Sign Regulations in Kerman, California
Kerman, California has specific sign regulations covering 57 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include General Permit Requirement, Exempt Signs, Prohibited Signs. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 18, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Kerman, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Kerman
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Signs | — | Varies by exempt category (e.g., construction signs ≤32 sq ft; temporary window signs limited by percentage and aggregate permanent on-building sign area; nameplate/address signs ≤2 sq ft, etc.) | — |
| Prohibited Signs | — | — | Projecting signs must maintain ≥2 feet from curb line (where permitted elsewhere). |
| Temporary Signs (Holiday, Promotions, Grand Opening, Going Out of Business) | — | Not to exceed total allowable on-building sign area for the business/use (holiday and additional promotion periods); A-frame/I-frame/portable changeable copy signs allowed only for grand opening (display limit 30 days); Going out of business: per permit (≤90 days). | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for KermanFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
57
- General Permit Requirement
- Exempt Signs
- Prohibited Signs
- Temporary Signs (Holiday, Promotions, Grand Opening, Going Out of Business)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Kerman
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Kerman 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 Kerman, 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 Kerman, regulated sign types include General Permit Requirement, Exempt Signs, Prohibited Signs, Temporary Signs (Holiday, Promotions, Grand Opening, Going Out of Business), 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 Kerman 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 Kerman are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Kerman has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Kerman Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Kerman, California sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Kerman, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Kerman, California regulates 57 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Office Center) - 0–50 ft Street Frontages in the Professional and Administrative Office (PA) zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 12 sq ft (face area), with a ≥3 ft inside property line setback (Sec. KMC 17.30.070(C)(2); Table 17.30-1). Most commercial signs in Kerman require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Kerman, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Kerman (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | — | Varies by exempt category (e.g., construction signs ≤32 sq ft; temporary window signs limited by percentage and aggregate permanent on-building sign area; nameplate/address signs ≤2 sq ft, etc.) | — |
| Urban Reserve (UR), Open Space, Recreation and Public Facilities (O), Rural Residential (RR) | 3 | — | 32 sq ft (total surface area) | — |
| Single-Unit Residential (R-1-7, R-1-12, PD-R-1, PD-R-1-7, PD-R-1-12, SD-R-4.5, SD-R-5.0); Multi-Unit Residential (R-2, R-3, SD-R-2.5, SD-R-3.5) | 2 | 5 ft (top of sign if ground-mounted) | 32 sq ft | — |
| Professional and Administrative Office (PA) | 9 | 12 ft* | 50 sq ft per frontage with a public entrance | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial (CN) | 3 | 6 ft (if ground-mounted) | 50 sq ft | — |
| General Commercial (CG); Service Commercial (CS) | 24 | 25 ft | 250 sq ft | — |
| Light Manufacturing (M-1); Heavy Manufacturing (M-2) | 10 | 20 ft (and not exceeding structure height) | 300 sq ft per business frontage | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Kerman(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Professional and Administrative Office (PA)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Building Identification Sign (Setback < 150 ft) | — | 30 sq ft per frontage with a public entrance | — | — | Total computed area may be used in one or more signs per frontage | On building wall of frontage with a public entrance | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(C)(1)(a)-(c) |
| Freestanding Sign (Office Center) - 0–50 ft Street Frontage | 4 ft | 12 sq ft (face area) | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage (see number rules below) | ≥3 ft inside property line; must not interfere with vehicular/pedestrian safety | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(C)(2); Table 17.30-1 |
| Freestanding Sign (Office Center) - 51–100 ft Street Frontage | 6 ft | 18 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | See number rules | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(C)(2); Table 17.30-1 |
| Freestanding Sign (Office Center) - 101–200 ft Street Frontage | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | See number rules | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(C)(2); Table 17.30-1 |
| Freestanding Sign (Office Center) - 201–400 ft Street Frontage | 10 ft* | 32 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | See number rules | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(C)(2); Table 17.30-1 |
| Freestanding Sign (Office Center) - 401+ ft Street Frontage | 12 ft* | 48 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | See number rules | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(C)(2); Table 17.30-1 |
| Freestanding Sign - Number/Spacing Rules (PA) | 8 ft (for divided per-frontage signs under this option) | Total computed face area may be used in one sign or divided to one sign per street frontage (each ≤8 ft height) | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One total or one per street frontage as approved | Per street frontage; maintain spacing | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(C)(4)(a) |
| Low-Profile Tenant Freestanding Sign (In Lieu of Single Site Sign) | 4 ft | — | 8 ft length; 2 ft width | — | Per tenant (individual signs), in lieu of site’s single freestanding sign | Parallel to street frontage | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(C)(4)(b) |
General Commercial (CG); Service Commercial (CS)
