Sign Regulations in Modesto, California
Modesto, California has specific sign regulations covering 38 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional Sign (Exterior), Directional Sign (Interior), 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: March 26, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Modesto, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Modesto
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident/dwelling name plate | Height of wall | 1 sf | — |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Use) | Ridgeline of the roof, parapet or wall | — | — |
| Freestanding Gateway Sign (Residential Use) | 36 in | 12 sf each | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
38
- Directional Sign (Exterior)
- Directional Sign (Interior)
- Wall Sign
- Marquee Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Modesto
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Modesto, wall signs can be up to Ridgeline of the roof, parapet or wall and monument signs are limited to 36 in. 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto, regulated sign types include Directional Sign (Exterior), Directional Sign (Interior), Wall Sign, Marquee Sign, 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 Modesto 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 Modesto are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Modesto has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Modesto, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Modesto, California regulates 38 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Digital Freeway Billboards in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 60 ft tall and 700 sf, with a Minimum of 300 feet from residential zone or use setback (Sec. Section 10-6.108(f)). Most commercial signs in Modesto require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Modesto, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Modesto (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 14 | 36 in | 72 sf | — |
| Office Zones (P-O) | 8 | 8 ft minimum above sidewalk | 48 sf | — |
| Commercial Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3) | 10 | 35 ft (higher requires CUP by Board) | 150 sf | — |
| Industrial Zones (C-M, M-1, M-2) | 10 | 35 ft (higher requires CUP by Board) | 150 sf | — |
| Planned Development Zone (P-D) | 10 | 35 ft (higher requires CUP by Board) | 150 sf | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 17 | 60 ft | 700 sf | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Modesto(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident/dwelling name plate | Height of wall | 1 sf | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | 1 per dwelling unit | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-1 |
| Freestanding Gateway Sign (Residential Use) | 36 in | 12 sf each | — | — | 1 per street frontage serving 5 or more dwellings | 1 per street frontage serving 5 or more dwellings | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-1 |
| Freestanding Sign (P-O Zone Uses) | 6 ft | 24 sf plus 4 sf for street address | — | — | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-1 |
| Freestanding Sign (School or Church) | 20 ft | 72 sf | — | — | 1 per site | 1 per site | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-1 |
| Freestanding or Bulletin Board Sign (Conditional Uses in Residential Zones) | 6 ft | 25 sf plus 4 sf for street address | — | — | 1 per site | 1 per site | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-1 |
| Directional Sign (Exterior) | 6 ft | 6 sf | — | — | 1 per driveway or pedestrian walkway | 1 per driveway or pedestrian walkway | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-1 |
| Directional Sign (Interior) | 6 ft | 12 sf each | — | — | No limitation on number | No limitation on number | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-1 |
| Construction Sign | 10 ft | 64 sf | — | — | 1 per site | 1 per site | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-1 |
Commercial Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquee Sign | Ridgeline of the roof, parapet or wall | 48 sf | — | — | 1 per use | 1 per use | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-2 |
| Projecting or Suspended Sign | 8 ft minimum above sidewalk | 48 sf | — | — | 1 per use | 1 per use | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Business - Single Parcel) | 6 ft | 24 sf plus 4 sf for street address | — | — | One per single street frontage | One per single street frontage | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Combined Business - Multiple Parcels) | 8 ft | 48 sf plus 4 sf for street address | — | — | One for each frontage | One for each frontage | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-2 |
| Shopping Center Freestanding Sign | 20 ft | 72 sf plus 4 sf for street address | — | — | 1 for each street frontage of the center | 1 for each street frontage of the center | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Freeway-Oriented) | 35 ft (higher requires CUP by Board) | 150 sf | — | — | 1 per freestanding use | 1 per freestanding use | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-2 |
| Directional Sign (Exterior) | 6 ft | 6 sf | — | — | 1 per use for each street frontage of the site | 1 per use for each street frontage of the site | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-2 |
| Directional Sign (Interior) | 6 ft | 12 sf | — | — | No limitation on number | No limitation on number | — | Unlock | Table 6.1-2 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-frame Sign | 48 inches total | 24 inches width, 36 inches height per panel | 24 inches | — | 1 per business | Commercial zoning districts | — | Unlock | Section 10-6.108(a) |
| Banner | 35 ft or ridgeline of the roof | 72 sf | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Commercial zoning districts | — | Unlock | Section 10-6.108(b) |
| Church Sign | 36 inches | 6 sf | — | — | No limitation on number | Temporary locations | — | Unlock | Section 10-6.108(d) |
| Digital Freeway Billboard | 60 ft | 700 sf | — | Minimum of 300 feet from residential zone or use | Maximum of 7 within City limits | Within 660 feet of State Highway 99 | — | Unlock | Section 10-6.108(f) |
| Flag | 50 ft | 24 sf | — | — | 1 per use or occupancy | Nonresidential zoning districts | — | Unlock | Section 10-6.108(g) |
| Freeway-Oriented Sign | 35 ft | 150 sf | — | — | 1 per shopping center | Within 600 feet of Freeway 99 | — | Unlock | Section 10-6.108(h) |
| Off-premise Advertising Sign | 8 ft | 48 sf | — | — | 1 per site | C-2, C-3, C-M, M-1, M-2 zones | — | Unlock | Section 10-6.108(j) |
| Service Station Sign | 10 ft | 160 sf | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Pump islands, canopy uprights | — | Unlock | Section 10-6.108(k) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Modesto. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Modesto
- No sign shall have any moving, rotating, or otherwise animated part, or any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light.
- No sign shall be installed at any street intersection, railroad grade crossing, or driveway in a manner that will obstruct the vision of motor vehicle operators.
- No sign shall be attached to any City street tree, or any poles such as utility poles, street signals, street lights, street name signs, or traffic warning signs, or on any bus shelter.
- Temporary signs are prohibited, except A-frame signs, and banners, flags, and promotional displays, in compliance with Section 10-6.108.
Exempt Signs in Modesto
- Flags, in compliance with Section 10-6.108.
- Garage sale signs, in compliance with Section 10-6.107.
- Interior directional, warning, or information signs, unlighted.
- Nameplates, with a one (1) square foot maximum size, in compliance with Section 10-6.107.
- Political signs, in compliance with Section 10-6.107.
- Real estate signs, including for sale or rent and open house directional signs in compliance with Section 10-6.107, and subdivision signs in compliance with Section 10-6.108.
- Signs for fireworks stands, pumpkin sales, Christmas tree sales lots, and temporary certified farmers markets.
- Signs within buildings, not attached directly to the interior of a window.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Modesto
- No person shall install, alter, or relocate any sign within the City without first obtaining a sign permit in compliance with Section 10-6.105.
- A-frame (sandwich board) signs are allowed only in compliance with the requirements of this subsection, and subject to the approval of a sign permit.
- Banners and promotional decorations are allowed only as provided by this subsection subject to a permit by the Neighborhood Preservation Unit.
- Conditional Use Permit by the Board is required for Electronic Message Boards.
- Digital freeway billboards must obtain a conditional use permit approval which requires a recommendation by the Planning Commission to the City Council and final approval authority by the City Council.
Source: municode municipal code