Monterey County Municipal Code Ch. 20.60 Regulations for Signs

The purpose of this chapter is to provide the regulations for signing in the unincorporated area of the County of Monterey. It is also the purpose of this chapter to assure by the regulation of signing that the integrity and nature of residential, rural, commercial and industrial areas are protected from the indiscriminate and inappropriate proliferation of signs while providing for a sufficient level of business and residential identification to adequately and safely inform and direct the public.

The following regulations shall apply in all the unincorporated areas of the County of Monterey and in all zoning districts as listed in the regulations in this chapter.

These regulations apply in the following zoning districts High Density Residential (HDR), Medium Density Residential (MDR), Low Density Residential (LDR), Rural Density Residential (RDR) and Watershed and Scenic Conservation (WSC).

A. On-site signs used for the following purposes are allowed:

1. Nameplate and street address signs not exceeding in the aggregate four square feet and not to exceed six feet in height for the purpose of identifying the subject property. One sign may be allowed for each street frontage.

2. Real Estate signs including open house signs not exceeding in the aggregate seven square feet and six feet in height advertising the sale or lease of that property, provided that the sign is removed ten (10) days after the close of escrow.

3. Temporary signs for construction projects, may be erected to identify the project and those associated with the project subject to the following regulations:

a. There shall be no more than two temporary construction signs per lot.

b. The signs shall not exceed in the aggregate twenty-four (24) square feet in area.

c. The signs shall not be illuminated.

d. If attached to the structure, the signs shall not extend above the roof line or parapet wall of the structure. If freestanding, the maximum height shall be six feet.

e. The signs shall be stationary.

f. The signs shall be removed at the time of occupancy of the project.

g. The signs shall not be located within any road right-of-way.

4. Signs identifying apartment complexes, mobile home parks, condominium projects and other clustered residential developments may be allowed subject to the following regulations.

a. There shall be no more than two signs per development.

b. The signs shall not exceed in the aggregate thirty-five (35) square feet;

c. If attached to the structure, the signs shall not extend above the roof line or parapet wall of the structure. If freestanding, the maximum height shall be six feet.

d. The signs shall be stationary;

e. The signs shall not be located within any road right-of-way.

B. The following signs may be allowed subject to obtaining a Coastal Administrative Permit (Chapter 20.76).

1. Signs not over twenty (20) square feet in the aggregate and appurtenant to any permitted use, except for those signs provided in Section 20.60.030(A), Subsections (3) and (4).

C. The following signs are subject to obtaining a Coastal Development Permit (Chapter 20.70).

1. Signs not over one hundred (100) square feet in the aggregate for advertising the sale of a subdivision. Limit of two signs in each case.

2. Signs not over seventy-five (75) square feet in area, and appurtenant to any permitted use, provided that the area permitted may be divided into not more than three single-faced or double-faced signs.

D. The Zoning Administrator is the Appropriate Authority for Coastal Development Permits for signs.

These regulations apply in the following zoning districts: Coastal Agricultural Preserve (CAP (CZ)), Agricultural Conservation (AC (CZ)), Open Space Recreation (OR (CZ)), Resource Conservation (RC(CZ)), and Public/Quasi-Public (PQP (CZ)).

A. Signs used for the following purposes are allowed:

1. Nameplate and street address signs not exceeding in the aggregate four square feet and not to exceed six feet in height for the purpose of identifying the subject property. One sign may be allowed for each street frontage;

2. Real Estate signs including open house signs not exceeding in the aggregate seven square feet and six feet in height advertising the sale or lease of that property, provided that the sign is removed ten (10) days after the close of escrow.

3. Temporary signs for construction projects, may be erected to identify the project and those associated with the project subject to the following regulations:

a. There shall be no more than two temporary construction signs per lot.

b. The signs shall not exceed in the aggregate twenty-four (24) square feet in area.

c. The signs shall not be illuminated.

d. If attached to the structure, the signs shall not extend above the roof line or parapet wall of the structure. If freestanding, the maximum height shall be six feet.

e. The signs shall be stationary.

f. The signs shall not be located within any road right-of-way.

g. The signs shall be removed at the time of occupancy of the project.

4. Signs not over twenty (20) square feet in the aggregate and, appurtenant to any permitted use except for those signs provided in Section 20.60.040(A).

B. The following signs are subject to obtaining a Coastal Development Permit (Chapter 20.70).

1. Signs not over one hundred (100) square feet in the aggregate for advertising the sale of the property. Limit of two signs in each case.

