# Sign Regulations in Montclair, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Montclair, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/montclair
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/CA/Montclair/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=TIT11ZODE_DIVIIIDEST_CH11.72SI)

## At a glance

Montclair, California regulates 25 sign types across 15 zoning districts. Monument Sign (Identification)s in the Multiple-Family Residential (R-3) Districts zoning district are capped at 5 feet tall and See aggregate limits, with a 15 feet from curb face for freestanding signs setback (Sec. 11.72.420.B.1.b, 11.72.420.B.3). Most commercial signs in Montclair require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (15 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Single-Family and Duplex Residential Districts | 4 | 5 feet | 20 square feet | — |
| Multiple-Family Residential (R-3) Districts | 6 | 5 feet | Refer to aggregate area - 20 to 40 square feet (based on frontage) | — |
| Administrative Professional (AP) Zone | 5 | ≤199': 5 ft; 200–399': 7 ft; 400'+: 8 ft | Frontage ≤199': 24 sq ft; 200–399': 36 sq ft; 400'+: 48 sq ft | — |
| Restricted Commercial (C-2) Zone | 1 | — | Maximum 25% of window area | — |
| General Commercial (C-3) Zone | 5 | ≤75': 6 ft; 76–200': 8 ft; >200': 10 ft | 150 square feet (per sign); aggregate area ≤ 1 sq ft per linear foot of primary street frontage | — |
| Manufacturing Industrial Park (MIP) Zone, Limited Manufacturing (M-1) Zone, General Manufacturing (M-2) Zone | 5 | Multitenant: 24 in (street front); 18 in (non-street front) | Single-tenant and complexes ≤150': 24 sq ft; 151–450': 48 sq ft; >450'/multitenant: 60 sq ft | — |
| Business Park (BP) land use district of the Holt Boulevard Specific Plan | 1 | — | — | — |
| North Montclair Downtown Specific Plan (NMDSP) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Montclair Place District Specific Plan (MPDSP) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Arrow Highway Mixed-Use District (AHMUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Holt Boulevard Specific Plan (auto mall, business park, commercial, commercial/office, industrial zones) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | Businesses <50,000 sf: 50 sq ft; 50–100k sf: 100 sq ft; >100k sf: 200 sq ft | — |
| Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 6 | 5 feet (R-1, R-2, R-3 sale); 6 feet (R-3 lease/rent) | 20 square feet | — |
| Commercial Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3) | 5 | ≤75': 6 ft; 76–200': 8 ft; >200': 10 ft | 150 sq ft per sign (C-3, non-center); up to 1.5 sq ft/ft frontage in center | — |
| Industrial Zones (M-1, M-2, MIP) | 6 | 24 in (front), 18 in (not front) | ≤150' frontage: 24 sq ft; 151–450': 48 sq ft; >450': 60 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 15 zones)

### Multiple-Family Residential (R-3) Districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Identification) | — | Refer to aggregate area - 20 to 40 square feet (based on frontage) | — | — | 1 per building frontage | On building | — | 11.72.420.B.1.a |
| Monument Sign (Identification) | 5 feet | See aggregate limits | — | 15 feet from curb face for freestanding signs | 1 per street frontage | Within landscaped area | — | 11.72.420.B.1.b, 11.72.420.B.3 |
| Real Estate Sign (Leasing/Rental) | — | 6 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Per street frontage | — | 11.72.420.B.1.c |
| Nameplate | — | 1 square foot | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | At or near dwelling entrance | — | 11.72.420.B.1.d |
| Tenant/Unit Directory Sign | — | 20 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Per street frontage | — | 11.72.420.B.1.f |
| Yard or Garage Sale Sign | — | — | — | — | Max 4 per yard sale by permit | On the same property as the sale | — | 11.72.420.B.1.g; 11.74.080 |

### Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate | — | 1 square foot | — | — | 1 per dwelling | At or near the main entrance | — | 11.72.420.A.1 (R-1, R-2), 11.72.420.B.1.d (R-3) |
| Real Estate Sign | 5 feet (R-1, R-2, R-3 sale); 6 feet (R-3 lease/rent) | 4 square feet (R-1, R-2); 6 square feet (R-3 rental/lease) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On the property for sale/rent | — | 11.72.420.A.2, 11.72.420.B.1.c |
| Neighborhood Identification Sign (Planned Residential) | 5 feet | 20 square feet | — | — | 1 per major street frontage/project entry (as allowed) | 1 per major street frontage or project entry (planned devs 10+ lots/homes) | — | 11.72.420.A.3 |
| Temporary Yard or Garage Sale Sign | 5 feet | 4 square feet | — | — | Max 4 per permit | On the same property where event occurs | — | 11.72.420.A.4; 11.74.080 |
| Wall Sign (R-3, identification) | — | See aggregate for all wall/monument signs, 20–40 sq ft depending on lot frontage | — | — | 1 per main entrance/frontage | On building/frontage | — | 11.72.420.B.1.a, B.2 |
| Monument Sign (R-3, identification) | 5 feet | See aggregate above; see monument sign rules | — | 15 feet from curb face (freestanding) | 1 per street frontage (aggregate limit) | Within landscaped area/frontage | — | 11.72.420.B.1.b,B.2,B.3 |

### Industrial Zones (M-1, M-2, MIP)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single-Tenant, Industrial) | — | 50 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per eligible elevation | Each building elevation fronting a main street | — | 11.72.450.A.1, .3 |
| Wall Sign (Multi-Tenant, Industrial) | 24 in (front), 18 in (not front) | — | — | — | 1 per leasehold/elevation | On leasehold/building | — | 11.72.450.B.2, .3, .7 |
| Monument Sign | 6–10 feet | ≤150' frontage: 24 sq ft; 151–450': 48 sq ft; >450': 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage; 2 per complex (subject to rules) | Within landscaped planter on street frontage | — | 11.72.450.A.2, .B.4-5 |
| Service/Delivery Identification Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | Rear of building | — | 11.72.450.C |
| On-Site Directional Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per drive approach | Per drive approach | — | 11.72.450.D |
| Window Sign | — | Max 25% of window area | — | — | — | On window | — | 11.72.340; 11.72.450.E |

## Prohibited signs in Montclair

- All signs not expressly permitted are prohibited, including but not limited to: roof signs, flashing signs, animated signs, revolving or rotating signs, vehicle or mobile signs including signs and banners affixed to vehicles, portable signs including A-frames, painted-on wall signs except as specifically permitted and approved, off-site signs except temporary subdivision or directional signs as provided for in this chapter, hot or cold air balloons, inflatable signs/characters/figures whether tethered or not, balloons/flags/pennants/streamers/spinners/festoons/windsocks/valances or similar displays unless specifically permitted, signs within or over public right-of-way or on public land or utility poles except as permitted, temporary signs or banners unless specifically permitted, signs resembling traffic signs or that constitute traffic hazards, obscene material signs, flags containing a business name/product/advertising copy.
- Signs pertaining to activities or businesses which are no longer in operation shall be removed from the premises or the sign copy shall be removed or obliterated within 60 days after the premises have been vacated.
- No new sign shall be approved for a site, structure, building or use that contains nonconforming signs unless such nonconforming signs are removed or modified to conform with provisions of this chapter.
- A nonconforming sign may not be changed to another nonconforming sign except in case of face change to the sign copy, subject to City approval; structurally altered to extend its useful life; expanded; reestablished after business discontinues for 60 days; or reestablished after damage or destruction of more than 50 percent of its value.
- Signs shall not be located in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Signs must comply with corner cut-off area per Section 11.38.050(M).
- No sign shall be located within, project, or protrude into any public right-of-way unless specifically permitted.
- No sign shall be installed so that visibility to signs on adjacent property is unreasonably obscured.
- Signs in residential zones are limited to those expressly allowed; all others are prohibited.
- All signs must be maintained in good repair; cracked or broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights, missing sign copy or other unmaintained/damaged portions must be repaired or replaced within 30 days following notification.
- Any unauthorized or illegal sign within the public right-of-way or on private property that is a public nuisance or constitutes a hazard may be removed immediately, stored and/or destroyed by the City at the expense of the owner or beneficiary.
- Signs constituting political expression must not be posted on public property or in the public right-of-way; only one per parcel; not lighted; must be removed within 10 days after election; may not be affixed to trees/fences/posts/utility poles/equipment/structures (Section 11.72.380).
- Temporary on-site or off-site subdivision signs must be removed upon final sale or within a specified time frame.
- No advertising, signs or lighting shall be incorporated or attached to wireless telecommunication facility antennas or support facilities, except as required by City's Building Division or federal regulations (11.73.160).
- Billboards are generally prohibited outside of specified manufacturing zones and subject to CUP; not to be primarily viewed from any freeway (Section 11.72.390).

