Sign Regulations in San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino, California has specific sign regulations covering 39 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument, Awning, Canopy. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 11, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for San Bernardino, California
Sample Sign Requirements in San Bernardino
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window Sign (Exempt) | — | 25% of window area | — |
| Yard Sign - Construction/Remodeling (Sites < 5 acres) (Temporary Exempt) | 8 ft | 32 sf | — |
| Yard Sign - Construction/Remodeling (Sites ≥ 5 acres) (Temporary Exempt) | 12 ft | 76 sf | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for San BernardinoFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
39
- Monument
- Awning
- Canopy
- Driveway/Onsite Traffic Directional
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for San Bernardino
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in San Bernardino vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino, regulated sign types include Monument, Awning, Canopy, Driveway/Onsite Traffic Directional, 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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. San Bernardino has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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San Bernardino, California Sign Rules at a Glance
San Bernardino, California regulates 39 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Monuments in the Industrial Zones (OIP, IL, IH, IE, UBP-1, UBP-2, UBP-3) zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and Per formula; not to exceed 300 sf, with a ≥ 5 ft from property line; ≥ 50 ft separation from adjacent property’s Monument Signs; if digital, ≥ 200 ft radial separation to other Digital Signs setback (Sec. Table 22.05(d); Section 19.22.070(B)(4)). Most commercial signs in San Bernardino require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for San Bernardino, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in San Bernardino (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | Up to 75 ft flagpoles | ≤ 672 sf (and not exceeding existing sign area to be replaced) | — |
| Residential Zones (RE, RL, RS, RU, RM, RMH, RH, RSH) | 5 | 6 ft | 30 sf per sign | — |
| Commercial Zones (CO, CG-1, CG-2, CG-3, CR-1, CR-2, CR-3, CR-4, CH) | 7 | Single Tenant: 25 ft; Multiple Tenant: 35 ft | Single Tenant: 75 sf per sign face; Multiple Tenant: 125 sf per sign face | — |
| Industrial Zones (OIP, IL, IH, IE, UBP-1, UBP-2, UBP-3) | 8 | 25 ft | Per formula; not to exceed 300 sf | — |
| Public and Quasi-Public Zones (PF, PFC, PP, PCR) | 2 | 7 ft | 30 sf per sign | — |
| Main Street Overlay Zone (MS) | 9 | Single Tenant: 25 ft; Multiple Tenant: 35 ft | Single Tenant: 75 sf per sign face; Multiple Tenant: 125 sf per sign face | — |
| Freeway Corridor Overlay Zone (FC) | 4 | ≤ 50 ft above freeway grade (may be allowed up to 75 ft with approved flag test if lower height is obscured) | Up to 200 sf | — |
| Downtown (CR-2) | 7 | Single Tenant: 25 ft; Multiple Tenant: 35 ft | Single Tenant: 75 sf per sign face; Multiple Tenant: 125 sf per sign face | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in San Bernardino(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Window Sign (Exempt) | — | 25% of window area | — | — | N/A | Applied or attached to windows on business frontage; must allow unobstructed views for law enforcement to interior including cash registers | — | Unlock | Table 22.01(a); Section 19.22.070(B)(9); Section 19.22.040(C)(5) |
| Yard Sign - Construction/Remodeling (Sites < 5 acres) (Temporary Exempt) | 8 ft | 32 sf | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On property undergoing construction/remodeling | — | Unlock | Table 22.01(b); Section 19.22.080(B) |
