# Sign Regulations in Mammoth Lakes, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Mammoth Lakes, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/mammoth-lakes
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-19
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/ca/mammoth_lakes_/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT17ZO_ARTIIISIPLGEDEST_CH17.48SI)

## At a glance

Mammoth Lakes, California regulates 65 sign types across 11 zoning districts. All Sign Types - General Standards in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at No sign above second story; no sign above top of wall to which attached; individual type-specific limits elsewhere tall and Aggregate sign area per business: 2 sq ft per 3 linear ft of business frontage; minimum 12 sq ft per business (may be increased 20% for signs ≥140 ft from street centerline), with a no obstruction of pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle safety; no interference with doors, exits, windows, or fire escapes. Specific setbacks per sign type (e.g., monument). setback (Sec. 17.48.020; 17.48.030; 17.48.070; 17.48.080; 17.48.100 (intro)). Most commercial signs in Mammoth Lakes require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (11 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 40 | By flagpole height; clearances: 8 ft over pedestrian, 15 ft over vehicular areas | Not to exceed 50% of linear awning frontage or 30 sq ft, whichever is less; copy under 6 inches in height not counted toward aggregate area | — |
| Residential zones (RSF, RR, RR-E, RMF-1, RMF-2, MHP, PRD, SDD overlays where residential uses) | 3 | Monument: 8 ft (additional height possible per 17.48.090(8)c); Wall: not above second story of building | 30 sq ft | — |
| Nonresidential zones (D, MLR, OMR, CSP, NVSP, OS, OSSC, P-QP, R, I, Airport where nonresidential, and other nonresidential districts) | 10 | Ground-level only (effectively below second story); must maintain 8 ft clearance from grade | Not to exceed 50% of linear awning frontage or 30 sq ft, whichever is less; awning copy ≤6 in height not counted toward aggregate area | — |
| Clearwater Specific Plan (CSP), North Village Specific Plan (NVSP), Resort (R) | 1 | As per sign type (e.g., monument 8–12 ft, wall below second story, etc.), subject to any specific plan height limits | As per nonresidential sign standards (Table 17.48.100(B)), subject to any additional or more restrictive specific plan/master plan standards or master sign program exceptions | — |
| Mobile Home Park (MHP) | 2 | Monument: 8 ft (with possible height increases under 17.48.090(8)c); Wall: below second story | 30 sq ft | — |
| Mixed Lodging/Residential (MLR) | 1 | Per applicable sign type by use | Commercial frontages: as per nonresidential; residential components: residential standards (nameplates, limited monument/wall) | — |
| Old Mammoth Road (OMR) - Additional Portable Sign Restriction Clarified | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Residential Development (PRD) | 2 | Monument: 8 ft (with possible height increase per 17.48.090(8)c); Wall: not above second story | 30 sq ft | — |
| Public and Quasi Public (P-QP) | 2 | Per sign type | ≤30 sq ft and limited by underlying sign type | — |
| North Village Specific Plan (NVSP) - Additional Across-the-Street Banner Provision | 1 | Limited by supporting structure and clearance requirements of encroachment permits | May exceed 30 sq ft if approved by Director; otherwise minimum size necessary to accomplish intended use | — |
| Snow Deposition Design Overlay (SDD) | 2 | As per sign type; in areas with heavy snow, monument sign height may be increased up to 16 ft where snow-removal equipment cannot access sign area, with Director approval | As per underlying base zoning (residential or nonresidential) and sign type | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 11 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| All Sign Types - General Standards | No sign above second story; no sign above top of wall to which attached; individual type-specific limits elsewhere | Aggregate sign area per business: 2 sq ft per 3 linear ft of business frontage; minimum 12 sq ft per business (may be increased 20% for signs ≥140 ft from street centerline) | — | General: no obstruction of pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle safety; no interference with doors, exits, windows, or fire escapes. Specific setbacks per sign type (e.g., monument). | Total number of signs per business limited so that aggregate area does not exceed 2 sq ft per 3 linear ft of frontage; specific numeric limits for each sign type apply. | Must be on same site as subject use; generally on business frontage; may be on non-frontage walls if wall fronts public street, plaza, courtyard, pedestrian corridor, walkway, parking lot, or alley; no placement on or over public property/right-of-way except specific allowances (governmental signs, community event/information signs, certain monument and portable signs with encroachment permits). | — | 17.48.020; 17.48.030; 17.48.070; 17.48.080; 17.48.100 (intro) |
| Temporary Signs - Community Event Information (Posters/Flyers) | Limited by sign type | Limited by sign type used to display | — | — | Not limited by number | As permitted (typically on private property, not in right-of-way) | — | 17.48.040(3)a; Table 17.48.090(N) row “Community event information” |
| Temporary Signs - Directional (Additional Temporary) | Limited by sign type | Total 6 sq ft | — | — | Not limited by number | As deemed necessary by Director; not within State/Town right-of-way unless permitted under other sections (e.g., community event signs). | — | 17.48.040(3)b; Table 17.48.090(N) row “Directional sign” |
| Temporary Signs - Garage Sale Sign | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per garage/yard/rummage/estate sale | Only on private property where sale is located; prohibited in State or Town right-of-way. | — | 17.48.040(3)c; Table 17.48.090(N) row “Garage sale sign” |
| Temporary Signs - Political Signs | 4 ft (if on post/frame) | 6 sq ft | — | — | Not limited by number | Prohibited within State or Town right-of-way and on public property; within 660 ft of State highway must comply with Outdoor Advertising Act. | — | 17.48.040(3)d; Table 17.48.090(N) row “Political sign” |
| Temporary Signs - Real Estate Sign (Residential Zones) | Freestanding: 4 ft; others limited by sign type | 4 sq ft (per property); multitenant tenant-space sign 4 sq ft per tenant space | — | — | 1 per residential property plus 1 per tenant space for multitenant properties | On property that is for sale/lease/rent/etc. | — | 17.48.040(3)e.1, 3, 4; Table 17.48.090(N) row “Real estate signs” |
| Temporary Signs - Portable Sign (Sandwich-Board Type) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per side | — | Must not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian movement or wheelchair access. | 1 on-site per property plus up to 5 off-site in Town right-of-way per business/activity | On-site (private property) and up to 5 off-site within Town right-of-way with encroachment permit; prohibited within State right-of-way unless allowed by State law. | — | 17.48.090(14)c; Table 17.48.090(N) row “Portable signs” |
| Monument Signs (General) | 8 ft generally; 12 ft along Main Street and Lake Mary Road; up to 16 ft where snow removal cannot access or base ≥5 ft below street centerline, with Director approval; sign structure may extend 12 in above allowed sign height for embellishment. | 30 sq ft (general); residential multifamily/subdivision/mobile home parks also 30 sq ft in residential zones; some temporary development/construction signs separately 30 sq ft | — | 5 ft from right-of-way, unless reduced; special encroachment conditions described above. | Generally 1 per property; additional with justification; in residential zone table, 1 per property for certain uses with possible extras per 17.48.090(8)a. | Typically near property frontage; may encroach into certain wide rights-of-way under conditions. | — | 17.48.090(8); Table 17.48.100(A) and (B) monument entries; 17.48.080(2)d.4 |