## Signs exempt from permit in Montclair

- The following categories of signs are exempt from Precise Plan of Design review and the permit requirements: changing of advertising copy or messages on announcement or bulletin boards, electronic message board signs, and similar signs designed for replaceable/changeable copy (unless electrical alterations are made); painting, repainting, cleaning, minor repairing and routine maintenance of existing sign structure without enlarging or increasing the size/height/design; nameplates, traffic control signs, window signs, directional signs and public information/regulatory signs required by law or federal/State/County/City authority; permanent window or entryway signs not exceeding 4 sq ft and limited to business identification, hours, address, emergency info only; service and delivery identification signs not exceeding 2 sq ft each (one per delivery point) on rear of building; contractor/construction signs listing major contractors, financial institutions, developers and/or owners not exceeding 40 sq ft and 8 ft high (unless legally required larger, and removed upon project completion); future tenant ID/announcement signs on vacant/developing property with PPD approval (size limits apply, removed when project completed); real estate signs for selling/lease of industrial, office, or commercial property at ratio of 1 per street frontage not to exceed 24 sq ft and 6 ft high (unlighted, removed within 10 days after close of escrow/rental/lease done); real estate signs for residential property not exceeding 4 sq ft area or 6 ft height (unlighted, removed within 10 days after closing); interior signs within a structure not visible from street or outside the building; memorials/tablets/plaques/directional signs for community historical resources installed by recognized historical society/civic org; official/legal notices issued by court/public body/person/officer in performance of official duties; official flags of US/State of California/other states/municipalities/international/national orgs; signs of public utility companies providing warning or public info required by law; safety signs on construction sites; convenience signs not exceeding 4 sq ft in area.
- Electrical or building permit may be required even if sign is exempt from PPD and sign permit.
- Temporary and permanent signs as allowed by special ordinances (e.g. certain political signs, subdivision signs, directional signs) may be exempt from standard permit requirements when conditions of those ordinances are met.
- Temporary window/holiday/seasonal decorations (up to 25% of window area, removed within 10 days of event/holiday) for nonresidential uses.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A Precise Plan of Design (PPD) is required for new signs exceeding 50 square feet in sign area, the remodeling of an existing sign resulting in over 50 square feet in sign area, or a new sign program for a multi-tenant complex (Section 11.72.060.A). Application, drawings, material samples, and fees are required.
- Monument signs not exceeding 50 sq ft per single face and less than 8 feet in height, and new wall signs not exceeding 50 sq ft in area, may be reviewed administratively by the Director of Community Development (Section 11.72.060.B). Decision within 15 working days.
- Master sign programs are required for multiple-use complexes (AP zone), multitenant shopping centers, and multitenant manufacturing complexes (Sections 11.72.430, 11.72.440, 11.72.450). These must include provisions for location/area, letter styles, colors, logos, construction method, corporate symbols, etc.
- No new sign shall be approved for a site, structure, building, or use that contains nonconforming signs unless such signs are brought into conformance (Section 11.72.140).
- If strict literal interpretation would result in hardship, a sign variance may be applied for and considered by the Planning Commission, subject to provisions in Section 11.72.080 and the code's variance chapter.
- The Planning Commission or Director of Community Development has the discretion to limit the number of monument or freestanding signs on any parcel/development, particularly in the case of reduced setbacks to a freestanding building.
- Special sign permit procedures for auto dealerships (Section 11.72.280), freeway-oriented signs (Section 11.72.290), temporary event banners (Section 11.72.270), subdivision signs (Sections 11.72.300/310/315), and billboards (Section 11.72.390) require review and approval (often CUP or PPD).
- Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) require a Conditional Use Permit reviewed by the Planning Commission (Section 11.72.370), including compliance with specific operational, design, and maintenance standards.
- For multitenant centers or complexes, a master sign program (sign plan) is required to govern consistency and coordination among multiple tenant signs (Sections 11.72.430.B.5, 11.72.440.B.1, 11.72.450.B.1).
- Any variance, including for signs, must comply with procedures outlined in Chapter 11.82.
- A decision by the Director of Community Development regarding signs may be appealed to the Planning Commission, and further to City Council, within 10 days of the decision.
- Special requirements and design standards may apply within adopted specific plan areas.

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

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