# Sign Regulations in Santa Clara, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Santa Clara, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/santa-clara
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-28
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://ecode360.com/SA4626)

## At a glance

Santa Clara, California regulates 38 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the CD zoning district are capped at 20 ft (3 ft max within driveway/intersection visibility areas) tall and Up to 150 sq ft per sign (cap), with a ≥5 ft from front property line; not in dedicated utility easements; low-profile option allowed at 4 ft min setback. setback (Sec. SCCC 18.42.110 Table 3‑9 (Freestanding); 18.42.120(E)(1)). Most commercial signs in Santa Clara require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (13 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 10 ft (2 ft 6 in max if within a driveway or intersection visibility clearance area) | 32 sq ft per sign; identification signs for model homes max 6 sq ft each (up to 4) | — |
| Single-Family Residential (R16L), Single-Family Residential, Larger Parcel (R16L) | 6 | Up to 12 ft (monument sign standard) | Up to 100 sq ft per sign (monument sign standard) | — |
| Low-Density Residential (R2) | 5 | 6 ft | 75 sq ft per sign (37.5 sq ft/side if double-sided) | — |
| Medium-Density Residential (R3) | 8 | Per 18.42.100(C) | 75 sq ft per sign (37.5 sq ft/side if double-sided) | — |
| High-Density Residential (R4), Very-High-Density Residential (R5), Transit Neighborhood Residential (R6) | 9 | Per 18.42.100(C) | 75 sq ft per sign (37.5 sq ft/side if double-sided) | — |
| Commercial-Community (CC) | 16 | 20 ft (3 ft max within driveway/intersection visibility areas) | Up to 150 sq ft per sign (cap) | — |
| CD | 19 | 20 ft (3 ft max within driveway/intersection visibility areas) | Up to 150 sq ft per sign (cap) | — |
| Commercial-Neighborhood (CN), Commercial-Regional (CR) | 20 | 30 ft | Display area up to 800 sq ft; overall length ≤60 ft | — |
| Mixed Use-Neighborhood Commercial (MUNC), Mixed Use Community Commercial (MUCC), Mixed Use-Regional Commercial (MURC) | 19 | 30 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Low-Intensity Office/Research and Development (LORD) | 12 | 30 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| High-Intensity Office/Research and Development (HORD) | 13 | 30 ft | Display area up to 800 sq ft; overall length ≤60 ft | — |
| Light Industrial (LI) | 13 | 30 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Heavy Industrial (HI) | 13 | 30 ft | 200 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 13 zones)

### CD

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft (3 ft max within driveway/intersection visibility areas) | Up to 150 sq ft per sign (cap) | — | General C/MU siting: ≥5 ft from front property line; not in dedicated utility easements; low-profile option allowed at 4 ft min setback. | 1 per primary structure frontage; 1 per secondary frontage (at ≤50% of primary area) | On premises; per frontage; not within utility easements. | — | SCCC 18.42.110 Table 3‑9 (Freestanding); 18.42.120(E)(1) |
| Monument Sign | 12 ft (3 ft max within driveway/intersection visibility areas) | Up to 100 sq ft per sign | — | General C/MU siting: ≥5 ft front setback; not in utility easements; low-profile option allowed at 4 ft min setback. | Per frontage within overall freestanding allowances | On premises; not within utility easements. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(E)(2) |
| Wall Sign (Primary Frontage) | — | Up to 150 sq ft total for all wall signs (primary + accessory) | — | N/A (structure-mounted) | 1 per primary frontage | On primary building frontage. | — | SCCC 18.42.110 Table 3‑9 (Painted or Wall Signs); 18.42.120(K); 18.42.110(F) (Retail Signage) |
| Projecting Sign | Not above building height; ≥8 ft clearance over sidewalk; ≥14 ft where over a driveway/parking area | 8 sq ft per sign | — | N/A | 1 per street frontage | Mounted perpendicular to wall. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(J) |
| Directory Sign | 6 ft (3 ft if within a visibility clearance area) | 16 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from front property line; 3 ft max height within visibility triangle. | Not specified | On private property; not in utility easements. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(C)(2) |
| Directional Sign | 3 ft max if within a visibility clearance area | 6 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from front property line; 3 ft max height within visibility triangle. | Not specified | On private property; wayfinding locations. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(C)(1) |
| Banners (Temporary Special Events) | Per 18.42.100(C) | Per 18.42.100(C) | — | Not in ROW; meet sight-distance requirements. | Per 18.42.100(C) | On-site of business/organization. | — | SCCC 18.42.100(C); Table 3‑11 (Banners=SP) |
| Subdivision Entry Sign (Commercial setting) | 6 ft | 75 sq ft per sign | — | General C/MU setbacks and visibility limits apply. | As approved (typ. up to 2 per primary entrance) | At entry to commercial subdivision/center where applicable. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(B); Table 3‑11 (Subdivision Entry Sign=MUP in C‑C) |

