# Sign Regulations in Yucaipa, California

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Yucaipa, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/yucaipa
- **Data last verified:** 2026-01-02
- **Source:** [amlegal municipal code](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/yucaipaca/latest/yucaipadevelopmentcode_ca/0-0-0-4700)

## At a glance

Yucaipa, California regulates 39 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Large Board Sign (Residential Construction)s in the Rural Living (RL), Single Residential (RS), Multiple Residential (RM), High Density Multiple Residential (RM-24) zoning district are capped at 7 ft to top tall, 32 sq ft, and 8 ft wide, with a General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) setback (Sec. §87.0735(a) (Large Board Sign table); §87.0735(c)(1)(A)-(B)). Most commercial signs in Yucaipa require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | Height determined by flag test for bottom of display; overall structure height ≤75 ft | Display screen face area ≤680 sq ft (including framing/trim); max dimensions per screen 50 ft wide x 20 ft high | — |
| Rural Living (RL), Single Residential (RS), Multiple Residential (RM), High Density Multiple Residential (RM-24) | 12 | 25 ft | Maximum total sign area 100 sq ft per development | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial (CN), General Commercial (CG), Service Commercial (CS), Community Industrial (IC), Park (P), Institutional (IN), Floodway (FW), Planned Development (PD), Open Space (OS) | 11 | 25 ft to top | 200 sq ft | — |
| Residential Land Use Districts | 12 | 25 ft | Maximum total sign area 100 sq ft per development | — |
| Non-Residential Land Use Districts | 4 | 25 ft to top | 45 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### Rural Living (RL), Single Residential (RS), Multiple Residential (RM), High Density Multiple Residential (RM-24)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Development Identification Sign | 6 ft | Maximum total sign area 100 sq ft per development | — | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | Maximum two permanent signs per principal entrance | At principal entrances to a residential development | — | §87.0730(a)(3); §87.0705(a) |
| Nonresidential Accessory Sign (in Residential Districts) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | One sign | For a nonresidential use allowed within a residential land use district | — | §87.0730(b) |
| Large Board Sign (Residential Construction) | 7 ft to top | 32 sq ft | 8 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | Maximum one per frontage during active permit | On frontage while active building permit exists | — | §87.0735(a) (Large Board Sign table); §87.0735(c)(1)(A)-(B) |
| Small Board Sign (Residential - General Signs) | 3 ft to top | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | — | On site | — | §87.0735(a) (Small Board Sign table); §87.0735(c)(2)(A)(I)-(B) |
| Small Board Sign (Residential - Event Signs) | 3 ft to top | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | — | On site | — | §87.0735(a) (Small Board Sign table); §87.0735(c)(2)(A)(II) |
| Small Board Sign – Offsite Directional (Residential) | 3 ft to top | 6 sq ft (Small Board Sign standard applies) | 3 ft | — | See additional requirements for per-activity limits | Designated public right-of-way leading from the two nearest major streets to the site of the advertised activity | — | §87.0735(c)(3)(A)-(C) |
| Hanging Board Sign (Residential For Sale/Lease) | 5 ft to top | 6 sq ft | 2 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | One sign while listed | On site | — | §87.0735(a) (Hanging Board Sign table); §87.0735(c)(4) |
| Inflatable Sign & Display (Residential) | 25 ft | — | 10 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | Up to two inflatables per site during allowed period | On site | — | §87.0735(a) (Inflatable Sign & Display table); §87.0735(c)(5) |

