Sec. 601. Purposes of Sign Controls.

Sec. 602. Sign Definitions.

Sec. 603. Exempted Signs.

Sec. 604. Permits and Conformity Required.

Sec. 604.1. Information Required on Advertising Signs.

Sec. 604.2. General Advertising Sign Inventories.

Sec. 605. Public Use Districts.

Sec. 606. Residential and Residential Enclave Districts.

Sec. 607. Commercial and Industrial Districts.

Sec. 607.1. Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts.

Sec. 607.2. Mixed Use Districts.

Sec. 608. Special Sign Districts and Signs in Special Use Districts.

Sec. 608.1. Near R Districts.

Sec. 608.2. Near Schools, Parks, and Recreation Facilities.

Sec. 608.3. Civic Center Special Sign Districts.

Sec. 608.4. Transit Center Special Sign District.

Sec. 608.5. Near Freeways.

Sec. 608.6. Near Certain Scenic Streets.

Sec. 608.7. Near Rapid Transit Routes.

Sec. 608.8. Market Street Special Sign District.

Sec. 608.9. Jackson Square Special Sign District.

Sec. 608.10. Stonestown Special Sign District.

Hospitals and Medical Centers in R Districts Adjacent to or Across the Street from NC, Sec. 608.11. C or M Districts.

Sec. 608.12. 555 9th Street Special Sign District.

Sec. 608.13. In the Rincon Hill Downtown Residential Mixed Use District.

Sec. 608.14. Vintage Signs.

Sec. 608.15. Northeast Waterfront Special Sign District.

Sec. 608.16. City Center Special Sign District.

Sec. 608.18. 3250 19th Avenue Special Sign District.

Sec. 609. Amortization Periods.

Sec. 609.1. General Advertising Signs Located in R Districts.

Sec. 609.3. Within Civic Center Special Sign Districts.

Sec. 609.4. Signs Near Nonlandscaped Freeways.

Sec. 609.5. Signs Near Landscaped Freeways.

Sec. 609.6. Signs Near Certain Scenic Streets.

Sec. 609.7. Wind Signs.

Sec. 609.8. Miscellaneous Service Station Signs in R Districts.

Sec. 609.9. Signs Near Rapid Transit Routes.

Sec. 609.10. In the Market Street Special Sign District.

Sec. 609.11. In the Jackson Square Special Sign District.

Sec. 609.12. On and Near Market Street from the Central Skyway Overpass to Diamond Street.

Sec. 609.13. Nonconforming General Advertising Signs in Neighborhood Commercial Districts.

Sec. 609.14. In the Northeast Waterfront Special Sign District.

Sec. 610. Violation of General Advertising Sign Requirements.

Sec. 611. General Advertising Signs Prohibited.

This Article 6 is adopted in recognition of the important function of signs and of the need for their regulation under the Planning Code. In addition to those purposes of the Planning Code stated in Section 101, it is the further purpose of this Article 6 to:

(a) promote the aesthetic and environmental values of San Francisco by providing for signs that serve as effective means of communication and do not impair the attractiveness of the City as a place to live, work, visit, and shop;

(b) protect public investment in and the character and dignity of public buildings, streets, and open spaces;

(c) protect the distinctive appearance of San Francisco which is produced by its unique geography, topography, neighborhoods, street patterns, skyline and architectural features;

(d) ensure that signs are designed and proportioned in relation to the structures to which they are attached, adjacent structures, and the streets on which they are located;

(e) enhance sidewalks as public spaces by preserving sunlight and views, and foster the unobstructed growth of street trees;

(f) provide an environment which will safeguard and enhance neighborhood livability and property values, and promote the development of business in the City;

(g) encourage sound practices and lessen the objectionable effects of competition in respect to size and placement of signs;

(h) aid in the attraction of tourists and other visitors who are so important to the economy of the City and County;

(i) reduce hazards to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians caused by visual distractions and obstructions; and

(j) thereby promote the public health, safety and welfare.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 188-15, File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; Ord. 217-16, File No. 160424, App. 11/10/2016, Eff. 12/10/2016)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

Section amended; Ord. 188-15, Eff. 12/4/2015. Section amended and divisions (a)–(j) designated; Ord. 217-16, Eff. 12/10/2016.

The following definitions shall apply to this Article 6, in addition to such definitions elsewhere in this Code as may be appropriate.

Area (of a Sign).

(a) All Signs Except on Windows, Awnings and Marquees. The entire area within a single continuous rectangular perimeter formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, including any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such Sign from the background against which it is placed; excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such Sign is placed but including any Sign Tower. Where a Sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the Area of the Sign, except that where two such faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than two feet from one another, the Area of the Sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area, or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area.

(b) On Windows. The Area of any Sign painted directly on a window shall be the area within a rectangular perimeter formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation, or any figure of similar character depicted on the surface of the window. The Area of any Sign placed on or behind the window glass shall be as described above in subsection (a).

(c) On Awnings or Marquees. The Area of any Sign on an Awning or Marquee shall be the total of all signage on all faces of the structure. All sign copy on each face shall be computed within one rectangular perimeter formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation, or any figure of similar character depicted on the surface of the face of the awning or marquee.

Attached to a Building. Supported, in whole or in part, by a building.

Business Sign. A Sign which directs attention to the primary business, commodity, service, industry or other activity which is sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which such Sign is located, or to which it is affixed. Where a number of businesses, services, industries, or other activities are conducted on the premises, or a number of commodities, services, or other activities with different brand names or symbols are sold on the premises, up to one-third of the area of a Business Sign, or 25 square feet of Sign area, whichever is the lesser, may be devoted to the advertising of one or more of those businesses, commodities, services, industries, or other activities by brand name or symbol as an accessory function of the Business Sign, provided that such advertising is integrated with the remainder of the Business Sign, and provided also that any limits which may be imposed by this Code on the area of individual Signs and the area of all Signs on the property are not exceeded. The primary business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity on the premises shall mean the use which occupies the greatest area on the premises upon which the Business Sign is located, or to which it is affixed.

the Business Sign, and provided also that any limits which may be imposed by this Code on the area of individual Signs and the area of all Signs on the property are not exceeded. The primary business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity on the premises shall mean the use which occupies the greatest area on the premises upon which the Business Sign is located, or to which it is affixed.

Directly Illuminated Sign. A Sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material) from a source of light within such Sign, including but not limited to neon and exposed lamp signs.

Freestanding. In no part supported by a building.

Freeway. A highway, in respect to which the owners of abutting lands have no right or easement of access to or from their abutting lands or in respect to which such owners have only limited or restricted right or easement of access, the precise route for which has been determined and designated as a Freeway by an authorized agency of the State or a political subdivision thereof. The term shall include the main traveled portion of the trafficway and all ramps and appurtenant land and structures. Trans-Bay highway crossings shall be deemed to be Freeways within the meaning of this definition for purposes of this Code.

General Advertising Sign. A Sign, legally erected prior to the effective date of Section 611 of this Code, which directs attention to a business, commodity, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than on the premises upon which the Sign is located, or to which it is affixed, and which is sold, offered or conducted on such premises only incidentally if at all.

Height (of a Sign). The vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the Area of a Sign, as defined in this Section 602, to the ground immediately below such point or to the level of the upper surface of the nearest curb of a Street, Alley or highway (other than a structurally elevated roadway), whichever measurement permits the greater elevation of the Sign.

Historic Movie Theater Projecting Sign. A projecting Business Sign attached to a Qualified Movie Theater, as defined in Section 188(e)(1), when such sign was originally constructed in association with the Qualified Movie Theater or similar historic use. Such Signs are typically characterized by (a) perpendicularity to the primary facade of the building, (b) fixed display of the name of the establishment, often in large lettering descending vertically throughout the length of the Sign; (c) a narrow width that extends for a majority of the vertical distance of a building’s facade, typically terminating at or slightly above the Roofline, and (d) an overall scale and nature such that the Sign comprises a significant and character defining architectural feature of the building to which it is attached. Elimination or change of any lettering or other inscription from a Historic Movie Theater Projecting Sign, such as that which may occur with a change of ownership, change of use, or closure does not preclude classification of the Sign under this Section. For specific controls on the preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of these signs, refer to Section 188(e) of this Code.