### Commercial-Neighborhood (CN), Commercial-Regional (CR)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft (3 ft max within driveway/intersection visibility areas) | Up to 150 sq ft per sign (cap) | — | General C/MU siting: ≥5 ft from front property line; not in dedicated utility easements; low-profile option allowed at 4 ft min setback. | 1 per primary structure frontage; 1 per secondary frontage (at ≤50% of primary area) | On premises; per frontage; not within utility easements. | — | SCCC 18.42.110 Table 3‑9 (Freestanding); 18.42.120(E)(1) |
| Monument Sign | 12 ft (3 ft max within driveway/intersection visibility areas) | Up to 100 sq ft per sign | — | General C/MU siting: ≥5 ft front setback; not in utility easements; low-profile option allowed at 4 ft min setback. | Per frontage within overall freestanding allowances | On premises; not within utility easements. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(E)(2) |
| Projecting Sign | Not above building height; ≥8 ft clearance over sidewalk; ≥14 ft where over a driveway/parking area | 8 sq ft per sign | — | N/A | 1 per street frontage | Mounted perpendicular to wall. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(J) |
| Directory Sign | 6 ft (3 ft if within a visibility clearance area) | 16 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from front property line; 3 ft max height within visibility triangle. | Not specified | On private property; not in utility easements. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(C)(2) |
| Directional Sign | 3 ft max if within a visibility clearance area | 6 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from front property line; 3 ft max height within visibility triangle. | Not specified | On private property; wayfinding locations. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(C)(1) |
| Banners (Temporary Special Events) | Per 18.42.100(C) | Per 18.42.100(C) | — | Not in ROW; meet sight-distance requirements. | Per 18.42.100(C) | On-site of business/organization. | — | SCCC 18.42.100(C); Table 3‑11 (Banners=SP) |
| Subdivision Entry Sign (Commercial setting) | 6 ft | 75 sq ft per sign | — | General C/MU setbacks and visibility limits apply. | As approved (typ. up to 2 per primary entrance) | At entry to commercial subdivision/center where applicable. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(B); Table 3‑11 (Subdivision Entry Sign=MUP in C‑C) |
| Freeway-/Expressway‑Oriented Sign | 30 ft | 200 sq ft max | — | Must also meet underlying zone setbacks; conditions may increase setbacks. | Not specified (spacing controls apply) | On eligible parcel near freeway/expressway as described. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(F) |

### Mixed Use-Neighborhood Commercial (MUNC), Mixed Use Community Commercial (MUCC), Mixed Use-Regional Commercial (MURC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft (3 ft max within driveway/intersection visibility areas) | Up to 150 sq ft per sign (cap) | — | General C/MU siting: ≥5 ft from front property line; not in dedicated utility easements; low-profile option allowed at 4 ft min setback. | 1 per primary structure frontage; 1 per secondary frontage (at ≤50% of primary area) | On premises; per frontage; not within utility easements. | — | SCCC 18.42.110 Table 3‑9 (Freestanding); 18.42.120(E)(1) |
| Monument Sign | 12 ft (3 ft max within driveway/intersection visibility areas) | Up to 100 sq ft per sign | — | General C/MU siting: ≥5 ft front setback; not in utility easements; low-profile option allowed at 4 ft min setback. | Per frontage within overall freestanding allowances | On premises; not within utility easements. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(E)(2) |
| Projecting Sign | Not above building height; ≥8 ft clearance over sidewalk; ≥14 ft where over a driveway/parking area | 8 sq ft per sign | — | N/A | 1 per street frontage | Mounted perpendicular to wall. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(J) |
| Directory Sign | 6 ft (3 ft if within a visibility clearance area) | 16 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from front property line; 3 ft max height within visibility triangle. | Not specified | On private property; not in utility easements. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(C)(2) |
| Directional Sign | 3 ft max if within a visibility clearance area | 6 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from front property line; 3 ft max height within visibility triangle. | Not specified | On private property; wayfinding locations. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(C)(1) |
| Banners (Temporary Special Events) | Per 18.42.100(C) | Per 18.42.100(C) | — | Not in ROW; meet sight-distance requirements. | Per 18.42.100(C) | On-site of business/organization. | — | SCCC 18.42.100(C); Table 3‑11 (Banners=SP) |
| Freeway-/Expressway‑Oriented Sign | 30 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Must also meet underlying zone setbacks; conditions may increase setbacks. | Not specified (spacing controls apply) | On eligible parcels near freeway/expressway. | — | SCCC 18.42.160 Table 3‑11 (MUP in MU); 18.42.120(F) |
| Subdivision Entry Sign (Mixed-Use setting) | 6 ft | 75 sq ft per sign | — | General MU setbacks and visibility limits apply. | As approved (typ. up to 2 per primary entrance) | At entry to mixed-use subdivision/site. | — | SCCC 18.42.120(B); Table 3‑11 (Subdivision Entry Sign=CUP in MU zones) |