### Neighborhood Commercial (CN), General Commercial (CG), Service Commercial (CS), Community Industrial (IC), Park (P), Institutional (IN), Floodway (FW), Planned Development (PD), Open Space (OS)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Banner Sign (Non-Residential) | 25 ft to top | 45 sq ft | 15 ft | No temporary sign may be located in public right-of-way or obstruct visibility (Additional Note 1) | One banner per street frontage during permitted periods | On building roof, wall, or fence areas only | — | §87.0735(a) (Banner Sign table); §87.0735(b)(1) |
| Large Board Sign (Non-Residential) | 7 ft to top | 32 sq ft | 8 ft | No temporary sign within public right-of-way; must not obstruct visibility (Additional Note 1) | Construction: one per frontage | On frontage | — | §87.0735(a) (Large Board Sign table); §87.0735(b)(2) |
| Small Board Sign (Non-Residential) | 3 ft to top | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | No temporary sign within public right-of-way; must not obstruct visibility (Additional Note 1) | Maximum one portable sign per business | On business frontage; oriented to main entrance | — | §87.0735(a) (Small Board Sign table); §87.0735(b)(3) |
| Flag Sign (Non-Residential) | 10 ft to top | 15 sq ft | 2 ft | No temporary sign within public right-of-way; must not obstruct visibility (Additional Note 1) | Maximum two flags during permitted periods | On site | — | §87.0735(a) (Flag Sign table); §87.0735(b)(4) |
| Monument Sign (Shopping Center Occupant on Perimeter) | — | 50 sq ft | — | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u); clear sight triangle restrictions apply (§87.0705(f)) | One monument sign per qualified occupant | Shopping center occupant located on the perimeter with street frontage | — | §87.0730(c)(1), (4) |
| Additional Monument Sign (Shopping Center Complex with Two Street Frontages) | — | Total cumulative square footage of all monument signs shall not exceed 100 sq ft | — | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u); clear sight triangle restrictions apply (§87.0705(f)) | One additional monument sign for qualifying complex | Shopping center complex abutting two qualifying street frontages | — | §87.0730(c)(3) |
| Roof Sign (Shopping Center Complex - Conditional) | ≤25 ft above grade | — | — | — | One roof or one projecting sign permitted under finding | On building roof within shopping center complex | — | §87.0730(c)(5); §87.0705(z) |
| Freeway Oriented Accessory Sign (Freestanding) | 25 ft normally; may exceed 25 ft per flag test up to 60 ft | 200 sq ft | — | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u)-(v) | One per complex | Freestanding signs directly adjacent to a freeway or freeway right-of-way (including on- and off-ramps) | — | §87.0730(e)(1)-(6); §87.0705(s) |

### Residential Land Use Districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Development Identification Sign | 6 ft | Maximum total sign area 100 sq ft per development | — | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | Max two permanent signs per principal entrance | At principal entrances to residential development | — | §87.0730(a)(3) |
| Nonresidential Accessory Sign (in Residential Districts) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | One sign | For a nonresidential use allowed in a residential district | — | §87.0730(b) |
| Large Board Sign (Residential Construction) | 7 ft to top | 32 sq ft | 8 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | One per frontage | On frontage during active building permit for >2 dwelling units | — | §87.0735(a) (Large Board Sign table); §87.0735(c)(1) |
| Small Board Sign (Residential - General) | 3 ft to top | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | — | On site | — | §87.0735(a) (Small Board Sign table); §87.0735(c)(2)(A)(I) |
| Small Board Sign (Residential - Event) | 3 ft to top | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | — | On site | — | §87.0735(a); §87.0735(c)(2)(A)(II) |
| Small Board Sign – Offsite Directional | 3 ft to top | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | — | See additional requirements for limits | Designated public right-of-way at intersections leading from two nearest major streets to the advertised activity site | — | §87.0735(c)(3) |
| Hanging Board Sign (Residential For Sale/Lease) | 5 ft to top | 6 sq ft | 2 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | One | On site of residence or lot for sale/lease | — | §87.0735(a); §87.0735(c)(4) |
| Inflatable Sign & Display (Residential) | 25 ft | — | 10 ft | General setbacks per §87.0705(t)-(u) | Up to two during allowed period | On site | — | §87.0735(a); §87.0735(c)(5) |

