Sign Regulations in San Ramon, California
San Ramon, California has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Window Sign, Roof 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 13, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for San Ramon, California
Sample Sign Requirements in San Ramon
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 75 sq ft per wall (unless Planning Commission grants exception) | — |
| Window Sign | — | 20% of total window area for each wall | — |
| Roof Sign | Must be below roofline/parapet; theatre marquee or signs on sloped/pitched roofs may project above roof eave but remain below roofline | Same as wall signs (0.75 sf/lf up to 75 sf) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for San RamonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Wall Sign
- Window Sign
- Roof Sign
- Public Transit Shelter Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for San Ramon
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in San Ramon vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in San Ramon, 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 Ramon, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Window Sign, Roof Sign, Public Transit Shelter 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 Ramon 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 Ramon are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. San Ramon has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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San Ramon, California Sign Rules at a Glance
San Ramon, California regulates 29 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Portable Sign (Tenant Wayfinding)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 48 inches tall, Max 48 inches high by 30 inches wide, and 30 inches wide, with a Not within required setback or landscaped areas setback (Sec. D3-47.N). Most commercial signs in San Ramon require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for San Ramon, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in San Ramon (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 19 | 48 inches | 75 sq ft per wall (unless Planning Commission grants exception) | — |
| AG; GC; M-1; M-2; P; PD; PS; OS | 9 | 48 in | 75 sq ft per wall | — |
| RR; RE; RS | 5 | 3.5 ft | 75 sq ft per wall | — |
| RM; RMH; RH | 5 | 5 ft | 75 sq ft per wall | — |
| OA; MW | 9 | 48 in | 75 sq ft per wall | — |
| OL; CC; CCMU; MU-C; CC-R; CR; CT; CS; MU | 8 | 48 in | 75 sq ft per wall | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in San Ramon(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Sign | Must be below roofline/parapet; theatre marquee or signs on sloped/pitched roofs may project above roof eave but remain below roofline | Same as wall signs (0.75 sf/lf up to 75 sf) | — | — | Not specified | Mounted below roofline/parapet | — | Unlock | D3-47.C; D3-49; D3-47.T |
| Directional/Information Sign (On-site, Exempt) | Max 42 inches | Max 2 sq ft; letters/symbols ≤5 inches high | — | ≥5 ft from driveway entrance | Max one double-faced sign per entrance | Set back at least 5 ft from driveway entrance | — | Unlock | D3-45.G |
| Portable Sign (Tenant Wayfinding) | 48 inches | Max 48 inches high by 30 inches wide | 30 inches | Not within required setback or landscaped areas | One per tenant | Within proximity of tenant’s primary entrance (commercial zones only) | — | Unlock | D3-47.N |
| Temporary On-site Residential Real Estate Sign | 5 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per residential property (additional may be authorized by ZA if necessary) | On the residential property (not within public street right-of-way unless Encroachment Permit authorized) | — | Unlock | D3-47.F |
| Temporary Off-site Residential Real Estate Sign (Broker’s Open House) | 48 inches | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per direction at intersections per company; intersection totals limited as specified | Behind the sidewalk (not encroaching in public ROW); not on fences, utility poles, or walls | — | Unlock | D3-47.G |
| Temporary Off-site Subdivision Directional Sign | 48 inches | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per direction at intersections; max 8 per subdivision placed ≥1,000 ft apart | Behind sidewalk (no encroachment into ROW); not on fences, utility poles, or walls | — | Unlock | D3-47.H |
| Temporary On-site Commercial Real Estate Sign | 5 ft | 12 sq ft (reduced to 50% of adjoining monument sign face area when situated within 30 ft of a permanent monument sign) | — | — | One per site or structure unless ARB/ZA authorize more | On the site identified; not in public ROW; not visible from freeway or ramps | — | Unlock | D3-45.E; D3-47.I |
| Temporary Political Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | Not specified | Not within public ROW; not visible from freeway or ramps | — | Unlock | D3-47.J; D3-45.O |
AG; GC; M-1; M-2; P; PD; PS; OS
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 75 sq ft per wall | — | — | One per wall | Below parapet/roofline | — | Unlock | Table 3-15 (On-site and Off-site Maximum Sign Standards); D3-47.A |
| Window Sign | — | 20% | — | — | Not specified | Interior window | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.B |
| Roof Sign | Below roofline/parapet | Same as wall sign | — | — | Not specified | On roof below roofline/parapet | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.C |
| Portable Sign (Commercial tenants only) | 48 in | 48 in H x 30 in W | 30 in | Not within required setbacks | One per tenant | Near tenant primary entrance (commercial zones only) | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.N |
