Sign Regulations in Sacramento, California
Sacramento, California has specific sign regulations covering 40 sign types across 15 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 15, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Sacramento, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Sacramento
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | No height limit for flat wall signs if compliant (general) | 300 sq ft maximum for any sign (15.148.210) | 5 ft from interior property line unless flat against wall (general in Article IV) |
| Freestanding Sign | Zone-specific; embellishment up to 20% above max height without text (15.148.360) | 300 sq ft maximum (15.148.210) | Zone-specific; 5 ft from property line |
| Projecting Sign | Min 10 ft above sidewalk (15.148.400); max projection 4 ft (15.148.380) | 150 sq ft if over right-of-way (15.148.390) | N/A |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for SacramentoFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
40
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Awning Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
15
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Sacramento
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Sacramento, wall signs can be up to No height limit for flat wall signs if compliant (general) and monument signs are limited to Zone-specific; embellishment up to 20% above max height without text (15.148.360). 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Projecting Sign, Awning Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Sacramento, monument signs typically require a Zone-specific; 5 ft from property line setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Sacramento are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Sacramento has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Sacramento, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Sacramento, California regulates 40 sign types across 15 zoning districts. Projecting Signs in the CBD-SPD and arts and entertainment district zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall, 20 sq ft per side, and 4 ft projection wide, with a N/A setback (Sec. 15.148.190.E.2). Most commercial signs in Sacramento require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Sacramento, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Sacramento (15 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | Zone-specific; embellishment up to 20% above max height without text (15.148.360) | 300 sq ft maximum for any sign (15.148.210) | — |
| Residential zones (R) | 2 | 6 ft monument | 24 sq ft for assembly; 12 sq ft multifamily | — |
| A agricultural zone | 2 | 35 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| RMX residential mixed-use zone | 4 | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Office Building (OB), Residential Office (R-O), and Hospital (H) zones | 2 | 6 ft monument | 16 sq ft total | — |
| Shopping Center (SC) and Highway Commercial (HC) zones | 3 | 35 ft | 3 sq ft per front foot | — |
| C-1 limited commercial zone | 2 | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Commercial (C-2, C-4) and Industrial (M-1, M-2, M-T) zones | 3 | 35 ft in C-2/C-4; 40 ft in M (15.148.160.A.3) | 300 sq ft | — |
| EC employment center zones | 3 | As C-2 | As C-2 | — |
| Industrial Park (M-1 (S), M-2 (S)) zones | 2 | Monument from sidewalk/parking | 48 sq ft | — |
| F flood zone | 1 | Per permit | Per permit | — |
| CBD-SPD and arts and entertainment district | 8 | 10 ft | 45 sq ft | — |
| ESC sign district | 18 | <=150 ft except 225 ft on historic/freeway/Zone A (15.148.191.C.6.j.ii) | 700 sq ft wall; 15 days consec, 90/yr | — |
| Railyards SPD | 1 | Per chapter | Per chapter | — |
| Transit Overlay (TO) zone (RMX-TO, C-2-TO) | 7 | 35 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Sacramento(sample of 3 of 15 zones)
CBD-SPD and arts and entertainment district
| 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 - Flat-Mounted | 3 ft (15.148.190.E.1.c) | 45 sq ft | — | N/A | 2 per occupant per face | Attached, below building base except main tenant | — | Unlock | 15.148.190.E.1 |
| Projecting Sign | 10 ft | 20 sq ft per side | 4 ft projection | N/A | 1 per occupant | Street-side face | — | Unlock | 15.148.190.E.2 |
| Suspended Sign | 1.5 ft | 9 sq ft per face | — | N/A | 1 per occupant | Under projection | — | Unlock | 15.148.190.E.3 |
