# Sign Regulations in Ontario, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Ontario, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/ontario
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-03
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://content.ontarioca.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/Chapter%208.0%20-%20Sign%20Regulations_Rev%2008-19-2025.pdf)

## At a glance

Ontario, California regulates 81 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Electronic Message Center (Freeway Sign Component)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Within freeway sign height limits (35–45 FT) tall, Within overall freeway sign 150 SF per face, and No dimension over 25 FT wide, with a Freeway sign siting in §8.01.020.C.2(c),(f) (600 FT from other freeway signs, ≤40 FT from freeway ROW, ≥10 FT from interior line/drive) setback (Sec. §8.01.020.C.3(a)-(e), p. 8.01-26). Most commercial signs in Ontario require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 19 | Within freeway sign height limits (35–45 FT) | Within overall freeway sign 150 SF per face | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts (AR-2, RE-2, RE-4, LDR-5, MDR-11, MDR-18, MDR-25, HDR-45) | 9 | 12 FT | 32 SF per sign face | — |
| Commercial Zoning Districts (CS, CN, CC, CR, CCS, OL, OH) | 17 | 35 FT (up to 45 FT where grade 10 FT below freeway surface) | 200 SF per building elevation | — |
| Mixed Use Zoning Districts (MU-1, MU-3, MU-6, MU-8B, MU-8C, MU-8D, MU-8E) | 2 | — | — | — |
| Industrial Zoning Districts (BP, IP, IL, IG, IH) | 10 | 8 FT | 250 SF per wall sign | — |
| Specialized Use Zoning Districts (CIV, MHP, ONT, OS-C, OS-R, PUD, RC, SP, UC) | 17 | 35 FT (LED and static) | LED signs: 675 SF per face; Static signs: 250 SF per face; Total combined billboard area: ≤2,500 SF | — |
| Overlay Districts (AG, EA, ES, MTC, ICC, AH, CNO) | 7 | — | — | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Construction Sign (Temporary) | 8 FT | 32 SF per sign face | — | — | 1 per parcel | One freestanding or wall sign per parcel | — | Table 8.01-1(A)(1)(a), p. 8.01-7 (Rev. 08.19.2025) |
| Off-Site Residential Subdivision Sign | 7 FT overall (business panel signs 10 inches high each) | 35 SF per sign | 5 FT per business panel | — | Number and locations as approved; max 6 panels per structure | Number and location subject to Planning Director approval; each sign structure no closer than 600 FT to another Off-Site Residential Subdivision Sign | — | Table 8.01-1(A)(1)(b), pp. 8.01-7–8.01-8 |
| Off-Site Business Sign | 7 FT overall (business panel signs 10 inches high each) | 35 SF per sign | 5 FT per business panel | — | Max 2 per business or group, subject to PC approval | Locations subject to Planning Commission approval; may be in public right-of-way with encroachment permit | — | Table 8.01-1(A)(1)(c), pp. 8.01-8–8.01-9 |
| Government Flag or Emblem | No restriction | No restriction | No restriction | — | No restriction | Anywhere consistent with other codes | — | Table 8.01-1(A)(2)(d), p. 8.01-10 |
| Wall Mural | No explicit limit | No maximum; must complement building scale and features | No explicit limit | — | Not specified | On building walls; location subject to Planning Commission approval | — | Table 8.01-1(A)(2)(e), p. 8.01-10 |
| Electronic Message Center (Freeway Sign Component) | Within freeway sign height limits (35–45 FT) | Within overall freeway sign 150 SF per face | No dimension over 25 FT | Freeway sign siting in §8.01.020.C.2(c),(f) (600 FT from other freeway signs, ≤40 FT from freeway ROW, ≥10 FT from interior line/drive) | Counted within freeway sign limits | Incorporated in freeway signs on eligible parcels (public or private property) along I-10, I-15, SR-60 | — | §8.01.020.C.3(a)-(e), p. 8.01-26 |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (General Design & Placement) | Per zone and use – see Table 8.01-1 | Per zone and use – see Table 8.01-1 | — | ≥10 FT behind curb; ≥30 FT from monument sign on adjacent lot; ≥5 FT from interior line or driveway intersecting public street | Per specific zone/use categories in Table 8.01-1 | On private property, oriented toward streets or private drives (not toward freeways) | — | §8.01.020.C.1(a)-(i), p. 8.01-25 |
| Freeway Sign (General) | 35 FT (up to 45 FT if site ≥10 FT lower than freeway finish surface) | 150 SF per sign face | 25 FT maximum vertical or horizontal dimension | Within 40 FT of freeway ROW; ≥10 FT from interior property line/drive; ≥600 FT spacing between freeway signs | 1 sign per parcel with ≥600 FT freeway frontage; 2 signs for ≥1,800 FT and ≥10 acres; 3 signs for ≥3,000 FT and ≥10 acres | On parcels with property line common with I-10, I-15, or SR-60 right-of-way and at least 600 linear FT of freeway frontage | — | Table 8.01-1(C)(2)(d), p. 8.01-17; §8.01.020.C.2(b)-(g), pp. 8.01-25–8.01-26 |

