Sign Regulations in San Bruno, California
San Bruno, California has specific sign regulations covering 12 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Roof Sign, Election Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for San Bruno, California
Sample Sign Requirements in San Bruno
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 225 sq ft | — |
| Wall Sign | — | 225 sq ft | — |
| Projecting Sign | — | 225 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
12
- Freestanding Sign
- Roof Sign
- Election Sign
- Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for San Bruno
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In San Bruno, monument signs are limited to 35 ft. 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 San Bruno, 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 Bruno, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Roof Sign, Election Sign, Wall Sign, 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 Bruno 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 Bruno are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. San Bruno has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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San Bruno, California Sign Rules at a Glance
San Bruno, California regulates 12 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Roof Signs in the Nonresidential zoning districts zoning district are capped at Height limit for structures in zoning district tall and 225 sq ft, with a 8 ft from cornice or street front, 4 ft from other walls setback (Sec. § 12.104.090). Most commercial signs in San Bruno require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for San Bruno, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in San Bruno (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresidential zoning districts | 6 | 35 ft | 225 sq ft | — |
| Residential zoning districts | 3 | — | 4 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (C-B-D) | 2 | 25 ft | 225 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District | 2 | 4 ft | 20 sq ft (less than 100 ft width), 40 sq ft (100 ft or greater width) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in San Bruno(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Nonresidential zoning districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 225 sq ft | — | — | — | Entirely within lot lines | — | Unlock | § 12.104.060 |
| Wall Sign | — | 225 sq ft | — | — | — | Flat against the wall or front of cornice over first-story show window | — | Unlock | § 12.104.070 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 225 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | Projects over street right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 12.104.080 |
| Roof Sign | Height limit for structures in zoning district | 225 sq ft | — | 8 ft from cornice or street front, 4 ft from other walls | — | At least 8 ft from cornice or street front, 4 ft from other walls | — | Unlock | § 12.104.090 |
| Individual Letter Sign | — | 225 sq ft | — | — | One per place of business or street exposure | Wall-mounted | — | Unlock | § 12.104.100 |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area | — | — | — | In or on window | — | Unlock | § 12.104.120 |
Central Business District (C-B-D)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 225 sq ft | — | — | — | Entirely within lot lines | — | Unlock | § 12.104.060 |
| Roof Sign | Height limit for structures in zoning district | 225 sq ft | — | 8 ft from cornice or street front, 4 ft from other walls | — | At least 8 ft from cornice or street front, 4 ft from other walls | — | Unlock | § 12.104.090 |
Commercial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Directional Sign | — | 20 sq ft (less than 100 ft width), 40 sq ft (100 ft or greater width) | — | — | One per lot, additional sign allowed for multiple frontages | Commercial districts | — | Unlock | § 12.104.170 |
| Subdivision Advertising Sign | 4 ft | 20 sq ft (less than 100 ft width), 40 sq ft (100 ft or greater width) | — | — | One per lot, additional sign allowed for multiple frontages | On site of subdivision or project | — | Unlock | § 12.104.170 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in San Bruno. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in San Bruno
- No off-site advertising display, advertising structure, or sign shall be placed on any lot or landscaped freeway.
- No sign shall be placed or maintained within portions of a public street right-of-way, on any public utility pole, or any fixture or wire attached thereto.
- No sign shall be placed without sufficient clearance from energized electrical power lines.
- No sign shall prevent free ingress to or egress from any door or window required by this code, or any fire escape.
- No sign shall be placed on any light standard, traffic signal, or control mechanism, fire standard or hydrant, or emergency exit.
- No sign shall be attached to any standpipe, gutter, drain, or fire escape.
- No sign shall obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign, sign, or device.
- No sign shall be placed on any tree.
- No flashing, running, revolving, scintillating, or similar lights or lighting is permitted.
- Except for barber poles, no revolving signs shall be permitted.
Exempt Signs in San Bruno
- This section shall not prohibit the placement of any notice or legal advertisement by any public officer as prescribed or required by law.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for San Bruno
- Where there is an application to develop more than one business establishment, facility or enterprise on a single lot, no sign shall be placed thereon unless and until a master signing program shall have been submitted to the community development director and approved thereby.
- Applications for master signing programs may be filed with the community development director upon the payment of a fee as prescribed by resolution of the city council.
- In connection with the approval of a master signing program, the architectural review committee may approve deviations from the requirements of this chapter.
Source: municode municipal code