# Sign Regulations in Murrieta, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Murrieta, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/murrieta
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-16
- **Source:** [amlegal municipal code](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/murrieta/latest/murrieta_ca/0-0-0-26772)

## At a glance

Murrieta, California regulates 49 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Neighborhood Identification - Monuments in the Residential (RR, ER-1, ER-2, ER-3, SF-1, SF-2, MF-1, MF-2, MF-3, MF-4) zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 24 sq ft, with a Minimum 5 ft from property line (per 16.38.120(G)). setback (Sec. MMC Table 16.38.140-1; 16.38.120(G)). Most commercial signs in Murrieta 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 | 23 | Pole height: max 25 ft in residential zones; max 50 ft in non-residential zones (Director may approve increase for special circumstances). | Total combined sign area up to 60 sq ft for up to two menu signs. | — |
| Residential (RR, ER-1, ER-2, ER-3, SF-1, SF-2, MF-1, MF-2, MF-3, MF-4) | 9 | 15 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Commercial (NC, CC, RC) (Single tenant) | 6 | 60 ft | 500 sq ft | — |
| Commercial (NC, CC, RC) (Multi-tenant) | 10 | 60 ft | 500 sq ft | — |
| Office (O, ORP); Business Park (BP); General Industrial (GI); General Industrial A (GI-A); Innovation (INN) (Single tenant) | 3 | 6 ft | 250 sq ft | — |
| Office (O, ORP); Business Park (BP); General Industrial (GI); General Industrial A (GI-A); Innovation (INN) (Multi-tenant) | 7 | 40 ft | 250 sq ft | — |
| Civic & Institutional (C & I) | 3 | 6 ft | Max 200 sq ft per wall sign | — |
| Parks and Recreation (P&R) | 3 | 4 ft | 250 sq ft | — |
| Open Space (OS) | 3 | 4 ft | 250 sq ft | — |
| Master Plan Overlay (MPO) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Transit Oriented Development Overlay District (TOD) | 1 | — | — | — |

## 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 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Site Directory Sign - General | Commercial zones: 6 ft; all other non-residential: 4 ft. | Commercial zones with multi-tenant: 24 sq ft; all other non-residential multi-tenant: 12 sq ft. | — | — | As specified by zone/development (see zone-specific entries). | Freestanding signs at vehicular entrances of a development to direct visitors and emergency vehicles to buildings. | — | MMC 16.38.120(I) |
| Drive-thru Menu Ordering Signs | 8 ft per menu sign. | Total combined sign area up to 60 sq ft for up to two menu signs. | — | — | Up to two menu ordering signs. | Drive-thru restaurants. | — | MMC 16.38.120(D) |
| Off-site Subdivision Signs | Structure shall not exceed 8 ft in height (unless otherwise allowed by Director due to topographical constraints). | — | Structure max 6 ft width; individual sign panels max 5 ft width. | — | — | Within street right-of-way with Encroachment Permit; must not obstruct sidewalks, trails, or impair visibility. | — | MMC 16.38.120(L) |
| Temporary Commercial Sign | Not to exceed edge of roof. | 25 sq ft per application. | — | — | One sign per application. | Business or commercial center tenant spaces. | — | MMC 16.38.055 |
| Temporary Noncommercial Signs | Residential zones: overall height not to exceed 8 ft from finished grade. | Residential zones: total area per side not to exceed 16 sq ft. | — | — | — | Any zoning district, on-site or off-site where commercial signs are permitted; additionally permitted in residential zones subject to listed limits. | — | MMC 16.38.050(C)(2) |
| Future Tenant Signs (Temporary) | Max 10 ft. | Max 30 sq ft (or 50 sq ft if combined with a construction sign). | — | — | 1 per street frontage (+1 if >500 LF frontage) | On-site prior to occupancy. | — | MMC 16.38.050(C)(4) |
| Construction Signs (Temporary) | Max 10 ft. | Max 20 sq ft (or 50 sq ft if combined with a future tenant sign). | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On-site during construction. | — | MMC 16.38.050(C)(5) |
| On-site Subdivision Signs (Temporary) | Max 10 ft (smaller complexes: max 6 ft). | Max 50 sq ft per sign (apartments/group housing of 30+ units; smaller complexes: 16 sq ft). | — | — | Max 2 on-site signs; small apartment complexes: 1 per street frontage | On-site within project; located to avoid blocking access (not within entry throat). | — | MMC 16.38.050(C)(6) |