2. Signs between twenty (20) and seventy-five (75) square feet in the aggregate appurtenant to any permitted use, provided that the area permitted may be divided into not more than three single-faced or double-faced signs.

3. All signs proposed in a Resource Conservation (RC (CZ)) district; limited to a maximum of twenty (20) square feet.

C. The Zoning Administrator is the Appropriate Authority for Coastal Development Permits for signs.

These zoning regulations apply in the following zoning districts: Visitor Serving Commercial (VSC), Institutional Commercial (IC), Coastal General Commercial (CGC), Moss Landing Commercial (MLC), Agricultural Industrial (AI), Light Industrial (LI) and Heavy Industrial (HI).

A. Signs for the following purposes are allowed:

1. Nameplate and street address signs not exceeding in the aggregate four square feet and not to exceed six feet in height for the purpose of identifying the subject property. One sign may be allowed for each street frontage;

2. Real Estate signs including open house signs not exceeding seven square feet and six feet in height advertising the sale or lease of that property, provided that the sign is removed ten (10) days after the close of escrow.

3. Temporary signs for construction projects to identify the project and those associated with the project subject to the following regulations:

a. There shall be no more than two such temporary construction signs per project.

b. The signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area.

c. The signs shall not be illuminated.

d. If attached to the structure, the signs shall not extend above the roof line or parapet wall of the structure. If freestanding, the maximum height shall be six feet.

e. The signs shall be stationary.

f. The signs shall not be located within any road right-of-way.

g. The signs shall be removed at the time of final inspection of the project.

4. Signs shall be permitted to have an area not to exceed one square foot for each one foot of structure frontage, provided that any business establishment shall be allowed a sign of fifty (50) square feet and no more than three hundred (300) square feet; and, further provided, that the area permitted may be divided into not more than six single-faced or double-faced signs; said formula shall apply to each street frontage.

B. The following signs are subject to obtaining a Coastal Administrative Permit (Chapter 20.76):

Real estate signs between seven and twenty (20) square feet and subject to the provisions of Section 20.60.060(B), subsections 2 through 4 (off-site real estate signs).

C. The following signs are subject to obtaining a Coastal Development Permit (Chapter 20.70):

1. Signs not over one hundred (100) square feet in the aggregate for advertising the sale of a subdivision. Limit of two signs in each case;

2. Signs not over seventy-five (75) square feet in area, and appurtenant to any permitted use; provided, that the area permitted may be divided into not more than three single-faced or double-faced signs;

3. Real estate signs exceeding twenty (20) square feet and greater than four feet in height.

D. The Zoning Administrator is the Appropriate Authority for Coastal Development Permits for signs.

E. Lighting of signs attached to structures shall be arranged so as not to produce a glare on other properties in the vicinity, and the source of light shall not be visible from adjacent property or a public street.

F. Signs in commercial and industrial zoning districts are subject to the General Development Plan provisions of the zoning district. If a General Development Plan is not required, signs shall conform to this chapter.

G. Signs may be attached to a structure providing the sign does not project above the peak of the roof of the structure.

H. Signs may be mounted below the soffit of a canopy, overhanging, or porch and may be perpendicular to the structure providing that they do not exceed twelve (12) inches below the soffit or beam and maintain a minimum of eight feet vertical clearance along corridors or exit courts below.

I. In the Moss Landing Commercial District, signs shall be composed of natural materials such as wood and stone. The signs shall utilize paint only for lettering and shall not be internally-illuminated. External illumination shall be restricted to lighting only of the sign's face. The amount of signing and sign design may be further regulated to conform with the Moss Landing Design Guidelines (see Section 20.20.070.H).

These regulations shall apply to all off-site advertising signs in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County.

A. Off-site real estate "open house" signs advertising the sale or lease of property may be allowed subject to the following regulations:

1. The signs shall not exceed seven square feet;

2. The signs shall not exceed four feet in height;

3. The signs shall not be located within any road right-of-way;

4. The signs shall not utilize banners, balloons, lights and other similar attention getting devices;

5. Off-site real estate "open house" signs shall only be allowed from 10:00 a.m. to dusk and shall be removed at the end of the day.