### Residential zones (RSF, RR, RR-E, RMF-1, RMF-2, MHP, PRD, SDD overlays where residential uses)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Nameplate (Residential Zones) | Must conform to height limits of sign type used (e.g., wall, small freestanding) | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property | On residential property (single-family, multifamily, mobile home, etc.). | — | Table 17.48.100(A), “Residential Uses” row; 17.48.040(6)e |
| Monument or Wall Sign - Multifamily/Assisted Living/Residential Care/Subdivisions/Mobile Home Parks (Residential Uses) | Monument: 8 ft (additional height possible per 17.48.090(8)c); Wall: not above second story of building | 30 sq ft | — | Monument sign setbacks per 17.48.090(8)d–e. | 1 monument or 1 wall sign per property (more monument signs possible with justification). | At entry to multifamily residential, assisted living, residential care facilities, subdivisions, and mobile home parks located in residential zones. | — | Table 17.48.100(A), “Additional Signs for Multifamily Residential…” row and notes 1–3; 17.48.090(8); 17.48.090(12) |
| Monument or Wall Sign - Nonresidential Uses in Residential Zones | Monument: 8 ft (with potential additional height per 17.48.090(8)c); Wall: not above second story | 30 sq ft | — | Monument sign setbacks per 17.48.090(8)d–e. | 1 monument or 1 wall sign per property (additional monument signs possible with justification). | Nonresidential uses situated in residential zones (e.g., institutional uses allowed in those zones). | — | Table 17.48.100(A), “Nonresidential Uses” row and notes; 17.48.090(8), (12) |

