Signs

Business signs direct attention to a commodity, service, business, or profession which is conducted or offered on the same lot.

Date Posted: June 22nd, 2021 @ 4:38 PM
Last Updated: June 24th, 2021 @ 2:40 PM

When Are Permits Required?

Sign icon

Business signage installation typically requires a Zoning Permit, but may only require Zoning review for most refaces.

The sign chapter of the Planning Code is accessible online under OMC 17.104.

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 a Permit?

  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

APPLY VIA E-MAIL:

Complete the Basic Application for Development Review

Please be sure to review the Commercial Design Review Guidelines for signage. Please note that Building permits also apply.

Once complete, e-mail your completed application form(s) and all associated plans and documents to permitInfo@oaklandca.gov or via our Digital Inbox for applications over 20MB.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Once we receive your application, staff will review your documents for completeness. Planning review can take up to 2 weeks. If further information is needed, a planner will contact you at the email address provided.

QUESTIONS?

Call (510) 238-3911 or find quick answers through our Permit Questions Portal.

Additional Resources