Sign Regulations in Norco, California
Norco, California has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Readerboard (Wall or Freestanding - Nonelectronic). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 16, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Norco, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Norco
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Event Sign (Public Right-of-Way) | 3 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
| Auxiliary Sign (Blade) | 10 ft | — | — |
| Wall Sign | — | 20 sq ft (up to 80 sq ft with acreage formula) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for NorcoFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
19
- Wall Sign
- Monument Sign
- Readerboard (Wall or Freestanding - Nonelectronic)
- Special Event Sign (On-site)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Norco
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Norco 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 Norco, 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 Norco, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Readerboard (Wall or Freestanding - Nonelectronic), Special Event Sign (On-site), 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 Norco 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 Norco are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Norco has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Norco, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Norco, California regulates 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the Open Space (OS) zoning district are capped at 5 ft tall and 20 sq ft (up to 80 sq ft with acreage formula), with a At least 5 ft from street right-of-way and 5 ft from interior property line or driveway; located in landscaped area at least twice the sign area. setback (Sec. NMC 18.37.12(A)(2)(a)–(e); design/illumination NMC 18.37.14). Most commercial signs in Norco require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Norco, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Norco (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 10 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
| Open Space (OS) | 4 | 20 to 35 ft (final height determined by Planning Commission) | 20 sq ft (up to 80 sq ft with acreage formula) | — |
| Limited Development (L-D), Agricultural (A-E, A-1, A-2), Single-Family Residential (R-1) | 5 | 5 ft | 20 sq ft (up to 80 sq ft with acreage formula) | — |
| Commercial Office (C-O), Commercial General (C-G), Commercial (C-4), Heavy Commercial/Light Manufacturing (M-1) | 9 | 25 ft | Up to 600 sq ft total (maximum six tenants, not to exceed 100 sq ft each) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Norco(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Open Space (OS)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 20 sq ft (up to 80 sq ft with acreage formula) | — | — | One per street frontage | On building wall below roof line, facing street. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(A)(1); illumination NMC 18.37.14(E) |
| Monument Sign | 5 ft | 20 sq ft (up to 80 sq ft with acreage formula) | — | At least 5 ft from street right-of-way and 5 ft from interior property line or driveway; located in landscaped area at least twice the sign area. | One freestanding monument sign allowed | Freestanding in landscaped area. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(A)(2)(a)–(e); design/illumination NMC 18.37.14 |
| Readerboard (Wall or Freestanding - Nonelectronic) | If freestanding, must be within 5-ft height limitation | 20 sq ft | — | — | One | Wall below roof line, or freestanding within 5-ft height limit. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(A)(3) |
| Freeway-Oriented Sign | 20 to 35 ft (final height determined by Planning Commission) | Determined by Planning Commission based on reasonable viewing needs | — | — | — | On-site; parcels must be within 250 ft of freeway right-of-way; ancillary to an otherwise permitted primary use. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(C)(1)(a)–(h) |
Limited Development (L-D), Agricultural (A-E, A-1, A-2), Single-Family Residential (R-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 20 sq ft (up to 80 sq ft with acreage formula) | — | — | One per street frontage | On building wall below roof line, facing street. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(A)(1); illumination NMC 18.37.14(E) |
| Monument Sign | 5 ft | 20 sq ft (up to 80 sq ft with acreage formula) | — | At least 5 ft from street right-of-way and 5 ft from interior property line or driveway; located in landscaped area at least twice the sign area. | One freestanding monument sign allowed | Freestanding in landscaped area. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(A)(2)(a)–(e); design/illumination NMC 18.37.14 |
| Readerboard (Wall or Freestanding - Nonelectronic) | If freestanding, must be within 5-ft height limitation | 20 sq ft | — | — | One | Wall below roof line, or freestanding within 5-ft height limit. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(A)(3) |
| Home Occupation/Agricultural Sales Sign (A-E, A-1, R-1 only) | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | One | On-site in A-E, A-1, and R-1 zones and within residential districts in a specific plan. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.08(A)(10) |
| Attached Fence Sign (Agricultural Zones Only) | — | — | — | — | — | Attached to fencing in agricultural zones. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.08(B)(2) |
Commercial Office (C-O), Commercial General (C-G), Commercial (C-4), Heavy Commercial/Light Manufacturing (M-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | Calculated per formula | — | — | One per building face | On each building face; one wall sign allowed per building face. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(B)(1)(a)–(d); illumination/design NMC 18.37.14 |