### Commercial Zoning Districts (CS, CN, CC, CR, CCS, OL, OH)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary – Commercial Parcel) | 8 FT | 32 SF per sign face | — | — | 1 per parcel | One freestanding or wall sign per parcel | — | Table 8.01-1(C)(1)(a), p. 8.01-13 |
| On-Site Promotional / Special Event Banner – Tenant < 8,000 SF GFA (Temporary) | 3 FT | 50 SF per sign face | — | — | 1 banner per tenant | One wall-mounted banner per tenant | — | Table 8.01-1(C)(1)(c) – < 8,000 SF tenant GFA, pp. 8.01-13–8.01-15 |
| On-Site Promotional / Special Event Banner – Tenant ≥ 8,000 SF GFA (Temporary) | 5 FT | 75 SF per sign face | — | — | 1 banner per tenant | One wall-mounted banner per tenant | — | Table 8.01-1(C)(1)(c) – > 8,000 SF tenant GFA, pp. 8.01-13–8.01-15 |
| Wall Sign – Retail Business > 100,000 SF (Primary and Descriptor) | Primary: 6 FT character/logo height; Descriptor: 2 FT | 200 SF per building elevation | — | — | Up to 3 primary signs plus 2 descriptor signs per qualifying building | One primary wall sign per building elevation, not to exceed 3 signs total, plus 2 descriptor signs; located on elevations facing public street or with public entrance facing parking lot | — | Table 8.01-1(C)(2)(a) – Retail > 100,000 SF, p. 8.01-16; §8.01.020.D, pp. 8.01-27–8.01-28 |
| Wall Sign – Retail Business 50,000–99,999 SF (Primary and Descriptor) | Primary: 5 FT; Descriptor: 2 FT | 175 SF per building elevation | — | — | Up to 3 primary + 2 descriptor | One primary wall sign per elevation, max 3, plus 2 descriptor signs | — | Table 8.01-1(C)(2)(a) – Retail 50,000–99,999 SF, p. 8.01-16 |
| Commercial Center Identification Monument Sign | 7 FT (3.5 FT if installed in corner cut-off at intersecting streets) | 50 SF per sign face | — | ≥10 FT behind curb; ≥30 FT from monument on adjacent lot; ≥5 FT from interior line/drive | 1 per 500 FT frontage, with 300 FT spacing | One monument sign for each 500 lineal FT of street frontage, with minimum 300 FT spacing between signs | — | Table 8.01-1(C)(2)(b) – Commercial Center Identification Signs, p. 8.01-17; §8.01.020.C.1, p. 8.01-25 |
| Building Identification Monument Sign – Standalone Commercial/Office Building | 6 FT | 36 SF per sign face | — | Per monument sign standards §8.01.020.C.1 | 1 per street frontage | One monument sign per street frontage for buildings not part of a center/complex | — | Table 8.01-1(C)(2)(b) – Building Identification Signs, p. 8.01-17 |
| Freeway Sign – Commercial Parcel | 35 FT (up to 45 FT where grade 10 FT below freeway surface) | 150 SF per face | Maximum 25 FT in any direction | As in §8.01.020.C.2(c),(f) | 1–3 per parcel based on frontage and lot size | Along freeways for qualifying commercial parcels | — | Table 8.01-1(C)(2)(d), p. 8.01-17; §8.01.020.C.2, pp. 8.01-25–8.01-26 |