| Awning Sign | 1 ft | 25% of awning | — | N/A | Per awning | On awning | — | Unlock | 15.148.190.E.4 |
| Banner | — | 40 sq ft | — | N/A | 1 per face | Attached to building or pole | — | Unlock | 15.148.190.E.5 |
| Tower-Attached Sign | — | Per approval | — | N/A | 2 per building | Attached parallel to face, upper signage area | — | Unlock | 15.148.190.E.7 |
| Monument Sign | 5-13 ft | 30 sq ft per side incl base | 1-2.5 ft | 5 ft from lines | Per approval | >=5 ft from lines, 10 ft from driveway | — | Unlock | 15.148.190.E.8 |
| Special Signage - Neon/Flashing | — | Per permit | — | N/A | Per permit | Per permit | — | Unlock | 15.148.190.E.6 |
ESC sign district
| 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 | <=150 ft except 225 ft on historic/freeway/Zone A (15.148.191.C.6.j.ii) | Per facade % | — | N/A | 3 per facade L2 Zone A; 2 L2 Zone B; 1 L3 | Exterior wall, parallel to facade; Levels 1-3 | — | Unlock | 15.148.191.C.6.j, D.4 |
| Projecting Sign | Min 8 ft above grade | 40 sq ft per side | 4 ft | N/A | Per table: A/N in L1 Zone A/B | Primary structure; Zone A/B L1 | — | Unlock | 15.148.191.C.6.m |
| Monument Sign - ESC | — | 30 sq ft per side incl base; digital <=8 sq ft | 3.5 ft | 20 ft from driveway | 1 per parcel | >=20 ft from driveway to ROW | — | Unlock | 15.148.191.C.6.l |
| Temporary Sign | No limit wall | 700 sq ft wall; 15 days consec, 90/yr | — | No interference | 2 at a time | Parcel; no public property | — | Unlock | 15.148.191.C.6.q |
| Plaza Kiosk | 4x width | 50 sq ft per side incl base; digital <=20 sq ft | 4.5 ft | N/A | 8 total | Plaza | — | Unlock | 15.148.191.C.6.e |
| Detached Plaza-Entry Sign | — | 120 sq ft per side incl base | 10 ft | N/A | 4 total | Zone A entrances | — | Unlock | 15.148.191.C.6.c |
| Attached Plaza-Entry Sign | — | 16 sq ft | 4 ft | N/A | 2 total | Zone A entrances, parallel to wall | — | Unlock | 15.148.191.C.6.d |
| Attached Plaza Sign | — | 180 sq ft per side excl base | 8 ft | N/A | 2 total | Plaza, channel letters, >=200 ft from Zone A entrance | — | Unlock | 15.148.191.C.6.r |
Transit Overlay (TO) zone (RMX-TO, C-2-TO)
| 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 - RMX-TO Residential | As R | As R | — | As R | As R | As R | — | Unlock | 15.148.195.A.1 |
| Freestanding Sign - RMX-TO Residential | As R | As R | — | As R | As R | As R | — | Unlock | 15.148.195.A.1 |
| Wall Sign - RMX-TO Commercial | No limit if flat; projecting 8-12 ft above ROW | 1 sq ft per front foot total incl additional | — | N/A | 1 +1 additional per occupancy; separate if dual access | Attached; separate for sidewalk/rear if parking rear and dual access (15.148.195.A.2.d) | — | Unlock | 15.148.195.A.2 |
| Freestanding Sign - RMX-TO Commercial | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per frontage | 10 ft from line, 5 ft driveway | — | Unlock | 15.148.195.A.2.a |
| Freestanding Sign - C-2-TO On-Site | 35 ft | 1 sq ft per frontage | — | As C-2 | As C-2 | As C-2 | — | Unlock | 15.148.195.B.1 |
| Wall Sign - C-2-TO On-Site | No limit flat; projecting 8-12 ft | 3 sq ft per front foot | — | N/A | 2 per occupancy or per side dual | Attached; separate sidewalk/rear if dual access | — | Unlock | 15.148.195.B.1 |
| Off-Site Sign - C-2-TO | As C-2 | As C-2 | — | As C-2 | As C-2 | As C-2 | — | Unlock | 15.148.195.B.2 |
PermitPal covers all 15 zoning districts in Sacramento — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 15 zones for Sacramento — start freeProhibited Signs in Sacramento
- No sign shall be permitted at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of motor vehicle operators or at any location where by reason of its position, shape or color it may interfere with or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device or which makes use of a word, symbol, phrase, shape or color in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
- No sign shall be allowed that is placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, electrolier, hydrant, bridge, tree, or other surface located on public property or over or across any street or public thoroughfare except as may otherwise expressly be authorized by this chapter.
- No sign shall be permitted which is animated by means of flashing, scintillating, blinking or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination. No sign shall be permitted which because of its intensity of light constitutes a nuisance or hazard to vehicular traffic, pedestrians or adjacent properties.
