Sign Regulations in Woodside, California
Woodside, California has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Personal Nameplate, Sign (General, subject to Sec. 153.501 through 153.506), Announcement/Bulletin Board (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Woodside, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Woodside
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Nameplate | — | 1.5 sq ft | — |
| Announcement/Bulletin Board (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution) | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| Sign for Nonconforming Business/Industry | — | 12 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for WoodsideFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
21
- Personal Nameplate
- Sign (General, subject to Sec. 153.501 through 153.506)
- Announcement/Bulletin Board (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution)
- Sign for Nonconforming Business/Industry
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Woodside
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Woodside 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 Woodside, 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 Woodside, regulated sign types include Personal Nameplate, Sign (General, subject to Sec. 153.501 through 153.506), Announcement/Bulletin Board (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution), Sign for Nonconforming Business/Industry, 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 Woodside 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 Woodside are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Woodside has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Woodside, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Woodside, California regulates 21 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Temporary Signs in the Special Conservation Planning District (SCP, SCP-5, SCP-7.5, SCP-10), Rural Residential District (RR), Suburban Residential District (SR), Residential District (R-1), Multi-Family Residential District (MF), Multi-Family Residential Zone (Ca ada College development sites) (MFRZ), Multi-Family Residential Development Overlay District (MFOZ), SB9 Lots (R-1, SR, RR, SCP) zoning district are capped at 8 ft if freestanding or on tree/fence tall and 24 sq ft per side, with a On project property setback (Sec. WMC Sec. 153.503(B), (C), (D)). Most commercial signs in Woodside require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Woodside, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Woodside (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Conservation Planning District (SCP, SCP-5, SCP-7.5, SCP-10), Rural Residential District (RR), Suburban Residential District (SR), Residential District (R-1), Multi-Family Residential District (MF), Multi-Family Residential Zone (Ca ada College development sites) (MFRZ), Multi-Family Residential Development Overlay District (MFOZ), SB9 Lots (R-1, SR, RR, SCP) | 14 | 8 ft if freestanding or on tree/fence | Size limit as for CC, i.e., 32 sq ft max (see CC regulations) | — |
| Community Commercial District (CC), Planned Community Commercial District (PCCD) | 6 | 8 ft if freestanding; may not project above roof/fence/tree; if on tree, max 8 ft from grade. | 32 sq ft (per sign aggregate limit) | — |
| Open Space for Health and Safety (OSH), Open Space for Low Intensity Outdoor Recreation (OSRL), Open Space for Medium Intensity Outdoor Recreation (OSRM), Open Space for Preservation of Natural Resources (OSN), Open Space for Managed Production of Resources (OSM) | 3 | 8 ft if freestanding or on tree/fence | 24 sq ft per side; Sale/lease: 6 sq ft (one lot), 50 sq ft aggregate for multiple lots (max sign 12 sq ft); Construction: 6 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Woodside(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Special Conservation Planning District (SCP, SCP-5, SCP-7.5, SCP-10), Rural Residential District (RR), Suburban Residential District (SR), Residential District (R-1), Multi-Family Residential District (MF), Multi-Family Residential Zone (Ca ada College development sites) (MFRZ), Multi-Family Residential Development Overlay District (MFOZ), SB9 Lots (R-1, SR, RR, SCP)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Nameplate | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(A) |
| Announcement/Bulletin Board (Public, Charitable, Religious Institution) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | On institution premises | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(B) |
| Sign for Nonconforming Business/Industry | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | On building with nonconforming use | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(C); 153.504 |
| Small Directional Sign (parking entrance/exit/conditions) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | On site, location approved by Planning Director | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(G) |
| Business Hours/Credit Card/Service Station Gas Price Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft per sign, 4 sq ft total per establishment | — | — | Multiple allowed if total area does not exceed 4 sq ft | — | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(I) |
| Bulletin/Announcement Board on Building (public, institutional, commercial) | — | Size limit as for CC, i.e., 32 sq ft max (see CC regulations) | — | — | — | Attached to building | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(J); 153.505; see CC for size limit |
| Temporary Sign | 8 ft if freestanding or on tree/fence | 24 sq ft per side | — | Temporary sale/lease sign: On property for sale/lease; Temporary (general): Not in path/visibility; Construction: On project property | — | On private property, not in public right-of-way unless 2 ft from paved surface and does not block path/visibility; must have property owner consent | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.503(B), (C), (D) |
| Fence/Wall Sign | 6 ft for all signs mounted to fences/walls; may be embedded in or attached to wall/fence without exceeding overall fence/wall height | — | — | Per fence setback (see Table L-2 under Sec.153.212): e.g., open/solid < 4 ft: 10' from edge public, 5' private; 4-6 ft: 20'/10' from edge public/private road; solid 4-6 ft: 50'/30' in R-1 from public/private road; see ordinance for all details | — | On fence or wall on private property | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.212 |
Community Commercial District (CC), Planned Community Commercial District (PCCD)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Identification Sign (Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Projecting Sign) | — | 32 sq ft (per sign aggregate limit) | — | — | Maximum two per site | On building wall, or suspended from eaves/soffit or ceiling of covered walkway; not to project more than 3 ft from face of building; must be at least 7 ft above ground | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.505(A), 153.504, 153.506 |
| Freestanding Facility Identification Sign (Institutional/Open Space/Quasi-public Use) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | Up to two signs | Outside CC if identifying open space/institutional/quasi-public: outside CC district | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.506(I) |
| Personal Nameplate | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(A) |
| Announcement/Bulletin Board (Public/Charitable/Religious Institution) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | On institution premises | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(B) |
| Temporary Sign (Commercial, Election, Event, etc.) | 8 ft if freestanding; may not project above roof/fence/tree; if on tree, max 8 ft from grade. | 24 sq ft per side (general); Sale/lease up to 6 sq ft per lot; Construction 6 sq ft; Aggregate 50 sq ft if multiple lots (no sign > 12 sq ft) | — | — | — | On private property; permitted in public right-of-way only if 2 ft from paved surface along owner's property line; not to block access or traffic visibility. | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.503(B), (C), (D) |
| Business Hours/Credit Cards/Service Station Price Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft per sign, 4 sq ft total | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(I) |
Open Space for Health and Safety (OSH), Open Space for Low Intensity Outdoor Recreation (OSRL), Open Space for Medium Intensity Outdoor Recreation (OSRM), Open Space for Preservation of Natural Resources (OSN), Open Space for Managed Production of Resources (OSM)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign (General, subject to Sec. 153.501 through 153.506) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.506; see also Sec. 153.108 Table B-1 (permitted accessory uses) |
| Personal Nameplate | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.502(A) |
| Temporary Sign (General/Election/Event) | 8 ft if freestanding or on tree/fence | 24 sq ft per side; Sale/lease: 6 sq ft (one lot), 50 sq ft aggregate for multiple lots (max sign 12 sq ft); Construction: 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On private property, not to block access or visibility | — | Unlock | WMC Sec. 153.503(B), (C), (D) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Woodside — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Woodside — start freeProhibited Signs in Woodside
- No sign shall project beyond any property line.