| Yard Sign - Construction/Remodeling (Sites ≥ 5 acres) (Temporary Exempt) | 12 ft | 76 sf | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On property undergoing construction/remodeling | — | Unlock | Table 22.01(c); Section 19.22.080(B) |
| Yard Sign - Residential Property For Sale/Lease/Rental (Temporary Exempt) | 5 ft | 8 sf | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On residential property offered for sale, lease, or rental | — | Unlock | Table 22.01(d); Section 19.22.080(B),(D) |
| Sale/Lease/Rental Sign - Non-Residential Property (Temporary Exempt) | 8 ft | 32 sf | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On non-residential property offered for sale, lease, or rental; may be freestanding (yard), window, or wall | — | Unlock | Table 22.01(e); Section 19.22.080(B),(D) |
| Yard/Garage/Estate/Community Garden Sale Sign (Temporary Exempt) | 5 ft | 6 sf | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On-site where sale is taking place; off-site temporary signs allowed on private property | — | Unlock | Table 22.01(f); Section 19.22.080(B),(D) |
| Temporary Sign displaying Noncommercial Messages (Exempt) | Shall not project above the roofline of any structure | 24 sf | — | — | N/A | Private property locations where Permanent Signs are allowed | — | Unlock | Table 22.01(j); Section 19.22.080(B),(D) |
| General Advertising Sign (Billboard) - Relocation/Conversion Only | ≤ 50 ft above grade (may exceed with approved flag test per Director) | ≤ 672 sf (and not exceeding existing sign area to be replaced) | — | — | Per approved Agreement/CUP | City-owned property; or property in CG, CR, IL, IH within 200 ft of outer edge of I‑10, I‑215, SR‑210 freeway rights-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 19.22.090(A)-(F) |
Industrial Zones (OIP, IL, IH, IE, UBP-1, UBP-2, UBP-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning | Must be below the eave line | 25% of awning surface area | — | — | N/A | Ground floor building frontages | — | Unlock | Table 22.05(a); Section 19.22.070(B)(1) |
| Canopy | 2 ft | 25% of canopy surface area | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Ground floor building frontages | — | Unlock | Table 22.05(b); Section 19.22.070(B)(2) |
| Driveway/Onsite Traffic Directional | 8 ft | 12 sf per sign face | — | — | 1 per driveway or drive-through lane, plus 1 per every 100 parking spaces (or as permitted through a Comprehensive Sign Program) | Adjacent to onsite pedestrian or vehicle travel ways, including drive-through lanes and parking areas | — | Unlock | Table 22.05(c); Section 19.22.070(B)(3)(f) |
| Monument | 8 ft | Per formula; not to exceed 300 sf | — | ≥ 5 ft from property line; ≥ 50 ft separation from adjacent property’s Monument Signs; if digital, ≥ 200 ft radial separation to other Digital Signs | Lots < 600 ft frontage: 1 per street frontage; Lots ≥ 600 ft frontage: 1 per each 600 ft of street frontage | Street frontage; within landscaped setback or planting bed unless waived | — | Unlock | Table 22.05(d); Section 19.22.070(B)(4) |
| Projecting | Must be below eave line | 25 sf per sign face | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Mounted perpendicular to building fascia | — | Unlock | Table 22.05(e); Section 19.22.070(B)(5) |
| Pylon | 25 ft | Per formula; not to exceed 300 sf | — | ≥ 5 ft from property line; ≥ 50 ft separation from adjacent property’s Pylon Signs; if digital, ≥ 200 ft radial separation to other Digital Signs | Lots < 600 ft frontage: 1 per street frontage; Lots ≥ 600 ft frontage: 1 per each 600 ft of street frontage | Street frontage; within landscaped setback or planting bed unless waived | — | Unlock | Table 22.05(f); Section 19.22.070(B)(6) |
| Wall - Street Facing | Must be below eave line | Per formula | — | — | 2 on each occupant building frontage oriented toward a parking lot, street, alley, driveway, or freeway | On occupant building frontage oriented toward a parking lot, street, alley, driveway, or freeway | — | Unlock | Table 22.05(g); Section 19.22.070(B)(8) |
