# Sign Regulations in Petaluma, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Petaluma, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/petaluma
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-06
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://petaluma.municipal.codes/ZoningOrds/20)

## At a glance

Petaluma, California regulates 50 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Political or Campaign Signs in the Open Space and Parks Districts (OSP), Agricultural District (AG), Residential District (R) zoning district are capped at 6 ft (if detached, R) tall and 20 sq ft (R); 50 sq ft (AG), with a 5 ft from any property line (R) setback (Sec. 20.100(A), 20.100(B), 20.100(D)). Most commercial signs in Petaluma require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (9 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open Space and Parks Districts (OSP), Agricultural District (AG), Residential District (R) | 15 | 6 ft (if detached, R) | 60 sq ft per sign | Yes |
| Civic Facilities Districts | 7 | 5 ft | 50 sq ft | Yes |
| Commercial District (C, C1, C2), Mixed Use District (MU, MU1, MU2), Business Park District (BP), Industrial District (I) | 11 | 30 ft (main sign); 10 ft from bottom to top of sign face (main sign); 15 ft (additional signs) | 300 sq ft | Yes |
| Mobile Home Districts | 1 | — | 16 sq ft | Yes |
| T1 Natural Zone, T2 Rural Zone, T3 Sub-Urban Zone | 18 | 50' max | 1000 sq ft max | Yes |
| T4 General Urban Zone, T5 Urban Center Zone, T6 Urban Core Zone, D1 - Historic Agricultural Services District, D3 - River-Dependent Industrial District | 18 | 50' max | 1000 sq ft max | Yes |
| SD Special District, D2 - Railroad District | 10 | Ground floor height 14' min | — | — |
| D4 - Thoroughfare District | 8 | 50' max | 1000 sq ft max | Yes |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | — | 4 sq ft | Yes |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 9 zones)

### Open Space and Parks Districts (OSP), Agricultural District (AG), Residential District (R)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Permanent Tract Identification Sign | 5 ft | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 | At the main entrance of a tract | Yes | 20.040(A) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | Set back from every street lot line at least a distance in feet equal to one-half the number of square feet in area of the sign, but not less than any required front yard | 1 | On the premises being advertised | No | 20.040(B), 20.110(B)(1) |
| Free-standing Sign | 5 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On the site of a public building or grounds, private institution, church, club or lodge, or professional office building, clinic or laboratory | Yes | 20.040(C) |
| Wall Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On the site of a church, school, community center or other public or institutional building | Yes | 20.040(D) |
| Announcement Sign / Bulletin Board | — | 12 sq ft | — | 12 ft from all street curb or pavement lines if not attached flat against a building | 1 | On the site of a church, school, community center or other public or institutional building | Yes | 20.040(E) |
| Announcement Sign for Public and Private Academic Schools | — | 32 sq ft | — | 12 ft from all street curb or pavement lines if not attached flat against a building | 1 | On the site of a public or private academic school | Yes | 20.040(E)(1) |
| Announcement Sign for Churches, Community Centers or Other Public or Institutional Buildings Other Than Public and Private Academic Schools | — | 12 sq ft | — | 12 ft from all street curb or pavement lines if not attached flat against a building | 1 | On the site of a church, community center or other public or institutional building (not a public or private academic school) | Yes | 20.040(E)(2) |
| Political or Campaign Sign | 6 ft (if detached, R) | 20 sq ft (R); 50 sq ft (AG) | — | 5 ft from any property line (R) | Stationary, temporary; no explicit number limit | On private property, not on public property or public utility property | No | 20.100(A), 20.100(B), 20.100(D) |

### T1 Natural Zone, T2 Rural Zone, T3 Sub-Urban Zone

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign | Valance: 8" min, 16" max; Lettering: 16" max (projecting), 18" max (sloping), 8" max (valance) | 1 sq ft per linear foot of shopfront (projecting); 25% coverage max (sloping plane); 75% coverage max (valance) | Storefront width, max (valance) | — | 1 projecting; or 1 valance and 1 sloping plane max per awning | On awning, clear height 8' min | Yes | 4.90.150 |
| Blade Sign | 36" max | 6 sq ft max | 48" max | — | 1 per entry door | Perpendicular to building facade, clear height 8' min, projection 5' max | Yes | 4.90.130 |
| Marquee Sign | 24" max | — | 6' max | — | 1 per building | Vertical, projects perpendicular or at 45° to facade, clear height 12' min, extension 10' max | Yes | 4.90.160 |
| Wall Sign | 12" min; 5' max; Lettering: 36" max | 1 sq ft per linear foot of shopfront, max | Storefront width, max | — | 1 per tenant | Flat against facade, above main entrance, 1 per shopfront max, projection 8" max | Yes | 4.90.110 |
| Wall Mural Sign | 50' max | 1000 sq ft max | 200' max | — | 1 per building | Secondary facade (side street, alley, paseo), height above ground 3' min, projection 8" max | Yes | 4.90.120 |
| Window Sign | 36" max | 25% of shopfront bay; 15% of shopfront | 5' max | — | 1 per window bay | At or above eye level, applied to inside of glass | Yes | 4.90.100 |
| Yard Sign | 36" max (sign); 5' max (overall) | — | 36" max | — | 1 per building (porch or yard) | Mounted on porch (6'8" min clear height) or in yard (12" min clear height), between public ROW and building facade | Yes | 4.90.090 |
| Sidewalk Sign | 42" max | 6 sq ft max | 30" max | — | 1 per storefront max | On sidewalk, must not interfere with pedestrian travel or accessible path | Yes | 4.90.140 |