| Office Structure Identification Wall Sign | — | Same as wall sign | — | — | One per elevation fronting street/freeway | Each elevation fronting street/freeway | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.Q |
| Free-standing/Monument Sign | Per ARB | Per ARB | — | Driveway visibility and traffic safety area standards apply | One per site frontage; corner parcels limited to one | Within landscaped area; not encroaching into right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.D; D3-54.A.1 |
| Freeway-Oriented Building-Mounted Sign | — | Same as wall sign | — | — | One per tenant per freeway-facing wall | Only on building walls with direct freeway frontage | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.R |
| Freeway-Oriented Business Park Identification (Free-standing) | — | — | — | — | Per MSP | Directly adjacent to I-680; business parks ≥100 acres | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.S |
OA; MW
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 75 sq ft per wall | — | — | One per wall | Below parapet/roofline | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.A |
| Window Sign | — | 20% | — | — | Not specified | Interior window | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.B |
| Roof Sign | Below roofline/parapet | Same as wall sign | — | — | Not specified | On roof below roofline/parapet | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.C |
| Portable Sign (Office/Commercial tenants) | 48 in | 48 in H x 30 in W | 30 in | Not within required setbacks | One per tenant | Near tenant primary entrance | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.N |
| Office Structure Identification Wall Sign | — | Same as wall sign | — | — | One per elevation fronting street/freeway | Each elevation fronting street/freeway | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.Q |
| Free-standing/Monument Sign (Office/Industrial) | 12 ft | 30 sq ft face | — | Driveway visibility and traffic safety area standards apply | One per site frontage; corner parcels limited to one | Within landscaped area; not encroaching into right-of-way | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.D |
| Freeway-Oriented Building-Mounted Sign (Office) | — | Same as wall sign | — | — | One per eligible tenant per freeway-facing wall | Building walls with direct freeway frontage | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.R |
| Freeway-Oriented Business Park Identification (Free-standing) | — | — | — | — | Per MSP | Directly adjacent to I-680; business parks ≥100 acres | — | Unlock | Table 3-15; D3-47.S |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in San Ramon — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for San Ramon — start freeProhibited Signs in San Ramon
- Banners, flags, pennants, and similar advertising devices with advertising copy on building exteriors are prohibited unless authorized by a Master Sign Program or allowed as specific temporary sign types
- Flashing, moving, or rotating signs are prohibited, except barber poles and changeable copy for theater/cinema marquees, scoreboards, and reader boards on public property
- Freeway-exposed signs are prohibited: free-standing signs not within a business park, window signs, and for sale/rent/lease signs oriented or placed for freeway visibility (including on/off ramps)
- Signs identifying a home occupation are prohibited
- Off-site directional signs are prohibited except when allowed for businesses without street frontage (by Planning Commission), as specified temporary off-site real estate/subdivision directional signs, or under a Master Off-Site Directional Sign Program
- Off-site signs/billboards are prohibited anywhere in the City
- Outdoor advertising displays are prohibited except as authorized as temporary advertising/promotional signs, temporary window signs, portable signs, or temporary special event signs
- Penthouse signs and any signs projecting above a roofline are prohibited except where allowed as roof signs
- Signs containing pictures, statements, or representations referring to obscene matter (Penal Code §311 et seq.) are prohibited
- Outdoor searchlights used for advertising or attention-getting are prohibited unless authorized with a Temporary Use Permit
- Signs on public transit shelters are prohibited in residential zones
- Signs on vehicles parked on public or private streets for more than 72 consecutive hours intended to advertise or provide directional assistance are prohibited
- Signs within the public right-of-way are prohibited (excluding government and public information signs) unless authorized by an Encroachment Permit and allowed as specific temporary sign types
- Signs with colors, design, lighting, or text that could be confused with public traffic directional signs or control devices are prohibited
- Tethered balloons or inflatable signs are prohibited
- Exterior signs made of impermanent materials that will not withstand weather are prohibited
- Window signs with opaque materials or window tint positioned to obscure law enforcement’s view of indoor activities are prohibited; merchandise displays that functionally obscure minimum interior visibility for law enforcement are also prohibited
- No exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs on signs; illumination fixtures must be shielded and properly focused to minimize glare
- Signs contiguous to residential zones may not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the establishment is open during those hours and lighting is subdued
Exempt Signs in San Ramon
- Temporary advertising/promotional window signs or displays announcing an event, installed no more than 21 consecutive days per calendar quarter