### Residential (RR, ER-1, ER-2, ER-3, SF-1, SF-2, MF-1, MF-2, MF-3, MF-4)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Neighborhood Identification - Wall | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | Two per entry (one at each corner) | Two per entry (one at each corner). | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-1 (Residential: Neighborhood identification) |
| Neighborhood Identification - Monument | 4 ft | 24 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from property line (per 16.38.120(G)). | Two per entry (one at each corner) | Two per entry (one at each corner). | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-1; 16.38.120(G) |
| Multi-family Identification - Wall | Shall not project above roof edge. | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage; max two per development | One per street frontage; max two per development. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-1 (Residential: Multi-family identification - wall) |
| Multi-family Identification - Monument | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from property line. | One per street frontage; max two per development | One per street frontage; max two per development. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-1 (Residential: Multi-family identification - monument) |
| Multi-family Site Directory - Monument | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | One per vehicular entrance | One per vehicular entrance; conveniently located; shall not be within entry throat in a manner that could block access. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-1 (Residential: Multi-family site directory) |
| Model Home Complex - Temporary On-site Sign | 15 ft | 100 sq ft | — | — | Two | On-site at model home complex. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-1 (Residential: Model home complex) |
| Flags, Banners, Pennants (Residential) | Per Director. | Per Director. | — | — | — | Per Director approval. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-1 (Residential: Flags, banners, pennants); 16.38.080(C); 16.38.055 |
| Real Estate Signs (Residential) | 7 ft (single-family); 8 ft (multi-family). | 4 sq ft (single-family); 32 sq ft (multi-family dwellings, per 16.38.050(C)(1)(b)); | — | — | Single-family: 1 per street frontage; multi-family: 1 per street frontage | On-site per subject property. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-1; 16.38.050(C)(1) |

### Commercial (NC, CC, RC) (Multi-tenant)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | 50 sq ft per side | — | Min 5 ft from property line; 200 ft separation from any other signs | One per street frontage (plus one additional if >300 LF along one frontage) | One per street frontage. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-3 (Commercial multi-tenant); 16.38.120(G); 16.38.120(C); 16.38.130 |
| Pylon Sign (2.5–6 acres) | 12 ft | 60 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from property line; 200 ft separation | 1 max | Frontage adjoining a public right-of-way. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-3 (Commercial multi-tenant, Pylon) |
| Pylon Sign (>6–<10 acres) | 12 ft | 60 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from property line; 200 ft separation | 2 max (one per street frontage) | Frontages adjoining a public right-of-way. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-3 (Commercial multi-tenant, Pylon) |
| Pylon Sign (>10–<25 acres) | 20 ft | 100 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from property line; 200 ft separation | 3 max | Frontage adjoining a public right-of-way. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-3 (Commercial multi-tenant, Pylon) |
| Pylon Sign (≥25 acres) | 25 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from property line; 200 ft separation | 4 max (+1 if >1,200 LF frontage) | Frontage adjoining a public right-of-way. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-3 (Commercial multi-tenant, Pylon) |
| Freeway Sign (≤25 acres) | 40 ft | 225 sq ft | — | — | 1 sign | Within 150 ft of freeway right-of-way. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-3 (Commercial multi-tenant, Freeway); 16.38.120(E) |
| Freeway Sign (>25 acres) | 60 ft | 500 sq ft | — | — | 1 sign | Within 150 ft of freeway right-of-way. | — | MMC Table 16.38.140-3 (Commercial multi-tenant, Freeway); 16.38.120(E) |
| Site Directory Sign (Commercial Multi-tenant) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | Freestanding at vehicular entrances of multi-tenant developments. | — | MMC 16.38.120(I)(1) |