Historic Movie Theater Marquee. A Marquee, as defined in Section 102, attached to a Qualified Movie Theater, as defined in Section 188(e)(1), when such Marquee was originally constructed in association with a Movie Theater or similar historic use. Elimination or change of any lettering or other inscription from a Historic Movie Theater Marquee, such as that which may occur with a change of ownership, change of use or closure, does not preclude classification of the Marquee under this Section. For specific controls on the preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of these Signs, refer to Section 188(e) of this Code.

Historic Sign. An Historic Sign is any Sign identified on its own or as one of the character defining features of a property listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resource, or designated in any manner under Articles 10 or 11 of the Planning Code.

Identifying Sign. A Sign for a use listed in Article 2 of this Code as either a principal or a conditional use permitted in an R District, regardless of the district in which the use itself may be located, which Sign serves to tell only the name, address, and lawful use of the premises upon which the Sign is located, or to which it is affixed. With respect to shopping malls containing five or more stores or establishments in NC Districts, and shopping centers containing five or more stores or establishments in NC-S Districts or in the City Center Special Sign District, Identifying Signs shall include Signs which tell the name of and/or describe aspects of the operation of the mall or center. Shopping malls, as that term is used in this Section, are characterized by a common pedestrian passageway which provides access to the businesses located therein.

(Amended by Ord. 218-16; see Sec. 602 history note.)

Indirectly Illuminated Sign. A Sign illuminated with a light directed primarily toward such Sign and so shielded that no direct rays from the light are visible elsewhere than on the lot where said illumination occurs. If not effectively so shielded, such sign shall be deemed to be a Directly Illuminated Sign.

Landscaped Freeway. Any part of a Freeway that is now or hereafter classified by the State or a political subdivision thereof as a Landscaped Freeway, as defined in the California Outdoor Advertising Act. Any part of a Freeway that is not so designated shall be deemed a nonlandscaped Freeway.

Nameplate. A sign affixed flat against a wall of a building and serving to designate only the name or the name and professional occupation of a person or persons residing in or occupying space in such building.

Neon Sign. A Sign that is illuminated through the use of noble gas in a vacuum-sealed glass tube.

(Added by Ord. 206-22; see Sec. 602 history note.)

Nonilluminated Sign. A Sign which is not illuminated, either directly or indirectly.

Projection. The horizontal distance by which the furthermost point used in measuring the Area of a Sign, as defined in this Section 602, extends beyond a Street Property Line or a building setback line. A Sign placed flat against a wall of a building parallel to a Street or Alley shall not be deemed to project for purposes of this definition. A Sign on an Awning, Canopy or Marquee shall be deemed to project to the extent that such Sign extends beyond a Street Property Line or a building setback line.

Roofline. The upper edge of any building wall or parapet, exclusive of any Sign Tower.

Roof Sign. A Sign or any portion thereof erected or painted on or over the roof covering any portion of a building, and either supported on the roof or on an independent structural frame or Sign Tower, or located on the side or roof of a penthouse, roof tank, roof shed, elevator housing or other roof structure.

Sale or Lease Sign. A Sign which serves only to indicate with pertinent information the availability for sale, lease or rental of the lot or building on which it is placed, or some part thereof.

Sign. Any structure, part thereof, or device or inscription which is located upon, attached to, or painted, projected, or represented on any land or right-of-way, or on the outside of any building or structure including an Awning, Canopy, Marquee, or similar appendage, or that touches the glass on the outside or inside of a window or other glazing, so as to be seen from the outside of the building, and which displays or includes any numeral, letter, word, model, banner, emblem, insignia, symbol, device, light, trademark, or other representation used as, or in the nature of, an announcement, advertisement, attention-arrester, direction, warning, or designation by or of any person, firm, group, organization, place, commodity, product, service, business, profession, enterprise, or industry.

ng, and which displays or includes any numeral, letter, word, model, banner, emblem, insignia, symbol, device, light, trademark, or other representation used as, or in the nature of, an announcement, advertisement, attention-arrester, direction, warning, or designation by or of any person, firm, group, organization, place, commodity, product, service, business, profession, enterprise, or industry.

A “Sign” is composed of those elements included in the Area of the Sign as defined in this Section 602, and in addition the supports, uprights and framework of the display. Except in the case of General Advertising Signs, two or more faces shall be deemed to be a single Sign if such faces are contiguous on the same plane, or are placed back to back to form a single structure and are at no point more than two feet from one another. Also, on Awnings or Marquees, two or more faces shall be deemed to be a single Sign if such faces are on the same Awning or Marquee structure.

(Amended by Ord. 124-25; see Sec. 602 history note.)

Sign Tower. A tower, whether attached to a building, Freestanding, or an integral part of a building, which is erected for the primary purpose of incorporating a Sign, or having a Sign attached thereto.

Street Property Line. For purposes of this Article 6 only, “street property line” shall mean any line separating private property from either a Street or an Alley.

Video Sign. A Sign that displays, emits, or projects or is readily capable of displaying, emitting or projecting a visual representation or image; an animated video, visual representation, or image; or other video image of any kind onto a building, fabric, screen, sidewalk, wall, or other surface through a variety of means, including, but not limited to: camera; computer; digital cinema, imaging, or video; electronic display; fiber optics; film; internet; intranet; light emitting diode screen or video display; microprocessor or microcontrolled based systems; picture frames; plasma display; projector; satellite; scrolling display; streaming video; telephony; television; VHS; wireless transmission; or other technology that can transmit animated or video images.

Vintage Sign. A Sign that depicts a land use, a business activity, a public activity, a social activity or historical figure or an activity or use that recalls the City’s historic past, as further defined in Section 608.14 of this Code, and as permitted by Sections 303 and 608.14 of this Code.

Wall Sign. A Sign painted directly on the wall or placed flat against a building wall with its copy parallel to the wall to which it is attached and not protruding more than the thickness of the sign cabinet.

Wind Sign. Any Sign composed of one or more banners, flags, or other objects, mounted serially and fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze.

Window Sign. A Sign that touches only the inside or outside of a window or other glazing, so as to be seen from the outside of a building.

(Amended by Ord. 124-25; see Sec. 602 history note.)

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 125-70, App. 4/14/70; Ord. 234-72, App. 8/18/72; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98; Proposition G, 3/5/2002; Ord. 28-02, File No. 011962, App. 3/15/2002; Ord. 24208, File No. 071431, App. 10/30/2008; Ord. 140-11, File No. 110482, App. 7/5/2011, Eff. 8/4/2011; Ord. 195-11, File No. 110448, App. 10/4/2011, Eff. 11/3/2011; Res. 319-14, File No. 140821, App. 8/7/2014; Ord. 20-15, File No. 110548, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; Ord. 217-16, File No. 160424, App. 11/10/2016, Eff. 12/10/2016; Ord. 218-16, File No. 160553, App. 11/10/2016, Eff. 12/10/2016; Ord. 206-22, File No. 220643, App. 10/6/2022, Eff. 11/6/2022)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

Section header amended; section amended in its entirety; Ord. 217-16, Eff. 12/10/2016 (for the legislative history of prior definition provisions, see the Editor’s Note below). See individual definitions for subsequent amendment history notes.

Editor’s Note:

As part of its amendments to this Code, by Ord. 217-16, consolidated the Art. 6 definitions into a single section, Sec. 602 above. Previously, Art. 6 definitions had been codified under separate section numbers. For the purpose of retaining the legislative history of the now superseded Art. 6 definition provisions, the terms formerly defined in the Article are set forth below, along with their history notes as they existed immediately prior to the effectiveness of Ord. 217-16.

SEC. 602.1 AREA (OF A SIGN).

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87)

SEC. 602.2 ATTACHED TO A BUILDING.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.3 BUSINESS SIGN.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Res. 319-14, File No. 140821, App. 8/7/2014; Ord. 20-15, File No. 110548, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015)

SEC. 602.4 DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.5 FREESTANDING.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.6 FREEWAY.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.7 GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGN.

