# Sign Regulations in Santa Paula, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Santa Paula, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/santa-paula
- **Data last verified:** 2026-01-16
- **Source:** [amlegal municipal code](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/santapaula/latest/santapaula_ca/0-0-0-62377)

## At a glance

Santa Paula, California regulates 54 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Noncommercial Messages (Residential Uses)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and Max cumulative area 6 sq ft per lot, with a 5 ft minimum from property line (freestanding) setback (Sec. §16.48.230(I)). Most commercial signs in Santa Paula require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (12 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 15 | Flagpole max 30 ft; Flag max vertical 5 ft, horizontal 8 ft | ≤50% of allowable wall sign area for the business | — |
| Agricultural (A-1), Residential-Agriculture (R-A) | 2 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Open Space (O) | 2 | 12 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Hillside Residential Planned Development (HR-PD), Single-family Residential (R-1), Small Lot Single-family Residential (R-1a), Medium Density Multi-family Residential (R-2), Medium-High Density Multi-family Residential (R-3), High Density Multi-family Residential (R-4), Mobile Home Park (MHP) | 7 | 8 ft maximum | 80 sq ft per sign | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) | 7 | 12 ft | Up to 50 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Office (C-O) | 7 | 15 ft | Up to 50 sq ft | — |
| General Commercial (C-G) | 11 | Height of building or 35 ft, whichever less | Total area of all such banners within a dealership ≤1200 sq ft | — |
| Highway Commercial (C-H) | 8 | Height of building or 45 ft, whichever less | Up to 150 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (CBD) | 5 | Maximum letter height 18 inches | ≤50% of fascia area; see formula | — |
| Commercial/Light Industrial (C/LI) | 8 | Height of building or 30 ft, whichever less | Up to 150 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial (LI) | 7 | Height of building or 30 ft, whichever less | Up to 100 sq ft | — |
| Industrial (I), Manufacturing (M-1) | 5 | Height of building or 30 ft, whichever less | Up to 100 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 12 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Freestanding Sign (Residential Zones) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per lot (+ campaign signs) | Front or side yard; may not encroach into any public right-of-way | — | §16.48.540; §16.48.550(A); §16.48.560(A)-(D) |
| Temporary Freestanding Sign (Commercial, Industrial, Open Space) | 4 ft (campaign signs up to 10 ft) | 12 sq ft per sign (noncommercial); Campaign signs up to 32 sq ft | — | — | 2 per lot (+ campaign signs) | Front or side yard; may not encroach into any public right-of-way | — | §16.48.540; §16.48.550(B); §16.48.560(A)-(D) |
| Temporary Window Signs | — | Up to 20% of total window area per business (temporary window signs only) | — | — | Max 2 (single tenant); Max 1 per tenant (multi-tenant) | Attached to interior of window or weatherproof paint on exterior | — | §16.48.230(Q) |
| Directional Signs (Noncommercial) | 3 ft | 2 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to 8 per lot/building | On-site | — | §16.48.230(D) |
| Flags and Flagpoles (Noncommercial) | Flagpole max 30 ft; Flag max vertical 5 ft, horizontal 8 ft | Max cumulative flag area per lot: 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 flagpole per lot; flags limited by area | — | — | §16.48.230(E) |
| Noncommercial Messages (Residential Uses) | 8 ft | Max cumulative area 6 sq ft per lot | — | 5 ft minimum from property line (freestanding) | Max 2 per lot (excluding campaign signs) | On residential lots | — | §16.48.230(I) |
| Construction Project Signs | Not more than 3 ft above where the roof line of the completed structure will be located | Residential zones: 6 sq ft; Other zones: 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 (residential); 2 (other zones) | Same parcel as project; displayed from building permit issuance until certificate of occupancy for last unit/portion | — | §16.48.230(C) |
| Temporary Real Estate Directional Signs | 5 ft | 9 sq ft | — | — | Max 1 per intersection along route | Along arterial routes to the residential property | — | §16.48.230(P) |

