# Sign Regulations in San Diego, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** San Diego, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/san-diego
- **Data last verified:** 2026-05-14
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter14/Ch14Art02Division12.pdf)

## At a glance

San Diego, California regulates 33 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Roof Signs in the CR – Commercial–Regional (CR-1-1, CR-2-1), CV – Commercial–Visitor (CV-1-1, CV-1-2), CP – Commercial–Parking (CP-1-1), CC – Commercial–Community (CC-1-1, CC-1-2, CC-1-3, CC-2-1, CC-2-2, CC-2-3, CC-2-4, CC-2-5, CC-3-4, CC-3-5, CC-3-6, CC-3-7, CC-3-8, CC-3-9, CC-3-10, CC-3-11, CC-4-1, CC-4-2, CC-4-3, CC-4-4, CC-4-5, CC-4-6, CC-5-1, CC-5-2, CC-5-3, CC-5-4, CC-5-5, CC-5-6) zoning district are capped at 50 ft total (freeway); vertical dimension per Table 142-12G tall and 300 sq ft (freeway), with a 3 ft from roof edges (exceptions); zone setback (Sec. §142.1235). Most commercial signs in San Diego require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (10 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CN – Commercial–Neighborhood (CN-1-1, CN-1-2, CN-1-3, CN-1-4, CN-1-5, CN-1-6) | 9 | 20 ft (ground); no above parapet (wall) | 160 sq ft total | — |
| CCPD-MC – Centre City Planned District, Mixed Commercial | 11 | 30 ft (absolute max 65 ft from sidewalk per CCPD overlay) | 350 sq ft | — |
| CR – Commercial–Regional (CR-1-1, CR-2-1), CV – Commercial–Visitor (CV-1-1, CV-1-2), CP – Commercial–Parking (CP-1-1), CC – Commercial–Community (CC-1-1, CC-1-2, CC-1-3, CC-2-1, CC-2-2, CC-2-3, CC-2-4, CC-2-5, CC-3-4, CC-3-5, CC-3-6, CC-3-7, CC-3-8, CC-3-9, CC-3-10, CC-3-11, CC-4-1, CC-4-2, CC-4-3, CC-4-4, CC-4-5, CC-4-6, CC-5-1, CC-5-2, CC-5-3, CC-5-4, CC-5-5, CC-5-6) | 10 | 50 ft total (freeway); vertical dimension per Table 142-12G | 350 sq ft | — |
| CO – Commercial–Office (CO-1-1, CO-1-2, CO-2-1, CO-2-2, CO-3-1, CO-3-2, CO-3-3), IP — Industrial–Park (IP-1-1, IP-2-1, IP-3-1) | 9 | 20 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| IL — Industrial–Light (IL-1-1, IL-2-1, IL-3-1), IH — Industrial–Heavy (IH-1-1, IH-2-1), IS — Industrial–Small Scale (IS-1-1), IBT — International–Business and Trade (IBT-1-1) | 10 | 50 ft freeway | 350 sq ft | — |
| RMX — Residential Mixed-Use (RMX-1, RMX-2, RMX-3), EMX — Employment Mixed-Use (EMX-1, EMX-2, EMX-3) | 15 | 50 ft | 350 sq ft | — |
| Single Dwelling Unit Residential Zones | 6 | 6 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Multiple Dwelling Unit Residential Zones (RM-1-1, RM-1-2, RM-1-3, RM-2-4, RM-2-5, RM-2-6, RM-3-7, RM-3-8, RM-3-9, RM-4-10, RM-4-11, RM-5-12) | 13 | 24 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Agricultural Zones | 3 | 12 ft | 12 sq ft | — |
| Open Space Zones (OP, OC) | 3 | — | 1 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 10 zones)