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Proposition G, 3/5/2002)

SEC. 602.8 HEIGHT (OF A SIGN).

(Amended by Ord. 234-72, App. 8/18/72)

SEC. 602.9 HISTORIC SIGNS AND HISTORIC SIGN DISTRICTS.

(Added by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.10 IDENTIFYING SIGN.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98; Ord. 195-11, File No. 110448, App. 10/4/2011, Eff. 11/3/2011)

SEC. 602.11 INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.12 LANDSCAPED FREEWAY.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.13 NAME PLATE.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.14 NONILLUMINATED SIGN.

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.15 PROJECTION.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.16 ROOFLINE.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.17 ROOF SIGN.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.18 SALE OR LEASE SIGN.

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.19 SIGN.

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

(Amended by Ord. 125-70, App. 4/14/70; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.20 SIGN TOWER.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.21 STREET PROPERTY LINE.

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

(Added by Ord 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.21A VIDEO SIGN.

(Added by Ord. 28-02, File No. 011962, App. 3/15/2002)

SEC. 602.22 WALL SIGN.

(Amended by Ord. 125-70, App. 4/14/70; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.23 WIND SIGN.

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

(Added by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.24 WINDOW SIGN.

(Added by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98; Ord. 20-15, File No. 110548, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015)

SEC. 602.25 HISTORIC MOVIE THEATER PROJECTING SIGN.

(Added by Ord. 242-08, File No. 071431, App. 10/30/2008; amended by Ord. 140-11, File No. 110482, App. 7/5/2011, Eff. 8/4/2011)

SEC. 602.26 HISTORIC MOVIE THEATER MARQUEE.

(Added by Ord. 242-08, File No. 071431, App. 10/30/2008; amended by Ord. 140-11, File No. 110482, App. 7/5/2011, Eff. 8/4/2011)

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

Nothing in this Article 6 shall apply to any of the following signs:

(a) Noncommercial Signs, including but not limited to

(1) Official public notices, and notices posted by public officers in performance of their duties;

(2) Governmental signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service or safety;

(3) Temporary display posters, without independent structural support, in connection with political campaigns and with civic noncommercial health, safety, and welfare campaigns;

(4) Flags, emblems, insignia, and posters of any nation or political subdivision, and temporary displays of a patriotic, religious, charitable, or other civic character;

(5) House numbers, whether illuminated or not, “no trespassing,” “no parking,” and other warning signs;

(6) Commemorative plaques placed or provided by recognized historical agencies;

(7) Religious symbols;

(8) Information plaques or signs which identify to the public open space resources, architectural features, creators of artwork, or otherwise provide information required by this Code or by other City agencies, or an identifying sign which directs the general public and/or patrons of a particular establishment to open space or parking resources.

(b) Signs within a stadium, open-air theater, or arena which are designed primarily to be viewed by patrons within such stadium, open-air theater, or arena;

(c) Two General Advertising Signs each not exceeding 24 square feet in area on either a transit shelter or associated advertising kiosk furnished by contract with the Municipal Transportation Agency or predecessor agency for the Municipal Railway in RTO, RTO-M, RM-2, RM-3, RM-4, RC, NC, C, M, PDR, Eastern Neighborhoods Mixed Use Districts, and in those P Districts where such Signs would not adversely affect the character, harmony, or visual integrity of the district as determined by the Planning Commission; eight General Advertising Signs each not exceeding 24 square feet in area on transit shelters located on publicly owned property on a high level Municipal Railway boarding platform in an RH-1D District adjacent to a C-2 District, provided that such advertising signs solely face the C-2 District; up to three double-sided General Advertising Signs each not exceeding 24 square feet in area on or adjacent to transit shelters on publicly owned high level Municipal Railway boarding platforms along The Embarcadero south of the Ferry Building, up to six double-sided panels at 2nd and King Streets, and up to four double-sided panels at 4th and King Streets; up to two double-sided panels not exceeding 24 square feet in area on each low-level boarding platform at the following E-Line stops: Folsom Street and The Embarcadero, Brannan Street and The Embarcadero, 2nd and King Streets, and 4th and King Streets; and a total of 71 double-sided General Advertising Signs each not exceeding 24 square feet in area on or adjacent to transit shelters on 28 publicly owned high level Municipal Railway boarding platforms serving the Third Street Light Rail Line. Each advertising sign on a low-level or high-level boarding platform shall be designed and sited in such a manner as to minimize obstruction of public views from pedestrian walkways and/or public open space.

Notwithstanding the above, no Sign shall be placed on any transit shelter or associated advertising kiosk located on any sidewalk which shares a common boundary with any property under the jurisdiction of the Recreation and Park Commission, with the exception of Justin Herman Plaza; on any sidewalk on Zoo Road; on Skyline Boulevard between Sloat Boulevard and John Muir Drive; on John Muir Drive between Skyline Boulevard and Lake Merced Boulevard; or on Lake Merced Boulevard on the side of Harding Park Municipal Golf Course, or

on any sidewalk on Sunset Boulevard between Lincoln Way and Lake Merced Boulevard; on any sidewalk on Legion of Honor Drive; or in the Civic Center Special Sign Districts as established in Section 608.3 of this Code.

The provisions of this subsection (c) shall be subject to the authority of the Port Commission under Sections 4.114 and B3.581 of the City Charter and under State law.

(d) Two General Advertising Signs each not exceeding 52 square feet in area on a public service kiosk furnished by contract with the Department of Public Works which contract also provides for the installation and maintenance of automatic public toilets. Each such public service kiosk shall be divided into three sections, one of which shall provide a public service, such as a newsstand, newsrack, map, public telephone, vending machine, display of public service information, or interactive video terminal.

(e) Advertising placed on fixed pedestal newsrack units in accordance with Section 184.12 of the Public Works Code.

(f) To the extent not otherwise exempted pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 603, any Historic Movie Theater Projecting Sign or Historic Movie Theater Marquee when preserved, rehabilitated, restored, or reconstructed pursuant to Section 188(e) of the Planning Code.

(Amended by Ord. 77-85, App. 2/19/85; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 114-89, App. 4/14/89; Ord. 115-90, App. 4/6/90; Ord. 262-94, App. 7/15/94; Ord. 285-94, App. 8/2/94; Ord. 32-97, App. 2/7/97; Ord. 340-98, App. 11/13/98; Ord. 278-06, File No. 061210, App. 11/17/2006; Ord. 72-08, File No. 071157, App. 4/3/2008; Ord. 242-08, File No. 071431, App. 10/30/2008; Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; Ord. 228-12, File No. 120220, App. 11/14/2012, Eff. 12/14/2012; amended by Ord. 218-16, File No. 160553, App. 11/10/2016; Eff. 12/10/2016; Ord. 296-18, File No. 180184, App. 12/12/2018, Eff. 1/12/2019; Ord. 63-20, File No. 200077, App. 4/24/2020, Eff. 5/25/2020)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

Division (k) amended; Ord. 228-12, Eff. 12/14/2012. Divisions (h), (i), (k), and (l) deleted; divisions (a), (a)(7), and (a)(8) added; former divisions (a)–(f) amended and redesignated as divisions (a)(1)–(a)(6); former divisions (g), (j), and (m)–(o) amended and redesignated as divisions (b)–(f); Ord. 218-16, Eff. 12/10/2016. Division (c) amended; Ord. 296-18, Eff. 1/12/2019. Division (f) amended; Ord. 63-20, Eff. 5/25/2020.