### Nonresidential zones (D, MLR, OMR, CSP, NVSP, OS, OSSC, P-QP, R, I, Airport where nonresidential, and other nonresidential districts)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign (Nonresidential Zones) | Ground-level only (effectively below second story); must maintain 8 ft clearance from grade | Not to exceed 50% of linear awning frontage or 30 sq ft, whichever is less; awning copy ≤6 in height not counted toward aggregate area | — | Minimum 8 ft clearance above grade; must not obstruct pedestrian movement. | Within 2-sign-types-per-frontage maximum; only 1 awning sign per frontage. | On awnings above ground-level business frontages. | — | 17.48.090(1); Table 17.48.100(B) Awning row |
| Hanging Sign (Nonresidential Zones) | Ground-level businesses only; bottom of sign ≥8 ft above grade | 8 sq ft | — | Max 6 ft projection; 8 ft minimum pedestrian clearance. | Within 2-sign-types-per-frontage; typically 1 hanging sign per frontage. | On building frontages with customer access in nonresidential zones. | — | 17.48.090(7); Table 17.48.100(B) Hanging row; 17.48.080(3)g.8 |
| Monument Sign (Nonresidential Zones) | 8 ft generally; 12 ft on Main Street and Lake Mary Road; may be increased up to 16 ft in areas inaccessible to snow-removal equipment or where base ≥5 ft below street centerline with Director approval; 12 in embellishment allowed above sign height for structure. | 30 sq ft per sign | — | 5 ft from right-of-way; special encroachment rules as above. | Generally 1 per site; additional with justification under 17.48.090(8)a. | At nonresidential property frontages; may encroach into certain wide rights-of-way subject to conditions. | — | 17.48.090(8); Table 17.48.100(B) Monument row; 17.48.080(2)d.4 |
| Projecting Sign (Nonresidential Zones) | Ground-level only; bottom of sign ≥8 ft above sidewalk; not above second story | 12 sq ft | — | 8 ft pedestrian clearance; 6 ft max projection. | Within limit of 2 sign types per frontage; typically 1 projecting sign per frontage. | On ground-level business frontages with customer access. | — | 17.48.090(10); Table 17.48.100(B) Projecting row |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Zones) | Not above second story of building; may not extend above top of wall | 30 sq ft per wall sign; aggregate per business governed by 2 sq ft per 3 linear ft frontage rule | — | — | As allowed by aggregate area and frontage rules; no explicit per-frontage numeric cap beyond sign-type-per-frontage rule. | On exterior walls of nonresidential buildings, including qualifying non-frontage sides under 17.48.080(2)c. | — | 17.48.090(12); Table 17.48.100(B) Wall row; 17.48.080(4) |
| Window Sign (Nonresidential Zones) | Not above second story; ground and second story only | Maximum 25% of window area along frontage; per-sign cap 30 sq ft in nonresidential zones; temporary window signs also capped at 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | Max 4 window signs per business (2 temporary allowed). | Inside surface of windows/doors on ground and second story of nonresidential business frontages. | — | 17.48.090(13); Table 17.48.100(B) Window row; Table 17.48.090(N) |
| Electronic Message Sign (Nonresidential, P-QP Zone Only) | Limited by sign type | No greater than 30 sq ft; limited by underlying sign type | — | — | 1 per property | On P-QP-zoned properties only (see P-QP zone specific). | — | 17.48.090(5); Table 17.48.100(B) Electronic message row |
| Halo-Lit Signs (Nonresidential Zones) | Limited by sign type | Limited by underlying sign type and ≤30 sq ft | — | — | Limited by underlying sign-type limits | On eligible sign types in nonresidential zones. | — | 17.48.090(6); Table 17.48.100(B) row “Halo lit” |