### Specialized Use Zoning Districts (CIV, MHP, ONT, OS-C, OS-R, PUD, RC, SP, UC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| MHP (Mobile Home Park) Monument Sign | 6 FT | 24 SF per sign face | — | Must be outside required yard setback | 1 per street frontage | One monument sign per street frontage | — | Table 8.01-1(F)(3), p. 8.01-21 |
| ONT – Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | 7 FT | 24 SF per sign face | — | — | 1 per parcel | One freestanding or wall sign per parcel within ONT district | — | Table 8.01-1(F)(4)(a) – Real Estate Signs, p. 8.01-22 |
| ONT – Window Sign | — | Up to 25% of window area | — | — | Not numerically limited | On inside of ground-floor doors and windows of building frontage | — | Table 8.01-1(F)(4)(a) – Window Signs and Displays, p. 8.01-22 |
| ONT – On-Site Temporary Sign or Banner | — | 50 SF per sign face | — | — | 1 per business | One wall-mounted sign or banner per business | — | Table 8.01-1(F)(4)(a) – On-Site Signs and Banners, p. 8.01-22 |
| ONT – Wall Signs (Permanent) | — | — | — | — | Per approved Sign Program | On buildings within ONT district | — | Table 8.01-1(F)(4)(b) – Wall Signs, p. 8.01-22; §8.01.020.F, pp. 8.01-28–8.01-29 |
| ONT – Monument Sign (Permanent) | — | — | — | Per general monument standards and Sign Program | Per Sign Program | On ONT properties | — | Table 8.01-1(F)(4)(b) – Monument Sign, p. 8.01-22 |
| ONT – Wayfinding and Directional Signs | — | — | — | — | Per Sign Program | Within ONT district | — | Table 8.01-1(F)(4)(b) – Wayfinding and Directional Signs, p. 8.01-22 |
| ONT – Billboards | 35 FT (LED and static) | LED signs: 675 SF per face; Static signs: 250 SF per face; Total combined billboard area: ≤2,500 SF | LED: 48 FT; Static: 11 FT | — | 3 LED and 3 static billboards | Within ONT zoning district, in close proximity to terminals and/or rental car area | — | Table 8.01-1(F)(4)(b) – Billboards, p. 8.01-22 |

