Sign Regulations in Sierra Madre, California
Sierra Madre, California has specific sign regulations covering 37 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Nameplate (per unit), Sale/Lease Sign, Illuminated Sign (Wall or otherwise exceeding basic size limits). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Sierra Madre, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Sierra Madre
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Construction Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| "No Trespassing" / "No Dumping" Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft (unless otherwise specified) | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
37
- Nameplate (per unit)
- Sale/Lease Sign
- Illuminated Sign (Wall or otherwise exceeding basic size limits)
- Abandoned Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Sierra Madre
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Sierra Madre, monument signs are limited to 6 ft (unless otherwise specified). 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 Sierra Madre, 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 Sierra Madre, regulated sign types include Nameplate (per unit), Sale/Lease Sign, Illuminated Sign (Wall or otherwise exceeding basic size limits), Abandoned 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 Sierra Madre 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 Sierra Madre are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Sierra Madre has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Sierra Madre Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Enter your address and PermitPal returns the sign rules that apply to your property in Sierra Madre, California — with citations from the municipal code.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Sierra Madre, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Sierra Madre, California regulates 37 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Political Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall, 6 sq ft per sign; 12 sq ft aggregate per lot; max 3' per side, and 3 ft wide (Sec. 17.72.030(L)). Most commercial signs in Sierra Madre require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Sierra Madre, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Sierra Madre (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 17 | 6 ft (unless otherwise specified) | Up to 125% of otherwise permitted sign area | — |
| R-1, R-2 | 4 | — | 20 sq ft per side | — |
| R-3 | 4 | — | Up to 20 sq ft per side (with permit) | — |
| R-E overlay zone | 4 | — | Up to 20 sq ft per side (with permit) | — |
| C zone, M zone | 11 | 20 ft | 50% of allowed per front footage | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Sierra Madre(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Construction Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Construction site | — | Unlock | 17.72.030(B) |
| "No Trespassing" / "No Dumping" Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 | For public health and safety | — | Unlock | 17.72.030(D) |
| Painted Window Sign | — | 20% of windowpane | — | — | — | Window pane | — | Unlock | 17.72.030(F) |
| Awning Sign | — | 20% of awning surface (if no valance) | — | — | — | Awning | — | Unlock | 17.72.030(G) |
| Marquee Sign | sign may not project more than 1' above marquee | — | — | — | — | On or under marquee | — | Unlock | 17.72.030(I) |
| Political Sign | 6 ft | 6 sq ft per sign; 12 sq ft aggregate per lot; max 3' per side | 3 ft | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.72.030(L) |
| Portable Sign | — | 24 sq ft total (12 sq ft per face) | — | Minimum 5 ft from sidewalk edge | — | Immediately adjacent to storefront/facade; min 5 ft from edge of sidewalk. | — | Unlock | 17.72.190(C) |
| Outside Display (of goods) | 4 ft | — | — | Max display depth 5 ft from facade, min 5 ft from sidewalk edge | — | Outside business, immediately adjacent | — | Unlock | 17.72.190(A) |
R-3
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate (per unit) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per unit | Flat against onsite building or structure | — | Unlock | 17.72.050(A)(1) |
| Building Name/Address Sign | — | 2.5 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Flat against onsite building or structure | — | Unlock | 17.72.050(A)(2) |
| Sale/Lease Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Flat against onsite building or structure | — | Unlock | 17.72.050(A)(3) |
| Illuminated Sign (Wall or otherwise exceeding basic size limits) | — | Up to 20 sq ft per side (with permit) | — | — | — | Flat against onsite building or structure | — | Unlock | 17.72.050(B) |
C zone, M zone
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Business Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft per lineal foot of frontage | — | — | 2 | Facing street or right-of-way frontage | — | Unlock | 17.72.090(A)-(B) |
| Sale/Rental Sign (Commercial/Manufacturing) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Designed and located as approved by planning/community preservation/public works | — | Unlock | 17.72.090(C) |
| Owner/Operator/Business Associate Window Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | On or behind window facing public view | — | Unlock | 17.72.100(B) |
| Gasoline Service Station - Canopy Sign | Top of canopy | 20 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | On pump island canopy structure | — | Unlock | 17.72.100(C)(1)(a) |
| Gasoline Service Station - Freestanding Sign | 20 ft | 35 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | Within freestanding walls/planter beds, cannot project beyond property line | — | Unlock | 17.72.100(C)(1)(b) |
| Gasoline Service Station - Poster-Type Sign | 6 ft | — | 4 ft | — | 1 | Located at owner's discretion, not on public property | — | Unlock | 17.72.100(C)(2) |
| Gasoline Service Station - Rate/Price Sign | 4 ft | — | 3 ft | — | 2 | — | — | Unlock | 17.72.100(C)(4) |
| Neighborhood Shopping Center - Double Faced Identification Sign | 10 ft | 25 sq ft per side; additional 10 sq ft/acre over 1 acre (max 50 sq ft/side) | — | — | 1 | At entry to shopping center | — | Unlock | 17.72.100(D) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Sierra Madre. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Sierra Madre
- Rotating, moving, flashing, changing, reflecting or blinking signs except time and temperature signs and other public service signs which may produce a changing message with lights, which does not create any traffic hazards and subject to approval of the planning commission.
- Animated signs.
- Signs on public property or right-of-way unless otherwise authorized within this chapter, and as provided in Section 17.20.020(J)(6).
- All off-site signs.
- Outdoor advertising structures, defined herein and commonly called 'billboards'.
- Signs employing exposed neon tubing, excluding reverse channel letters with silhouette illumination, neon signs approved under a creative sign permit and neon window signs not exceeding ten percent of the window area.
- Abandoned business signs.
- Canister signs also known as 'can' or 'cabinet' signs.
- Roofmounted signs.
Exempt Signs in Sierra Madre
- Election signs are permitted without a permit in all zones, subject to regulations outlined in section 17.72.030.K.
- Political signs are permitted without a permit in all zones, subject to regulations outlined in section 17.72.030.L.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Sierra Madre
- All sign applications must be accompanied by a site plan and elevations showing sign details and location, as required by section 17.72.150.
- A creative sign permit requires submittal of all information and materials required by the planning and community preservation department (section 17.72.105).
- Review by the planning commission is required for the design and location of signs in excess of forty square feet, all signs projecting above the top of a building line, and freestanding signs in excess of twenty square feet (section 17.72.110).
- For temporary signs and outdoor displays, a dimensioned site plan is required showing locations and compliance with relevant placement rules (section 17.72.190).
Source: municode municipal code