| 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 (Single Tenant) - 0–50 ft Building Street Frontage | 6 ft | 20 sq ft (face area) | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage (see Director combination option for corners) | ≥3 ft inside property line; centered on street frontage generally | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(E)(1); Table 17.30-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Tenant) - 51–100 ft | 8 ft | 30 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(E)(1); Table 17.30-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Tenant) - 101–150 ft | 10 ft | 40 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(E)(1); Table 17.30-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Tenant) - 151–200 ft | 12 ft | 50 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(E)(1); Table 17.30-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Tenant) - 201–400 ft | 14 ft | 60 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(E)(1); Table 17.30-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Tenant) - 401+ ft | 20 ft | 100 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(E)(1); Table 17.30-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-Tenant) - 0–50 ft Development Frontage | 6 ft | 40 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line; centered on frontage generally; avoid corner placement visible from other street. | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(E)(1), (3); Table 17.30-3 |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-Tenant) - 51–100 ft | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(E)(1); Table 17.30-3 |
Light Manufacturing (M-1); Heavy Manufacturing (M-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Site Directional Signage | — | — | — | — | — | On-site as needed to facilitate circulation | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(F)(1)-(2) |
| Freestanding Sign (Industrial) - 0–75 ft Total Frontage | 10 ft (and not exceeding height of structures on the parcel) | 25 sq ft (face area) | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(F)(4)-(5)(a)-(b); Table 17.30-5 |
| Freestanding Sign (Industrial) - 76–100 ft | 14 ft (and not exceeding structure height) | 50 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(F)(5)(a); Table 17.30-5 |
| Freestanding Sign (Industrial) - 101–150 ft | 16 ft (and not exceeding structure height) | 60 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(F)(5)(a); Table 17.30-5 |
| Freestanding Sign (Industrial) - 151–200 ft | 18 ft (and not exceeding structure height) | 75 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(F)(5)(a); Table 17.30-5 |
| Freestanding Sign (Industrial) - 201+ ft | 20 ft (and not exceeding structure height) | 100 sq ft | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One per street frontage | ≥3 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(F)(5)(a); Table 17.30-5 |
| Freestanding Sign - Number/Distribution Option (Industrial) | 8 ft (for divided per-frontage signs when approved) | Total face area may be utilized in one sign or divided among one sign per street frontage (each ≤8 ft height under this option) | — | ≥3 ft inside property line | One total or one per street frontage (if approved) | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(F)(5)(c) |
| On-Building Identification Sign (Industrial) | — | 300 sq ft per business frontage | — | — | One or more per frontage within allowed area | On building facade | — | Unlock | KMC 17.30.070(F)(6)(a)-(c) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Kerman — 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 Kerman — start freeProhibited Signs in Kerman
- Signs that imitate an official traffic sign or signal
- Signs that hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal
- Portable signs (including A-frame, I-frame, feather, stabber, and waver signs) on the public right-of-way, and on private property except where specifically allowed for seasonal or temporary use under this chapter
- Off-premises signs (advertising structures/billboards) except where specifically permitted under this chapter
- Signs projecting over a sidewalk with less than 8 feet of clearance
- Signs projecting over an alley with less than 15 feet of clearance
- Flashing or rotating signs
- Roof-mounted signs
- Signs attached to telephone poles, utility poles, trees within the public right-of-way, street lights, or street signs
- Billboards
- Signs with obscene, indecent, or immoral content lacking serious value
- Signs imitating official public notices (e.g., stop, go, caution, danger) or that may be construed as permits, licenses, or other public notices
- Permanent signs containing fluorescent colors as all or part of their copy
- Signs cut, burned, limed, painted, or otherwise marked on fields, trees, rocks, or other natural items
- Moving or animated sign characteristics including: flashing, blinking, or changing light intensity (except seasonal decorations); mechanical animation or changing sign face/content (except time and temperature devices and seasonal decorations); windblown or inflatable devices (pennants, flags, balloons, reflective attachments) except as specifically permitted as temporary signs or seasonal decorations or exempt flags; banners except where exempted; production of smoke, fog, sound, light, or other substances to attract attention
- Signs that create hazardous conditions by obstructing exits or circulation, creating visual distraction, glare, or resembling traffic control devices
- Permanent coverings that block more than 33% of any window or door unless specifically permitted; any applied film must allow at least 40% visible light transmission
- Signs in public places (streets, sidewalks, publicly accessible parking lots, rights-of-way, or other public facilities) unless maintaining a minimum 15-foot clearance and with a city encroachment permit, except marquee signs where otherwise provided
- Vehicle or trailer signs used primarily as billboards or freestanding/off-premises signs, whether on public or private property or in the public right-of-way (does not apply to incidental advertising on vehicles used primarily for other purposes)
- Tacking, posting, or affixing miscellaneous temporary signs/posters visible from a public way on walls, barns, sheds, trees, poles, posts, fences, or other structures unless specifically permitted
- Distribution or circulation of commercial advertising samples, handbills, circulars, booklets, or other notices on vehicles or public facilities
Exempt Signs in Kerman
