Sign Regulations in Redwood City, California
Redwood City, California has specific sign regulations covering 28 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Sign Types (as allowed per zone), Freestanding Sign, Window Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Redwood City, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Redwood City
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Not above roof line (single-family); Not above roof line (multifamily); Not above roof line (both) | 10 sq ft total signage (single-family); 15 sq ft (multifamily, <100 ft frontage); 24 sq ft (multifamily, >=100 ft frontage) | — |
| Freestanding Sign | 5 ft (solid base); 6 ft (if bottom 3 ft not solid) | 24 sq ft (development entrance for single-family); 15 sq ft (<100 ft frontage multifamily); 24 sq ft (>=100 ft frontage multifamily) | — |
| Flag/Banner (Noncommercial) | Flagpole height not to exceed zoning height limit | 16 sq ft (single family & <100 ft frontage multifamily); 24 sq ft (>=100 ft frontage multifamily) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Redwood CityFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
28
- All Sign Types (as allowed per zone)
- Freestanding Sign
- Window Sign
- Real Estate Sign (Freestanding)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Redwood City
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Redwood City, wall signs can be up to Not above roof line (single-family); Not above roof line (multifamily); Not above roof line (both) and monument signs are limited to 5 ft (solid base); 6 ft (if bottom 3 ft not solid). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Redwood City, 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 Redwood City, regulated sign types include All Sign Types (as allowed per zone), Freestanding Sign, Window Sign, Real Estate Sign (Freestanding), 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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Redwood City has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Redwood City, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Redwood City, California regulates 28 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Nonresidential Property zoning district are capped at 15 ft tall, 150 sq ft per sign; total sign area property-wide not to exceed 1.5 sq ft per foot of frontage, and 10 ft wide, with a 6 ft from curb/edge of pavement setback (Sec. Sec. 3.124D, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07). Most commercial signs in Redwood City require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Redwood City, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Redwood City (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Property | 9 | 6 ft (<4 units); 15 ft (4 or more units) | 24 sq ft (development entrance for single-family); 15 sq ft (<100 ft frontage multifamily); 24 sq ft (>=100 ft frontage multifamily) | — |
| Nonresidential Property | 12 | 15 ft | 150 sq ft per sign; at least 50 sq ft allowed per establishment; total sign area for property = 1.5 sq ft per foot of lot frontage | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | No numeral may exceed 18 in in height | 64 sq ft | — |
| Planned Development | 1 | — | — | — |
| Precise Plan | 1 | — | — | — |
| Specific Plan | 1 | — | — | — |
| Downtown Precise Plan | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Redwood City(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Residential Property
| 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 | Not above roof line (single-family); Not above roof line (multifamily); Not above roof line (both) | 10 sq ft total signage (single-family); 15 sq ft (multifamily, <100 ft frontage); 24 sq ft (multifamily, >=100 ft frontage) | — | — | — | On residential parcels | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.84A, 3.84B, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Freestanding Sign | 5 ft (solid base); 6 ft (if bottom 3 ft not solid) | 24 sq ft (development entrance for single-family); 15 sq ft (<100 ft frontage multifamily); 24 sq ft (>=100 ft frontage multifamily) | — | — | One development entrance sign per eligible property | Residential parcels | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.84A4, 3.84B4, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Flag/Banner (Noncommercial) | Flagpole height not to exceed zoning height limit | 16 sq ft (single family & <100 ft frontage multifamily); 24 sq ft (>=100 ft frontage multifamily) | — | — | Any number within area limitations | Mounted on wall, window, or single pole | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.84A3, 3.84B3, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Residential property only | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.84, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Garage Sale Sign | 3 ft | 4 sq ft per sign | — | — | 4 | On the day of the sale at the property | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.81, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Real Estate Sign (Freestanding) | 6 ft (<4 units); 15 ft (4 or more units) | 12 sq ft (<4 units); 32 sq ft (4 or more units) | — | — | One per street frontage (<4 units: one of either type; 4+ units: one per type per frontage) | Residential property | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.92B1, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Real Estate Sign (Wall/Window) | 3 ft (4+ units) | 4 sq ft, 3 ft high (4 or more units); 12 sq ft (<4 units) | — | — | See freestanding (combined allowed per frontage for each type as specified) | Residential property | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.92B3, 3.92C2, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Real Estate Sign (Portable) | 3 ft | 9 sq ft | 3 ft | — | 4 | Residential property and offsite private property with owner's consent | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.92B2, 3.92D2, 3.92E, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
Nonresidential Property
| 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 (Groundfloor) | — | 150 sq ft per sign; at least 50 sq ft allowed per establishment; total sign area for property = 1.5 sq ft per foot of lot frontage | — | — | One per street-facing facade per establishment | On facade facing street or parking lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.123, 3.124E, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Wall Sign (Above Groundfloor) | — | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per allowed facade if access requirements met | On facade if direct customer access from stairs/elevator | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.124E, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft | 150 sq ft per sign; total sign area property-wide not to exceed 1.5 sq ft per foot of frontage | 10 ft | 6 ft from curb/edge of pavement | Max 1 per street frontage, max 2 per parcel | Private property, at least 6 ft from curb/edge of pavement | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.124D, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Blade Sign / Under-Canopy Sign | — | 6 sq ft per side | — | Set back minimum 2 ft from curb | 3 | Suspended from bracket/canopy/awning on building | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.124B, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Drive-Through Service Sign | 5 ft | 30 sq ft | 6 ft | — | 2 | On drive-through establishment premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.124C, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Temporary Sign / Banner | — | 32 sq ft; combined area of temporary + permanent not to exceed 1.5 sq ft per frontage foot | — | — | One per establishment/facade facing street or parking lot | On building facade or location facing street/lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.126, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Real Estate Sign (Freestanding) | 15 ft (>=100 ft frontage); 6 ft (<100 ft frontage) | 64 sq ft (>=100 