building or structure is prohibited.
- Translucent, backlit plastic awnings are prohibited.
- Pole-mounted signs are prohibited (new pole signs).
- Off-site advertising signs and displays are prohibited except as provided for freeway-oriented community business signs and kiosks, and billboards only in the Industrial zone under strict standards.
- Cabinet (canned) signs are prohibited unless the planning commission grants an exception as part of an approved comprehensive sign program when integral to the design character.
- Any sign not specifically permitted in the chapter is prohibited unless determined by the community development director to be permitted.
- No off-site signs are allowed unless expressly permitted in the chapter.
- No sign may be located closer to overhead utility lines than allowed by state law/utility rules.
- No sign may be located so as to obstruct free and clear vision for pedestrian/vehicular traffic.
- No sign may be located within, over, or across a public right-of-way unless expressly permitted.
- Electronic changeable-copy signs are prohibited on individual on-premises advertising displays unless incorporated into a freeway-oriented community business sign.
Exempt Signs in Highland
- Temporary signs or banners under 6 square feet displayed for 7 days or less do not require a permit (subject to location/attachment restrictions).
- Temporary posters for limited-term events occurring within 30 days of placement may be permitted without a temporary sign permit (one per business suite per street frontage; size limits and placement standards apply).
- Flags mounted on permanent flagpoles up to 15 square feet do not require a permit (subject to pole height, placement, and building permit requirements for poles over 20 feet).
- Public safety signs required by law (e.g., Exit, Fire Escape) up to 2 square feet do not require a sign permit; hazard warning signs (e.g., High Voltage) up to 4 square feet do not require a sign permit.
- Directional signs (all districts) up to 4 square feet and 4 feet tall may be approved without a sign permit.
- Under-canopy or pedestrian-oriented signs up to 3 square feet may be approved without a sign permit (minimum 8 feet above walkway; may encroach with an encroachment permit).
- Accessory window signs may be approved without a sign permit (aggregate window sign area capped at 25% of the window; maximum of 3 neon signs per business totaling no more than 6 square feet; typical content includes address, hours).
- Temporary real estate signs in residential districts do not require a permit (one double-faced sign per street frontage, up to 6 square feet and 5 feet tall; open house sign allowances apply).
- Noncommercial signs may be displayed in lieu of any permitted sign, provided they match the same physical dimensions and character and meet the same conditions.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Highland
- A comprehensive sign program is required for all new nonresidential multi-tenant developments, planned developments, and specific plans.
- A comprehensive sign program is required for existing nonresidential multi-tenant uses when there is an intensification of use (text indicates 25 [value truncated in provided text]) or when exterior structural remodeling of the building facade affecting signage is proposed.
- A comprehensive sign program may be voluntarily submitted by any new or existing nonresidential use seeking adjustments to existing city sign standards.
- The planning commission is the reviewing authority for all initial comprehensive sign programs and for modifications; signs consistent with an approved program are reviewed/approved by the community development director.
- Freestanding sign height may be modified through a comprehensive sign program approved by the planning commission.
- For monument/pedestal signs: combining frontages on corner lots may be permitted only through planning commission review of a comprehensive sign program.
- Monument/pedestal signs may extend into the public right-of-way only if approved by the planning commission through a comprehensive sign program and with appropriate city easements.
- Subject to submittal of a comprehensive sign program, the planning commission may approve alternative sign areas and heights for monument/pedestal signs depending on project architecture, size, and aesthetics.
- Freeway-oriented community business signs must be incorporated into a comprehensive sign program or approved via a conditional use permit; the planning commission reviews these and may allow increased height/area based on a flag test.
- Electronic changeable-copy signs are allowed only when incorporated into a freeway-oriented community business sign and must be included in a comprehensive sign program or conditional use permit; planning commission review is required.
- Combining separate, contiguous properties to create a single monument/pedestal sign with greater effective frontage requires a recorded agreement approved by the city through a comprehensive sign program; incentives apply when removing nonconforming pole signs.
- For multi-story buildings, tenant identification must be incorporated into a directory or monument sign as approved through a comprehensive sign program.
- Illumination levels must be indicated on the sign plan and may be required to be adjusted if found excessive.
Source: other municipal code