| Suspended Sign | — | 6 sq ft | 6 ft max length | — | One per tenant entrance | At tenant entrance. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(B)(2) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | At least 1 ft from frontage property line; 5 ft from interior property line or driveway; not within ultimate planned street right-of-way; located in landscaped area at least twice the sign area. | One per street frontage (more may be permitted via special sign permit with sign program) | Freestanding in landscaped area. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(B)(3)(a)–(g) |
| Monument Sign (Horse Trail Frontage) | Up to 9 ft | 32 sq ft | — | At least 1 ft from frontage property line; 5 ft from interior property line or driveway; not within ultimate planned street right-of-way. | One per street frontage (subject to base monument rules) | On Sixth Street, or other commercial lots that front onto horse trails. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(B)(3)(e) |
| Pole Sign | 25 ft | 150 sq ft | — | Support not within 5 ft of an interior property line or driveway; must not be placed within or extend into the ultimate planned street right-of-way; located in landscaped area at least twice the sign area. | One per street frontage (in lieu of monument sign) | Freestanding pole sign; one per street frontage; allowed instead of a monument sign. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(B)(4)(a)–(d) |
| Readerboard (Wall or Freestanding) | Must be within height limitation of a freestanding sign when freestanding | 20 sq ft | — | — | One | Wall below roof line or freestanding within applicable height limits. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(B)(5) |
| Freeway-Oriented Sign (Commercial Centers ≥5 acres) | 20 to 35 ft (final height determined by Planning Commission) | Up to 600 sq ft total (maximum six tenants, not to exceed 100 sq ft each) | — | — | — | On-site; applicable to C-O, C-G, and any other commercially zoned property within a specific plan area not otherwise covered by a sign program. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(C)(1)(c), (C)(1)(f)–(h), Exhibit 18.37.10-4 |
| Freeway-Oriented Sign (Commercial Centers <5 acres or Single Business) | 20 to 35 ft (final height determined by Planning Commission) | Up to 250 sq ft | — | — | — | On-site; center/business within 660 ft of freeway right-of-way and within 0.5 mile of a freeway off-ramp; applicable to C-O, C-G, and any other commercially zoned property within a specific plan area not otherwise covered by a sign program. | — | Unlock | NMC 18.37.12(C)(1)(d)–(h), Exhibit 18.37.10-5 |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Norco — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Norco — start freeProhibited Signs in Norco
- Fin signs (signs placed on an architectural feature that extends from a building wall or a sign structure supported partly by poles and partly by a building, structure, or fence).
- Fence signs (attached, painted, or affixed to a fence or any wall or self-supporting structure other than a building), unless otherwise allowed in this chapter or as attached signs in agricultural zones.
- Banners, pennants, balloons, and similar devices, unless temporarily approved under a special event permit or special event sign permit and in compliance with this chapter.
- Inflatable devices or signs, and other tethered objects used to draw attention, unless temporarily approved under a special event permit or special event sign permit and in compliance with this chapter.
- Light bulb strings, festoons, and exposed tubing, except for temporary uses such as Christmas tree sales lots.
- Temporary or portable signs, unless temporarily approved under a special event permit in compliance with this chapter.
- Signs that are animated, revolve, flash, or move in any manner (except signs that flash time and temperature or unless specifically permitted in this chapter).
- Signs placed on or extending over the public right-of-way, except signs authorized by law or by governmental authority or as specifically permitted in this chapter.
- Signs that constitute a hazard to the safe and free flow of traffic by obstructing or restricting the vision of drivers of motor vehicles, pedestrians, or equestrians.
- Billboards.
- Signs relating to inoperative activities; sign copy must be removed or obliterated within 60 days after the premises have been vacated.
- A-frame signs, unless temporarily approved under a special event permit or special event sign permit and in compliance with this chapter.
- Any sign, directional placard, or banner used for commercial purposes held by an individual where it jeopardizes public health, safety, and welfare, and at a minimum, in or adjacent to the public right-of-way within a pedestrian-equestrian trail to attract attention or provide direction.
Exempt Signs in Norco
- Directional signs for on-site direction not exceeding 3 square feet each and 3 feet high if freestanding, or 8 feet high if attached to a building.
- Legal signs indicating fire lanes, parking restrictions, and similar information not exceeding 2 square feet each.
- Time and temperature signs in commercial and industrial zones not exceeding 12 square feet each.
- Memorial tablets, plaques, or directional signs for community historical resources installed by a recognized historical society or civic organization, reviewed by Planning Division staff or the Architectural Review Subcommittee.
- Interior signs within a building or structure.
- Real estate signs for residential property sales not exceeding 6 square feet in area or 6 feet in height, removed within 15 days after close of escrow or completion of rental/lease.
- Unlit real estate signs for commercial and industrial property sale, lease or rent not exceeding 32 square feet in area or 8 feet in height, and not closer than 5 feet from any property line; larger signs may be permitted by the Planning Commission upon approval of a special sign permit.
