Sign Permits

Sign icon for the Sign Permits Page

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.

EXEMPTIONS FROM DESIGN REVIEW

Signs that fall under any of the following criteria are exempt from Design Review:

  • 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

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 acceptable 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: Sign Permit (All Signs EXCEPT Refacings)

Step 4.Step Four: Application Review

Once we receive your 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 Design Review

Step 1.Step One: Design Review

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: Sign Permit (All Signs EXCEPT Refacings)

Step 3.Step Three: Application Review

Once we receive your 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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