- Except as otherwise provided in Section 15.148.290 of this chapter, no sign or any other portion thereof shall be allowed that moves or assumes any other motion constituting a nonstationary or fixed condition except for the rotation of revolving prism units in off-site signs or billboards.
- The tacking, painting, pasting, or otherwise affixing of signs or posters of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of a building, barns, sheds, on trees, poles, posts, fences, or other structures is prohibited.
- Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the following signs are prohibited: Signs that are located on or project over the roof of a building or structure; Pennants, streamers, bunting, and wind signs; Sidewalk clocks; Statues, real or simulated, utilized for advertising purposes; Off-site signs and signs displaying general advertising for hire.
- Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, from and after November 15, 2007, the construction, erection, installation, and use of new billboards are prohibited.
- Outlining of a building by means of exposed neon tubing, exposed incandescent lighting, or other artificial lighting, or an equivalent effect is prohibited.
- No person shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or public property or on private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.
- No advertising sign or device shall be permitted which emits audible sound, odor, or visible matter.
- The use of a fixed balloon within the city as a sign is prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Sacramento
- Nothing in this chapter applies to or restricts the following: The city's use of city property to display the city's own messages; Governmental signs for regulatory purposes such as traffic control and public safety (e.g., street signs, danger signs, railroad-crossing signs, signs of public-service companies indicating danger, and aids to service or safety).
- Flags that display messages other than general advertising and are displayed on private property in a manner that complies with Section 15.148.620. The cumulative display area of all flags on a parcel, calculated by measuring one side of each flag, may not exceed one square foot for every three linear feet of street frontage.
- Portable signs that are capable of standing without support or attachment and are hinged or designed to fold up for easy moving by hand, but only if used to display messages other than general advertising and only if displayed in a manner that complies with Section 15.148.620 and does not constitute a nuisance or hazard to vehicular traffic, pedestrians, or adjacent properties.
- Unilluminated signs that have a display area not exceeding four square feet; display messages other than general advertising; comply with Section 15.148.620; and do not constitute a nuisance or hazard to vehicular traffic, pedestrians, or adjacent properties. The cumulative display area of all such signs on a parcel may not exceed one square foot for each five linear feet of street frontage.
- Signs located within the interior of any building or stadium, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building, and signs for and located within the inner or outer lobby, court, or entrance of any theater; provided however, that no sign will be exempt hereunder unless it is designed, located, and intended to be viewed primarily from inside the premises and not from the public right-of-way.
- Temporary signs that meet the following criteria: In R, A, or OB zones, cumulative display area not exceeding 10 square feet; in SC, HC, C, or M zones, not exceeding 50 square feet; with additional permitted temporary signs on undeveloped parcels under permit; may not display general advertising (except permitted ones), not illuminated, not roof signs, not exceed 6 feet height, not more than 180 days per year (except permitted).
- Bicycle-share sponsorship signs affixed to bicycle-share stations, with size and other limits, no general advertising.
- Sponsorship signs for EV-charging stations, with size and other limits, no general advertising.
- Digital kiosks located on public property pursuant to an agreement, primarily for community information, with secondary advertising allowed under standards.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Sacramento
- In the CBD-SPD and arts and entertainment district, a sign program must be submitted with an individual project application to the design director or the preservation director, addressing proposed location, dimensions, materials, design guidelines for sign support, structure, and illumination method.
- In special sign districts established under Sections 15.148.930 and 15.148.940, regulations applicable to the district may create an integrated special sign theme.
- For planned unit developments (PUD), the development guidelines adopted for the PUD may specify a sign program that allows for signage otherwise prohibited or prohibits signage otherwise allowed.
- For special planning districts (SPD), the development guidelines adopted for the SPD may specify a sign program that allows for signage otherwise prohibited or prohibits signage otherwise allowed.
- In the ESC sign district, certain signs (e.g., detached plaza-entry signs, attached plaza signs, plaza kiosks, ESC monument signs) must undergo site plan and design review under Title 17.
- For signs for large entertainment venues under Section 15.148.920, digital displays and other signs are subject to approval by the director, who shall make specific findings.
- For digital signs in regional shopping centers under Section 15.148.925, digital signs are subject to approval by the director, who shall make specific findings.
Source: amlegal municipal code