Sign Regulations in Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria, California has specific sign regulations covering 3 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Temporary Sign/Banner. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Santa Maria, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Santa Maria
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Not to exceed the eave or parapet of the roof | 80% of building street frontage width | — |
| Monument Sign | 8 feet | 50 square feet | — |
| Temporary Sign/Banner | Not to exceed roof eave line of nearest building | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
3
- Wall Sign
- Monument Sign
- Temporary Sign/Banner
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
Official Resources for Santa Maria
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Santa Maria, wall signs can be up to Not to exceed the eave or parapet of the roof and monument signs are limited to 8 feet. 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 Santa Maria, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Santa Maria, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Temporary Sign/Banner. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Santa Maria 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 sign regulations in Santa Maria, California typically include restrictions on brightness, animation, message duration, and hours of operation. Many jurisdictions require automatic dimming. Use PermitPal for exact requirements.
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Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Santa Maria, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Santa Maria (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial District (C-1, C-2, CPO, CC, HC, FS, CM) | 2 | 8 feet | 80% of building street frontage width | — |
| Industrial District (M-1, M-2) | 2 | 8 feet | 80% of building street frontage width | — |
| Specific Plan (SP) | 2 | 8 feet | 80% of building street frontage width | — |
| Public Facilities (PF) | 2 | 8 feet | 80% of building street frontage width | — |
| Airport Service (AS I, II, III) | 2 | 8 feet | 80% of building street frontage width | — |
| Residential District (R-1, RSL-1, R-2, R-3, RMH) | 2 | 6 feet | 80% of building street frontage width | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | Not to exceed roof eave line of nearest building | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Santa Maria(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Commercial District (C-1, C-2, CPO, CC, HC, FS, CM)
| 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 | Not to exceed the eave or parapet of the roof | 80% of building street frontage width | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Section 12-34.05(a) |
| Monument Sign | 8 feet | 50 square feet | — | — | One per 125 linear feet of parcel frontage | On landscaped mounds | — | Unlock | Section 12-34.05(b) |
Industrial District (M-1, M-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Not to exceed the eave or parapet of the roof | 80% of building street frontage width | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Section 12-34.05(a) |
| Monument Sign | 8 feet | 50 square feet | — | — | One per 125 linear feet of parcel frontage | On landscaped mounds | — | Unlock | Section 12-34.05(b) |
Specific Plan (SP)
| 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 | Not to exceed the eave or parapet of the roof | 80% of building street frontage width | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Section 12-34.05(a) |
| Monument Sign | 8 feet | 50 square feet | — | — | One per 125 linear feet of parcel frontage | On landscaped mounds | — | Unlock | Section 12-34.05(b) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Santa Maria — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Santa Maria — start freeProhibited Signs in Santa Maria
- Any sign designed for emitting sound.
- Any sign or sign structure which has become a public nuisance due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment.
- Any sign which obstructs in any manner the ingress to, or egress from, a door, window, fire escape, or other access way required by building codes adopted by the City of Santa Maria.
- Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.
- Any sign that encroaches into any City right-of-way and/or easement, except under-canopy, projecting and sandwich board signs.
- Any sign that flashes, blinks, moves, changes color, appears to change color, changes intensity, or contains any part of attachment which does the same.
- Any sign that is inconsistent with the traffic safety sight area, pursuant to Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 12-27.03.
- Any sign structure located so that it interferes with visibility at an intersection, public right-of-way, driveway, or other ingress/egress.
- Any freestanding pole sign.
- Any sign located or displayed on or over public property except as expressly permitted in this chapter.
- Any sign attached to a tree.
- Any sign structure erected or maintained which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communication lines and energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the state, or rules and regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof.
- Any sign structure adversely affecting traffic control or safety.
- Balloons and blimps.
- Roof signs.
- Any sign on public property or property in which the City holds an interest unless otherwise authorized by this chapter.
- Bow/feather signs.
- Sandwich board signs.
Exempt Signs in Santa Maria
- Any public or legal notice required by a court or public agency.
- City approved directional signage for new home construction.
- Decorative or architectural features of building, except letters, trademarks, or moving parts.
- Time and temperature devices.
- Signs on street legal vehicles, license plates, license plate frames, registration insignia, including noncommercial messages, messages relating to the business or service of which the vehicle is an instrument or tool (not including general advertising), and messages relating to the proposed sale, lease, or exchange of the vehicle.
- Traffic, directional, emergency, warning or informational signs required or authorized by a governmental agency having jurisdiction.
- Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques, or markers that comply with Section 12-34.03(u).
- Public utility signs.
- Newsracks.
- City approved 'Adopt-a-Road' signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Santa Maria
- On a multi-tenant building or multi-building site, a master sign plan shall be prepared by the owner for review and approval by the Zoning Administrator in accordance with Section 12-34.07.
- Sites with multiple tenants shall be required to submit a sign program, for approval by the Zoning Administrator, to determine the share of total sign area for each tenant space.
Source: municode municipal code