Sign Regulations in San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California has specific sign regulations covering 42 sign types across 26 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Window Sign, Wall 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: February 4, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for San Francisco, California
Sample Sign Requirements in San Francisco
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Prohibitions - General Advertising Signs | — | No new General Advertising Signs of any size allowed citywide. | — |
| Business Signs - Attached or Freestanding (Follow Nearest Non‑P, Non‑R District) | Same as nearest non‑Public, non‑Residential zoning district’s sign height limits. | Same as nearest non‑Public, non‑Residential zoning district’s sign limits (e.g., C, M, NC/RC, PDR, MU controls). | — |
| Name Plate | 12 ft or roofline height, whichever is less. | 1 sq ft per name plate. | No projection into required front setback or beyond street property line or legislated setback (Sec. 606(a)(1)). |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for San FranciscoFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
42
- Window Sign
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Awning/Marquee Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
26
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for San Francisco
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In San Francisco, monument signs are limited to Same as nearest non‑Public, non‑Residential zoning district’s sign height limits.. 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, regulated sign types include Window Sign, Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Awning/Marquee 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 Francisco 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 Francisco are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. San Francisco has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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San Francisco, California Sign Rules at a Glance
San Francisco, California regulates 42 sign types across 26 zoning districts. Name Plates in the Residential, House Districts, One-Family (Detached Dwellings) (RH-1(D)), Residential, House Districts, One-Family (RH-1), Residential, House Districts, One-Family with Minor Second Unit (RH-1(S)), Residential, House Districts, Two-Family (RH-2), Residential, House Districts, Three-Family (RH-3) zoning district are capped at 12 ft or roofline height, whichever is less. tall and 1 sq ft per name plate., with a No projection into required front setback or beyond street property line or legislated setback (Sec. 606(a)(1)). setback (Sec. Planning Code Sec. 606(b)(1); handout table “RH‑1, RH‑1(D), RH‑1(S), RH‑2, RH‑3” (Name Plates).). Most commercial signs in San Francisco require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for San Francisco, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in San Francisco (26 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | No new General Advertising Signs of any size allowed citywide. | — |
| Public Use District (P) | 1 | Same as nearest non‑Public, non‑Residential zoning district’s sign height limits. | Same as nearest non‑Public, non‑Residential zoning district’s sign limits (e.g., C, M, NC/RC, PDR, MU controls). | — |
| Residential, House Districts, One-Family (Detached Dwellings) (RH-1(D)), Residential, House Districts, One-Family (RH-1), Residential, House Districts, One-Family with Minor Second Unit (RH-1(S)), Residential, House Districts, Two-Family (RH-2), Residential, House Districts, Three-Family (RH-3) | 7 | Per Section 136.1(a)(1): typically min 7 ft vertical clearance above sidewalk; may not extend above roofline. | Up to 50 sq ft; if >18 sq ft must meet setback condition. | — |
| Residential, Mixed Districts, Low Density (RM-1), Residential, Mixed Districts, Moderate Density (RM-2), Residential, Mixed Districts, Medium Density (RM-3), Residential, Mixed Districts, High Density (RM-4), Residential, Transit-Oriented Neighborhood Districts (RTO-1), Residential, Transit-Oriented, Mission Neighborhood Districts (RTO-M), Residential Enclave Districts (RED) | 7 | Per Sec. 136.1(a)(1) (typically min 7 ft above sidewalk); not above roofline. | Up to 50 sq ft; >18 sq ft must meet setback condition. | — |