### CR – Commercial–Regional (CR-1-1, CR-2-1), CV – Commercial–Visitor (CV-1-1, CV-1-2), CP – Commercial–Parking (CP-1-1), CC – Commercial–Community (CC-1-1, CC-1-2, CC-1-3, CC-2-1, CC-2-2, CC-2-3, CC-2-4, CC-2-5, CC-3-4, CC-3-5, CC-3-6, CC-3-7, CC-3-8, CC-3-9, CC-3-10, CC-3-11, CC-4-1, CC-4-2, CC-4-3, CC-4-4, CC-4-5, CC-4-6, CC-5-1, CC-5-2, CC-5-3, CC-5-4, CC-5-5, CC-5-6)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 350 sq ft | — | Comply with zone setbacks | 1 per establishment | Building wall along street frontage; may use on nonfrontage wall up to permitted area; on awnings, mansard roofs (50% area); on alleys (1 sq ft/ft facade) | — | §142.1225 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 160 sq ft | — | Zone; no within 5 ft adjacent leasehold | 1 per establishment (2 if >250 ft frontage) | Along street frontage; may project over parkway | — | §142.1230 |
| Roof Sign | 50 ft total (freeway); vertical dimension per Table 142-12G | 300 sq ft (freeway) | — | 3 ft from roof edges (exceptions); zone | 1 per premises | On roof; may project over parkway (33% area, per 142-12E) | — | §142.1235 |
| Freestanding Sign | 30 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Front/street side with limits; no interior side/rear | 1 per street frontage (+1 per 250 ft in A) | Street frontage; may project over parkway (16 ft max, per 142-12E) | — | §142.1240 |
| Incidental Sign | — | 6 sq ft per; total 10 sq ft per structure/wall | — | Zone | 4 max per | Ground signs or walls (flat) | — | §142.1250(d) |
| Directional Sign | 8 ft | 12 sq ft | — | Zone | 1 per driveway | Driveways | — | §142.1250(e) |
| Real Estate Sign | 20 ft ground | 160 sq ft | — | Property lines | Divisible by frontage | Premises | — | §142.1255(e) |
| Construction Site Sign | 20 ft | 160 sq ft | — | Zone | 1 per frontage (+1 >500 ft) | Frontage; <35 ft ROW ground | — | §142.1255(d) |

### RMX — Residential Mixed-Use (RMX-1, RMX-2, RMX-3), EMX — Employment Mixed-Use (EMX-1, EMX-2, EMX-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 350 sq ft | — | Zone | 1 per est | Building wall | — | §142.1225; Table 131-07A |
| Projecting Sign | — | 160 sq ft | — | Zone | 1 per est | Frontage | — | §142.1230 |
| Roof Sign | 50 ft | 300 sf | — | 3 ft | 1 per premises | Roof | — | §142.1235 |
| Freestanding Sign | 30 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Front limits | 1+ per 250 ft | Frontage | — | §142.1240 |
| Neighborhood Identification Sign | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | — | Min 6 ft from ROW | Max 4 per neighborhood | Private property, setback 6 ft ROW | — | §141.1102 |
| Directional Sign | 8 ft | 12 sf | — | Zone | 1 per | Driveways | — | §142.1250 |
| Real Estate Sign | 20 ft | 160 sf | — | Property | Div | Premises | — | §142.1255 |
| Construction Site Sign | 20 ft | 160 sf | — | Zone | 1 per | Frontage | — | §142.1255 |

### Multiple Dwelling Unit Residential Zones (RM-1-1, RM-1-2, RM-1-3, RM-2-4, RM-2-5, RM-2-6, RM-3-7, RM-3-8, RM-3-9, RM-4-10, RM-4-11, RM-5-12)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Directional Ground Sign | 4 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per driveway | Each driveway (5+ spaces) | — | §142.1270(a)(4) |
| Wall Sign (Category C for Allowed Commercial) | — | 100 sq ft | — | Zone | 1 per est | Wall | — | §142.1270(a)(5) |
| Property Identification Wall Sign (RM-3) | 12 ft | 20 sq ft per frontage | — | — | 1 per frontage | Street frontage | — | §142.1270(c)(1) |
| Property Identification Ground Sign (RM-3) | 6 ft | 20 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per frontage | Street frontage | — | §142.1270(c)(2) |
| Property Identification Wall Sign (RM-4/5) | 24 ft | 40 sq ft per frontage | — | — | 1 per | Frontage | — | §142.1270(d)(1) |
| Property Identification Ground Sign (RM-4/5) | 6 ft | 20 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per | Frontage | — | §142.1270(d)(2) |
| New Development Ground Sign | 6 ft (RM-1); 8 (RM-2); 12 (RM-3); 16 (RM-4/5) | 16 sf (RM-1); 24 (RM-2); 32 (RM-3); 48 (RM-4/5) | — | — | 1 per frontage | Frontage | — | §142.1270(b)(1) |
| Real Estate Sign (Other) | 4 ft (+1 ft post) | 4 sq ft | 2 ft | — | 1 per street | Street | — | §142.1270(b)(3) |

