# Sign Regulations in San Gabriel, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** San Gabriel, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/san-gabriel
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-18
- **Source:** [amlegal municipal code](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sangabriel/latest/sangabriel_ca/0-0-0-27211)

## At a glance

San Gabriel, California regulates 50 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Monument Sign - Institutional (Religious/Educational)s in the R-1 Single-Family Residence Zone; R-1A Limited Two-Family Residence Zone zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 25 sq ft, with a 10 ft from interior side lot lines for parcels with up to 100 ft of street frontage; 15 ft from interior side lot lines for parcels with more than 100 ft of street frontage; located within protective planter setback (Sec. §153.324(A)(3); §153.325(B)(1)-(7)). Most commercial signs in San Gabriel require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-1 Single-Family Residence Zone; R-1A Limited Two-Family Residence Zone | 5 | Prohibited above 15 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| R-2 Low Density Multiple-Family Residence Zone; R-3 Multiple-Family Residence Zone | 5 | Monument option: 6 ft | Included in total 25 sq ft per frontage for all institutional signs | — |
| C-1 Retail Commercial Zone; C-3 Commercial and Limited Manufacturing Zone; M-1 Light Manufacturing Zone | 26 | Up to 50 ft | 120 sq ft (sign area, excluding supports) | — |
| C-2 | 2 | Minimum character height: 6 inches | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 14 | Suspended not less than 16 ft above street/public thoroughfare | 32 sq ft per sign | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### R-1 Single-Family Residence Zone; R-1A Limited Two-Family Residence Zone

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Identification Sign (Nameplate) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling | On the dwelling; must identify only the occupant’s name and/or address | — | §153.324(A)(1) |
| Real Estate Sign - On-site (Detached, Unlighted) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 on-site real estate sign per lot; up to 4 additional off-site open house signs under stated conditions | One per lot; detached | — | §153.324(A)(2) |
| Monument Sign - Institutional (Religious/Educational) | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — | 10 ft from interior side lot lines for parcels with up to 100 ft of street frontage; 15 ft from interior side lot lines for parcels with more than 100 ft of street frontage; located within protective planter | 1 per qualifying street frontage (≥75 ft) | On-site; must comply with monument sign standards including setbacks and planter | — | §153.324(A)(3); §153.325(B)(1)-(7) |
| Institutional Signs (Other) - Subject to DRC/CUP | — | — | — | — | — | On-site for permitted institutions | — | §153.324(A)(3) |
| Flag Pole (Front Yard) - Prohibition | Prohibited above 15 ft | — | — | — | — | Front yard of single-family residential units | — | §153.324(A)(4) |