## Prohibited signs in Santa Clara

- Any sign on public property or within the public right-of-way is prohibited citywide, except government signs (18.42.080).
- Animated signs, including blinking or flashing lights, are prohibited (18.42.080.A).
- Banners, pennants, statuary, streamers, fin/feather/sail signs, whirligigs, displays, signs placed on architectural projections, and merchandise primarily designed and used for sign purposes located outside of structures are prohibited (18.42.080.B).
- New billboards are prohibited except as allowed under the limited CityPlace program or approved relocations per 18.42.090; otherwise billboards are not permitted (18.42.080.C, 18.42.090).
- Reconstruction of nonconforming sign structures beyond the limits of the nonconforming sign provisions is prohibited (18.42.080.D, 18.42.200).
- Red, green, blue or amber lights or illuminated signs that could interfere with or be confused with official traffic control devices or signals are prohibited (18.42.080.E).
- Portable signs, including signs placed on operable vehicles used as signs, are prohibited (18.42.080.F).
- Signs emitting foreign material or sound are prohibited (18.42.080.G).
- Signs on natural features (rocks, trees, mounds, hills, or mountains) are prohibited (18.42.080.H).
- Signs on roofs, parapets, or walls above the eave line are prohibited (18.42.080.I).
- Tethered balloons or other inflatable objects used to draw attention are prohibited (18.42.080.J).
- Neon or LED lighting that outlines the border of windows is prohibited (18.42.080.K).
- It is unlawful to maintain any sign in a dangerous or defective condition (18.42.190.B).

## Signs exempt from permit in Santa Clara

- Signs required by Federal or State law (18.42.070.A.1).
- Official government signs (including flags, banners, emblems, traffic/highway signs, railroad crossing signs, legal notices) (18.42.070.A.2).
- Holiday displays and decorations, provided they do not create a traffic hazard or encroach into required visibility clearance areas (18.42.070.A.3).
- Commemorative plaques, tablets, dates of construction and similar permanent-material signs, limited to one per structure and max 2 sq ft each (18.42.070.A.4).
- Signs located inside a building, mall, or similar structure that are not conspicuously visible and readable from a public street or adjacent properties under different ownership (18.42.070.A.5).
- Murals or artistic wall paintings with no names, information, logos, emblems, or illustrations of on-site/nearby activities (18.42.070.A.6).
- "No Trespassing" signs, max 1 sq ft each, placed at corners/entrances and at intervals of at least 50 feet or as legally required (18.42.070.A.7).
- Real estate signs on the subject property: max 6 sq ft for single-family; max 32 sq ft for multifamily or non-residential per side of a double-sided sign; max one per street frontage; illumination prohibited (18.42.070.A.8).
- Utility/service provider signs indicating underground facilities, danger, safety aids, and official advisory/signal flags (18.42.070.A.9).
- Copy changes on approved changeable copy signs (18.42.070.A.10).
- Incidental business notices (e.g., hours, credit accepted, emergency contact, help wanted, open/closed) that contain no commercial messages or logos and total no more than 4 sq ft (18.42.070.A.11).
- Memorial tablets/signs and iconic markers (18.42.070.A.12).
- Window signs not exceeding 25% of a tenant’s total window area; window outlines with neon/LED borders are not allowed (18.42.070.A.13).
- Signs related to operation of a Mobile Food Vending Facility, provided the aggregate sign area on the site (including the mobile food vending signs) does not exceed the district’s sign area standards (18.42.070.B).
- Routine maintenance (painting, repainting, cleaning) of a sign is exempt; no sign permit is required unless structural changes are proposed (18.42.070.B).
- Note: Some exempt or temporary signs may still require a building or electrical permit under adopted codes (18.42.070.C).

## Sign permit fees & timelines in Santa Clara

| Item | Details | Citation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Sign Permit (1st sign, attached or ground) | $360 | — |
| Completeness Review | generally within 5 business days (starts when Application submitted through Permitting Online Portal (POP)) | — |

_The full published fee and review-timeline schedule for Santa Clara is available in PermitPal (free account)._

## 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 13 zoning districts in Santa Clara — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Santa+Clara+CA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-santa-clara

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