### T4 General Urban Zone, T5 Urban Center Zone, T6 Urban Core Zone, D1 - Historic Agricultural Services District, D3 - River-Dependent Industrial District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign | Valance: 8" min, 16" max; Lettering: 16" max (projecting), 18" max (sloping), 8" max (valance) | 1 sq ft per linear foot of shopfront (projecting); 25% coverage max (sloping plane); 75% coverage max (valance) | Storefront width, max (valance) | — | 1 projecting; or 1 valance and 1 sloping plane max per awning | On awning, clear height 8' min | Yes | 4.90.150 |
| Blade Sign | 36" max | 6 sq ft max | 48" max | — | 1 per entry door | Perpendicular to building facade, clear height 8' min, projection 5' max | Yes | 4.90.130 |
| Marquee Sign | 24" max | — | 6' max | — | 1 per building | Vertical, projects perpendicular or at 45° to facade, clear height 12' min, extension 10' max | Yes | 4.90.160 |
| Wall Sign | 12" min; 5' max; Lettering: 36" max | 1 sq ft per linear foot of shopfront, max (T4/T5: 0.5 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage per frontage; T6: 1 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage per frontage) | Storefront width, max | — | 1 per tenant | Flat against facade, above main entrance, 1 per shopfront max, projection 8" max | Yes | 4.90.110 |
| Wall Mural Sign | 50' max | 1000 sq ft max | 200' max | — | 1 per building | Secondary facade (side street, alley, paseo), height above ground 3' min, projection 8" max | Yes | 4.90.120 |
| Window Sign | 36" max | 25% of shopfront bay; 15% of shopfront | 5' max | — | 1 per window bay | At or above eye level, applied to inside of glass | Yes | 4.90.100 |
| Yard Sign | 36" max (sign); 5' max (overall) | — | 36" max | — | 1 per building (porch or yard) | Mounted on porch (6'8" min clear height) or in yard (12" min clear height), between public ROW and building facade | Yes | 4.90.090 |
| Sidewalk Sign | 42" max | 6 sq ft max | 30" max | — | 1 per storefront max | On sidewalk, must not interfere with pedestrian travel or accessible path | Yes | 4.90.140 |

## Prohibited signs in Petaluma

- No sign, outdoor advertising structure or display shall be permitted except in conformity with the regulations of this chapter.
- No sign or outdoor advertising structure shall be erected in such a manner that it will, or reasonably may be expected to interfere with, obstruct, confuse, or mislead traffic or create a safety hazard.
- Moving signs, sign structures, and flashing lights are prohibited, except for official flags and symbols, clocks, thermometers, and traditional type barber poles that rotate.
- All signs and displays shall be located on the same site as the use they identify or advertise, except subdivisions.
- No sign or sign structure shall be painted or located upon or above the roof of any building, unless integrated as part of the building architecture.
- No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any street improved for vehicular traffic, within a triangular area formed by the curb lines and their projection, and a line connecting them at points thirty-five (35) feet from the intersection of the projected curb lines, unless in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance, has a clearance of at least ten (10) feet above curb grade.
- No sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of the sign or its support is attached to or will interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe, or obstruct any required stairway, door, ventilator, or window.
- Not more than three (3) permanent signs for any one (1) occupant shall be visible from any one (1) ground vantage point.
- A wall or projecting sign attached to a building shall not extend above the top of the wall upon or in front of which it is situated, or in the case of buildings having sloping roofs, above the eave of the roof.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent the free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
- No sign of any kind shall be attached to a stand pipe or fire escape.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or which makes use of the words “Stop”, “Look”, “Drive-in”, “Danger”, or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
- All signs or other advertising structures which are constructed on street lines, or within five feet thereof, shall have a smooth surface and no nails, tacks or wires shall be permitted to protrude therefrom, except electric reflectors and devices which may extend over the top and in front of the advertising structure.
- No outdoor advertising structure, sign, or other advertising structure shall be erected, constructed, relocated or maintained, regardless of the zone or district, if such structure, sign or other advertising structure is designed to have or has the advertising thereon maintained primarily to be viewed from a main traveled roadway of a freeway or the ingress or egress ramps thereto, except as approved as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center with freeway frontage.
- No outdoor advertising structure, sign, or other advertising structure shall be erected, constructed, relocated or maintained, regardless of the zone or district, if such structure, sign or other advertising structure, because of its location, size, nature or type, constitutes or tends to constitute a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles upon a freeway, or creates a condition which endangers the safety of persons or property thereon.
- Cabinet signs are prohibited as freeway oriented signs.
- Freestanding freeway oriented signs are prohibited.
- Temporary signage is not permitted as freeway oriented signs.
- No political or campaign signs may be erected or installed upon public property, or upon public utility property.
- No sign or other advertising structure regulated herein may be unsafe, insecure, or a menace to the public, or constructed or maintained in violation of this chapter.