| Entrance Sign - Service/Delivery Entrances | 6 ft | 10 sf | — | — | 1 for each service or delivery entrance | Within 10 ft of associated service or delivery entrance | — | Unlock | Table 22.05(i); Section 19.22.070(B)(8) |
Main Street Overlay Zone (MS)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning (MS) | Shall not extend above eave line | 25% of awning surface area | — | ≥ 2 ft from outer curb face if projecting toward ROW | N/A | Ground floor building frontages; ≥ 2 ft from outer curb face if projecting toward ROW | — | Unlock | Table 22.04(a); Section 19.22.070(B)(1) |
| Canopy (MS) | Up to 24 inches above highest point of canopy; not above roofline for attached canopies | 25% of canopy surface area | — | ≥ 2 ft from outer curb face if projecting toward ROW | Single tenant: 1 per building façade; Multiple tenant: 1 per tenant space | Ground floor building frontages | — | Unlock | Table 22.04(b); Section 19.22.070(B)(2) |
| Driveway/Onsite Traffic Directional (MS) | 8 ft | 8 sf per sign face | — | — | 1 per driveway or drive-through lane, plus 1 per 200 parking spaces on multiple-tenant sites and 1 per 300 parking spaces on single-tenant sites | Adjacent to onsite pedestrian or vehicle travel ways, including drive-through lanes and parking areas | — | Unlock | Table 22.04(c); Section 19.22.070(B)(3)(f) |
| Monument (MS) | 5 ft (MS-specific) | Single Tenant: 75 sf per sign face; Multiple Tenant: 125 sf per sign face | — | ≥ 5 ft from property line; ≥ 50 ft separation from adjacent property’s Monument Signs; if digital, ≥ 200 ft radial separation to other Digital Signs | Lots < 600 ft frontage: 1 per street frontage; Lots ≥ 600 ft frontage: 1 per each 600 ft of street frontage | Street frontage; within landscaped setback or planting bed unless waived | — | Unlock | Table 22.04(d) (MS height); Section 19.22.070(B)(4) |
| Projecting (MS) | Must be below eave line | 25 sf per sign face | — | — | Single tenant: 1 per street frontage; Multiple tenant: 1 per tenant space | Mounted perpendicular to building fascia | — | Unlock | Table 22.04(e); Section 19.22.070(B)(5) |
| Pylon (MS) | Single Tenant: 25 ft; Multiple Tenant: 35 ft | Single Tenant: 75 sf per sign face; Multiple Tenant: 125 sf per sign face | — | ≥ 5 ft from property line; ≥ 50 ft separation from adjacent property’s Pylon Signs; if digital, ≥ 200 ft radial separation to other Digital Signs | Lots < 600 ft frontage: 1 per street frontage; Lots ≥ 600 ft frontage: 1 per each 600 ft of street frontage | Street frontage; within landscaped setback or planting bed unless waived | — | Unlock | Table 22.04(f); Section 19.22.070(B)(6) |
| Wall (MS) | Shall not extend above the eave line | Per formula | — | — | N/A (limited by cumulative area) | On building walls; placed flat unless orientation specifically authorized | — | Unlock | Table 22.04(g); Section 19.22.070(B)(8) |
| Portable Temporary Sign (A-Frame/Sandwich Board) - MS | 6 ft | 6 sf | — | — | 1 per business frontage | On private property or in the public right-of-way in Main Street Overlay Zone with approved Encroachment Permit; must maintain minimum 4 ft access width along sidewalks and entrances | — | Unlock | Table 22.07(f); Section 19.22.080(D)(5) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in San Bernardino — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for San Bernardino — start freeProhibited Signs in San Bernardino
- No sign (permanent or temporary), flag, or flagpole may be erected within the Traffic Safety Sight Area/Vehicle Visibility Triangle (Section 19.22.030(D) referencing Section 19.20.030.29).
- Abandoned signs are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(A)(1)).
- Banner Signs, Flags, Pennants, Feather Signs and other paraphernalia of flexible material are prohibited except as permitted under Temporary Sign standards (Section 19.22.040(A)(2) and Section 19.22.080).
- General Advertising Signs (Billboards) are prohibited except as permitted under the billboard relocation/conversion provisions (Section 19.22.040(A)(3) and Section 19.22.090).