### C-1 Retail Commercial Zone; C-3 Commercial and Limited Manufacturing Zone; M-1 Light Manufacturing Zone

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Primary Frontage) | Shall not exceed building roofline or parapet wall | Determined by formula | Shall not exceed 70% of the width of the building frontage | — | 1 per tenant/use/occupancy | Attached to and parallel to the building facade | — | §153.325(A)(1), (A)(2)-(7); §153.323(A) |
| Wall Sign (Side Street Frontage) | Not above roofline or parapet | Determined by formula | ≤70% of building frontage width | — | 1 additional wall sign permitted when frontage on more than one street | Facing the side street where tenant has frontage on more than one street | — | §153.325(A)(1)(a), (A)(2)-(5) |
| Wall Sign (Parking Lot Facing) | Not above roofline or parapet | Determined by formula | ≤70% of building frontage width | — | 1 additional wall sign permitted when entrance faces parking lot | On side of building facing the parking lot (principal entrance faces parking lot) | — | §153.325(A)(1)(b), (A)(2)-(5) |
| Wall Sign - Additional for >50 ft Frontage (DRC Approval) | Not above roofline or parapet | Determined by formula | ≤70% of building frontage width | — | A second wall sign may be permitted | On buildings with more than 50 linear feet of frontage on a street or parking lot | — | §153.325(A)(1)(d), (A)(2)-(5) |
| Monument Sign (75–84 ft Street Frontage) | 6 ft | 30 sq ft (including base and support) | — | ≥10 ft from interior side lot lines for parcels with up to 100 ft street frontage | 1 per site per street frontage (additional allowed on side street if frontage on more than one street) | On-site; setback from interior side lot lines; within protective planter | — | §153.325(B)(1)-(7) |
| Monument Sign (85–99 ft Street Frontage) | 6 ft | 40 sq ft (including base and support) | — | ≥10 ft from interior side lot lines for parcels with up to 100 ft street frontage | 1 per qualifying frontage | On-site; setback from interior side lot lines; within protective planter | — | §153.325(B)(2)(a); (B)(3)-(7) |
| Monument Sign (100 ft or greater Street Frontage) | 6 ft | 50 sq ft (including base and support) | — | ≥15 ft from interior side lot lines for parcels with >100 ft street frontage | 1 per qualifying frontage | On-site; setback from interior side lot lines; within protective planter | — | §153.325(B)(2)(a); (B)(3)-(7) |
| Freestanding Sign (75–99 ft Street Frontage) | 15 ft or height of tallest building on site, whichever is less | 75 sq ft (sign area, excluding supports) | — | ≥15 ft from interior side lot lines; landscaped planter area ≥60 sq ft | 1 per site with ≥75 ft frontage; additional signs per §153.325(C)(1) for larger frontages | On-site; ≥15 ft from interior side lot lines; in landscaped planter (≥60 sq ft) | — | §153.325(C)(1)-(7) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Election Sign (Exempt) | — | 32 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | On-site | — | §153.327(A) |
| Special Events Window Sign (Exempt) | — | 20% of total frontage glass area | — | — | — | On windows/doors | — | §153.327(B) |
| Real Estate Sign (Exempt - General) | Freestanding: 6 ft | Residential: 6 sq ft; Commercial/Industrial: 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/parcel | On property being advertised | — | §153.327(C) |
| Construction Sign (Exempt) | 6 ft above grade | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On construction site | — | §153.327(D) |
| Residential Identification Sign (Exempt) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling | On dwelling | — | §153.327(G) |
| Tablets and Plaques (Exempt) | — | Max dimension ≤2 ft | ≤2 ft | — | — | On building/site | — | §153.327(H) |
| Directional Signs (Exempt, with approval) | — | 4 sq ft per sign | — | — | As approved by Director | On-site | — | §153.327(K) |
| Off-site Real Estate Open House Signs (Exempt with conditions) | ≤3 ft | — | — | Not closer than 15 ft from a driveway approach | Max 5 signs total for a single open house event; limits per corner/intersection apply | Public parkway (not center median), with adjacent property owner/tenant permission whenever possible; not closer than 15 ft from a driveway approach | — | §153.327(M)(1)-(o) |

## Prohibited signs in San Gabriel

- Animated signs are prohibited (time and temperature displays exempt).
- Balloon signs are prohibited except as specifically allowed elsewhere in the ordinance.
- Emitting signs (signs that emit sound, color, or visible matter) are prohibited.
- Temporary paper, cloth, or plastic nonpermanent signs (including pennants, flags, festoons, banners) are prohibited unless approved as part of a special events permit.
- Off-premises advertising displays are prohibited, except where otherwise permitted or for legally established billboards.
- Projecting signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Pole signs are prohibited except where specifically allowed.
- Vehicle-mounted signs are prohibited.
- Signs that simulate or imitate traffic control signs or signals in size, color, lettering, or design are prohibited.
- Light bulb strings used as part of an advertising display are prohibited (holiday decorations exempt).
- Signs pertaining to a home business occupation are prohibited.
- Exposed gas-filled lighting tubes, strings of lights, exposed bulbs, or other exposed lighting not specifically permitted or not identified as requiring Design Review Committee action are prohibited.
- Signs on public property or on street fixtures/trees are prohibited (except civic event signs with prior approval); any such sign may be immediately removed by the city.
- Use of exposed or visible guy wire supports is prohibited for all signs.
- Visible Angle Iron or I-Beams as structural supports are prohibited unless covered with decorative material and approved as an architectural or decorative feature.

