Business signs direct attention to a commodity, service, business, or profession which is conducted or offered on the same lot. New signs require Zoning Review.
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.
Who Can Be Issued Permits?
- 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.
- Owners of a building or their legal representative.