- Signs, except personal nameplates, house numbers, and all signs permitted under Section 153.502, shall be attached to a building wall suspended from the eaves or soffit or from the ceiling of a covered walkway and shall not project more than three feet from the face of the building and shall not be less than seven feet above the ground level.
- Signs shall not extend laterally beyond the building wall to which they are mounted, except when the Planning Commission determines that the sign is an integral part or feature of the building structure or design.
- Floodlights, flags, banners, and objects which rotate or move by wind action shall not be permitted, except for national or state flags flown with the flag of the United States of America.
- No sign, with the exception of barber poles, shall contain visibly moving parts or simulate movement by means of fluttering, spinning, or reflecting devices.
- No sign shall have blinking or flashing lights or any other illuminating device which has a changing or alternating light intensity, brightness, or color.
- Signs may be illuminated only by a light source reflecting off the sign. The intensity of the light source shall be approved by the Planning Director.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained which is designed or illuminated so that it resembles or may be mistaken for a traffic light or signal.
- Temporary signs shall not be placed within the public right-of-way, except as specified, and shall not block normal paths of travel or constitute a hazard.
- Temporary signs shall not be affixed to trees on public property or in the public right-of-way.
- Temporary signs on private property must have the express consent of the property owner.
- Temporary signs shall not be lighted directly and shall not be indirectly illuminated unless placed on or near a structure already providing said illumination.
- Temporary signs shall not block access to, or hinder use of, areas designated for public parking.
- Temporary commercial signs shall not be displayed in any zoning district other than the Community Commercial (CC) or Planned Community Commercial Districts (PCCD), except as otherwise provided.
- No temporary sign shall be placed where it will obstruct or impede traffic visibility.
Exempt Signs in Woodside
- Personal nameplates not exceeding one and one-half square feet in area are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Announcement signs or bulletin boards for public, charitable, or religious institutions not exceeding 12 square feet in area and located on the premises of such institution are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Signs advertising nonconforming businesses and industries not exceeding 12 square feet in area, attached flat against the wall of the building in which such nonconforming business or industry is located, and approved by the Architectural and Site Review Board, are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Warning signs and signals, which may be illuminated by other than reflected light when required for public safety or convenience and approved by the Planning Director, are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Highway and traffic markers, road name signs, and such signs and markers as public utility companies by law may be required to display are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Commemorative symbols, memorial plaques, and historical tablets when placed by organizations or historical societies and approved by the Planning Director are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Signs designating entrances, trespass, exits, or conditions of use of parking areas, provided no single sign exceeds eight square feet and its location is approved by the Planning Director, are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Directional signs for public or quasi-public uses, such as those indicating the location of rest rooms, telephones, and underground utilities, provided no individual sign exceeds two square feet, are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Signs indicating business hours, emergency telephone numbers, and credit cards and service station signs indicating gas prices, provided no individual sign exceeds one and one-half feet in area and total area of all such signs at any establishment does not exceed four square feet, are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Bulletin or announcement boards attached to commercial and institutional buildings for posting personal or public notices not exceeding size limitations established for the CC District are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Flags of the United States and the State of California are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Holiday lighting and holiday displays which do not advertise any product or sale may be displayed on private property in any zoning district, provided they are erected no earlier than 31 days prior to the holiday and are removed no later than 14 days after the holiday.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Woodside
- Except as otherwise specified, all non-temporary signs in the CC (Community Commercial) District shall require the issuance of a sign permit. The design and placement of signs permitted in the CC District, and signs advertising permitted nonconforming uses in the residential districts, shall be reviewed in accordance with Sections 153.911 through 153.918 (design review) prior to issuance of a permit.
- A separate sign permit is not required for signs installed, constructed, or erected pursuant to a sign program included within an approved use permit.
- Any project in the CC District requiring design review or a Planning Commission entitlement must undergo Conceptual and/or Formal Design Review, which includes sign review as part of the design review process, per Table Q of Section 153.912.
- Applications for sign permits must comply with submittal requirements as specified by the Town's design review and sign permit application forms on file with the Planning Department.
- Delegation of Authority: The review level for signs in areas not specifically listed or upon referral by the Council, Planning Commission, or Planning Director, will be determined by the referring body and may require varying levels of design review.
Source: municode municipal code