- Construction signs on the construction site for all contractors with a total area not exceeding 32 square feet (unless a government contractor is legally required to be larger; placement for those larger signs shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission), not over 8 feet in height, at least 5 feet from any property line, removed upon project completion, and not interfering with other signs on the property.
- Political signs pertaining to a specific election permitted on private property subject to the same size and illumination restrictions as commercial signs in the applicable zone; specifically permitted in residential zones but not over 32 square feet and not illuminated; removed within 10 days following the election, with enforcement and removal procedures as specified.
- Home occupation and agricultural sales signs: limited to one sign indicating the home occupation or sale of livestock/produce raised on the premises, not exceeding 16 square feet; allowed in A-1, R-1, and A-E zones and within residential districts in a specific plan only.
- Flags: limited to one official flag each of the United States, the State of California (and other states), counties, municipalities, nations, and flags of internationally/nationally recognized organizations; a maximum of three such flags flown at any one time unless permitted by special sign permit (or by special event permit if temporary).
- Service station price signs not exceeding the minimum State requirements (California Business and Professions Code, Division 5, Chapter 14, Article 12), in addition to signs permitted by the zone; larger-than-minimum signs regulated by zone district provisions.
- Business information signs up to 6 square feet providing hours of operation, open/closed, etc.
- Emergency, temporary, or nonadvertising signs as authorized by the City Council.
- Signs of public utility companies and private contractors indicating danger or serving as an aid to public safety, or showing the location of underground facilities.
- House numbers, nameplates, “No Trespassing,” “No Parking,” and other warning signs not exceeding 2 square feet and located entirely on site.
- Bus shelter advertising, in accordance with Riverside Transportation Agency provisions, only within commercial/industrial zones.
- Off-site new homes directional/subdivision signs constructed and maintained as part of the Building Industry Association of Riverside County program, only upon City Council approval of the program and sign locations and Public Works approval of location.
- Temporary fence signs that do not exceed 10 percent of the fence area fronting on a public street.
- Special event signs associated with national holidays or recognized City events are exempt from City review.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Norco
- A sign permit is required prior to placing, raising, moving, or reconstructing any sign unless expressly exempted (Planning Director review within 10 working days).
- Special sign permit (Planning Commission approval) is required for certain signs due to increased height, area, size, or site location; approval requires findings that the sign will not adversely affect the General Plan, nearby land uses, traffic safety, is proportional, identifies the business, meets Section 18.37.12 standards, and is consistent with other signs and/or an adopted sign program.
- Planning Director may refer any sign request to the Planning Commission; decisions may be appealed to the Planning Commission within 10 days, and then to the City Council within 10 days.
- Special event signs generally require a special event sign permit; if placed in the public right-of-way, the special event sign permit includes, by default, an encroachment permit from the Engineering Division (with restrictions on size, height, timing, location, and removal).
- Special event signs associated with national holidays or recognized City events are exempt from City review.
- Auxiliary signs require an auxiliary sign permit; permitted for six months with one six-month extension upon written request if maintained; not allowed in the public right-of-way.
- Roof signs are allowed only if integrated architecturally and must be approved by the Planning Commission.
- OS/LD/Ag/R-1 nonresidential sites under 20 acres: a freestanding monument sign taller than 5 feet and/or larger than 20 square feet may be approved by the Planning Commission.
- OS/LD/Ag/R-1: larger and/or electronic readerboards may be permitted by the Planning Commission with approval of a special sign permit.
- Commercial/industrial: for property with frontage of 200 feet or more, more than one monument sign may be permitted by the Planning Commission with a special sign permit, with the submittal of a sign program for the entire property.
- Commercial/industrial: pole sign (for a center greater than 15 acres) requires a conditional use permit; max 150 square feet sign area and 25 feet height; must match building architecture and include the site address.
- Commercial/industrial: larger readerboards may be permitted by the Planning Commission with approval of a special sign permit.
- Freeway-oriented signs (OS, C-O, C-G, and other commercial in specific plans) require Planning Commission approval of a special sign permit and are allowed only if the property is not otherwise covered by a sign program; sign height is determined by the Planning Commission; additional siting and area criteria apply by zone/center size.
- Special allowances: flags beyond three require a special sign permit (or special event permit if temporary).
- Commercial/industrial real estate signs larger than 32 square feet may be permitted by the Planning Commission upon approval of a special sign permit.
- Construction signs that exceed 32 square feet due to government contractor legal requirements require Planning Commission review for proper location.
- Special event sign permit may allow individuals holding signs (sign twirlers) on sidewalks in front of businesses/centers abutting Hamner Avenue during the approved time frame; mannequins or human/animal figures are not allowed as special event or temporary advertising.
Source: other municipal code