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

(a) Approval of Application. An application for a permit for a sign that conforms to the provisions of this Code shall be approved by the Planning Department without modification or disapproval by the Planning Department or the Planning Commission, pursuant to the authority vested in them by Section 26 of the Business and Tax Regulations Code or any other provision of said Municipal Code; provided, however, that applications pertaining to (1) signs subject to the regulations set forth in Article 10 of the Planning Code, Preservation of Historical, Architectural and Aesthetic Landmarks, Article 11, Preservation of Buildings and Districts of Architectural, Historical and Aesthetic Importance in the C-3 Districts and Historic Signs and Vintage Signs as defined in Section 602 may be disapproved pursuant to the relevant provisions thereof, and (2) preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of Historic Movie Theater Projecting Signs or Historic Movie Theater Marquees as set forth in Section 188(e) may be modified or disapproved subject to applicable sections of the General Plan, this Code, relevant design guidelines, Department or Commission policy, or the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. No sign, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall be erected, placed, replaced, reconstructed or relocated on any property, intensified in illumination or other aspect, or expanded in area or in any dimension except in conformity with Article 6 of this Code. No such erection, placement, replacement, reconstruction, relocation, intensification, or expansion shall be undertaken without a permit having been duly issued therefor, except as specifically provided otherwise in this Section 604.

(b) Applicability of Section. The provisions of this Section 604 shall apply to work of the above types on all Signs unless specifically exempted by this Code, whether or not a permit for such Sign is required under the San Francisco Building Code . In cases in which permits are not required under the Building Code, a Planning application shall be submitted to the Planning Department for approval.

(c) Exceptions to Permit and Planning Approval Requirements. No permit or Planning approval that would otherwise be required by this Article 6 shall be required for the Signs in this subsection (c) to the extent such Signs are permitted by this Code.

(1) Wall and Window Signs applied on a door, window, or any façade of a building, except for:

(A) Signs located in Public and Residential Districts;

(B) Signs that would otherwise require review and approval under Articles 10 and 11;

(C) Signs that require a building permit; or

(D) General Advertising Signs.

(2) Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs which do not involve replacement, alteration, reconstruction, relocation, intensification, or expansion of the Sign.

(3) Temporary sale or lease Signs, temporary Signs of persons and firms connected with work on buildings under actual construction or alteration, and temporary business Signs, to the extent that such Signs are permitted by this Code.

(4) Change of copy on a Sign, provided that the change in copy does not:

(A) require a building permit;

(B) constitute a change from general advertising to nongeneral advertising sign copy or from nongeneral advertising to general advertising sign copy; or

(C) increase the Area, Height, Illumination, or Projection, excluding any changes to Area, Height, Illumination, or Projection that affect only the copy on the Sign.

(d) Scaled Drawing. Each application for a permit for a Sign shall be accompanied by a scaled drawing of the Sign, including the location of the Sign on the building or other structure or on the lot, and including (except in the case of a Sign the customary use of which involves frequent and periodic changes of copy) such designation of the copy as is needed to determine that the location, Area, and other provisions of this Code are met.

(e) Nonconforming Signs; Replacement, Alteration, Reconstruction, Relocation, Intensification, or Expansion. Unless otherwise provided in this Code or in other Codes or regulations, a lawfully existing Sign which fails to conform to the provisions of this Article 6 shall be brought into conformity when the activity for which the Sign has been posted ceases operation or moves to another location, when a new building is constructed, or at the end of the Sign’s normal life. Such Sign may not, however, be replaced, altered, reconstructed, relocated, intensified, or expanded in Area or in any dimension except in conformity with the provisions of this Code, including subsection (f) below. Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs shall be permitted, but such maintenance and repairs shall not include replacement, alteration, reconstruction, relocation, intensification, or expansion of the Sign; provided, however, that alterations of a structural nature required to reinforce a part or parts of a lawfully existing Sign to meet the standards of seismic loads and forces of the Building Code, to replace a damaged or weathered signboard, to ensure safe use and maintenance of that Sign, to remediate hazardous materials, or any combination of the above alterations shall be considered ordinary maintenance and shall be allowed. A Sign which is damaged or destroyed by fire or other calamity shall be governed by the provisions of Sections 181(d) and 188(b) of this Code.

of the Building Code, to replace a damaged or weathered signboard, to ensure safe use and maintenance of that Sign, to remediate hazardous materials, or any combination of the above alterations shall be considered ordinary maintenance and shall be allowed. A Sign which is damaged or destroyed by fire or other calamity shall be governed by the provisions of Sections 181(d) and 188(b) of this Code.

A Sign which is voluntarily destroyed or removed by its owner or which is required by law to be removed may be restored only in full conformity with the provisions of this Code, except as authorized in subsection (f) below. A General Advertising Sign that has been removed shall not be reinstalled, replaced, or reconstructed at the same location, and the erection, construction, and/or installation of a General Advertising Sign at that location to replace the previously existing Sign shall be deemed to be a new Sign in violation of Section 611(a) of this Code; provided, however, that such reinstallation, replacement, or reconstruction pursuant to a permit duly issued prior to the effective date of this requirement shall not be deemed a violation of Section 611(a) and shall be considered a lawfully existing nonconforming General Advertising Sign; and further provided that this prohibition shall not prevent a General Advertising Sign from being relocated to that location pursuant to a Relocation Agreement and conditional use authorization under Sections 611 and 303(k) of this Code and Section 2.21 of the Administrative Code.

A nonconforming Neon Sign may be physically detached from the building for any required repairs or maintenance, except that such maintenance or repairs shall not include replacement, reconstruction, relocation, intensification, or expansion of the Neon Sign. After the off-site repair or maintenance work is complete, the Neon Sign may be reinstalled at the premises in the same location where the Neon Sign was previously affixed, so long as such replacement is completed within 18 months of removal.

intenance, except that such maintenance or repairs shall not include replacement, reconstruction, relocation, intensification, or expansion of the Neon Sign. After the off-site repair or maintenance work is complete, the Neon Sign may be reinstalled at the premises in the same location where the Neon Sign was previously affixed, so long as such replacement is completed within 18 months of removal.

(f) Business Signs. When the activity for which a Business Sign has been posted has ceased operation for more than 90 days, all Signs pertaining to that business activity shall be removed after that time. A lawfully existing business that is relocating to a new location within 300 feet of its existing location within the North Beach Neighborhood Commercial District described in Section 722 of this Code may move to the new location within said North Beach Neighborhood Commercial District one existing Business Sign together with its associated sign structure, whether or not the Sign is nonconforming in its new location; provided, however, that the Sign is not intensified or expanded in Area or in any dimension except in conformity with the provisions of this Code. With the approval of the Zoning Administrator, however, the sign structure may be modified to the extent mandated by the Building Code. In no event may a painted Sign or a Sign with flashing, blinking, fluctuating, or other animated light be relocated unless in conformity with current code requirements applicable to its new location. In addition, the provisions of Articles 10 and 11 of this Code shall apply to the relocation of any Sign to a location regulated by the provisions of said Articles.

(g) Nothing in this Article 6 shall be deemed to permit any use of property that is otherwise prohibited by this Code, or to permit any Sign that is prohibited by the regulations of any Special Sign District or the standards or procedures of any Redevelopment Plan or any other Code or legal restriction.

(h) Public Areas. No Sign shall be placed upon any public street, alley, sidewalk, public plaza or right-or-way, or in any portion of a transit system, except such projecting Signs as are otherwise permitted by this Code and Signs, structures, and features as are specifically approved by the appropriate public authorities under applicable laws and regulations and under such conditions as may be imposed by such authorities.

(i) Maintenance. Every Sign shall be adequately maintained in its appearance. When the activity for which a Business Sign has been posted has ceased operation for more than 90 days, all Signs pertaining to that business activity shall be removed after that time.