- Blade signs and similar non-illuminated wall signs not over two square feet for tenant identification, when authorized by a Master Sign Program or for sites with five or fewer nonresidential tenants (one per tenant)
- California State Lottery signs approved by the Lottery Commission
- Commemorative signs (structure names, dates, tablets) that are integral to the structure, up to four square feet and non-illuminated
- Temporary on-site commercial and industrial real estate signs when authorized by a Master Sign Program or on sites with five or fewer nonresidential tenants (one per site/structure), subject to visibility and height standards
- Temporary construction signs
- On-site directional/informational parking and other directional signs, limited in size, height, spacing, and setbacks
- Garage sale signs: one on-site and up to four off-site signs on private property on event days within specified size and content limits
- Gasoline and motor fuel price signs compliant with State Business and Professions Code
- Government flags (U.S., State of California, City), mounted no higher than maximum structure height and set back per zone; flagpoles/supports require Building Permit
- Holiday lights and similar devices not advertising a product or sale, erected no sooner than 45 days before a holiday and removed within 14 days after
- Incidental and window signs with letters or symbols no more than three inches in height, covering no more than 20% of window area and maintaining clear view in the lower third; may indicate open/closed, hours, services, address
- Interior signs not readily visible from the exterior
- Mass produced product signs integral to accessory products (ATMs, gasoline pumps, telephone booths, vending machines)
- Temporary political signs when a statement of responsibility is filed with the City Clerk
- Public information and governmental signs erected by a public agency
- Temporary on-site residential real estate signs (one per residential site/property)
- Electronically activated or fixed-message changeable copy scoreboards on public school properties
- Street address numbers conforming to Building Security code
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for San Ramon
- A Master Sign Program is required for multi-family residential sites proposing more than one permanent sign (e.g., directory or directional signs)
- A Master Sign Program is required for any nonresidential site with six or more occupants/tenants
- A Master Sign Program is required for nonresidential projects involving construction or renovation of more than 25,000 square feet of gross floor area
- Master Sign Programs are reviewed by the Architectural Review Board with recommendation to the Zoning Administrator; Amendments are reviewed by the Zoning Administrator unless otherwise specified
- Master Sign Programs must be filed and processed concurrently with applicable new development applications
- Approval of a Master Sign Program supersedes base sign regulations; aspects not addressed by the MSP must comply with the Chapter
- Free-standing/monument signs are subject to a Master Sign Program if required by this Chapter
- Temporary on-site residential real estate signs are subject to a Master Sign Program if required by this Chapter
- Temporary on-site commercial real estate signs must be removed within 30 days of building occupancy unless authorized by an approved Master Sign Program; they are subject to an MSP before building occupancy if required
- Temporary advertising/promotional signs are subject to a Master Sign Program if required
- Temporary promotional window signs are subject to a Master Sign Program if required
- Portable signs are subject to a Master Sign Program if required
- Office structure identification signs are subject to a Master Sign Program if required
- Freeway-oriented building-mounted signs are subject to a Master Sign Program if required
- Freeway-oriented business park identification signs require a Master Sign Program and/or MSP Amendment with Planning Commission approval; signs visible from a State highway/freeway must comply with the California Outdoor Advertising Act
- A Master Off-Site Directional Sign Program (with ARB and Planning Commission review) is required for permanent off-site directional sign structures serving residential subdivisions/multifamily developments of 100 or more units
- A Master Off-Site Directional Sign Program (with ARB and Planning Commission review) is required for commercial retail/office centers of 200,000 or more gross square feet of leasable tenant space; centers between 95,000 and 200,000 square feet may be eligible if specific findings are met
- Planning Commission review is required for wall signs exceeding 0.75 square feet per linear foot of wall length, and for wall/window signs higher than the allowed structure height
- Planning Commission may authorize an off-site identification sign for a business/premise/property without direct frontage or visibility on a public/private street
- Zoning Administrator reviews Master Sign Programs, free-standing signs (including reduced separations or more than one per frontage), freeway-oriented building-mounted signs, miscellaneous signs, public transit shelter signs, roof/wall/window signs, and temporary signs
- Sign Permit is required for all non-exempt signs before installation; Building Permit is required for all signs except exempt ones; owner’s written consent is required to place a sign
- Signs visible from State highways/freeways require compliance with the California Outdoor Advertising Act in addition to local approvals
Source: ecode360 municipal code