# Sign Regulations in Riverside, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Riverside, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/riverside
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/CA/Riverside/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TIT19ZO_ARTVIIISIPLGEDEPR_CH19.620GESIPR)

## At a glance

Riverside, California regulates 43 sign types across 17 zoning districts. Portable Sign (A-frame, in pedestrian-oriented areas and per sign program)s in the Commercial Zones (CR, CG, CRC) zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall, 12 sq ft, and 4 ft wide, with a Not in public ROW or in pedestrian/vehicle path setback (Sec. 19.620.080.D.2). Most commercial signs in Riverside require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (17 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Commercial Zones (CR, CG, CRC) | 15 | 60 ft (measured from adjacent freeway elevation) | 500 sq ft | — |
| Office Zone (O) | 4 | 6 ft | For 80+ LF: 200 sq ft per frontage | — |
| Mixed Use Zones (MU-N, MU-V, MU-U) | 6 | 6–10 ft | Varies by frontage, up to 500 sq ft (see Commercial zones) | — |
| Industrial Zones (BMP, I, AI, AIR) | 5 | 8 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Complex | 2 | — | See above (50 sq ft, 8 ft high, 1 per 300 ft street frontage, up to 3 max) | — |
| Public Facilities Zone | 3 | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| Schools | 6 | 15 ft | 65 sq ft | — |
| All Other Non-Commercial/Industrial & Nonresidential Uses | 3 | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| Planned Residential Developments | 1 | 6 ft for monument sign | 25 sq ft per street frontage | — |
| Multiple-Family Dwellings | 2 | 6 ft for monument sign | 25 sq ft per display face | — |
| Mobile Home Parks | 2 | 6 ft for monument sign | 25 sq ft per display face | — |
| Residential Agricultural (RA-5) | 1 | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — |
| Residential Estate (RE) | 1 | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — |
| Rural Residential (RR) | 1 | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — |
| Residential Conservation (RC) | 1 | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — |
| Single-Family Residential Zones | 1 | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 36 inches | 32 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 17 zones)

### Commercial Zones (CR, CG, CRC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monument Sign (Sites <1 acre) | 6 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On-premises, at street frontage | — | 19.620.080.B, Table 19.620.080.B |
| Monument Sign (Sites 1–2 acres) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | — | up to 3 | On-premises street frontage | — | 19.620.080.B, Table 19.620.080.B |
| Monument Sign (Sites 2–6 acres) - Major Street Frontage | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | per 200 LF; up to 3 | Major street frontage | — | 19.620.080.B, Table 19.620.080.B |
| Monument Sign (Sites 6–10 acres) - Major Street Frontage | 10 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 4 | Major street frontage and 1 secondary | — | 19.620.080.B, Table 19.620.080.B |
| Monument Sign (Sites 10–25 acres) | 10 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 5 | Major and secondary street frontage | — | 19.620.080.B, Table 19.620.080.B |
| Freeway Oriented Pylon Sign (Sites 9–25 acres) | 40 ft (measured from adjacent freeway elevation) | 225 sq ft | — | 150 ft from any non-freeway street; at least equal to height from any residential zone | 1 | Within 150 ft of, and oriented to, freeway ROW; setback 150 ft from non-freeway streets | — | 19.620.080.B; 19.620.080.B.7 |
| Freeway Oriented Pylon Sign (Sites ≥25 acres) | 60 ft (measured from adjacent freeway elevation) | 500 sq ft | — | 150 ft from any non-freeway street; at least equal to height from any residential zone | 1 | Within 150 ft of, and oriented to, freeway ROW | — | 19.620.080.B, Table 19.620.080.B.7 |
| Portable Sign (A-frame, in pedestrian-oriented areas and per sign program) | 4 ft | 12 sq ft | 4 ft | Not in public ROW or in pedestrian/vehicle path | 1 per business | On private property (within 15 ft of front door), may not be in ROW | — | 19.620.080.D.2 |

