# Sign Regulations in San Bernardino, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** San Bernardino, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/san-bernardino
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-11
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.sanbernardino.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2717/1922-Sign-Regulations-PDF)

## 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.

## Sign rules by zoning district (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 (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 | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning | Must be below the eave line | 25% of awning surface area | — | — | N/A | Ground floor building frontages | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | Table 22.07(f); Section 19.22.080(D)(5) |

## Prohibited 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)).

## Signs exempt from permit 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

- 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).

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

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