## Prohibited signs in Mammoth Lakes

- Only signs authorized by Chapter 17.48 are allowed; all other signs are prohibited.
- All signs not expressly allowed by Chapter 17.48 are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- Illegal signs are prohibited.
- Inflatable or tethered signs or devices are prohibited.
- Internally illuminated signs are prohibited except where expressly allowed in Chapter 17.48.
- Moving signs, including blinking, chasing, or flashing signs, or signs that emit a varying intensity of light or color, or contain moving parts, are prohibited except where expressly allowed.
- Home occupation signs are prohibited.
- Off‑premises signs are prohibited except where expressly allowed in Chapter 17.48.
- Pole signs, including signs attached to utility poles or snow stakes, are prohibited.
- Pricing signs are prohibited except vehicle station fuel price signs, menu display boxes, and drive‑up menu boards as allowed in Chapter 17.48.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Signs attached to or suspended from any vehicle, boat, mobilehome, snowmobile, or other movable object parked within or next to a Town or State right‑of‑way, or on private property visible from such right‑of‑way, are prohibited, except signs painted directly upon, magnetically affixed to, or permanently affixed to the vehicle body as allowed in Section 17.48.040(6)g.
- Signs burned or cut into a tree, marked on a tree, or otherwise affixed to a tree are prohibited.
- Signs that simulate in color, size, or design any traffic control sign or signal, or that use characters, symbols, or words in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses pedestrian or vehicular traffic, are prohibited.
- Signs with reflective surfaces are prohibited, except street and traffic signs or other public‑safety signs.
- Signs within a Town right‑of‑way are prohibited except as expressly allowed by Section 17.48.080(2)d.
- Statuary signs are prohibited.
- Temporary signs are prohibited except as allowed by Chapter 17.48.
- Walking signs, including costumed characters or signs held or supported by human beings, are prohibited except for noncommercial signs.
- Banner signs are prohibited except as allowed by Chapter 17.48.
- Flutter flags are prohibited.
- Open signs may not blink or flash.
- Signs must not be located so as to impede or obstruct pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicular safety.
- Signs must not be placed so as to interfere with operation of a door, fire escape, window, or other required exit.
- No sign may be displayed above the second story of any building, except certain multitenant real estate signs allowed by Section 17.48.040(3)e.3.
- No sign may extend above the top of the wall to which it is attached.
- Sign illumination may not blink, flash, flutter, or change light brightness, color, or intensity.
- Signs may not use colored lights or design elements that may be confused with or mistaken for traffic control devices.
- Neither direct nor reflected light from sign lighting may create hazards for pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorists.
- Translucent awning materials are prohibited.
- No duplication of wording is permitted on an awning.
- Changeable copy signs may not be internally illuminated.
- Halo‑lit signs are not allowed in any residential zone.
- Neon signs (other than exempt open and vacancy/no vacancy signs) may not be located in any residential zone.
- Neon elements are not permitted on monument signs or on any sign larger than 20 square feet.
- Temporary signs may not be illuminated unless approved by the Town for public safety.
- Portable signs may not be located within the State right‑of‑way except where permitted under State law.
- Portable signs may not encroach into required parking areas, obstruct pedestrian traffic, or create traffic hazards.
- No sign may be located or used in a way that constitutes a hazard to safety, health, or public welfare.
- Any sign that fails to comply with Chapter 17.48, other applicable State statutes, Town ordinances, or required permits is declared a public nuisance and subject to abatement.
- Except as otherwise provided, it is prohibited to paint, mark, write on, post, affix, erect, construct, maintain, paste, nail, tack, or otherwise fasten or affix any sign on or in the public right‑of‑way or on objects within the right‑of‑way that are not maintained for public sign communication.
- Nonconforming signs may not be changed to another nonconforming sign, structurally altered to extend useful life, altered unless required by law or eliminating the nonconformity, enlarged, moved or replaced, or reinstalled after facade improvements that required removal, except as allowed through the nonconforming‑sign exception process.