## Prohibited signs in Murrieta

- Abandoned and/or dilapidated signs and sign structures (prohibited in all zoning districts).
- Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or similar signs, except time/temperature devices.
- Banners, flags, and pennants, except as specifically allowed under Temporary Commercial Signs (Section 16.38.055).
- Bench signs, except at approved bus passenger loading areas and not in single-family residential districts.
- Changeable copy signs, except when approved for a civic organization/institution, movie theater, regional mall, or auto center, or when allowed by a comprehensive sign program, or as allowed pursuant to message substitution.
- Inflated signs, balloons, and figures.
- Light bulb strings (except for temporary uses such as Christmas tree lots); exposed neon tubing; LED or similar lighting technology, unless allowed by a comprehensive sign program.
- Obscene or offensive signs that are indecent or appeal to the prurient interest and lack serious value.
- Off-site signs not specifically allowed by this chapter, including billboards and outdoor advertising not authorized by Section 16.38.150.
- Painted signs on fences, walls, or roofs.
- Portable signs (this prohibition does not apply to noncommercial signs).
- Pole signs.
- Projecting signs.
- Roof signs.
- Signs erected in a manner that interferes with the free use of fire escapes, exits, standpipes, or that obstruct required ventilators, doors, stairways, or windows above the first story.
- Signs not in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 16.38.
- Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter.
- Signs that conflict with or imitate traffic control devices due to color, wording, design, location or illumination, or that interfere with safe vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic flow.
- Signs on public property or projecting into the public right-of-way, except with a city encroachment permit.
- Signs which are a danger to the public or are unsafe.
- Signs which are a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets/highways or by acts of the city.
- Vehicle signs (signs on vehicles parked to advertise).
- Illegal signs as defined in Section 16.38.085 (e.g., erected without required approvals; not used to identify/advertise an ongoing business for 90+ days; nonconforming signs past amortization; damaged 50%+; hazards; expired temporary commercial signs).
- Permanent “come-on” signs that advertise continuous sales, special prices, etc. are not allowed.