### Hillside Residential Planned Development (HR-PD), Single-family Residential (R-1), Small Lot Single-family Residential (R-1a), Medium Density Multi-family Residential (R-2), Medium-High Density Multi-family Residential (R-3), High Density Multi-family Residential (R-4), Mobile Home Park (MHP)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Sign (Single-family & Duplex Units) | No higher than 5 ft above average finished grade; or up to 8 ft above such level if mounted on a building wall | 2 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per lot | On lot for single-family or duplex units | — | Table 48-3; §16.48.640; §16.48.650(A) |
| On-site Directional Signs (Monument Style Only) (Single-family & Duplex Subdivisions) | 6 ft | 80 sq ft per sign | — | Not beyond ultimate street line; at least 500 ft from any freeway ROW | 2 on-site directional signs | On-site; must not be located or project beyond the building site nor beyond the ultimate street line, if any | — | Table 48-3; §16.48.640 |
| Off-site Directional Signs (Monument Only) (Single-family & Duplex Subdivisions) | 6 ft | 36 sq ft for any combination of signs at a single location | — | Minimum spacing 500 ft between off-site directional signs | 2 off-site directional signs (monument only) | Off-site | — | Table 48-3; §16.48.640 |
| Wall Sign (Apartments/Condos/Townhomes—Identification Only) | 8 ft maximum | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | On building wall for multi-family developments | — | Table 48-3; §16.48.640 |
| Monument Sign (Apartments/Condos/Townhomes—Identification) | 6 ft maximum | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street or parking lot frontage | Per street or parking lot frontage of multi-family developments | — | Table 48-3; §16.48.640 |
| Wall Sign (Public or Semi-public Uses in Residential Zone) | 8 ft maximum | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | On building wall of public/semi-public uses | — | Table 48-3; §16.48.640 |
| Monument Sign (Public or Semi-public Uses in Residential Zone) | 6 ft maximum | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street or parking lot frontage | Per street or parking lot frontage | — | Table 48-3; §16.48.640 |

### General Commercial (C-G)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Canopy Sign (per building entrance) | Sign face max 2 ft; projection above canopy fascia max 18 inches | Up to 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building entrance | On canopy at building entrance | — | Table 48-4 (C-G); §16.48.660 |
| Under-Canopy Sign (per building entrance) | Sign face max 2 ft; projection above canopy fascia max 18 inches | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building entrance | Under canopy at building entrance | — | Table 48-4 (C-G); §16.48.660 |
| Projecting Sign (per development) | May not project above roof peak, parapet wall or facade; May not project more than 6 ft above floor level of 2nd floor of multi-story building | Up to 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | Attached to building wall | — | Table 48-4 (C-G); §16.48.660 |
| Freestanding Sign (per development) | Height of building or 35 ft, whichever less | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | On-site, per development | — | Table 48-4 (C-G); §16.48.660 |
| Monument Sign (per parking lot or street frontage) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | Per parking lot or street frontage | — | Table 48-4 (C-G); §16.48.660 |
| Wall Sign (per building frontage) | May not project above roof peak, parapet wall or facade | Up to 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building frontage (up to 2 on corner lots/2 tenants with area limits) | Building wall per frontage | — | Table 48-4 (C-G); §16.48.660 |
| Permanent Window Signs | — | ≤20% of total window area (all window signs combined) | — | — | 2 permanent window signs | Windows | — | Table 48-4 (C-G); §16.48.660 |
| Dealership Light Pole Banners | — | Up to 40 sq ft per side; if mounted on more than two arms, total area of all sides ≤80 sq ft per light pole | — | — | Per light pole | On light poles within dealership | — | §16.48.610(A) |

## Prohibited signs in Santa Paula

- Offsite commercial signs are prohibited unless expressly permitted (16.48.110).
- Portable or moving signs with commercial copy and temporary signs are prohibited unless expressly allowed; all exterior signs must be permanently affixed to a building, permitted support, or firmly attached to the ground (16.48.120).
- Prohibited sign construction methods and features: exposed bracing/angle iron/guy wires/cables; bare light bulbs over 15 watts visible from the front or beyond the property line (neon/argon allowed); connection to visible overhead power lines (16.48.130).
- Hazardous signs are unlawful, including signs that could be mistaken for traffic signals; obstruct legal traffic signs/signals/devices; obstruct doors, windows, fire escapes, or impede pedestrian traffic in rights-of-way; are attached to a standpipe or fire escape; or otherwise pose a threat to persons or property (16.48.140).
- Signs are prohibited within the clear-sight triangle at intersections above 36 inches in height; exception for pole signs with a minimum 8-foot clearance (16.48.150).
- Signs on public property owned by the city are prohibited unless otherwise provided by this chapter or a City Council resolution (16.48.160).
- Wind-activated signs (e.g., spinners, pennants, streamers, balloons) are prohibited unless otherwise provided in the chapter (16.48.170).
- Vehicle signs are prohibited except when copy relates to the business of which the vehicle is an instrument, to the sale/lease of the vehicle, or is a noncommercial message; vehicles may not be parked to function primarily as advertising devices nor used as mounting/holding devices for commercial signs (16.48.180).
- Animated signs and illuminated signs that detrimentally affect surrounding property are unlawful; neon and argon lamps designed for outdoor display are allowed (16.48.190).
- Roof signs are prohibited unless otherwise provided; exception allows noncommercial temporary roof signs in residential zones from Nov 14 to Jan 14 annually (16.48.200).
- Commercial signs facing residential areas are prohibited unless the business faces an arterial street; a non-illuminated sign may be permitted for businesses facing a residential area with no other street frontage, subject to conditions (16.48.210).
- Signs that block or shadow solar energy collection devices from direct sun exposure in a manner inconsistent with state or city regulation are prohibited (16.48.220).