## Prohibited signs in Ontario

- No sign (including copy change or temporary signs) shall be approved or a permit issued except in conformance with Table 2.02-1 (Review Matrix), Section 4.03.020 (Sign Plans), and Division 8.01.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, attached, affixed, or maintained on any property except in conformity with Division 8.01, unless expressly exempted by Section 8.01.010 (Exempt Signs).
- It is illegal to use, occupy, or maintain property in violation of Division 8.01; violations are punishable under OMC Title 1, Chapter 2 (Penalty Provisions).
- Any sign not specifically allowed by Division 8.01 is prohibited, except signs, notices, or advertisements required by federal, state, or local laws.
- Billboards, including vehicle‑mounted billboards (roving or stationary), are prohibited except billboards established under a Billboard Relocation Agreement (Section 4.02.010) and billboards within the ONT zoning district as allowed by Table 8.01‑1.
- Rotating, revolving, moving, flashing, blinking, or wind‑actuated signs, and signs that reflect light by glossy, polished, or mirrored surfaces, are prohibited, except barber poles, time/temperature signs, and allowed electronic message displays.
- Searchlights, open flames, or loudspeakers used to call attention to a product, service, or property are prohibited.
- Aerial or floating signs (hot air balloons, helium balloons, kites, inflated signs, and other aerial signs) are prohibited except where allowed as temporary signs/displays under Table 8.01‑1.
- Banner signs are prohibited except when used as temporary promotional or special event signs under Table 8.01‑1.
- Signs that emit or amplify sounds or noise are prohibited.
- Signs illuminated by lighting that changes color or intensity are prohibited, except allowed electronic message displays.
- Signs that generate particulate matter (including bubbles, smoke, fog, confetti, ashes) are prohibited.
- Swooper signs are prohibited except as temporary promotional or special event signs allowed by Table 8.01‑1.
- Signs placed on, affixed to, or erected on or over public rights‑of‑way are prohibited, except street banners allowed under Section 8.01.020.G.
- Off‑premise product or service signs are prohibited, except off‑site real estate signs as allowed by Table 8.01‑1.
- Roof signs and any sign that projects above the eave, parapet line, roofline, or above a canopy of a building are prohibited.
- Internally illuminated signs with a directly exposed source of light are prohibited.
- Lit borders of neon or LED fixtures around interior or exterior window perimeters are prohibited, except holiday/seasonal lights and displays allowed by Section 8.01.010.K.
- Externally illuminated signs where the light source is directly visible to pedestrians or vehicular traffic are prohibited.
- Signs that emit or reflect light using direct fluorescence, phosphorescence, or day‑glow colors are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct visual lines of sight at corners or intersections for drivers are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct exits, entrances, windows, vents, emergency access, fire lanes, fire hydrants, or standpipes are prohibited.
- Signs that may interfere with, obstruct, confuse, or mislead pedestrian or vehicular traffic are prohibited.
- Any sign illumination that, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, exhibits undue glare is prohibited.
- Signs affixed to vehicles (trucks, automobiles, trailers, or other vehicles) used to advertise, identify, or direct to a use or activity not related to lawful deliveries, sales, or services from that vehicle are prohibited.
- Parking legitimate delivery, sales, or service vehicles off‑site or on‑site adjacent to a public street for the purpose of advertising is prohibited.
- Sandwich board, A‑frame, and other portable signs are prohibited, except when allowed as temporary signs under Table 8.01‑1.
- Signs affixed to or painted on rocks, trees, or other natural features are prohibited.
- Changeable copy signs are prohibited, except electronic message displays allowed by Section 8.01.020.C.3 and specific changeable copy signs allowed by Table 8.01‑1.
- Any home‑occupation sign larger than 1.5 ft in height and 1.5 ft in width is prohibited.
- Signs consisting of several sheets of paper connected together (by perforations, tape, staples, or other means) are prohibited.
- Signage painted directly on exterior walls or fascia of buildings or structures is prohibited.
- Supergraphics are prohibited.
- Human signs (human billboards, human directionals, sign walkers/wavers/twirlers, or wearing a sign/costume to attract attention) are prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed on private property without written authorization from the owner or occupant and approval of plans by the City under Section 4.03.020.
- No sign shall be placed on public property or within the public right‑of‑way without written City approval; any such sign without approval is illegal and subject to abatement under Section 3.02.015.
- No sign shall resemble a traffic safety or control device or, by intensity of illumination, location, or design, impair vision of or create a hazard for motorists.
- Monument signs shall not be located within public right‑of‑way and must be entirely behind the right‑of‑way line and at least 10 feet behind the curb face.
- Monument signs shall not be oriented toward freeways.
- No tentative tract/parcel map or lot merger may be approved that would consolidate lots to create freeway signs exceeding maximum number, location, area, or spacing standards.
- No street banner, flag, pennant, or street decoration shall be placed or installed over/above any street or public thoroughfare without City Manager approval and an encroachment permit.
- No person shall hang or suspend any street banner above a street or thoroughfare unless a Street Banner Program has been approved.
- Street banners, flags, pennants, or street decorations may not contain the name or designation of any individual, firm, or corporation as an advertisement for private gain.
- Street banners, flags, pennants, or street decorations shall not remain in place longer than 30 days from the date City Manager permission is granted.
- Awnings and canopies with back‑lighting are prohibited.
- Umbrellas shall not contain advertising.
- Accent lighting elements/luminaires placed directly on a building façade so as to be directly exposed to public view are prohibited.
- Signs with exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs exceeding 15 watts are prohibited, and luminous/backlit signs may not exceed 250 footlamberts in brightness.
- Light sources for externally illuminated signs must be arranged and shielded to confine direct light rays to the sign face and away from streets and adjacent properties.
- Political signs may not be posted on public property or in the public right‑of‑way and not within the right‑of‑way of any highway or within 660 feet of and visible from a landscaped freeway.
- Political signs may not be lighted directly or indirectly.
- Political signs may not be placed on private property without the owner’s permission and may not be affixed to trees, fences, posts, utility poles, or any structure by glue, nails, or screws.