- Chalkboards or blackboards are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(A)(4)).
- Illegal signs are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(A)(5)).
- Pole signs are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(A)(6)).
- Portable or A‑Frame signs are prohibited except as permitted in Table 22.01(D) or in the Main Street Overlay Zone per Table 22.07(D) and Section 19.22.080(D)(5) (Section 19.22.040(A)(7)).
- Signs on fences are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(A)(8)).
- Roof signs are prohibited, except on mansard roofs where no other usable sign area is available, at the Director’s discretion (Section 19.22.040(A)(9)).
- Iconic Signs are prohibited except as allowed by an approved Creative Sign Permit (Section 19.22.040(A)(10) and Section 19.22.060(D), (E)).
- Mobile General Advertising Signs are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(A)(11)).
- Signs deemed a public nuisance are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(A)(12)).
- Signs may not be placed on public property except where specifically authorized by a governmental agency or as permitted in Sections 19.22.090 and 19.22.120 (Section 19.22.040(B)(1); Section 19.22.120(B)).
- Signs painted on fences or roofs are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(B)(2)).
- Bench signs are prohibited except as permitted by Design Review or on approved transit amenities (Section 19.22.040(B)(3)).
- Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, scrolling, or digital/video screen signs where the message is displayed for fewer than eight seconds (dwell time) are prohibited, except as otherwise allowed by digital sign standards (Section 19.22.040(C)(1) and Section 19.22.070(B)(3)).
- Inflatable signs are prohibited except as allowed under Temporary Sign standards (Section 19.22.040(C)(2) and Section 19.22.080(D)(3)).
- Signs that simulate traffic signs/signals or use words/symbols/characters that mislead or confuse traffic are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(C)(3)).
- Signs that emit sound, odor, or smoke are prohibited (Section 19.22.040(C)(4)).
- Digital signs located in windows are prohibited (including any such signs placed within 10 feet of a window) (Section 19.22.040(C)(5) and Section 19.22.070(B)(9)(d)).
- Lights illuminating signs shall not flash, blink, flutter, include intermittent or chasing lights, or provide illumination that is in motion or appears to be in motion (Section 19.22.030(G)(7)).
- Colored lights may not be used in a manner to be confused or construed as traffic control devices (Section 19.22.030(G)(4)).
- Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps exceeding 15 watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs where the face of the bulb or lamp is exposed to a public right-of-way or adjacent property (does not apply to LEDs associated with Digital Signs) (Section 19.22.030(G)(5)).
Exempt Signs in San Bernardino
- Non-sign devices excluded from the definition of a “Sign” are exempt from this Chapter (Section 19.22.020(C)(1)(a)).
- Message substitution: changing the message on a conforming sign without altering size, height, location, or illumination is exempt; does not authorize conversion to a billboard or digital display (Section 19.22.020(C)(1)(b)).
- Interior graphics or signage not visible from public rights-of-way or publicly accessible areas are exempt (Section 19.22.020(C)(1)(c)).
- Plaques: tablets and plaques installed by the City or recognized historical organizations up to six square feet, and signs authorized/installed by City, County, State, or Federal agencies on public lands are exempt (Section 19.22.020(C)(1)(d)).
- Equipment signs incorporated into displays, machinery, or equipment (e.g., ATMs, vending machines, gasoline pumps) identifying only the product/service dispensed are exempt (Section 19.22.020(C)(1)(e)).
- Official notices required/issued by government are exempt (including emergency/warning signs, legal notices, traffic/railroad/utility/parking signs, direction/warning/information signs required by law, address numerals, government wayfinding signs, California State Lottery signs, and State-required motor vehicle fuel pricing signs) (Section 19.22.020(C)(1)(f)).
- Flags on poles up to 75 feet in height are exempt; Pennants, Banner Signs, Feather Signs, and similar streamers are not included in this exemption (Section 19.22.020(C)(1)(g)).
- Window signs up to 25% of total window glass area of the building frontage are exempt (Table 22.01(a); Section 19.22.070(B)(9)).