| Residential-Commercial Districts, Medium Density (RC-3), Residential-Commercial Districts, High Density (RC-4), Small-Scale Neighborhood Commercial District (NC-2), Neighborhood Commercial Shopping Center District (NC-S), Small-Scale Neighborhood Commercial Transit District (NCT-2) | 7 | As per Sec. 136.1; maximum 24 ft overall height for freestanding types noted in table. | Up to 50 sq ft per temporary sign, subject to underlying business sign type limits (e.g., window sign area caps). | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial Cluster District (NC-1), Neighborhood Commercial Transit Cluster District (NCT-1), Cole Valley Neighborhood Commercial District, Lakeside Village Neighborhood Commercial District | 6 | N/A specific in table; generally at first floor or as per Sec. 607.1(c)(1) (freestanding max 15 ft). | Up to 50 sq ft per temporary sign, subject to underlying business sign type limits. | — |
| Bayview Neighborhood Commercial District, Geary Boulevard Neighborhood Commercial District, Mission Bernal Neighborhood Commercial District, Mission Street Neighborhood Commercial District, Lower Polk Street Neighborhood Commercial District, Moderate-Scale Neighborhood Commercial District (NC-3), Moderate Scale Neighborhood Commercial Transit District (NCT-3), all Named NCTs listed in NCDs table row header | 7 | 24 ft, or height of wall, or lowest residential windowsill on that wall, whichever is less. | Up to 50 sq ft, subject to underlying sign-type caps. | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial Transit Districts (NCT) – General, Named Neighborhood Commercial Transit Districts (Hayes-Gough, Valencia Street, 24th Street-Mission, Upper Market Street NCT, SoMa NCT, Mission Street NCT, Ocean Avenue NCT, Glen Park NCT, Folsom Street NCT, Regional Commercial District, Divisadero Street NCT, Fillmore Street NCT) | 1 | As per NC equivalents: 15 ft wall max in NC‑1/NCT‑1; 24 ft in NC‑2/NCT‑2/NC‑S/RC; 24 ft in NC‑3/NCT‑3 and specified NCDs. | Same as corresponding NC category per Sec. 607.1(f): NCT‑1 like NC‑1; NCT‑2 like NC‑2; NCT‑3 like NC‑3/NCD group (3 sq ft/ft, 150 sq ft caps, etc.). | — |
| Chinatown Residential Neighborhood Commercial District (CRNC) | 6 | Per Sec. 136.1. | Up to 50 sq ft per temporary sign, subject to underlying type limits. | — |
| Chinatown Visitor Retail District (CVR) | 7 | Per Sec. 136.1; attached at first floor typical. | Up to 50 sq ft, subject to underlying type caps. | — |
| Chinatown Community Business District (CCB), Eastern Neighborhoods Mixed Use Districts (CMUO, MUG, MUO, MUR, SALI, SPD, UMU, WMUG, WMUO), Downtown Residential Districts (RH-DTR, SB-DTR, TB-DTR) | 7 | 24 ft, or wall height, or lowest residential windowsill on that wall, whichever is less (60 ft for UMU under MU rules, but table here adopts 24 ft; UMU has special height of up to 60 ft per Sec. 607.2(f)(3)(B)(ii)). | Up to 50 sq ft, subject to type caps. | — |
| Community Business Districts (C-2) | 3 | Up to roofline, or 60 ft above ground, or district height limit, whichever is less. | No limit generally, except: (a) if within 100 ft and oriented toward R district, max 100 sq ft; (b) within 100 ft of school, max 200 sq ft; (c) within 200 ft of park, recreation facility, freeway, scenic street, rapid transit route, or within Civic Center Area, max 200 sq ft. | — |
| Downtown Office District (C-3-O), Downtown Office Special Development District (C-3-O(SD)), Downtown Retail District (C-3-R), Downtown General Commercial District (C-3-G), Downtown Support District (C-3-S) | 3 | Up to roofline; 100 ft above ground or district height limit, whichever is less. | No limit generally; caps of 100 sq ft when within 100 ft and oriented to R districts, 200 sq ft when near schools, parks, freeways, scenic streets, rapid transit routes, or in Civic Center Area. | — |
| Light Industrial Districts (M-1), Heavy Industrial Districts (M-2), Production Distribution and Repair - Light Industrial Buffer (PDR-1-B), Production Distribution and Repair - Design (PDR-1-D), Production Distribution and Repair - General (PDR-1-G), Core Production Distribution and Repair - Bayview (PDR-2) | 3 | Up to roofline; 60 ft above ground, or district height limit, whichever is less. | No limit except 100/200 sq ft caps near R districts, schools, parks, freeways, scenic streets, rapid transit routes, or Civic Center. | — |
| Auto Service Stations in C, M, and PDR Districts | 2 | If attached: up to roofline of building. If freestanding: max 36 ft in C‑2; max 40 ft in other C, M, PDR. | Up to 180 sq ft per sign; within 10 ft of street property line, that portion must not exceed 80 sq ft along each street frontage. | — |
| Auto Service Stations in Residential (R) Districts (all RH, RM, RTO, RED) – NCUs | 2 | If attached: up to roofline; if freestanding: max 24 ft. | Up to 180 sq ft per sign; portion within 10 ft of street property line may not exceed 80 sq ft. | — |