(Amended by Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 172-97, App. 5/9/97; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98; Ord. 140-06, File No. 052921, App. 6/22/2006; Ord. 242-08, File No. 071431, App. 10/30/2008; Ord. 235-14, File No. 140844, App. 11/26/2014, Eff. 12/26/2014; Ord. 20-15, File No. 110548, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; Ord. 188-15, File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; Ord. 202-18, File No. 180557, App. 8/10/2018, Eff. 9/10/2018; Ord. 122- 23, File No. 230371, App. 7/5/2023, Eff. 8/5/2023; Ord. 159-23, File No. 230732, App. 7/28/2023, Eff. 8/28/2023; Ord. 204-24, File No. 240409, App. 8/1/2024, Eff. 9/1/2024, Oper. 9/1/2024; Ord. 124-25, File No. 250542, App. 8/1/2025, Eff. 9/1/2025)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

Reference amended in division (h); Ord. 235-14, Eff. 12/26/2014. Divisions (a)-(i) amended; divisions (k) and (l) added; Ord. 20-15, Eff. 3/22/2015. Division (c) amended; Ord. 188-15, Eff. 12/4/2015. Divisions (a) and (i) amended; Ord. 202-18, Eff. 9/10/2018. Division (h) amended; division (m) added; Ord. 122-23, Eff. 8/5/2023. Division (h) amended; division (m) added and amended; Ord. 159-23, Eff. 8/28/2023. Divisions (f) and (m) amended; Ord. 204-24, Eff. 9/1/2024. Division (a) amended; divisions (c)-(f) amended as (c)-(c)(4)(C); divisions (g)-(l) amended as (d)-(i); division (m) deleted; Ord. 124-25, Eff. 9/1/2025.

Business signs in P Districts shall be subject to the controls of this Article 6 for the zoning district nearest the location of the proposed sign, other than Public Districts or Residential Districts. No general advertising sign, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall be permitted.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 285-94, App. 8/2/94; Ord. 80-14, File No. 140062, App. 6/13/2014, Eff. 7/13/2014)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

Section amended; Ord. 80-14, Eff. 7/13/2014.

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

Signs in Residential and Residential Enclave Districts, other than those Signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall conform to the following provisions:

(a) General Provisions for All Signs.

(1) No sign shall project beyond a street property line or legislated setback line, or into a required front setback area.

(2) No sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating or otherwise animated part, or (if permitted to be illuminated) any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light.

(3) No roof sign, wind sign, or general advertising sign shall be permitted.

(4) No sign shall extend above the roofline of a building to which it is attached, or above a height of 12 feet, except as permitted below.

(b) Signs for Uses Permitted in Residential and Residential Enclave Districts. The following types of signs, subject to the limitations prescribed for them, shall be the only signs permitted for uses authorized as principal or conditional uses in R and RED Districts, except that signs for any commercial establishments shall be subject to the limitations of Paragraph (c) below.

(1) One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated nameplate for each street frontage of the lot, not exceeding a height of 12 feet, and having an area not exceeding one square foot in RH Districts or two square feet in RM or RED Districts.

(2) One identifying sign for each street frontage of the lot, not exceeding a height of 12 feet, and meeting the following additional requirements:

(A) In RH Districts: nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only; maximum area 12 square feet;

(B) In RM, RTO or RED Districts: maximum area eight square feet if directly illuminated, and 20 square feet if nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(3) Sale or Lease Signs. One temporary nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sale or lease sign for each street frontage of the total parcel involved, not exceeding a height of 24 feet if freestanding and not above the roofline if attached to a building, and having an area not exceeding six square feet for each lot or for each 3,000 square feet in such total parcel, whichever ratio permits the larger area, provided that no such sign shall exceed 50 square feet in area and any such sign exceeding 18 square feet in area shall be set back at least 25 feet from all street property lines. Any sale or lease sign shall be removed within seven days following removal of the property from the market.

(4) Construction Signs. Temporary nonilluminated signs of persons and firms connected with work on buildings under actual construction or alteration, giving their names and information pertinent to the project, not exceeding a height of 12 feet, with the combined area of all such signs not to exceed 10 square feet for each street frontage of the project.

(c) Business Signs for Limited Commercial Uses . For Limited Commercial Uses, as described in Section 186 of this Code, and for Limited Corner Commercial Uses, as permitted by Section 231, the following controls shall apply:

(1) Wall Signs. One wall sign is permitted for each street frontage occupied by the use, placed flat against the wall that faces such street and not located above the ground floor. Such sign shall not exceed an area of one square foot for each linear foot of street frontage occupied by the building or part thereof that is devoted to the commercial use or 50 square feet per street frontage, whichever is less. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(2) Window Signs. Window Signs are permitted. The total Area of all Window Signs shall not exceed one-third the total area of the business’s ground floor windows and clear doors. Window Signs may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated.

(3) Projecting Signs. The number of projecting signs shall not exceed one per business. The area of such sign, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed six square feet. The height of such sign shall not exceed 14 feet, or the height of the lowest residential windowsill above the commercial use, whichever is lower. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or four feet, whichever is less. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(4) Signs on Awnings. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings in lieu of wall signs and projecting signs. The area of such sign copy as defined in Section 602.1(c) shall not exceed 20 square feet per business. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(5) Illumination. Any illumination permitted for signs covered by this Subsection (c) shall be extinguished at all times when the commercial use is not open for business.

(d) Signs for Other Nonconforming Uses. Any illumination permitted for signs covered by this Subsection (d) shall be extinguished at all times when the nonconforming use is not open for business.

(1) Automobile Service Stations. The following business signs are permitted for an automobile service station. Any such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly or directly illuminated. Directly illuminated signs may be illuminated only during open business hours.

(A) A maximum of two oil company signs, which shall not extend above the roofline if attached to a building, or exceed a height of 24 feet if freestanding. The area of any such sign shall not exceed 180 square feet, and along each street frontage all parts of such a sign or signs that are within 10 feet of the street property line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. The areas of other permanent and temporary signs as covered in Subparagraph 606(d)(1)(B) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this Subparagraph.

(B) Other Permanent and Temporary Signs Customarily Incidental to the Service Station Business. No such sign shall extend above the roofline if attached to a building, or exceed a height of 12 feet if freestanding. The area of such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet for each such sign or a total of 80 square feet for all such signs on the premises.

(2) Open Land Uses. If there is no building with more than 50 square feet of floor area involved in the use, one business sign is permitted for each street frontage occupied by such use, not exceeding a height of 12 feet and having an area not exceeding one square foot for each foot of such street frontage. The total area of all signs for such a use shall not exceed 50 square feet. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(3) Other Uses. For a use not listed in Subsections 606(c) or 606(d) above, one business sign is permitted for each street frontage occupied by the use, placed flat against the wall that faces such street and not located above the ground floor. Such sign shall not exceed an area of one square feet for each foot of street frontage occupied by the building or part thereof that is devoted to the nonconforming use. The total area of all signs for such a use shall not exceed 100 square feet. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(Amended by Ord. 443-78, App. 10/6/78; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 115-90, App. 4/6/90; Ord. 72-08, File No. 071157, App. 4/3/2008; Ord. 56-13, File No. 130062, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; Ord. 22-15, File No. 141253, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; Ord. 188-15, File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; Ord. 124-25, File No. 250542, App. 8/1/2025, Eff. 9/1/2025)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

Division (b)(2)(B) amended; Ord. 56-13, Eff. 4/27/2013. Introductory paragraph and divisions (b) and (b)(2)(B) amended; former division (b)(2)(C) deleted; divisions (b)(3) and (b)(4) amended; new division (c) added and former division (c) redesignated as (d) and amended; divisions (d)(1), (d)(1)(A), and (d)(3) amended; Ord. 22-15, Eff. 3/22/2015. Section header and division (a)(4) amended; Ord. 188-15, Eff. 12/4/2015. Introductory paragraph and division (c)(2) amended; Ord. 124-25, Eff. 9/1/2025.

New Ordinance Notice

Publisher's Note: This section has been AMENDED by new legislation (Ord. 124-25, approved 8/1/2025, effective 9/1/2025). The text of the amendment will be incorporated under the new section number when the amending legislation is operative.

(See Interpretations related to this Section.)

Signs in C, M, and PDR Districts, other than those Signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall conform to the following provisions:

(a) General Advertising Signs. No General Advertising Sign shall be permitted in any C, M, or PDR District.

(b) Roof Signs. Except for Historic Signs and Vintage Signs, Roof Signs are not permitted in C, M, and PDR Districts.

(c) Wind Signs. No Wind Sign shall be permitted in any C, M, or PDR District.