## Signs exempt from permit in Santa Paula

- Items not considered 'signs' and therefore not regulated by this chapter (applicable citywide): interior signs not visible from outside; decorative/architectural features without lettering/trademarks/moving parts; permanently integrated noncommercial symbols (e.g., religious/political) in building structure; apparel/tattoos/makeup; marks on tangible products identifying maker/seller that remain on the product; traffic/directional/emergency/warning/informational signs required or authorized by a government agency; public utility signs; advertisements on duly licensed mass transit vehicles that pass through the city; grave stones/markers; insignia on legal vehicles/watercraft (e.g., license plates, registrations, noncommercial messages, messages related to the business use of the vehicle, or vehicle sale/lease messages); foundation/corner stones integrated into buildings; newsracks and newsstands (16.48.030, definition of SIGN).
- Barber poles bearing no advertising message (16.48.230(B)).
- Construction project signs on the project parcel during construction through final certificate of occupancy, subject to number/size limits by zone and removal upon completion (16.48.230(C)).
- Directional signs without commercial copy, up to 2 sq ft area and 3 ft height, maximum eight per lot/building (16.48.230(D)).
- Flags and flagpoles with noncommercial images/symbols, subject to size and height limits and one flagpole per lot (16.48.230(E)).
- Historical site plaques or signs designating a building as a historical structure (16.48.230(F)).
- Legally required or authorized signs; must conform to authorizing law, and stated minimum size is also the maximum if no maximum is specified (16.48.230(G)).
- Noncommercial group signs on private land near city entrances and oriented to incoming traffic, subject to size/height/illumination limits (16.48.230(H)).
- Public interest notices on public bulletin boards or kiosks maintained by a public entity (16.48.230(K)).
- Public message signs for noncommercial information (e.g., restrooms, smoking rules) up to 3 sq ft (16.48.230(L)).
- Real estate signs per California Civil Code § 713 on private property, subject to number/size limits by zone and removal timelines (16.48.230(M)).
- Special-event signs (moving/portable signs held by humans) for charitable/nonprofit/noncommercial organizations, allowed only on the day of the event with limits on number and size (16.48.230(N)).
- Temporary freestanding signs as regulated by the chapter; permitted in all zones subject to number/size/time/location/illumination limits (16.48.230(O), 16.48.540–16.48.560).
- Temporary real estate directional signs to residential property along arterial routes (limits on number, placement, size/height, and removal; not on public property) and in addition to state law allowances (16.48.230(P)).
- Temporary window signs per business: up to 20% of total window area, limited number per tenant, up to 120 days/year and max 30 consecutive days, must not block law enforcement views (16.48.230(Q)).
- Warning signs up to 3 sq ft (16.48.230(S)).
- Vending machine/gas pump/ice container signs oriented primarily to on-site pedestrians and related to items vended; offsite commercial messages prohibited (16.48.230(T)).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Master sign plan is required when: (a) three or more separate nonresidential tenant spaces are created on the same parcel; (b) four or more permanent non-exempt signs are proposed for a single use; or (c) the Director determines an MSP is needed due to special project characteristics (e.g., sign size, limited site visibility, business-within-a-business, proximity to major routes) or when unique/creative signs include aspects (e.g., animation) that might not otherwise be allowed (16.48.470).
- A master sign plan must be submitted as part of any Conditional Use Permit, Planned Development permit, or other discretionary permit process involving three or more separate nonresidential tenant spaces (16.48.480(A)).
- A master sign plan requires a permit; it must show the size, location, number, and design of all proposed signs (copy not required); signs still need building/electrical permits; all signs erected must conform to the approved MSP (16.48.480(B)-(D)).
- Findings for MSP approval (by Planning Commission) include consistency with the chapter’s purpose and sign design guidelines; enhancement and harmony with development and surroundings; accommodation for future revisions due to tenant/use changes; and allowance for flexibility in area/number/location/height where it achieves superior design and chapter purposes (16.48.490).
- Revisions to master sign plans may be approved by the Director if the original intent is maintained; substantial deviations require Planning Commission approval (16.48.500).
- Every sign permit application must include a 'sign plan' with a site plan (property lines, streets, existing/proposed buildings and signs), scaled illustrations of each proposed sign (dimensions, area, materials, colors, illumination types), structural/electrical details, and the site address; additional supplemental non-content information may be required by the Director (16.48.290(D); 16.48.300).
- Deviations from the sign chapter require processing under the city’s variance procedures; sign regulations for Planned Development and Conditional Use Permits are governed by this chapter and must be processed content-neutrally (16.48.080).
- Where multiple copies of the same temporary sign will be displayed, or a series of temporary signs will change copy on the same subject, the Director may issue one permit covering the entire set (16.48.270).

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

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