## Prohibited signs in San Diego

- It is unlawful to place, post, paint, or secure any sign, pennant, flag, banner, balloon, or similar attention-seeking device on public property or within the public right-of-way unless otherwise provided in the Municipal Code or specific state statute.
- It is unlawful to place any lettering, card, poster, or notice of any kind on any curb, sidewalk, street, pole, post, utility box, hydrant, bridge, tree, building, or other surface that is located on public property or in the public right-of-way unless otherwise provided in the Municipal Code or specific state statute.
- It is unlawful to erect any sign on any premises contrary to the provisions of this Division.
- Signs that resemble traffic control signs, traffic signals or devices, or which bear the words “stop,” “go slow,” “caution,” “danger,” “warning” or other similar words, or emergency lights or signals are not permitted.
- Signs that have flashing copy or lights, and signs with stroboscopic lights, intermittent lights, rotary beacons, chasing lights, or zip lights are not permitted.
- Signs with one copy message that flashes on and off, or with two or more copy messages that alternate or change, either on the same or different portions of the sign, are not permitted.
- Permanent or changeable copy on signs shall contain on-premises or public interest messages only; off-premises advertising is prohibited except as specifically allowed.
- On-premises signs or sign copy relating to an establishment or occupancy shall be removed no later than 30 calendar days after the date that the establishment or occupancy vacates the premises.

## Signs exempt from permit in San Diego

- Changing the copy of a sign and sign maintenance that does not involve structural and electrical changes are exempt from this division; no permit required.
- Public utility and safety signs required by law are exempt from this division; no permit required.
- Signs required by law to be visible from the public right-of-way, other than public utility and safety signs, that do not exceed minimum specified dimensions are exempt from this division; no permit required.
- National flags and flags for political subdivisions are exempt from this division; no permit required.
- Banners, pennants, flags, streamers, and holiday decorations are exempt from permit requirements under this division, subject to general regulations in Section 142.1210 and 142.1255.
- Painted graphics that are murals, mosaics, or any type of graphic art that are painted on a wall or fence and do not contain copy, advertising symbols, lettering, trademarks, or other references to the premises, products, or services are not signs for the purposes of these regulations.
- The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this chapter may substitute noncommercial copy in lieu of any other commercial or noncommercial copy without additional approval or permitting.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- In the Centre City Planned District (CCPD), including the CCPD-MC overlay: roof signs, inflatable displays, and banners on roofs are prohibited (§156.0314(a)(2)(A)); no sign may extend above 65 feet from the sidewalk (§156.0314(a)(2)(B)); revolving projecting signs, signs with automatic changing copy, and community entry/neighborhood identification signs require a Conditional Use Permit in the MC overlay (Table 156-0308-A).
- Comprehensive sign plans may be permitted with a Neighborhood Use Permit (Process Two) in zones indicated with an 'N' in the Use Regulations Tables; allows modification of applicable sign requirements if the proposed signs conform to the intent of the sign regulations and improve the relationship among signs and building facades.
- Where the development permit for a commercial or industrial development specifies a sign requirement, signs that meet the Land Development Code regulations may be approved in accordance with Process One without amending the development permit, except for comprehensive sign plans adopted January 1, 2000 or later, revolving projecting signs, signs with automatic changing copy, and theater marquees, which require a Neighborhood Use Permit (Process Two).
- New signs for commercial or industrial development with a comprehensive sign plan adopted prior to January 1, 2000, may be approved in accordance with Process One if they comply with current Land Development Code regulations.
- Revolving projecting signs require a Neighborhood Use Permit (Process Two) in zones indicated with an 'N'.
- Signs with automatic changing copy require a Neighborhood Use Permit (Process Two) in zones indicated with an 'N', except for automobile service station gasoline pricing signs designed in accordance with state law.
- Theater marquees require a Neighborhood Use Permit (Process Two) in zones indicated with an 'N'.
- Neighborhood identification signs require a Neighborhood Use Permit (Process Two) in zones indicated with an 'N'.
- Community entry signs may be permitted as a limited use with an 'L' in the Use Regulations Tables, subject to application by a recognized group and specific locational and design regulations; no explicit sign plan required but may involve encroachment agreements.

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

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