## Signs exempt from permit in Mammoth Lakes

- Signs and activities listed in Section 17.48.040 do not require a sign permit, though building or electrical permits may still be required.
- Modifications to the face or copy of conforming changeable copy signs (other than a change in business name) are exempt from a sign permit.
- Normal maintenance of conforming signs (painting, repairing, cleaning) that does not change color, materials, or design is exempt from a sign permit.
- Address signs consistent with Chapter 16.08 are exempt from a sign permit.
- Informational and directional signs not exceeding an aggregate of four square feet per business and no more than two per business, without advertising, brand, or product information, are exempt from a sign permit.
- One open sign per business up to 2.5 square feet, including neon open signs (non‑blinking), is exempt from a sign permit.
- One vacancy/no vacancy sign per transient rental business up to 2.5 square feet, including internally illuminated or neon, is exempt from a sign permit.
- Posters, flyers, and announcements promoting community events, without unrelated product or service advertising and removed within two days after the event, are exempt from a sign permit.
- Temporary directional signs not exceeding six square feet total area are exempt from a sign permit.
- One garage, yard, rummage, or estate sale sign per sale up to four square feet and four feet in height, displayed only during sale hours and only on the property of the sale, is exempt from a sign permit.
- Political signs up to six square feet, not located within any State or Town right‑of‑way or on public property, and removed within five days after the election, are exempt from a sign permit.
- Real estate signs meeting the size and number limits of Section 17.48.040(3)e (including multitenant and open house signs referenced to temporary portable sign regulations) are exempt from a sign permit.
- Governmental signs installed by Town, County, State, or Federal agencies for public health, safety, and welfare (including emergency and warning signs, traffic signs and devices, legal notices, required postings, and public facility/directional/wayfinding signs) are exempt from a sign permit.
- Replacement of signs substantially damaged or destroyed by snow or snow operations with the same or substantially similar sign in the same location, in compliance with Section 17.48.120 and with any required building permit, is exempt from a sign permit.
- Up to three noncommercial official flags of national, state, or local governments or recognized organizations, within size and clearance limits, are exempt from a sign permit.
- Historical plaques, memorials, building cornerstones, and date‑constructed stones not exceeding four square feet are exempt from a sign permit.
- Menu display boxes up to three square feet, including an area for specials, are exempt from a sign permit.
- Merchandise used as part of an indoor window display, including photographic window displays of real estate by licensed brokers, is exempt from a sign permit.
- Residential nameplates of up to two square feet, one per property, without commercial message or identification, are exempt from a sign permit.
- Temporary, noncommercial seasonal decorations or displays associated with national, local, or religious celebrations are exempt from a sign permit.
- Signs neatly and permanently affixed to vehicles (one per vehicle side) that only identify business name, generic services, contact information, and location, and that are not banners/temporary boards and do not substantially project from the vehicle profile, are exempt from a sign permit.
- One glass‑enclosed theater poster case per movie screen or stage, not exceeding 16 square feet, is exempt from a sign permit.
- One vehicle station fuel price sign per station, not exceeding 12 square feet or the size required by State law, displaying only legally required or allowed information and not internally illuminated, is exempt from a sign permit.
- Monument signs less than four feet high that do not include electrical work do not require a building permit (but still require a sign permit unless otherwise exempt).
- Portable signs that comply with all standards in Section 17.48.090(14)c and are located on‑site (i.e., not in the Town right‑of‑way) do not require a sign permit.
- Temporary window signs displayed for up to 15 days not more than once per calendar quarter are exempt from a sign permit.
- Community event information signs as defined in Section 17.48.040(3)a are exempt from sign permit fees and from sign‑permit requirements.
- Community event signs (as temporary sign type) are not subject to sign permit fees, although they do require approval; fee exemption applies generally.
- United States flags are exempt from the sign regulations in Chapter 17.48.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A master sign program approved by the Planning and Economic Development Commission is required for any site with four or more businesses or tenant spaces, regardless of whether the tenant spaces are occupied.
- No individual sign permit may be approved for a site with four or more businesses or tenant spaces unless and until the Commission has approved a master sign program for that site.
- A master sign program is optional (not required) for sites with fewer than four businesses or tenant spaces, but may be requested by an applicant.
- Individual sign permits are required for all signs on a site that is subject to an approved master sign program, and all such signs must conform at all times to the approved master sign program.
- As part of a master sign program approval, the Commission may grant exceptions to the standards of Chapter 17.48 for maximum number and size of signs based on site‑specific conditions and design features; these exceptions do not require a variance or adjustment.
- Decorative banners and flags are allowed only if they are approved as part of a master sign program under Section 17.48.050.
- For temporary signs, permits for all temporary signs to be used over a 12‑month period may be approved on an annual basis if the applicant submits a plan for the display of all temporary signs for 12 consecutive months and that plan is approved by the Department.
- Sites with fewer than four tenant spaces are not required to obtain a master sign program, but their signs must be designed so they do not visually compete using extreme, disharmonious, or clashing colors, shapes, locations, or materials.
- Electronic message signs require a design review permit and Commission approval in addition to meeting the electronic message sign standards.
- Sign variances must be processed under Chapter 17.72 and adjustments under Chapter 17.76; however, master sign program exceptions made under Section 17.48.050(d) do not require a variance or adjustment.
- Before approving a sign variance or adjustment, the decision‑maker must find that the sign meets the purpose and intent of Chapter 17.48 and any applicable master sign program.

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

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