### Mixed Use Zones (MU-N, MU-V, MU-U)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | Varies by frontage, up to 500 sq ft (see Commercial zones) | — | — | See Commercial Zones | On building frontage | — | Table 19.620.080.A |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | Per window/public entrance | On/in window as allowed | — | Table 19.620.080.A |
| Under Canopy Shingle Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use or occupancy | Same as above | — | Table 19.620.080.A |
| Monument Sign | 6–10 ft | As for Commercial zones (see prior entries: 30 sq ft to 50 sq ft; height 6-10 ft, based on site size) | — | — | See Commercial zones | Street frontage | — | Table 19.620.080.B |
| Pylon Sign, Freeway Oriented Pylon Sign | — | See Commercial zones above | — | — | See above | Major street or at Freeway per rules above | — | Table 19.620.080.B |
| Portable Sign (A-frame, in pedestrian-oriented areas and per sign program) | 4 ft | 12 sq ft | 4 ft | Not in public ROW | 1 | On private property, within 15 ft of storefront | — | 19.620.080.D.2 |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential) | 6 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | On premises | — | 19.620.090.B.1.a |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | Freestanding sign: ≥2 ft from sidewalk, ≥12 ft from curb/edge of pavement | 1 per frontage | On premises | — | 19.620.090.B.1.b |
| Construction Site Sign (Temporary, All Zones) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On lot/parcel under construction | — | 19.620.090.B.4 |
| Protected Non-Commercial Temporary Sign (Residential) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft (doubling allowed 60 days prior and 15 days after elections) | — | — | Aggregate area applies | At residential use, anywhere on private property | — | 19.620.090.B.5 |
| Protected Non-Commercial Temporary Sign (Nonresidential) | 6 ft | 25 sq ft (doubling allowed during election period) | — | — | Aggregate area applies | On property of commercial, business, industrial, manufacturing use | — | 19.620.090.B.6 |
| Banner (Temporary, Nonresidential/Mixed Use) | — | 25% of building wall/window it is on | — | — | See above | Flat against wall or window | — | 19.620.090.A.3.a |
| Portable Sign (Temporary, Nonresidential/Mixed Use) | 36 inches | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per establishment | On private property near entrance; not in public ROW | — | 19.620.090.A.3.b |

## Prohibited signs in Riverside

- Signs are only permitted as specifically allowed in the sign code; all other signs are prohibited in all zones (19.620.070.A).
- Advertising statuary is prohibited in all zones, unless approved by a conditional use permit and Design Review (19.620.050.A).
- Animated and moving signs, including blinking, flashing, or simulated motion signs, are prohibited in all zones, except for changeable digital displays expressly allowed (19.620.050.B).
- Banners, balloons, streamers, and pennants intended to attract attention are prohibited in all zones except as temporary signs if compliant with temporary sign standards, or as flags that meet exemption requirements, or as allowed by a specific plan or policy (19.620.050.C). Feather banners are prohibited in all zones.
- Bench signs or bus stop commercial advertising are prohibited in all zones (19.620.050.D).
- Commercial mascots, including persons or animals holding/attending signs for commercial messages, are prohibited in all zones (19.620.050.E).
- Mobile signs (vehicle as advertising devices for hire) are prohibited, excluding signs on taxis and public buses (19.620.050.F).
- Permanent off-premises general advertising signs (billboards) are prohibited in all zones, except where authorized by a specific ordinance (19.620.050.G; see also 19.623.020).
- Pole signs are prohibited unless expressly allowed elsewhere or by specific plan/policy (19.620.050.H).
- Portable signs are prohibited in all zones unless expressly allowed by code or ordinance (19.620.050.I).
- Paper signs and placards designed to attract attention are prohibited in all zones except as temporary signs if compliant with temporary sign requirements (19.620.050.J).
- Roof signs are prohibited in all zones unless specifically allowed; mansard signs are not considered roof signs if compliant (19.620.050.K).
- Signs located so as to constitute a traffic hazard or obscure authorized traffic signs/signals are prohibited (19.620.050.L).
- Signs creating confusion with traffic signs/signals, or using similar color, location, or wording, are prohibited (19.620.050.L).
- Signs within five feet of a fire hydrant, street sign, or traffic signal are prohibited (19.620.050.L.3).
- Signs producing visible smoke, vapor, particles, bubbles, odor, or noise heard at the property line are prohibited, except for certain shielded two-way communication devices (19.620.050.M).
- Signs promoting prohibited or unpermitted business uses (as defined in the Zoning Code) are prohibited (19.620.050.N).
- Signs may not be erected or maintained in the public right-of-way or on public property, except as expressly allowed (19.620.050.O, 19.625.030).
- Freestanding general advertising billboards may not be newly constructed – only legally existing ones may continue as provided in 19.623 (19.623.020).
- Signs not complying with an order for removal, repair, or compliance may be abated as a public nuisance (19.620.140.C).
- Signs on private property may not be displayed without the consent of the property owner or person holding present right of possession (19.620.070.L).