- Yard signs on property undergoing construction or remodeling: 1 per street frontage with size/height limits and removal timing; exempt (Table 22.01(b), (c); Sections 19.22.080(B) and (D)).
- Yard signs on residential property offered for sale/lease/rental: 1 per street frontage with size/height limits and removal timing; limited off-site temporary directional signs; exempt (Table 22.01(d); Sections 19.22.080(B) and (D)).
- Signs on non-residential property offered for sale/lease/rental: 1 per street frontage with size/height limits and removal timing; exempt (Table 22.01(e); Sections 19.22.080(B) and (D)).
- Yard signs for garage/yard/estate/community garden sales: 1 per frontage with size/height limits and removal timing; limited off-site temporary directional signs; exempt (Table 22.01(f); Sections 19.22.080(B) and (D)).
- Wall signs at entrances to non-residential businesses up to 4 square feet total aggregate, placed near entrances; not illuminated unless within the Main Street Overlay Zone; exempt (Table 22.01(g); Section 19.22.070(B)(8)).
- Commercial mascots (living/human signs) that do not impede pedestrian/vehicular access and are located on the property being advertised are exempt (Table 22.01(h)).
- Suspended signs: one per entrance up to 6 square feet; exempt (Table 22.01(i); Section 19.22.070(B)(7)).
- Temporary signs displaying noncommercial messages: up to 24 square feet; not projecting above roofline; removal timing for event-related signs; limited off-site temporary directional signs; exempt (Table 22.01(j); Sections 19.22.080(B) and (D)).
- Exempt signs do not require a Sign Permit and do not count toward cumulative allowable sign area, but must satisfy other applicable permits when required (e.g., building, electrical, encroachment) (Section 19.22.020(C)).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for San Bernardino
- Comprehensive Sign Program (sign plan) is required when four or more separate tenant spaces are present on the same parcel or on multiple parcels that are part of a unified shopping center or similar business center, regardless of occupancy (Section 19.22.060(C)(2)(a)).
- Comprehensive Sign Program is required when five or more non-exempt signs are proposed for a single-tenant development (Section 19.22.060(C)(2)(b)).
- Comprehensive Sign Program is required when two or more Digital Signs are proposed (Section 19.22.060(C)(2)(c)).
- Comprehensive Sign Program is required for any off-site temporary signs provided in conjunction with a residential subdivision (Section 19.22.060(C)(2)(d)).
- Comprehensive Sign Program may be required whenever the Community and Economic Development Director determines it is needed due to special project characteristics (e.g., site size, number/size of proposed signs, limited visibility, business-within-a-business, proximity to major routes) (Section 19.22.060(C)(2)(e)).
- Properties with limited or no street frontage (e.g., flag lots) must use a Comprehensive Sign Program, with written permission of the adjacent property owner, to allow signage on an adjacent property in the same zone (Section 19.22.070(D)(1)).
- Regional Shopping Centers and auto malls may be considered regional for signage purposes, subject to approval of a Sign Program (definition of Regional Shopping Center).
- Comprehensive Sign Program must include all signs (permanent, temporary, and exempt), relate visually to site/buildings, and allow future revisions; it may allow a Sign Budget (transfer of sign area) and deviations up to 20% for individual sign area, total number, location, and height, but cannot authorize prohibited sign types and cannot be combined with Minor Sign Area Modification deviations (Section 19.22.060(C)(3)).
- After approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program, no sign may be erected/maintained except in conformance with the program; individual signs under an approved program still require a Sign Permit (Section 19.22.060(C)(5)(b)).
- Comprehensive Sign Program conditions must be attached to lease agreements for all leasable spaces within the project; minor amendments may be approved administratively; other amendments processed as a new application (Section 19.22.060(C)(5)).
- Driveway/Onsite Traffic Directional sign quantities may be increased as otherwise permitted through a Comprehensive Sign Program (Tables 22.04 and 22.05).
Source: other municipal code