| Open Land Uses & Other NCUs in R Districts (all RH, RM, RTO, RED) | 2 | 12 ft. | 1 sq ft per ft of business frontage; total all signs ≤50 sq ft. | — |
| Market Street Special Sign District | 4 | Max 60 ft or height of wall, or height of lowest windowsill above sign wall, whichever is less; deviations may be allowed for architectural reasons. | As per underlying district (C‑3, C‑2, NC, etc.). | — |
| Jackson Square Special Sign District | 1 | All signs must be entirely below level of lowest cornice or strong horizontal element above ground story, and no more than 3 ft above top of ceiling level of ground story. | Total area of all signs per street frontage ≤2 sq ft per ft of street frontage, but no more than 100 sq ft per frontage. | — |
| Stonestown Special Sign District (S-MU and Stonestown Galleria Mall area) | 3 | Lesser of: roofline immediately above sign, 60 ft above ground, or applicable district height limit. | No overall limit except southern façade facing Buckingham Way (South) limited to 100 sq ft of sign area. Other attached signs generally not area‑limited by SSD (underlying district caps apply). | — |
| Near R Districts Special Sign Area | 1 | — | No GA signs allowed at all; any non‑GA sign ≤100 sq ft if primarily viewed from R property or from street/alley within R district. | — |
| Near Schools, Parks, and Recreation Facilities Special Sign Area | 1 | — | No GA sign allowed within these buffers; any other sign ≤200 sq ft in area. | — |
| Near Freeways Special Sign Area | 1 | — | No GA signs or any signs exceeding 200 sq ft in area may be located primarily to be viewed from freeways. Business signs ≤200 sq ft may be allowed. | — |
| Near Certain Scenic Streets Special Sign Area | 1 | — | No GA signs and no other signs >200 sq ft may be located within designated scenic‑street special sign districts where any face is visible from those streets. | — |
| Near Rapid Transit Routes Special Sign Area | 1 | — | No GA signs or other signs >200 sq ft may be located primarily to be viewed from above‑ground BART or other rapid transit routes. | — |
| Hospitals and Medical Centers in R Districts Adjacent to or Across the Street from NC, C or M Districts | 1 | As allowed under Sec. 607 for nearby commercial/industrial districts; Commission may allow penthouse/side signs. | As allowed under Sec. 607 for the adjacent NC/C/M district, potentially with greater size if Commission finds necessary. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in San Francisco(sample of 3 of 26 zones)
Residential, House Districts, One-Family (Detached Dwellings) (RH-1(D)), Residential, House Districts, One-Family (RH-1), Residential, House Districts, One-Family with Minor Second Unit (RH-1(S)), Residential, House Districts, Two-Family (RH-2), Residential, House Districts, Three-Family (RH-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate | 12 ft or roofline height, whichever is less. | 1 sq ft per name plate. | — | No projection into required front setback or beyond street property line or legislated setback (Sec. 606(a)(1)). | 1 per street frontage of lot. | On building wall in RH districts. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(b)(1); handout table “RH‑1, RH‑1(D), RH‑1(S), RH‑2, RH‑3” (Name Plates). |
| Identifying Sign (Non‑commercial Uses) | 12 ft or roofline, whichever is less. | 20 sq ft per sign; 30 sq ft if identifying a shopping center (for uses P/CU in R districts or shopping center per 607.1(c)). | — | May not project beyond street property line or into required front setback (Sec. 606(a)(1)). | 1 per street frontage of lot. | On each street frontage of lot. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(b)(2)(A); Sec. 602 (Identifying Sign); RH table (Identifying Signs). |
| Sale or Lease Sign | If attached: not above roofline. If freestanding: 24 ft. Construction signs limited to 12 ft. | Up to 50 sq ft; if >18 sq ft must meet setback condition. | — | No projection into required front setback. Large sale/lease signs (>18 sq ft) must be 25 ft back from all street property lines. | 1 sale/lease sign per street frontage; no limit on number of small construction signs as long as total area ≤10 sq ft per frontage. | On lot for sale/lease. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(b)(3)-(4); RH table (Temporary Signs). |
| Business Window Sign (Limited Commercial Uses) | 12 ft or roofline, whichever is less. | Not to exceed one-third of total ground-floor window and door glazing area of the business. | — | No projection beyond glazing plane. | No explicit numeric limit; controlled by area cap. | On ground-floor windows and clear doors of Limited Commercial Uses. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(c)(2); RH table (Window Signs). |