(d) Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs shall not exceed one-third the total area of the business’s ground floor windows and clear doors. Window Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.

(e) Moving Parts. No Sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise physically animated part (as distinguished from lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking or fluctuating), except as follows:

(1) Moving or rotating or otherwise physically animated parts may be used for the rotation of barber poles and the indication of time of day and temperature.

(2) Notwithstanding the type of Signs permissible under subsection (e), a Video Sign is prohibited.

(f) Illumination. Any Sign may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly or Directly Illuminated. Signs in PDR, C-3, and M-2 Districts shall not be limited in any manner as to type of illumination, but no Sign in a C-2 or M-1 District shall have or consist of any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light except as specifically designated as “Special Districts for Sign Illumination” on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco, described in Section 608 of this Code, in the C-2 area consisting of five blocks in the vicinity of Fisherman’s Wharf. Notwithstanding the type of Signs permissible under subsection (f), a Video Sign is prohibited in the district.

(g) Projection. Except for Historic Signs, Vintage Signs, Historic Theater Marquees, and Historic Theater Projecting Signs, no Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline and in no case shall a Sign project more than six feet beyond the Street Property Line or building setback line.

(h) Height and Extension Above Roofline.

(1) Signs Attached to Buildings. Except as provided in Section 260 for Historic Signs, in Section 608.14 for Vintage Signs, and in Section 188(e) for Historic Movie Theater Marquees and Historic Movie Theater Projecting Signs, no Sign Attached to a Building shall extend or be located above the Roofline of the building to which it is attached. In addition, no Sign Attached to a Building shall under any circumstances exceed a maximum height of:

In C-3: 100 feet;

In all other C, M, and PDR Districts: 60 feet.

Such Signs may contain letters, numbers, a logo, service mark and/or trademark and may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated.

(2) Freestanding Signs. The maximum height for Freestanding Signs shall be as follows:

In C-2: 36 feet;

In all other C, M, and PDR Districts: 40 feet.

(i) Special Standards for Automotive Service Stations. For Automotive Service Stations, only the following Signs are permitted, subject to the standards in this subsection (i) and to all other standards in this Section 607.

(1) A maximum of two oil company Signs, which shall not extend above the Roofline if Attached to a building, or exceed the maximum height permitted for Freestanding Signs in the same district if Freestanding. The Area of any such Sign shall not exceed 180 square feet, and along each street frontage all parts of such a Sign or Signs that are within 10 feet of the street property line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. No such Sign shall project more than five feet beyond any Street Property Line or building setback line. The areas of other permanent and temporary Signs as covered in subsection (i)(2) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this subsection (i)(1).

(2) Other permanent and temporary Business Signs, not to exceed 30 square feet in Area for each such Sign or a total of 180 square feet for all such Signs on the premises. No such Sign shall extend above the Roofline if Attached to a building, or in any case project beyond any Street Property Line or building setback line.

(Amended by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 537-88, App. 12/16/88; Ord. 219-94, App. 6/3/94; Ord. 134-97, App. 4/25/97; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98; Ord. 28-02, File No. 011962, App. 3/15/2002; Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; Ord. 56-13, File No. 130062, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; Ord. 20-15, File No. 110548, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; Ord. 217-16, File No. 160424, App. 11/10/2016, Eff. 12/10/2016; Ord. 124-25, File No. 250542, App. 8/1/2025, Eff. 9/1/2025)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

Divisions (b), (d)(2), and (g)(1) amended; Ord. 56-13, Eff. 4/27/2013. Divisions (a), (b), (c), (d)(2), and (e) amended; former divisions (e)(1) and (e)(4) merged into division (e) and amended; former divisions (e)(2) and (e)(3) deleted; divsions (f), (g)(1), (g)(2), and (h)(1) amended; Ord. 20-15, Eff. 3/22/2015. Divisions (a), (b), and (c) amended; former divisions (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (d)(2), (d)(4), and (h)(3) deleted; division (d) added; former divisions (d), (d)(1), and (d)(3) amended and redesignated as divisions (e), (e)(1), and (e)(2); former divisions (e)–(h)(2) amended and redesignated as divisions (f)–(i)(2); Ord. 217-16, Eff. 12/10/2016. Division (d) amended; Ord. 124-25, Eff. 9/1/2025.

In addition to the zoning districts that are established under other Articles of this Code, there shall also be in the City such Special Sign Districts as are established in this Article 6 and certain Special Use Districts with sign controls established in Article 2 in order to further the purposes of this Code. In the event of inconsistency with any other provision of Article 6, the most restrictive provision shall prevail unless this Code specifically provides otherwise.

(a) Special Sign Districts. The designations, locations, and boundaries of these Special Sign Districts shall be as provided in this Article 6 and as shown on the Zoning Map referred to in Section 105, subject to the provisions of Section 105. The original of the sectional map of the Zoning Map for Special Sign Districts (numbered SSD) referred to in this Article is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors under File No. 138-62. In each such Special Sign District, signs, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall be subject to the special controls in Sections 608.1 through 608.16, respectively, in addition to all other, or, if so expressly specified in those Sections, in lieu of other, applicable sign provisions of this Code.

(b) Signs in Special Use Districts. The following Special Use Districts have sign controls

specific to the district:

(1) Sec. 249.64. Parkmerced Special Use District, as promulgated in the Parkmerced Design Standards and Guidelines.

(2) Sec. 249.21. California Street and Presidio Avenue - Community Center Special Use District.

(3) Sec. 249.5. North of Market Residential Special Use District.

(4) Sec. 249.9. Stonestown Special Use District.

(Amended by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 285-94, App. 8/2/94; Ord. 59-08, File No. 031034, App. 4/10/2008; Ord. 195-11, File No. 110448, App. 10/4/2011, Eff. 11/3/2011; Ord. 188-15, File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; Ord. 206-22, File No. 220643, App. 10/6/2022, Eff. 11/6/2022; Ord. 204-24, File No. 240409, App. 8/1/2024, Eff. 9/1/2024, Oper. 9/1/2024)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

Section amended; Ord. 195-11, Eff. 11/3/2011. Section header amended; former section amended and divided into introductory paragraph and new division (a); division (b) added; Ord. 188-15, Eff. 12/4/2015. Division (b)(3) added; Ord. 206-22, Eff. 11/6/2022. Introductory paragraph and division (a) amended; division (b)(4) added; Ord. 204-24, Eff. 9/1/2024.

(Added by Proposition F, 6/3/97; repealed by Proposition G, 6/3/2008)

No lawfully existing sign which fails to conform to the provisions of this Article 6 need be removed or altered to conform to said provisions prior to the end of its normal life as provided in Section 604 of this Code, except as specified in Sections 609.1 through 609.12. Where two or more amortization periods of differing duration apply to the same sign, the most restrictive

of such amortization periods shall prevail unless this Code specifically provides otherwise. Where removal or alteration of a sign is required, such requirement shall apply to the sign faces, the sign structure, the supporting framework and all other parts of the sign.

(Amended by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77)

(a) General. The penalties and methods of enforcement set forth in this Section 610 are in addition to those set forth in Section 176 of this Code and any other penalties or methods of enforcement authorized by law. In light of the findings of Proposition G, approved by the voters in March of 2002, a violation of the Code's general advertising sign requirements is deemed to be a public nuisance.

(b) Administrative Penalties. The Director of Planning may impose administrative penalties for violations of the regulations governing General Advertising Signs set forth in this Article 6. These administrative penalties are cumulative to and do not foreclose any criminal or civil penalties that may apply under state or local law. Administrative penalties shall be imposed in accordance with the following procedures:

(1) Notice of Violation.

(A) Upon the Planning Department’s determination pursuant to Section 176 of this Code that a general advertising sign has been erected, installed, expanded, intensified, relocated, or otherwise operated in violation of the requirements of this Code or has been denied an in-lieu identifying number pursuant to Section 604.1(c) of this Code, the Director shall send a written notice of violation to the Responsible Party for delivery by first class mail, hand-delivery, or electronic mail. The notice of violation shall describe the violation(s), state that the Responsible Party has five calendar days from the date postmarked on the notice or three calendar days from the date of hand-delivery or electronic mail delivery of the notice to: (i) file an application for a permit to remove the general advertising sign; (ii) correct the violation(s) pursuant to subsection (c); or (iii) request reconsideration pursuant to subsection (d). An electronic mail message shall be considered delivered on the same day that it is sent.