## Prohibited signs in Yucaipa

- Erecting, installing, constructing, maintaining, or allowing any sign regulated by this chapter without first obtaining appropriate permits and registration; all signs must conform to the Development Code and any applicable plan (87.0705(a))
- Allowing signs to remain in disrepair (broken or missing panels or components, visible rust, exposed wiring, badly faded or missing lettering, peeling paint, torn or tattered); such conditions must be corrected within 30 days after written notice (87.0705(b))
- Using illumination other than steady, stationary, shielded light directed only at the sign, internal illumination, or direct neon; glare from a luminous source may not exceed 0.5 foot-candle (except time and temperature components and electronic message signs) (87.0705(c))
- Extending any sign or any portion over a property line onto adjacent property, the public right-of-way, or public property (87.0705(d))
- Installing or maintaining any sign that interferes with a driver’s or pedestrian’s view of public rights-of-way or impairs public safety, including views of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic (87.0705(e))
- Locating monument signs within a clear sight triangle; having more than two posts or columns (each over 12 inches in width/diameter) within a clear sight triangle; placing a freestanding sign within a clear sight triangle with its lower edge less than 8 feet above grade (87.0705(f))
- Attaching or painting signs on trees, shrubs, or rocks (87.0705(g))
- Attaching or painting signs on public utility poles or street lights or placing signs on public property (87.0705(h))
- Designing a single sign such that more than two faces are viewable at one time from one place (87.0705(i))
- Exceeding 200 square feet in area for any single sign face unless otherwise specified by this chapter or an applicable land use district (87.0705(n))
- On lots 60 feet wide or greater, exceeding one freestanding sign per lot per frontage unless the second sign is under 75 square feet or separated by at least 100 feet; obstructing more than 10% of the view of an existing sign face as specified; placing any part of a new freestanding sign closer than 10 feet to any existing sign (87.0705(o))
- Locating any part of a freestanding sign, including the footing, closer than one foot to any property line (87.0705(t))
- Locating the leading edge or footing of a sign closer than one foot to the existing right-of-way line (87.0705(u))
- For freestanding signs within a street front or side yard setback area, having the sign face lower than 8 feet above grade (87.0705(v))
- For projecting signs, exceeding the height of the structure to which the sign is attached, projecting more than five feet from the supporting wall, or having less than eight feet of clearance from grade (87.0705(y))
- For roof signs, failing to mount parallel to the roof ridge (or parallel to the wall if a flat roof) or exceeding 25 feet above grade (87.0705(z))
- For wall signs, projecting more than 18 inches from the wall, projecting above the roof line, or extending over a public sidewalk or right-of-way (87.0705(aa))
- Signs with animated, moving, or rotating parts (87.0710(a))
- Signs attached to or painted on trailers or vehicles parked on private property for the purpose of gaining unauthorized sign area (87.0710(b))
- Signs that make sounds (87.0710(c))
- Signs that obscure, imitate, or otherwise limit the effectiveness of official traffic control signs or devices (87.0710(d))
- Signs displaying statements or symbols of an obscene or immoral nature that offend public morals or decency (87.0710(e))
- Tethered balloons or other inflatables used to draw attention to a use or event, except as otherwise provided in this chapter (87.0710(f))
- Signs or support structures with flashing neon elements (87.0710(g))
- Signs not effectively shielded to prevent beams or rays of light being directed at the traveled way, or of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair drivers’ vision, or otherwise interfere with any driver (87.0710(h))
- Permanent primary signs and outdoor advertising structures (billboards) that advertise or identify a business, establishment, or product not located on the property (off-site advertising), except as permitted in Section 87.0725 (87.0710(i))
- Approving or erecting new signs on a site containing nonconforming signs unless the nonconforming signs are removed or modified to conform; issuing building permits for structures or building expansions on such sites unless all signs on the site are brought into conformance (interior alterations that do not substantially change site character or intensity are exempt) (87.0760(a)(4))

## Signs exempt from permit in Yucaipa

- Governmental or public agency signs, flags, banners, emblems, notices, or other noncommercial messages issued or endorsed in performance of a public duty, including traffic or highway signs, railroad crossing signs, regulatory or warning devices, legal notices, and any other public business or program (87.0720(a))
- Signs located inside a building, courtyard, mall, or similar structure, provided they are not conspicuously visible and readable from a public street or adjacent properties not under the same ownership (87.0720(b))
- Utility company signs identifying conduits, cables, dangerous conditions, or providing similar notice (87.0720(c))
- Memorial tablets or signs and historic markers (87.0720(d))
- A flag of any nation, state, or City if displayed in a manner conforming to the U.S. Flag Code (36 USCA Section 173 et seq.) (87.0720(e))