## Signs exempt from permit in San Gabriel

- Election signs: exempt from permits; max 32 sq ft per sign; may be erected no more than 1 month before the election; must be removed within 48 hours after.
- Special events window signs: exempt; max 20% of frontage glass area; no more than 50% of one window pane may be covered; limited to 30 days per display; frequency limited in the same manner as banner signs.
- Real estate signs: exempt. Residential—one sign up to 6 sq ft and 6 ft tall; commercial/industrial—up to 24 sq ft (and if freestanding, max 6 ft tall); must be removed within 30 days after sale/lease; placement must not interfere with traffic/circulation.
- Construction signs: exempt. On-site, up to 32 sq ft and 6 ft tall; limited to one per street frontage; removed upon completion.
- Flags, emblems, or insignias used for noncommercial purposes are exempt.
- Holiday decoration displays: exempt up to a total of 10 weeks per calendar year.
- Residential identification signs: exempt; one per dwelling up to 2 sq ft.
- Tablets and plaques: exempt if installed by a recognized historical agency and no dimension exceeds 2 ft.
- Political signs: exempt with total signs on one site not exceeding 32 sq ft.
- Temporary civic event signs: exempt when placed in conjunction with a civic event and displayed for no more than 30 days.
- Directional signs: exempt up to 4 sq ft per sign; number and location subject to approval by the Community Development Director.
- Government signs: exempt for government buildings and government-sponsored events.
- Off-site real estate open house signs: exempt subject to conditions (permission from adjacent property owner when possible; one sign per corner/four per intersection; not in medians; only posted the same day; display hours 10:00 a.m. to dusk or 7:00 p.m.; must include directional arrow/address and agent name/phone; message must relate to activity in progress; minimum 15 ft from driveway; max 3 ft height; no flags/pennants/streamers/banners/balloons attached; agent assumes liability; signs must be neat/safe; no chaining/locking to public fixtures; violations subject to infraction penalties; max five signs per event).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A Master Sign Plan is required for lots or parcels with multiple businesses and multiple signs to ensure harmonious, visually related signage (§153.321(E)).
- Master Sign Plan submission is required for new commercial or industrial centers/complexes/parks with two or more establishments on a single parcel or group of parcels with a single common development or under single ownership or a single tax parcel; and for existing commercial/industrial centers as of November 9, 1993 with six or more establishments (§153.325(M)).
- Master Sign Plans are approved by the Community Development Director for developments under the Director’s Precise Plan of Design authority, or by the Design Review Commission for developments under the Commission’s Precise Plan of Design authority (§153.325(M)(1)).
- Master Sign Plan approval criteria: compatibility with building design motif; common design elements; unity/continuity and avoidance of clutter; compliance with Zoning Code and General Plan; and safety/traffic circulation considerations (§153.325(M)(2)).
- Master Sign Plan applications must include detailed scaled sign drawings (at least one in full color), materials/colors/letter specifications, illumination and attachment methods with a sample board, and color photos of existing facades (§153.325(M)(3)).
- Sites with less than 75 ft of street frontage may obtain a monument sign only via a sign variance granted by the Planning Commission upon recommendation of the Design Review Committee (§153.325(B)(1)(b)).
- Painted wall signs require review and approval by the Design Review Committee (§153.325(A)(6)).
- Freestanding signs’ architectural features must be reviewed by the Design Review Committee before final approval (§153.325(C)(7)).
- Pole signs require review and approval by the Design Review Commission; evaluation includes impacts on adjacent signage visibility, building architecture, and pedestrian/vehicular movement and visibility (§153.325(D)(8)).
- Awnings (with or without signage) must be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department (§153.325(F)(6)).
- Banners require a banner permit with defined display periods and spacing; violations can lead to denial of additional banner permits in the same calendar year (§153.325(I)).
- Public street banners over public thoroughfares require a City Council permit (agenda item); commercial advertising is not allowed; may require bond/insurance; limited display period; minimum 16 ft clearance; recurring events may be re-authorized by staff (§153.334).
- Portable sidewalk signs in the public right-of-way require a sign permit, liability insurance naming the City as additional insured, and an official city compliance tag (§153.325(S)(1)).
- For projects requiring a variance, conditional use permit, precise plan of design, or other discretionary approval, the sign permit application is reviewed by the corresponding body in conjunction with that consideration (§153.323(C)).
- Decisions on signs may be appealed directly to the City Council (§153.323(D)).

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

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