| Business Wall Sign (Limited Commercial Uses) | Limited to ground floor; not above ground-floor ceiling. | Up to 1 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage devoted to commercial use, capped at 50 sq ft per street frontage. | — | No projection beyond street property line or required front setback (Sec. 606(a)(1)). | 1 wall sign per street frontage (unless replaced by awning sign). | Street‑facing walls where business has frontage; within ground floor. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(c)(1); RH table (Wall Signs). |
| Business Projecting Sign (Limited Commercial Uses) | 14 ft or height of lowest residential windowsill above the commercial use, whichever is less. | 6 sq ft per projecting sign. | — | Cannot project into required front setback; projection limited as above and may not extend beyond street property line per Sec. 606(a)(1). | 1 per business (unless replaced by awning sign). | Mounted on wall facing street frontage of business, in front of Limited Commercial Use. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(c)(3); RH table (Projecting Signs). |
| Business Awning Sign (Limited Commercial Uses) | Per Section 136.1(a)(1): typically min 7 ft vertical clearance above sidewalk; may not extend above roofline. | 20 sq ft total of all awning sign copy per business. | — | As per Sec. 136.1(a)(1): projection limits into public right of way; may not violate Sec. 606(a)(1) regarding required front setbacks. | Copy on permitted awning instead of wall/projecting signs; number of awning faces not separately capped. | On permitted building awnings over Limited Commercial Uses. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(c)(4); Sec. 136.1(a)(1); RH table (Awning Signs). |
Residential, Mixed Districts, Low Density (RM-1), Residential, Mixed Districts, Moderate Density (RM-2), Residential, Mixed Districts, Medium Density (RM-3), Residential, Mixed Districts, High Density (RM-4), Residential, Transit-Oriented Neighborhood Districts (RTO-1), Residential, Transit-Oriented, Mission Neighborhood Districts (RTO-M), Residential Enclave Districts (RED)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate | 12 ft or roofline, whichever is less. | 2 sq ft per nameplate. | — | No projection into required front setback or beyond street property line (Sec. 606(a)(1)). | 1 per street frontage. | On building wall. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(b)(1) (RM/RTO/RED size); RM table (Name Plates). |
| Identifying Sign (Non‑commercial Uses) | 12 ft or roofline, whichever is less. | Directly illuminated identifying sign: 8 sq ft; nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated: 20 sq ft. | — | No projection into front setback or beyond property line. | 1 per street frontage. | On street frontages of lot. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(b)(2)(B); RM table (Identifying Signs). |
| Sale or Lease Sign | If attached: roofline; if freestanding: 24 ft; construction signs limited to 12 ft. | Up to 50 sq ft; >18 sq ft must meet setback condition. | — | No projection; large signs >18 sq ft must be 25 ft from all street property lines. | 1 sale/lease sign per street frontage; no limit on construction signs so long as total area ≤10 sq ft. | On lot being sold/leased. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(b)(3)-(4); RM table (Temporary Signs). |
| Business Window Sign (Limited Commercial Uses) | 12 ft or roofline, whichever is less. | ≤ one-third of ground-floor window and clear-door area. | — | Within glazing plane. | Not numerically limited. | Ground-floor windows and doors of Limited Commercial Uses. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(c)(2); RM table (Window Signs). |
| Business Wall Sign (Limited Commercial Uses) | Limited to ground floor only. | 1 sq ft per linear ft of street frontage devoted to commercial use, up to 50 sq ft per frontage. | — | No projection into front setback or beyond property line (Sec. 606(a)(1)). | 1 per street frontage when used instead of awning sign. | Street‑facing ground-floor walls where business has frontage. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(c)(1); RM table (Wall Signs). |
| Business Projecting Sign (Limited Commercial Uses) | 14 ft or lowest residential windowsill height above commercial use, whichever is less. | 6 sq ft per sign. | — | No projection into required front setback or beyond street property line (per Sec. 606(a)(1)). | 1 per business (unless replaced by awning sign). | On street‑facing wall of Limited Commercial Use. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(c)(3); RM table (Projecting Signs). |