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Temporary primary directional signs for residential development: where no approved Sign Location Plan exists, signs may be permitted via a Temporary Use Permit with limits on number, size, spacing, location from rights-of-way, and content (87.0725(b)(1)(B))
- Temporary primary directional signs for residential development: in areas with an approved Sign Location Plan, temporary directional signs must be incorporated into multi-panel sign structures located and designed per the approved plan; per-structure area limits, spacing (500 feet), one panel per development per face, and average area limits apply (87.0725(b)(1)(C)(I)–(V))
- Amendments to an approved Sign Location Plan may allow up to two separate primary signs per residential development subject to the same design and location standards; all nonconforming signs on the proposed site must be removed prior to approval (87.0725(b)(1)(C)(VI)–(VII))
- If Sign Location Plan structures are proposed within County road rights-of-way, City transportation encroachment permits are required prior to approval; a Sign Location Plan may also authorize flags or alternate advertising displays with specified limits; Temporary Use Permits for such signs may receive up to four annual renewals or until all lots/units are sold (whichever occurs first) (87.0725(b)(1)(C)(VIII)–(X))
- Primary civic signs are permitted in any land use district subject to a Land Use Compliance Review by the Building Official; size and height limits apply based on whether accessory business signs are permitted in the district (87.0725(a)(1))
- Electronic Messaging Center Billboards require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with a flag test to establish maximum bottom-of-screen height, and must meet design and performance standards (location near I-10 and interchanges, spacing from other billboards, lighting limits, static display with minimum 8-second hold, face orientation, maximum screen area, decorative base, emergency messaging capability); citywide maximum of three such billboards (87.0725(c))
- Freeway oriented accessory signs require a flag test conducted by City personnel to determine if a height greater than 25 feet is necessary for visibility; Planning Commission may permit a greater height up to 60 feet based on the test; documentation of the flag test is required (87.0730(e))
- Accessory commercial/industrial complex signs (e.g., occupant monument signs, additional rear wall signs, additional monument sign for centers with two street frontages, freestanding/monument signs in planters, and roof or projecting signs when freestanding opportunity is inadequate) are subject to a Land Use Compliance Review or to architectural review and approval by the Planning Commission when part of a related project (87.0730(c))
- Accessory civic signs in districts where accessory business signs are not permitted require Land Use Compliance Review by the Building Official or Planning Commission architectural review approval; where accessory business signs are permitted, civic sign height and area match business sign limits (87.0730(d))
- Temporary signs in non-residential districts: banners and flag signs require a temporary flag/banner permit before display; construction-related large board signs require a Temporary Use Permit; other large board signs require a Temporary Event Sign Permit; small board signs generally do not require a permit but are limited in duration and are not allowed where a business has a freestanding sign (87.0735(b))
- Temporary signs in residential districts: construction-related large board signs for projects of more than two dwelling units require a Temporary Use Permit; other residential temporary sign types listed generally do not require permits but must meet duration and placement limits, including specific allowances for offsite directional small board signs on certain days within designated rights-of-way (87.0735(c))
- Freestanding signs of 18 square feet or greater in area and/or 6 feet or greater in height require a building permit prior to construction (87.0705(s))
- One-time sign registration is required for all existing and new permanent signs established with commercial, industrial, private institutional, or commercial-agricultural business uses; verification of sign registration application and plot plan approval must be submitted before issuance of any building permit for a sign that requires a building permit (87.0750)
- Hardship process for nonconforming signs: the Planning Commission may, after a public hearing and specific findings, allow retention of a nonconforming sign in cases of extreme hardship and unusual circumstances, potentially requiring remodeling to a more aesthetic design; the Building Official determines fair market value and appeal procedures apply; upon expiration of the appeal period, the sign becomes illegal and subject to removal (87.0760(d))
- No new sign will be approved, and no building permit for structures or expansions issued, on a site with nonconforming signs unless all signs are brought into conformance (interior alterations excepted) (87.0760(a)(4))

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

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