ft frontage); 32 sq ft (<100 ft frontage) | — | — | Max 1 per frontage (>=100 ft), or 1 of either type (<100 ft) | Nonresidential property | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.91B1, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Real Estate Sign (Portable) | 3 ft | 9 sq ft | 3 ft | — | 4 | Nonresidential property and offsite private property with the owner's consent | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.91B2, 3.91D2, 3.91E, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Identification Sign | 2 ft | — | — | — | 1 per street-facing facade | Parallel to building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.76, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Directional Sign | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On property for directions | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.79, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Construction Sign (Freestanding, <1 acre) | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot frontage | On construction site, 8 ft clearance from grade to base if freestanding | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.78A, 3.78C, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Construction Sign (Freestanding, >=1 acre) | 15 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot frontage | On construction site, 8 ft clearance from grade to base if freestanding | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.78B, 3.78C, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Future Use Sign (<1 acre, Freestanding) | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot frontage | On site with approved future land use | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.80A, 3.80C, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Future Use Sign (>=1 acre, Freestanding) | 15 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot frontage | On site with approved future land use | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.80B, 3.80C, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Professional Services Sign (Nonresidential only) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per professional | On exterior door or as blade sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.83, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
| Warning Sign | 4 ft | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.86, Ord. No. 2309, § 2, 5-7-07 |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Redwood City — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Redwood City — start freeProhibited Signs in Redwood City
- No person shall install or maintain any of the following signs at any location in the City: Abandoned Signs; Animated Signs; Audible Signs (except at legal drive-through facilities); Billboards; Electronic Message Signs; Home Based Occupation Signs; Inflatable Signs; Signs resembling traffic-control devices; Sky Signs.
- No sign may be mounted or displayed in any of the following locations or manners: obstructing ingress or egress from an exterior door, window, or fire escape; mounted on a building roof or projecting above a building wall, eave, or parapet (unless expressly allowed); displayed or placed in a manner that impedes the movement of vehicles or pedestrians, interferes with traffic signs, signals, or devices, or obstructs visibility of motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians; installed in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
- No sign may be displayed on private tangible property or regulated land without the property owner's consent.
- No person shall erect, place, display or maintain any sign in violation of the Sign Ordinance.
- It is fundamentally prohibited to construct, erect or use billboards (as defined), other than those which legally exist or have a valid, unexpired permit as of the effective date.
- No variance or modification may be granted for signs otherwise prohibited by this Article.
Exempt Signs in Redwood City
- The following are not considered 'signs' for regulatory purposes: decorative or ornamental building features (without letters or moving parts); cornerstones and foundation stones; noncommercial cultural decorations on residential property; fireworks; gravestones and burial markers; hot air balloons that carry persons and do not display advertising; manufacturer’s marks customarily on tangible products; advertisements or banners on mass transit vehicles; newsracks; noncommercial symbols permanently integrated into a building; items of personal appearance (not commercial signs or mascots); vehicle/vessel indications of sale/rent, registration insignia, or business-related commercial messaging on vehicles/vessels as tools of business; vending machines.
- Address signs that comply with the ordinance and have numerals no taller than 18 inches.
- Building identification signs (one per street-facing facade), maximum 2 feet in height.
- Changes of copy on readerboards, so long as the physical sign itself is not changed.
- Construction signs that comply with the stated number, size, height, and duration rules.
- Directional signs (max 4 sq ft, 4 ft height) to areas accessible to the public.
- Future use signs as described, within specified number, size, height, and duration limits.
- Garage sale signs on the day of the sale, subject to size, height, and number restrictions.
- Government, informational, official, utility, and legal notice signs placed by or required by government or legal duty.
- Professional services sign (for each professional on premises, on exterior door or blade sign, max 1 sq ft, non-residential use only).
- Residential signage displaying noncommercial speech, real estate signs, garage sale signs, construction signs, or noncommercial flags, following the relevant limits, and prohibiting off-site commercial and home occupation signage.
- Scoreboards for athletic or competitive events on event site.
- Warning signs (max 4 ft high, 3 sq ft area).
- Temporary window signs that comply with area requirements in the ordinance.
- Fuel price signs required by State law at motor vehicle fuel stations.
- Noncommercial signs, subject to the provisions of the Article.
- Real estate signs (residential or nonresidential) that comply with all relevant requirements and do not require a building/electrical permit.
- Customary maintenance of signs (cleaning, repainting, repair/replacement of parts that do not alter sign size, height, materials, location, or illumination) does not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Redwood City
- A master sign program is required as a condition of approval for any property with multiple commercial tenants before any sign permit is issued for that property. No new sign permits are granted for such properties without an approved master sign program, and any changes to signs must comply with the program.
- A master sign program is required as a condition of approval for any Planned Development (PD) project and any project with multiple commercial tenants. The program must be approved before installation of any individual signs.
- Applications for approval of new or amended master sign programs are reviewed and approved by the Director, and must designate number, size, location, structural design, and materials for each type of sign.
- All master sign programs incorporate by reference the Basic Principles section (Sec. 3.59) and cannot override its provisions.
- An application for a new or amended master sign program involving existing nonconforming signs must include a schedule for bringing the existing signs into conformance with the ordinance and the program.
- No modification or variance may be granted for signs prohibited by the ordinance.
- Modifications (such as for Planned Developments) or variances (up to 30% of otherwise applicable standards) are reviewed in conjunction with the relevant permit processes and require findings of consistency with the purposes and principles of the ordinance.
Source: municode municipal code