## Signs exempt from permit in Murrieta

- Signs located within shopping centers or similar areas where the signs are not visible from any point on the boundary of the premises (no size limit).
- Official and legal notices required by a court or governmental agency (no size limit).
- Signs erected and maintained in compliance with, and in discharge of, a governmental function or required by law or governmental regulation, including signs erected by a public utility (no size limit).
- Signs on licensed commercial vehicles, including trailers, provided vehicles/trailers are not used as parked/stationary outdoor display signs (no size limit).
- Bench signs and other signs located at designated public transit locations (no size limit).
- Change of copy within an approved comprehensive sign program that conforms to the program (no size limit).
- Change of copy on existing structures (no size limit).
- Occupant name, street number, and street name signs not exceeding 2 sq ft per single-family or multi-family unit.
- Small identification signs for commercial, office, and industrial uses not exceeding 2 sq ft, limited to business identification, hours of operation, address, and emergency contact information.
- Convenience signs solely for guiding traffic, parking, and loading on private property, not bearing advertising; max 4 sq ft area; freestanding max height 4 ft (taller may be approved by the director if visibility is not impaired).
- Affiliation/service notice signs for auto-related uses, motels, and hotels (e.g., services provided, trade affiliations, credit cards) attached to an otherwise approved sign/structure; max 0.5 sq ft per sign; max six such signs per business.
- Gasoline pump signs identifying brand, types, and octane rating; max 2 sq ft per pump face.
- Names of structures, commemorative plaques, dates of construction, etc., in durable materials and mounted permanently; max 4 sq ft and 6 ft height.
- Official flags of a nation, the State of California/other states, municipalities, and fraternal or religious organizations; pole height max 25 ft in residential zones and 50 ft in nonresidential zones; flag length max one-quarter of pole height; director may grant increased pole height for special circumstances.
- Temporary real estate signs, subject to limits: single-family—one per street frontage, max 4 sq ft area and 7 ft height (plus open house signs when agent/owner present); multi-family—one per street frontage, max 32 sq ft and 8 ft height; individual non-center commercial/office/industrial—one per street frontage, max 32 sq ft per side and 8 ft height; individual tenant spaces in multi-tenant centers—one per street frontage max 16 sq ft and 8 ft height, plus one 6 sq ft sign at each available tenant space; non-residential freeway-fronting properties—one sign along freeway frontage max 320 sq ft per side and 24 ft height.
- Temporary noncommercial signs permitted in any zone where commercial signs are permitted, and additionally in residential zones, subject to: max 120 days per calendar year; event-related signs removed within 14 days after the event (included in the 120-day total in commercial zones); in commercial zones, same size/location rules as commercial signs; in residential zones, max 16 sq ft per side and max 8 ft height; not within the public right-of-way; content is not subject to city review except obscene/offensive content prohibited.
- Temporary business identification signs for new businesses: up to two signs until permanent signs are erected; display period not to exceed 90 days; one-time extension may be granted by the director; total area for both signs limited to 50 sq ft.
- Temporary future tenant signs: one per street frontage (plus one additional if frontage exceeds 500 linear feet); max 30 sq ft and 10 ft height (max 50 sq ft if combined with a construction sign); remove upon occupancy.
- Temporary construction signs: one per street frontage; max 20 sq ft and 10 ft height (max 50 sq ft if combined with a future tenant sign); remove upon first occupancy.
- On-site subdivision temporary signs: max two signs within the project; each sign max 50 sq ft and 10 ft height; not illuminated; may be displayed one year after the last building permit has been issued or as long as there is an active building permit; apartment/group housing complexes of 30+ units treated as subdivisions; smaller complexes (29 or fewer) may display rental/sales signs during construction and for one year after Certificate of Occupancy (one per frontage, max 16 sq ft, max 6 ft height).
- Short-term vacation rental temporary identification sign: one per unit, max 2 sq ft; posted conspicuously 6–12 hours before occupancy and removed within 12 hours of checkout; must list hotline number, website, owner/agent and 24/7 contact number, maximum occupants, and maximum vehicles.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Comprehensive Sign Program (master sign plan) required: A development plan permit for a comprehensive sign program is required for (1) multi-tenant nonresidential projects and (2) individual tenant projects with five (5) or more permanent signs (Section 16.38.060.B).
- Comprehensive Sign Program application requirements include statements on how tenant sign revisions will avoid damage to building exteriors and how temporary signs will be monitored; failure to monitor can result in permit revocation (Section 16.38.060.C).
- Comprehensive Sign Program design standards apply to all signs under the program (compatibility of colors/materials, consistent mounting/illumination, etc.), lessees must be informed via leases, and specific findings are required for approval; minor revisions may be approved by the director (Section 16.38.060.D–G).
- Sign permits are required to erect, move, alter, or reconstruct any sign unless exempt; applications are approved/denied by the director and permits may be revoked or modified (Section 16.38.040).
- Temporary commercial signs require a temporary commercial sign application: up to five applications per year per tenant space; max 30 days per application; max 120 days per calendar year per tenant space; one sign up to 25 sq ft and not exceeding roof edge in height; must be affixed to the window or building face of the tenant space (Section 16.38.055).
- Signs on public property or projecting into the public right-of-way require an encroachment permit (Section 16.38.080.S).
- Off-site subdivision signs require a special agreement approved by the city council granting the exclusive right to design/erect/maintain the program and require an encroachment permit for placement within the right-of-way; uniform design and other standards apply (Section 16.38.120.L).
- Community Entry Monument Sign requirement: Any project over 10 acres with a general plan designation of community commercial, regional commercial, or business park must provide a community entry monument sign meeting specified standards, typically at arterial intersections (Section 16.38.130).
- Billboards subject to a relocation agreement: Relocation agreements must be approved by the city council; relocated billboards require a building permit and either a conditional use permit or a development agreement (and on city property, a lease or license and CUP); all billboards (relocated, reconstructed, or new) require either a conditional use permit or development agreement as determined by the city (Section 16.38.150.D).
- Message substitution: Any permitted sign may substitute a noncommercial message without additional review or approval by the city (Section 16.38.020.C).

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

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