(B) Responsible Party. For the purposes of this Section 610, "Responsible Party" shall mean the owner(s) of the real property on which the general advertising sign is located, as listed in the Assessor's record, and the current leaseholder(s) or owner(s) of the general advertising sign, if different from the owner(s) of the real property. If the identity of the person or business entity that installed or operates the general advertising sign is unknown, the notice of violation shall be posted as close as practicable to the location of the sign; once the identity of the person or business entity is known, notice of violation shall be sent to such person or business entity without any such delay affecting the time limits, fees, or penalties imposed by this Section 610.

(2) Penalties.

(A) Accrual of Penalties. If a Responsible Party fails to respond to the notice of violation as outlined in Subsection (b)(1)(A), penalties shall accrue under this Section 610 at the daily rate set forth in Subsection (b)(2)(B) beginning on the Accrual Date, which is defined as the sixth day after the date postmarked on a notice delivered by first class mail, or on the fourth day after hand-delivery or electronic mail delivery of a notice, and the Director shall refer the matter to the City Attorney for further action. If the Responsible Party responds after the Accrual Date, but before the Director has referred the matter to the City Attorney, the Responsible Party shall be assessed a penalty based on the number of days that have passed beginning on the Accrual Date until the date the Responsible Party responded. Once the matter has been referred to the City Attorney for further proceedings, it shall be within the discretion of the City Attorney, in consultation with the Director, whether to allow the Responsible Party to request a reconsideration of the notice of violation or to proceed with other legal action. If the Responsible Party is allowed to request reconsideration, the Responsible Party shall pay a penalty based on the amount accrued beginning on the Accrual Date until the date the Responsible Party responded. The Responsible Party shall pay this penalty within five business days of notice that the Responsible Party will be allowed to request reconsideration.

(B) Amount of Penalties.

(i) The administrative penalties that the Director or administrative law judge assesses against the Responsible Party shall be related to the square footage of the General Advertising Sign found to be in violation of the Planning Code, as shown below:

a. 100 square feet or less - $100 per day per violation;

b. 101 - 300 square feet - $1,000 per day per violation;

c. 301 - 500 square feet - $1,750 per day per violation; and

d. Over 500 square feet - $2,500 per day per violation.

If the violation for which the administrative penalty is assessed has increased the size of the General Advertising Sign, the penalty shall be based on the actual size of the General Advertising Sign.

(C) Collection. The Director may request that the Tax Collector pursue collection of any penalty, from the Responsible Party including imposition of a special assessment lien in accordance with the requirements of Article XX of Chapter 10 of the San Francisco Administrative Code (commencing with Section 10.230). The Director may also request that the City Attorney pursue collection of the penalty against the Responsible Party in a civil action to enforce the provisions of this Code.

(D) Planning Code Enforcement Fund. Fees and penalties collected pursuant to this Section 610 shall be deposited in the Planning Code Enforcement Fund established in Administrative Code Section 10.100-166.

(c) Building Permit. A building permit shall be required to remove or modify any general advertising sign when such removal or modification is required pursuant to this Section 610.

(1) Additional time and material costs shall be added to the Building Permit fee pursuant to Section 350(c).

(2) The Responsible Party has thirty days from the filing of any required building permit application to remove or modify the general advertising sign to either: (i) obtain a Final Inspection Approval or Certificate of Final Completion from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI); or (ii) remove all advertising copy from the general advertising sign until the required DBI approval is obtained. If the Final Inspection Approval or Certificate of Final Completion has not been obtained or the advertising copy has not been removed within this time period, penalties shall accrue at the daily rate outlined in Subsection (b)(2)(B) until the advertising copy is removed or the required DBI approval is obtained.

(d) Reconsideration of Notice of Violation or Administrative Penalty.

(1) Reconsideration Hearing.

(A) A Responsible Party may seek reconsideration of the issuance of the notice of violation or any administrative penalty. Any request for reconsideration shall be accompanied by written evidence that demonstrates why the notice of violation was issued in error or why the administrative penalties were assessed in error. Upon receipt of a request for reconsideration within the time limits established by subsection (b)(1)(A) or when allowed under subsection (b)(2)(A), the Planning Department shall schedule a reconsideration hearing before an administrative law judge. Such hearing shall be scheduled for a date no later than 60 days after the request. At least 10 days before the scheduled hearing, the Planning Department shall notify the Responsible Party by mail in writing of the hearing date, time, and location.

(B) The administrative law judge shall hold a hearing to reconsider the Director's notice of violation or administrative penalty. The administrative law judge's decision for a reconsideration of the notice of violation shall be based upon, but not limited to, the Planning Code, any final Zoning Administrator Interpretations, the Building Code, building permits issued by the City, and any final decisions of the Board of Appeals regarding the subject property. The administrative law judge’s determination of a request for reconsideration of any administrative penalty shall take into account the validity of accrual dates, accuracy of assessment based upon sign size and whether the Responsible Party was accurately identified. For repeat violations, the administrative law judge shall also take into account the considerations specified in subsection (f)(3) of this Section 610. Within 30 days of the hearing, the administrative law judge shall issue a final written decision, which shall be mailed to the Responsible Party. The final written decision shall not be appealable to the Board of Appeals. All final written decisions shall inform the Responsible Party of its right to seek judicial review pursuant to the timelines set forth in Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure.

the hearing, the administrative law judge shall issue a final written decision, which shall be mailed to the Responsible Party. The final written decision shall not be appealable to the Board of Appeals. All final written decisions shall inform the Responsible Party of its right to seek judicial review pursuant to the timelines set forth in Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure.

(C) If the Planning Department rescinds the notice of violation or penalties prior to the reconsideration hearing, the case shall be considered abated and all accrued penalties shall be rescinded. If penalties or the reconsideration hearing fee set forth in subsection (d)(2), below, have been paid, the Planning Department shall refund in a timely matter any unused portions of the penalties or fee.

If the administrative law judge overturns the notice of violation or penalties, the case shall be abated and all accrued penalties shall be rescinded. If penalties have been paid, the Planning Department shall refund the penalties.

If the Responsible Party withdraws its request for reconsideration of notice of violation or penalties prior to the reconsideration hearing and cures the violation(s) by filing for a building permit under subsection (c), any accrued penalties shall apply in addition to a mandatory ten-day fixed penalty based upon the daily rate outlined in subsection (b)(2)(B). If the request for

reconsideration is withdrawn within less than 10 days from the date it was timely made, the Responsible Party may apply to the Director for a reduction in the fixed penalty amount based upon the number of days less than 10 that the reconsideration request was withdrawn. Any such reduction shall be granted or denied at the sole discretion of the Director and is not appealable.

If the administrative law judge upholds the notice of violation or penalties, the Responsible Party shall cure the violation(s) by filing for a building permit pursuant to the procedures and requirements of subsection (c) within fifteen days of the date the decision is mailed to the Responsible Party. The Responsible Party shall be subject to any accrued penalties, plus a mandatory twenty-day fixed penalty based upon the daily rate outlined in subsection (b)(2)(B). If the reconsideration hearing is held within less than 20 days from the date it was timely requested, the Responsible Party may apply to the Director for a reduction in the fixed penalty amount based upon the number of days less than 20 that the reconsideration hearing was held. Any such reduction shall be granted at the sole discretion of the Director and is not appealable. If the Responsible Party does not file for a building permit within the fifteen-day period, additional penalties shall accrue at the daily rate outlined in subsection (b)(2)(B) and the Director shall refer the case to the City Attorney for further action.

20 that the reconsideration hearing was held. Any such reduction shall be granted at the sole discretion of the Director and is not appealable. If the Responsible Party does not file for a building permit within the fifteen-day period, additional penalties shall accrue at the daily rate outlined in subsection (b)(2)(B) and the Director shall refer the case to the City Attorney for further action.