- Temporary construction site and subdivision signs identifying project participants; maximum two signs per site, each not exceeding 32 sq ft; remove upon completion of construction
- Temporary signs on property offered for sale, rental, or lease on private property in any zone; maximum 8 sq ft; not erected for more than 4 days in any one-month period; remain only while some portion of the property remains unsold/leased/rented or for up to 2 years, whichever is shorter
- Temporary off-site subdivision/directional signs for sale/lease/rent of another property; not erected for more than 4 days in any one-month period; maximum 8 sq ft
- Temporary, non-internally illuminated window signs (e.g., sales, change in management, prices) for up to 30 days; may cover no more than 60% of any single window/series and no more than 30% of total window area; must not block exits/entrances or create safety hazards; total window sign area not greater than permanent on-building sign area; permanent window signs require a permit
- Small credit/debit/ATM/association membership signs: up to 0.5 sq ft per window sign and 1.5 sq ft per hanging sign; total of 4 signs
- On-site directional signs with no advertising message or logo to facilitate circulation; not counted against allowed sign area; size/number/placement may be limited by the director
- Informational signs for safety and convenience (e.g., open/closed, rest rooms, telephone, danger, impaired clearance, no smoking, parking in rear, drive-in window, parking facility signs) up to 4 sq ft
- Official governmental signs posted in performance of duties (including traffic and street name signs) and signs required by law
- Signs required by law displayed by private individuals or businesses
- Political/campaign signs up to 32 sq ft or as governed by state or federal law; remove within two weeks after the election
- Vehicle fueling station signs required by California Business and Professions Code Sections 13530 et seq.
- Residential nameplate/address signs up to 2 sq ft per dwelling unit
- Nonresidential nameplate/address/emergency information signs up to 2 sq ft (copy limited to business identification, hours, address, emergency info)
- Internal signs within structures not visible from any boundary of the premises
- Public and institutional signs erected/maintained by or required of governmental agencies or public utilities
- Flags, plaques, and banners
- Integral signs built into a structure (e.g., carved into stone or fixed metal plaque)
- Garage sale signs on private property; remove within 24 hours after the sale
- Seasonal/holiday decorations and displays (e.g., Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4th) removed within 14 days after the holiday; excludes advertising disguised as seasonal decorations
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Kerman
- General permit requirement: It is unlawful to erect, construct, or relocate any sign without prior approval from both the planning and building divisions; a building permit is required except where not required by the California Building Code (Title 24)
- Sign application submittals must include completed forms, fees, scaled plot plans and elevations showing all existing and proposed signs, legends, colors, illumination, attachment methods, materials, disconnect switches, and full copy/graphics
- Approval criteria include consistency with chapter standards and prohibitions, no visual or safety nuisance, and compliance with any applicable approved master sign program
- Shopping center sign program: The sign program for shopping centers is subject to the director’s approval, and design criteria for all center signs must be approved before any individual sign permit is processed to ensure harmonious and compatible design
- Master sign program: Upon the director’s determination, an approved master sign program may be required with a development entitlement to ensure cohesive, complementary, and proportionate signage; submittals follow sign permit requirements; on-building signs within a master sign program still require separate planning and building permits; the program must be at least as restrictive as chapter provisions
- Temporary signs (additional promotion periods): Require an approved temporary sign permit from the planning division; application must be submitted at least 5 business days prior and include a site plan and scaled drawings
- Grand opening signage: Requires a temporary sign permit; A-frame, I-frame, and portable changeable copy signs are limited to one grand opening per business and a maximum 30-day display with written approval by the director
- Going out of business signage: Requires a temporary sign permit; permitted once per business for up to 90 days with written approval by the director
- Conditional use permits are required for murals on private property, electronic reader boards, and specific use signs when so indicated in Section 17.30.080
- Administrative use permit is required for changeable copy signs (one per business or business center; spacing and total signage limits apply)
- Major shopping center signage must be approved through an administrative use permit
- Drive-in/drive-up/drive-through uses require a formal sign review application approved prior to installing any menu/preview boards and related signage
- Marketing window signage requires a formal sign review application and must meet specific dimensional and design criteria
- Service stations: Portable outside merchandise display stands are allowed only with an approved conditional use permit
- Private schools: Signage determinations occur under the applicable planning permit; public uses signage is approved by city council
- Minor deviations: The director may grant adjustments up to 20% of allowed sign area to address practical difficulties (e.g., setbacks, architecture, alternative locations/types); may not be used to obtain relief from prohibited signs
- Variance required for any relief from the prohibited signs section; variance requests are processed under the city’s variance permit procedures
- Appeals: Director decisions on sign permits or minor deviations may be appealed to the planning commission under the city’s appeals chapter
- Compliance with other codes: All signs must comply with the California Building Code, Public Utilities Commission requirements, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws
Source: other municipal code