## Signs exempt from permit in Ontario

- Official notices, postings, or indications used exclusively to display official notices of any court or public office, or posted by a public officer in performance of a public duty, or required by a public entity to protect public health, safety, or welfare, or otherwise required by law, are exempt from Sign Plan requirements.
- Street name and traffic control signs, directional and informational signs of a public or semi‑public nature, governmental/nonprofit historical markers, and railroad crossing/danger/emergency warning signs are exempt, provided no individual sign exceeds 4 square feet in area.
- On‑site directional signs guiding and directing traffic in parking lots and facilities are exempt, provided no sign exceeds 4 square feet in area and 4 feet in height.
- Public convenience signs (showing locations of public restrooms, telephones, other public conveniences, and underground utilities) are exempt, provided no sign exceeds 2 square feet in area.
- Business‑hours/emergency‑phone/credit‑card/association‑membership and similar small information signs are exempt, provided no individual sign exceeds 1 square foot and total area of all such signs does not exceed 4 square feet.
- Interior signs located entirely within a building, structure, or complex and not visible from a public street or adjacent properties are exempt.
- Menu boards for drive‑in, drive‑through, and walk‑up restaurants are exempt if they do not exceed 36 square feet in area, 6 feet in height, and 2 per restaurant.
- Nonflammable building plaques (names of buildings, dates of erection, dedicatory, memorial, or historical plaques) not exceeding 4 square feet and constructed of bronze or other nonflammable material are exempt.
- Political campaign signs installed pursuant to Section 8.01.025.K (Political Signs) are exempt from Sign Plan requirements (though subject to political‑sign regulations).
- Temporary posters on private property (not exceeding 4 square feet) located in windows or on bulletin boards advertising benefit activities/events sponsored by local nonprofit organizations are exempt.
- Holiday lights and displays that do not advertise any business, product, or other commercial activity, and are limited to 30 days within any 60‑day period, are exempt.
- Temporary real estate and construction signs that are allowed under Table 8.01‑1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) are exempt from Sign Plan requirements.
- Home occupation identification signs attached to the exterior wall of a dwelling at or near the entrance, limited to one sign per dwelling, maximum 18 inches square and mounted at eye level not higher than 6 feet above finished floor, are exempt from Sign Plan requirements.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No sign, including copy change or a temporary sign, shall be approved and a permit issued except in conformance with Table 2.02‑1 (Review Matrix) and Section 4.03.020 (Sign Plans) and the requirements of Division 8.01.
- All non‑exempt signs (including temporary and copy‑change signs) require a Sign Plan approved by the City pursuant to Section 4.03.020 (Sign Plans).
- Section 8.01.010 explicitly states that no sign shall be placed, installed, constructed, displayed, or altered without a City‑approved Sign Plan, except for the listed exempt signs.
- General Regulations in 8.01.020.A.1 require written authorization from the owner or occupant and approval of plans by the City under Section 4.03.020 (Sign Plans) for placement of any sign on private property.
- The overall design of any digital freeway sign (with electronic display) is subject to review and approval of a Sign Permit, which is part of the City’s sign review process.
- A Sign Program (master/complex sign plan) may be allowed under Section 4.02.075 (Sign Programs) to provide coordinated signing within a development, utilizing common design elements and integrating signs with building and landscape design.
- A Sign Program may approve limited deviations from Table 8.01‑1 standards (up to 20% increase in maximum sign area, increase in number of signs, and use of decorative exposed neon) if specified findings about design quality and compatibility are met.
- Within the Ontario International Airport (ONT) zoning district, the number, size, and types of permanent wall, monument, and wayfinding signs are governed by a Sign Program established under Section 8.01.020.F (Sign Programs), rather than only by default matrix standards.
- Downtown Ontario Design Guidelines (Reference C) apply to signs in the historic downtown project area; sign proposals there must comply with those guidelines in addition to Division 8.01, effectively functioning as an area‑specific sign plan framework.
- Street Banner Programs require Zoning Administrator review and approval, including submittal of banner design, elevations, locations, and mounting hardware, before street banners may be installed over the public right‑of‑way.
- Awnings, canopies, outside umbrellas, and accent lighting are explicitly reviewed in the same manner as signs, meaning they are subject to the Sign Plan/Sign Program process when used as sign or branding elements.
- The Design Guidelines in Section 8.01.025 are used during review of a sign program or sign plan to evaluate design quality and consistency, indicating that many multi‑sign or multi‑tenant sites are expected to submit such plans.

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

---

PermitPal — AI sign code research. Full HTML page: https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/ontario