| Business Awning Sign (Limited Commercial Uses) | Per Sec. 136.1(a)(1) (typically min 7 ft above sidewalk); not above roofline. | 20 sq ft total copy area per business. | — | As per Sec. 136.1; may not conflict with Sec. 606(a)(1). | Awning copy as alternative to other business signs; not separately capped by count. | Permitted awnings over business frontage. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 606(c)(4); Sec. 136.1(a)(1); RM table (Awning Signs). |
Residential-Commercial Districts, Medium Density (RC-3), Residential-Commercial Districts, High Density (RC-4), Small-Scale Neighborhood Commercial District (NC-2), Neighborhood Commercial Shopping Center District (NC-S), Small-Scale Neighborhood Commercial Transit District (NCT-2)
| 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 | N/A (within glazing). | Up to one-third of the business’s ground-floor windows and clear doors. | — | Not applicable. | No numeric limit; regulated by total area. | Ground-level windows and doors of businesses. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 607.1(f)(2)(A); handout RC, NC‑2, NCT‑2, NC‑S table (Window Signs) and notes 1–2. |
| Wall Sign | 24 ft, or height of wall, or height of lowest residential windowsill on that wall, whichever is least. | 2 sq ft per ft of business street frontage, up to 100 sq ft per street frontage. | — | Thickness only; cannot project beyond face enough to be a projecting sign. | No explicit numeric cap; controlled by area cap per frontage. | Street‑facing walls of business frontages. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 607.1(f)(2)(B); notes 2–3; Sec. 604(c)(1). |
| Projecting Sign | 24 ft, or height of wall, or lowest residential windowsill on that wall, whichever is least. | 24 sq ft per sign. | — | Projection limited as above; cannot exceed allowed encroachment into public right-of-way (Sec. 136/136.1). | 1 per business (2 if corner business on two adjoining streets). | On street‑facing walls of businesses. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 607.1(f)(2)(C); notes; RC/NC‑2 table (Projecting Signs). |
| Awning/Marquee Sign | As per Sec. 136.1; maximum 24 ft overall height for freestanding types noted in table. | 30 sq ft of sign copy per business on awnings/marquees. | — | Per Sec. 136.1 (projection ≤ 4 ft from building face in NC districts, etc.). | No limit on number; area and projection govern. | On permitted awnings or marquees over business frontages. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 607.1(f)(2)(D); Sec. 136.1; RC/NC‑2 table (Awning/Marquee Signs). |
| Freestanding Business Sign | Attached: at first floor level; freestanding: max 15 ft. | 20 sq ft per sign; 30 sq ft for shopping centers. | — | Projection limit as above; must generally be on private property with allowed encroachment only per Public Works rules if in right-of-way. | 1 per lot when used as business sign; shopping center allowances still 1 per lot. | On lots where building is recessed from street property line; in lieu of a projecting sign. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 607.1(f)(2)(E); notes 2; RC/NC‑2 table (Freestanding Signs). |
| Identifying Sign | If attached: first floor; if freestanding: 15 ft. | 20 sq ft; 30 sq ft for shopping centers/malls. | — | Projection ≤ 75% of distance to curb, or 6.5 ft; on private property unless specifically allowed otherwise. | 1 per lot. | On lot for non‑commercial use or shopping center. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 607.1(c); RC/NC‑2 table (Identifying Signs). |
| Temporary Sign (Sale/Lease, Construction/Alteration, Temporary Business) | As per underlying sign type. | Up to 50 sq ft per temporary sign, subject to underlying business sign type limits (e.g., window sign area caps). | — | As per underlying sign type. | 1 sale/lease + 1 construction/alteration sign per lot. | On lot for lease/sale or construction; may be in windows or on building walls. | — | Unlock | Planning Code Sec. 604(c)(3); Sec. 607.1(g); RC/NC‑2 table (Temporary Signs). |
PermitPal covers all 26 zoning districts in San Francisco — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 26 zones for San Francisco — start freeProhibited Signs in San Francisco
- No sign may be erected, placed, replaced, reconstructed, relocated, intensified, or expanded in area or dimension except in conformity with Article 6 and, where applicable, Articles 10 and 11 of the Planning Code.
