A large part of installing signs is making sure they are up to code in the city where they will be installed. A sign which does not meet codes can result in fines. Sometimes, the signs may need to be completely removed and rebuilt. To avoid this scenario, it is important to be familiar with the sign codes in every city where we install signs.
Regulated Signs
Sacramento County Zoning Code mandates sign codes for advertising, identification, direction, attention, warning, or designation of any firm, group, place, commodity, product, service, or business. The Code Enforcement Division enforces these regulations.
Permitted Signs
The number and types of signs allowed on a property depends on several factors, including the business’s location, the building frontage, and the type and size of the business.
What Types of Signs are Prohibited?
- A-Frame portable signs
- Banners, pennant flags, and string pennants
- No moving, flashing, or rotating signs are allowed, except for barber poles.
- Signs reading “stop,” “look,” or “listen,” or that impede, mislead, or confuse traffic
- Temporary non-construction signs
- Inflatable signs
- Any advertising attached to a commercial building fence, pole, or vehicle on display. (Unless allowed by Section 335-09 of the Zoning Code)
Special Event Signs
Commercial advertising of items may be permitted in specified areas with the appropriate zoning administrator’s permission if certain conditions are met.
Grand openings signs for businesses cannot remain in place for a duration longer than 30-days. They must be installed within the first 180 days of operation. And special sales and events signs cannot exceed one month during a 12-month period.
Signs for garage sales should be placed only on the property where the sale is taking place, and the total sign area cannot exceed 12 square feet.
Election Signs
Section 5.10.1.C of the Sacramento Zoning Code protects temporary signs as a form of free speech. Political signs must be removed within ten days of the election’s end, and when placed, they must be set back at least five feet from side property lines and 10 feet from the public right-of-way.
Exemptions to the Sign Code
There are a few instances where signs do not need to comply with the sign code. Some of these include:
- Signs placed within a window display and are not more than 12 square feet in area
- Address numbers and street name signs (provided they meet specific size requirements)
- Signs on or in public transportation vehicles
- Directional signs placed on the property to direct patrons to a church, school, and public park must be less than four square feet in area
- Government signs
- Fire department connection box covers
- Workmen in the street signs
- Underground utility location marker signs
Have questions?
Give us a call, FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento – Arden-Arcade, CA.