## Signs exempt from permit in Riverside

- Signs of public service and utility companies indicating danger and service/public safety aides (19.620.040.A.1).
- Signs or visual devices located entirely within a legal building/enclosure not visible from outside (19.620.040.A.2).
- Railroad crossing signs (19.620.040.A.3).
- Traffic or municipal signs posted by government agencies (19.620.040.A.4).
- Legal notices posted pursuant to law or court order (19.620.040.A.5).
- Address signs required by and conforming to the Building Code (19.620.040.A.6).
- Public service and civic identification signs promoting City-sponsored activities as authorized by the City Council (19.620.040.A.7).
- Certain directional signs, information signs under 4 sq.ft., hazard signs, and non-illuminated identification signs under specified size and location limits (19.620.040.B).
- Flags meeting specified standards by type of complex, size, number, height, and mounting (19.620.040.B.4).
- Non-illuminated identification signs (<4 sq.ft.) on residential multi-unit buildings or complexes (19.620.040.B.5).
- Construction site signs consistent with size/duration/location limitations (19.620.040.B.6).
- Signs that were legal when first installed (nonconforming signs) may be continued so long as not expanded, altered, or moved to increase nonconformity (19.620.040.C, 19.620.130.A).
- Temporary protected noncommercial political/free-speech signs on residential and nonresidential properties, not exceeding size/duration limits (19.620.090.B.5, 19.620.090.B.6, 19.620.070.H).
- Substitution of a protected noncommercial message for a permitted commercial (or another permitted noncommercial) message on any legal sign structure (19.620.070.H).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign program (also known as a master sign plan) is required for all new multi-occupancy nonresidential or mixed-use developments with three or more separate lease spaces or establishments, and may be required for major renovations or expansions (19.620.110.B).
- All new office and commercial complexes require an approved sign program before any sign permits are issued (19.620.080.B.3, 19.620.110.B).
- Applications for a sign program must include site plans, elevations, and documentation as required by the Community & Economic Development Director (19.620.110.D).
- Phased developments must submit a sign program before any building permits are issued for the first phase and must amend it before future phases (19.620.110.F).
- Any modification/replacement of 25% or more of permitted signs on a site triggers the requirement for a new or amended sign program (19.620.110.G.2).
- Sign plans/programs must demonstrate coordinated, harmonious design and compliance with the code and Design Principles (19.620.110.A, E).
- Deviations from standard sign design requirements may only be granted as part of a sign program and as provided in 19.620.100.B.3, with findings (19.620.110.H).
- Design review is required for nonresidential signs, and sign plan approvals are subject also to Citywide Sign Design Guidelines (19.620.070.D, 19.620.080.B.1, 19.620.110.C.2).
- A sign permit or other discretionary approval is still required for each sign, pursuant to an approved sign program (19.620.100.A-C, 19.620.110.G.3).
- Historic properties and districts may require additional review and approval under Title 20 and the Cultural Heritage Board (19.620.120.B, D, G).
- Freeway-oriented signs in commercial complexes generally require a Minor Conditional Use Permit with specific findings (19.620.080.B.7).
- For certain deviations (up to 10% over height/area), the reviewing authority may approve as part of permit/sign plan, provided findings are made (19.620.100.C.2).

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

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