(2) Reconsideration Hearing Fee. At the time the Responsible Party requests reconsideration, the Responsible Party shall pay an initial hearing fee of $3,400.00 to the Planning Department; the Responsible Party shall also be liable for time and materials as set forth in Section 350(c). The Planning Department shall increase this fee on an annual basis at a rate equal to that of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The fee shall be waived if the Responsible Party would qualify for a waiver of court fees and costs pursuant to California Government Code Section 68511.3, as amended from time to time. Additionally, if the Responsible Party withdraws its request for reconsideration, any portion of the fee not expended to process the hearing shall be refunded.

(3) Postponement. The administrative law judge may grant a postponement of a hearing for Good Cause. Requests for postponement of a hearing shall be made in writing at the earliest date possible, with supporting documentation attached. The party requesting the postponement shall notify any other parties of the request and provide them with copies of the complete request and the supporting documentation.

For the purposes of this Section 610, "Good Cause" includes, but is not limited, to the following:

(A) The illness of a party, an attorney or other authorized representative of a party, or a material witness of a party;

(B) Verified travel outside of San Francisco scheduled before the receipt of notice of the hearing; or,

(C) Any other reason which makes it impractical to appear on the scheduled date due to unforeseen circumstances or verified pre-arranged plans that cannot be changed. Mere inconvenience in appearing shall not constitute "good cause."

(e) Failure of the City, including the Director, the Planning Department, or the administrative law judge, to act within any of the timeframes set forth in this Section 610 shall not be considered approval of any general advertising sign.

(f) Repeat Violations.

(1) The Director of Planning may use the provisions of this subsection (f) to abate and discourage repeated violations of this Section 610.

(2) For the purposes of this subsection (f), a repeat violation shall mean any violation of the general advertising provisions of this Article which (A) occurs on a property that was the subject of a notice of violation under Article 6 during the previous five years and (B) is owned by the same entity which owned the property upon which the general advertising was located at the time of the earlier violation. A repeat violation shall not include one based upon a notice of violation that was overturned by an administrative law judge or rescinded by the Planning Department under subsection (d)(1)(C) of this Section 610. A Responsible Party may seek reconsideration of a notice of violation for a repeat violation under subsection (d) of this Section 610, provided that the request for reconsideration is filed and all general advertising copy is removed prior to the Accrual Date, as defined in subsection (b)(2)(A) of this Section 610.

(3) Penalties for violations under this subsection (f) shall accrue as described in subsection (b)(2) of this Section 610, except that the amount of penalties shall be calculated as follows:

(A) Daily Penalties. Daily penalties shall accrue as described below, until the date that the General Advertising Sign and any associated sign structure are removed from the site, or, if the City accepts a late request for reconsideration from the Responsible Party pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(A) of this Section 610, until the date that all copy is removed from the General Advertising Sign:

(i) On the Accrual Date, which is the first day on which penalties accrue, the daily penalty shall be the amount specified in subsection (b)(2)(B) of this Section 610 multiplied by 2.

(ii) On the second day on which penalties accrue, the daily penalty shall be the amount specified in subsection (b)(2)(B) of this Section 610 multiplied by 3.

(iii) On the third day on which penalties accrue, the daily penalty shall be the amount specified in subsection (b)(2)(B) of this Section 610 multiplied by 4.

(iv) On the fourth day on which penalties accrue and for each day thereafter for which penalties accrue, the daily penalty shall be the amount specified in subsection (b)(2)(B) of this Section 610 multiplied by 5.

(B) Alternative Penalty. As an alternative to the daily penalties described in subsection (f)(3)(A) of this Section 610, all Responsible Parties may jointly opt to pay an alternative penalty, which consists of (i) the income earned by the Responsible Parties for the display of the illegal General Advertising Sign, including but not limited to revenue earned by the Sign owner or operator from advertisers or advertisement placement firms and revenue earned by the property owner or lessee from the lease or sublease of the property to the Sign owner or operator; plus (ii) an additional 20% of that total income amount. The income amount shall be calculated beginning on the Accrual Date, as defined in subsection (b)(2)(A) of this Section 610, until the date that the General Advertising Sign and any associated sign structure are removed from the site, or, if the City accepts a late request for reconsideration from the Responsible Party pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(A) of this Section 610, until the date that all copy is removed from the General Advertising Sign.

To calculate this alternative penalty, the Planning Department may require that all Responsible Parties provide evidence of their income, such as a lease between the property owner and the Sign operator or Sign owner, and any agreements between the Sign owner or operator and advertisers or advertisement placement firms who have contracted to have their advertisements displayed on the Sign during the relevant time period.

(C) Standard of Review. Pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section 610, a Responsible Party may request reconsideration of a notice of violation for a repeat violation by an administrative law judge. In any such proceeding, a rebuttable presumption shall exist that the penalty amount is reasonable. In reviewing a penalty imposed pursuant to subsection (f)(3) of this Section 610, the administrative law judge shall give substantial weight to that presumption, but may consider the nature and egregiousness of the violation, the financial resources of the Responsible Party, the need to deter illegal conduct, and the Responsible Party’s culpability, to determine if the penalty is excessive.

(g) Liens. For any penalties assessed pursuant to this Section 610, the Director may initiate proceedings to make the payment amount due and all additional authorized costs and charges, including attorneys’ fees, a lien on the property pursuant to Chapter 100 of the Administrative Code. This subsection (g) does not apply to a notice of violation that has been overturned by an administrative law judge or rescinded by the Planning Department under subsection (d)(1)(C) of this Section 610 .

(Added by Ord. 71-01, File No. 001391, App. 5/18/2001; Ord. 52-07, File No. 051844, App. 3/9/2007; Ord. 290-08, File No. 081002, App. 12/5/2008; amended by Ord. 218-16, File No. 160553, App. 11/10/2016, Eff. 12/10/2016)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

Divisions (b), (b)(1)(A), (b)(2), (d)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) amended; divisions (f)(3)(A), (f)(3)(A)(i)–(iv), (f)(3)(B), (f)(3)(C), and (g) added; Ord. 218-16, Eff. 12/10/2016.

(a) No new general advertising signs shall be permitted at any location within the City as of March 5, 2002, except as provided in Subsection (b) of this ordinance.

(b) Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to prohibit the placement of signs on motor vehicles or in the public right-of-way as permitted by local law.

(c) Relocation Agreements.

(1) Nothing in this ordinance shall preclude the Board of Supervisors, upon recommendation from a department designated by the Board, from entering into agreements with general advertising sign companies to provide for the relocation of existing legally permitted general advertising signs. Any such agreements shall provide that the selection of a new location for an existing legally permitted general advertising sign be subject to the conditional use procedures provided for in Article 3 of the Planning Code.

(2) Locations where general advertising signs could have been lawfully erected pursuant to the zoning laws in effect prior to the effective date of this ordinance may be considered as relocation sites. Future zoning laws may additionally restrict the locations available for the relocation of existing legally permitted general advertising signs.

(d) Pursuant to Subsection (c)(1) of this ordinance, the selection of a relocation site for an existing legally permitted general advertising sign shall be governed by the conditional use procedures of Section 303 of the Planning Code.

(e) Nothing in this ordinance shall preclude the Board of Supervisors from otherwise amending Article 6 of the Planning Code.

(f) A prohibition on all new general advertising signs is necessary because:

(1) The increased size and number of general advertising signs in the City can distract motorists and pedestrians traveling on the public right of way creating a public safety hazard.

(2) General advertising signs contribute to blight and visual clutter as well as the commercialization of public spaces within the City.

(3) There is a proliferation of general advertising signs visible from, on, and near historically significant buildings and districts, public buildings and open spaces all over the City.

(4) San Francisco must protect the character and dignity of the City's distinctive appearance, topography, street patterns, open spaces, thoroughfares, skyline and architectural features for both residents and visitors.

(5) There is currently an ample supply of general advertising signs within the City.

(Added by Proposition G, 3/5/2002)