- No new General Advertising Signs are permitted anywhere in the City and County of San Francisco as of March 5, 2002, except as allowed through relocation agreements under Section 611.
- General Advertising Signs are not permitted in Neighborhood Commercial, Residential-Commercial, Residential, Residential Enclave, Mixed Use, Public Use, Commercial, Industrial, and PDR Districts, except where allowed as legal nonconforming or under specific exemptions/relocation provisions.
- Wind Signs are prohibited in all districts unless specifically exempted under Section 603.
- Roof Signs are prohibited in most districts except for Historic Signs and Vintage Signs, or where explicitly allowed (e.g., certain special districts) under specific sections.
- No sign shall be placed on any public street, alley, sidewalk, public plaza, public right‑of‑way, or in any portion of a transit system except projecting signs otherwise permitted by the Code or signs specifically approved by the appropriate public authorities.
- Any sign permitted to be illuminated must not have flashing, blinking, fluctuating, or otherwise animated light unless expressly allowed in a designated Special District for Sign Illumination or another specific special sign district provision.
- Video Signs are prohibited in Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts and in Commercial, Industrial, and PDR Districts, except where explicitly allowed in certain special sign districts (e.g., Stonestown SSD) under tightly defined conditions.
- No sign in Residential and Residential Enclave Districts may have moving, rotating, or otherwise animated parts, or (if illuminated) any flashing, blinking, fluctuating, or otherwise animated light.
- No sign in Residential and Residential Enclave Districts may be a roof sign, wind sign, or general advertising sign.
- No sign in Residential and Residential Enclave Districts may project beyond a street property line or legislated setback line, or into a required front setback area.
- No sign in Residential and Residential Enclave Districts may extend above the building roofline or above 12 feet in height, except where specifically permitted for certain sign types (e.g., auto service station signs, sale/lease signs) under Section 606.
- No sign located within 100 feet of any Residential (R) District may project beyond the street property line or building setback line where specifically stated for commercial, industrial, or PDR districts and special sign districts near R districts.
- In areas near schools, parks, recreation facilities, freeways, scenic streets, and rapid transit routes, General Advertising Signs and large signs over specified size limits (generally 100 or 200 square feet) are prohibited where they are primarily viewed from such sensitive locations.
- In the Civic Center Special Sign Districts, no sign on or facing publicly owned property may have moving, rotating or otherwise animated parts; have flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light; project beyond any street property line or building setback line; or be attached other than flat to a wall facing a street.
- In Market Street, Jackson Square, Northeast Waterfront, and other enumerated Special Sign Districts, additional restrictions apply to projection, height, illumination, placement, and temporary materials, and any sign not specifically authorized is prohibited within those districts.
- No sign may be used to permit any land use that is otherwise prohibited by the Planning Code or that conflicts with regulations of a Special Sign District, Redevelopment Plan, or other legal restriction.
- All signs must be adequately maintained in appearance; when the activity for which a business sign has been posted ceases operation for more than 90 days, all related business signs must be removed.
- Nonconforming signs may not be replaced, altered, reconstructed, relocated, intensified, or expanded in area or dimension except to bring them into full conformity with current Code provisions, subject to narrow exceptions for structural safety, seismic reinforcement, or calamity repair.
- General Advertising Signs that have been voluntarily removed may not be reinstalled, replaced, or reconstructed at the same location, and any such action is treated as erection of a new prohibited sign.
- Any sign type or feature not expressly permitted in the applicable district tables (for NC, RC, C, M, PDR, MU, R, RM, RTO, RED, SSDs) is prohibited unless exempt under Section 603.
Exempt Signs in San Francisco
- Official public notices and notices posted by public officers in performance of their duties are exempt from Article 6.
- Governmental signs for traffic control and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service or safety are exempt.
- Temporary display posters, without independent structural support, in connection with political campaigns and civic noncommercial health, safety, and welfare campaigns are exempt.