## Signs exempt from permit in Petaluma

- No approval or permit is required for normal sign maintenance other than changes in color, type of lighting, or design.
- One (1) non-illuminated real estate sign advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises on which it is maintained and not over six (6) square feet in area.
- Signs showing the location of public telephones, restrooms and underground facilities.
- One (1) street address sign, not directly lighted, and less than two (2) square feet in area.
- One (1) occupancy identification sign for each street frontage, not directly lighted, and not exceeding two (2) square feet in area in any AG or R District.
- One (1) non-illuminated professional name plate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
- One (1) non-illuminated sign identifying a home occupation not more than one and one-half (1-1/2) square feet in area, which may be used to identify the occupant and his “home occupation”; said name plate shall be affixed flat against the outside wall of the dwelling.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date or erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials.
- Any sign, posting, notice, etc., placed by or required by a government entity in carrying out its responsibility to protect the general health and welfare of the community.
- Window signs in business establishments, located in C (Commercial), Mixed Use (MU), Business Park (BP), and I (Industrial) Districts.
- Political campaign signs in conformance with the regulations herein.
- Two (2) non-illuminated temporary identification signs not exceeding thirty (30) square feet in area each on sites occupied by temporary uses such as Christmas tree lots, circuses, carnivals and charity booths. Such signs may be maintained for a period of fourteen (14) days or the duration of such use, whichever is less, with the exception of Christmas tree lots, for which such period shall not exceed forty (40) days.
- Directional signs for off-street parking and loading facilities not exceeding four (4) square feet in area nor a height of three (3) feet and limited to two (2) such signs per driveway entrance to off-street parking facilities.
- One (1) permanent directional sign identifying institutions of an educational, religious, charitable, governmental or civic nature, not to exceed four (4) square feet in area and situated on an arterial street. Additional directional signs may be approved subject to the granting of a use permit.
- Pennants or banners for a period or periods not exceeding 21 days aggregate per year, on the site of businesses located in C1, C2, MU1, and MU2 Districts.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A Master Sign Program is a comprehensive sign program for approval of all signs in a multi-tenant shopping center, retail center, commercial or industrial complex or other use, stipulating size, design, criteria, and location. A Master Sign Program is processed as a Site Plan and Architectural Review application at the discretion of the Planning Commission and when found consistent with requirements in Section 24.050(E).
- When a unique, cohesive approach to project signage is warranted, some flexibility in design requirements may be approved by the Planning Commission if it is found that the master sign program is in conformance with the purposes stated in Section 20.010.
- Freeway oriented wall signs may be considered by the Planning Commission as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center with direct freeway frontage. The master sign program shall address material, size, color, lighting, attachment, and placement.
- The Planning Commission shall consider if the master sign program meets the Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) standards contained in Subsection 24.050(E), and make the additional findings contained in subsection 20.140.D.
- Existing retail centers applying for freeway oriented signs shall resubmit the Master Sign Program.
- No Trailblazer identification (light pole or attached sign) shall be installed without first receiving administrative Site Plan and Architectural Review approval. Placement of the lamp post shall also require an encroachment permit prior to their installation.
- Application for sign permits shall be made upon forms provided by the City and shall contain or have attached the information requested on the application; or additional information as deemed necessary by the Director to process the application.
- All signs erected within the City shall be erected in accordance with and in compliance with the uniform building, electrical and other codes and laws as applicable, including the Zoning Ordinance.
- For any temporary subdivision or construction sign, a permit may be issued by the Director any time after recordation of the final subdivision map, or issuance of the building permit, if no subdivision is involved, and shall become void one (1) year following the date on which the permit was issued.
- No permit shall be issued for a projecting sign over public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit is first obtained from the City.

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

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