Sign Permits

Sign icon for the Sign Permits Page

Signs are broadly defined as facilities that convey an idea, meaning or identity that are visible from any lot line and located inside or outside a building. New signs require Zoning Review and may require a Building Permit.

Before you Start

Please review the Permit Requirements below as these vary from project to project.

Ready to get started? First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.

What to Do

Permit Requirements

When Are Permits Required?

All signs require Zoning approval. Business signage installation typically also requires a Building Permit. However, Building Permits may not be needed for painted signs or sign refacings. 

Please review the signage chapter of the Planning Code (OMC 17.104) to determine what is permitted in your zone. Please be sure to review the Commercial Design Review Guidelines(PDF, 4MB) for commercial signage.

To determine your zone and to measure your parcel frontage to determine maximum signage per property, view the City's online Zoning Map. 20 sq ft per tenant is automatically allowed as a minimum; includes all commercial tenants.

Below is a list of sign types that may be relevant to your project, each with a brief description.

Seven Types of Signs
Sign Type Purpose Key Features
Residential Signs Identifies residents or residential facilities Shows name, address, occupation, or parking/use conditions for residential areas
Special Signs Temporary or special‑purpose notices Used for emergencies, government warnings, patriotic or religious displays, memorials, campaign posters, or non‑lit religious symbols
Development Signs Promotes facilities under construction Temporary; announces upcoming sales/leases; describes features; identify builders or developers
Realty Signs Markets existing properties Temporary; related to sale, lease, rental, or display of existing lots or buildings
Civic Signs Identifies civic or community activities Shows name, services, address, or parking/use info for civic uses; not classified as Special Signs
Business Signs Identifies on‑site business activities For goods/services sold on the same lot; includes window or small signs; includes parking or facility information
Advertising Signs* Promotes off‑site or minor on‑site activities Promotes goods/services not offered on the same lot or minor on‑site activities that do not qualify as Business Signs

*Note: Advertising Signs are not permitted in Oakland except: (1) as otherwise provided for in the Planning Code, or (2) pursuant to a franchise agreement or relocation agreement authorized by the Oakland City Council, which expressly allows Advertising Signs and then only under the terms and conditions of such agreements. For more information, see Planning Code Section 17.104.060.   

EXEMPTIONS FROM DESIGN REVIEW

Signs that fall under any of the criteria listed below, you may apply for exemption from Design Review for faster, simpler project review. Learn more about projects that are eligible on our Design Review Exemption (DRX) webpage.

  • Changes to sign faces
  • Temporary signs such as Realty Signs, Development Signs, holiday decorations, and displays behind a display window. Changing the text or pictures on an existing sign
  • Following a Master Signage Program: Putting up a new sign that follows a pre-approved plan (Master Signage Program) for all the signs on a property

SMALL PROJECT DESIGN REVIEW

If your project meets any of the criteria listed below, you will be required to apply for Small Project Design Review (DS). Learn more about projects that are eligible on our Small Project Design Review (DS) webpage.

  • New or modified Residential, Civic or Business signs
  • New or modified awnings or other similar facilities

Who Can Be Issued Permits?

  1. Contractors who are licensed by the State of California with a classification appropriate for the work that will be performed and have a current Business Tax Certificate.
  2. Owners of a building or their legal representative.

How to Apply

Select your project type below:

Simple Changes or Master Signage Program

Step 1.Step One: Check Your Eligibility for Exemption from Design Review

If your project falls under any of the criteria listed below, you may apply for exemption from Design Review for faster, simpler project review. Learn more about projects that are eligible on our Design Review Exemption (DRX) webpage.

  • Changes to sign faces
  • Temporary signs such as Realty Signs, Development Signs, holiday decorations, and displays behind a display window. Changing the text or pictures on an existing sign
  • Following a Master Signage Program: Putting up a new sign that follows a pre-approved plan (Master Signage Program) for all the signs on a property

Step 2.Step Two: Apply for Exemption from Design Review

  • Apply for Design Review Exemption through our Online Permit Center (log in first, then apply)
  • In the application, upload your project plans including a description of work, sign specs with dimensions (length x width x height/depth), type of sign (wall, projecting, freestanding, etc.), and total sq. ft. of sign. Plans should specify construction and attachment to the building, locations of all proposed and existing signs. For submission guidelines, please review our Electronic Plan & Document Submittal Guidelines
  • If your property is part of a Master Signage Program, also upload the approved signage specifications for your development
  • If you are an agent representing a building owner, also upload your signed and notarized Letter of Agency Authorization Form(PDF, 209KB)
  • Staff will review your submission
  • Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 3.Step Three: Apply for Building Permit (All Signs EXCEPT Refacings)

Step 4.Step Four: Building Permit Application Review

Once we receive your Building Permit application, staff will review your documents for completeness. If further information is needed, staff will contact you at the email address provided. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Signs That Require Small Project Design Review

If your project does not meet the Design Review Exemption (DRX) criteria as outlined in the permit requirements box above, follow the steps as outlined below.

Step 1.Step One: Small Project Design Review (As Applicable)

If your project meets one of the criteria shown below, Small Project Design Review (DS) is required:

  • New or modified Residential, Civic or Business signs
  • New or modified awnings or other similar facilities

If your project meets any of the criteria above, follow the instructions as outlined here:

Step 2.Step Two: Apply for Building Permit (All Signs EXCEPT Refacings)

   

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permit Application Review

Once we receive your Building Permit application, staff will review your documents for completeness. If further information is needed, staff will contact you at the email address provided. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage. 

Other Signs Subject to Regular Design Review

If your project does not meet the criteria for Design Review Exemption (DRX) or Small Project Design Review (DS), follow the steps as outlined below for Regular Design Review (DR).

Step 1.Step One: Regular Design Review (As Applicable)

Please be sure to review the Commercial Design Review Guidelines(PDF, 4MB) for signage.

  • Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (log in first, then apply)
  • In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB)
  • In the application, upload your project plans including a description of work, sign specs with dimensions (length x width x height/depth), type of sign (wall, projecting, freestanding, etc.), and total sq. ft. of sign. Plans should specify construction and attachment to the building, locations of all proposed, and existing signs. For submission guidelines, please review our Electronic Plan & Document Submittal Guidelines
     NOTE: If you are proposing a new Master Signage Program, also upload the proposal to the worksheet.
  • A planner will review your submission
  • Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 2.Step Two: Apply for Building Permit (All Signs EXCEPT Refacings)

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permit Application Review

Once we receive your Building Permit application, staff will review your documents for completeness. If further information is needed, staff will contact you at the email address provided. For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage. 

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3911

Location

Planning & Building
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor
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