- Flags, emblems, insignia, and posters of any nation or political subdivision, and temporary displays of a patriotic, religious, charitable, or other civic character are exempt.
- House numbers (whether illuminated or not), and warning signs such as “no trespassing” and “no parking” are exempt.
- Commemorative plaques placed or provided by recognized historical agencies are exempt.
- Religious symbols are exempt.
- Information plaques or signs that identify to the public open space resources, architectural features, creators of artwork, or otherwise provide information required by the Planning Code or other City agencies, or identifying signs that direct the public or patrons to open space or parking resources, are exempt.
- Signs within a stadium, open‑air theater, or arena that are designed primarily to be viewed by patrons within that facility are exempt.
- Certain limited General Advertising Signs on transit shelters and associated kiosks furnished by contract with the Municipal Transportation Agency, and on public service kiosks or fixed pedestal news racks furnished by contract with Public Works, within specified districts and subject to siting limits, are exempt.
- Advertising placed on fixed pedestal newsrack units in accordance with Public Works Code Section 184.12 is exempt.
- Historic Movie Theater Projecting Signs and Historic Movie Theater Marquees, when preserved, rehabilitated, restored, or reconstructed pursuant to Planning Code Section 188(e), are exempt from Article 6 controls to the extent stated in Section 603(f).
- Wall and Window Signs applied on a door, window, or building façade do not require a Planning approval or permit under Article 6, provided they are not in Public or Residential Districts, do not require Article 10 or 11 review, are not General Advertising Signs, and do not require a building permit.
- Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs to signs that do not involve replacement, alteration, reconstruction, relocation, intensification, or expansion are exempt from Planning permitting and approval, even though the sign must otherwise comply with Article 6.
- Temporary sale or lease signs, temporary signs of persons and firms connected with work on buildings under actual construction or alteration, and temporary business signs are exempt from Planning permitting and approval, to the extent such signs are otherwise permitted by Article 6.
- Any change of copy on a sign is exempt from Planning permitting and approval, provided it does not require a building permit, does not convert between General Advertising and non‑General Advertising, and does not increase the area, height, illumination, or projection of the sign (except changes affecting only the copy).
- Temporary signs (sale/lease, construction/alteration, certain temporary business signs) in many district tables do not require permits and must simply be removed upon completion of the work or period.
- Window Signs in non‑Residential districts that fall under Section 604(c)(1) are exempt from permit requirements, subject to compliance with applicable size and transparency standards.
- In several district tables, Wall Signs in non‑Residential districts that meet Section 604(c)(1) conditions (e.g., street‑facing walls where the business has frontage) do not require permits, although they remain subject to Article 6 standards.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for San Francisco
- There is no explicit requirement in the provided text for a master sign plan or unified sign plan for multi‑tenant or large developments; sign controls are applied through Article 6 standards, district‑specific tables, and, where applicable, Special Sign District provisions.
- In Special Sign Districts (e.g., Market Street SSD, Jackson Square SSD, Northeast Waterfront SSD, City Center SSD, Stonestown SSD, Transit Center SSD, 555 9th Street SSD, 3250 19th Avenue SSD), signage must comply with the special controls in Section 608 et seq.; within those areas, any deviation from the specified standards generally requires approval from the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, or via Conditional Use, but no separate ‘master sign plan’ mechanism is described.
- Vintage Signs and certain Historic Signs may be restored, reconstructed, maintained, or improved only with Conditional Use authorization of the Planning Commission under Section 608.14 (and related sections); this functions as a case‑specific approval rather than a district‑wide sign plan.
- Hospitals and medical centers in Residential Districts that seek to use the more permissive sign standards of adjacent NC, C, or M districts must obtain Conditional Use authorization from the Planning Commission under Section 608.11; this is a site‑specific entitlement, not a general sign plan.
- Relocation of General Advertising Signs under Section 611 requires a Relocation Agreement approved by the Board of Supervisors and conditional use authorization under Section 303(k); these approvals are processed case‑by‑case, not as part of a master sign plan.
- In historic contexts (Articles 10 and 11, Article 11 Conservation Districts, historic districts, and designated historic buildings), all new or altered signs are subject to specialized historic preservation design review; while detailed design standards are provided, no formal master sign plan requirement is stated.
Source: amlegal municipal code