B. One off-site real estate sign advertising the sale of property may be allowed subject to the following regulations:

1. The sign shall not exceed seven square feet;

2. The sign shall not exceed four feet in height;

3. The sign shall not be located within any road right-of-way;

4. The sign shall be removed within ten (10) days after the close of escrow.

C. The following signs are subject to obtaining a Coastal Administrative Permit (Chapter 20.76).

1. Off-site real estate signs between seven and twenty (20) square feet and subject to the provisions of Section 20.60.060(B), subsections 2 through 4;

2. Temporary signs placed by non-profit groups for the advertisement of a special event such as parades, festivals, and sporting events may be permitted subject to the following regulations:

a. No such sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size nor be more than twelve (12) feet in height.

b. No such sign shall be erected more than thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the special event.

c. All such signs shall be removed within five days of the last day of the special event.

d. The sign shall not be located within any road right-of-way.

e. Designation of the individual or individuals responsible for the removal of such signs.

D. The following signs are subject to obtaining a Coastal Development Permit (Chapter 20.70).

1. Community information and directional signs subject to the following criteria.

a. Such signs shall be permitted only on property adjacent to freeways approaching, passing through or going near cities or communities.

b. No one sign shall exceed a maximum area of four hundred (400) square feet.

c. The sign shall not identify any specific business, person, entity or organization, except a non profit organization.

2. Off-site real estate signs exceeding twenty (20) square feet or greater than four feet in height and subject to the provisions of Section 20.60.060(B), subsections 3 and 4 (ZA).

3. Outdoor advertising and any other signs used for off-site advertising shall be located in an industrial or commercial zoning district.

These regulations apply in the following districts: Design Control (D).

Where signs are allowable under the regulations of the zoning district with which the Design Control (D) zoning district is combined, the total area of such signs shall not exceed thirty-five (35) square feet in the aggregate. This limitation in total area shall apply even though the use has frontage on two or more streets.

A. Definitions.

1. A "political sign" is any board, poster, placard, banner or other medium, including its structure and component parts, which is designed to influence the action of a voter in voting for or against any candidate or measure on the ballot at any national, state, or local election.

2. "Election period" consists of the sixty (60) days prior to election day, election day and the ten (10) days after election day.

B. Political sign placement.

1. No political sign shall be erected earlier than sixty (60) days before the election to which it relates.

2. No political sign or any part shall be supplied with electrical power for lighting, movement, or any other purpose unless a building permit is first obtained from the Director of Planning and Building Inspection.

3. No political sign shall be erected in such a manner that it will, or reasonably may be expected to obstruct the view of, or conflict with, any traffic sign, signal, or device. A political sign shall not be erected in such a manner that it will, or reasonably may be expected to, obstruct the view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

4. No political sign shall be erected or maintained upon the property of another without first obtaining permission to do so from the owner or tenant of said property. In the case of vacant property, written permission must be obtained from the property owner, and such signs must have affixed to the rear of the said sign a copy of the written permission, including the name, address, telephone number, and signature of the property owner.

5. No political sign shall be erected or maintained unless a statement of responsibility has been filed with the Director of Planning and Building Inspection certifying a person who will be responsible for the placing and removal of the political sign pursuant to this chapter and who will reimburse the County of Monterey for any costs incurred to remove it.

C. Removal.

1. Political signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after the election to which they relate. Political signs placed on behalf of candidates who have been successful in primary elections shall not remain posted for general election purposes.

2. Any political sign not posted or erected in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be deemed a public nuisance and shall be subject to removal by the person certifying responsibility, the candidate or the property owner within ten (10) days of notification of the violation. Upon their failure to remove the sign, the Director of Planning and Building Inspection Department or its designated representative may remove the sign.

3. Any political sign not removed within ten (10) days after the election shall be deemed abandoned and may be summarily removed by the Director of Planning and Building Inspection or its designated representative.

D. Exemptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

1. Political signs erected inside a structure.

2. Political signs posted by a person or corporation duly licensed to erect and maintain commercial outdoor advertising signs and billboards, provided that the sign or signs as posted are in a location and manner authorized or permitted under the zoning provisions of the Title.

The following signs, except as provided elsewhere in this Title, are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

A. Approved highway directional signs;

B. Railroad signal signs;

C. Signs prohibiting trespassing and hunting, provided that they do not exceed two square feet in area;

D. Directional, warning or informational signs required by law or authorized by Federal, County or State authority;

E. Utility company signs identifying cables, conduits, or hazards;

F. Public notices and announcements authorized by courts and public officials;

G. Advertising signs on buses and taxis;

H. Signs attached to bus stops and shelters;

I. Signs on automobiles and trucks that are painted on or attached flat against the vehicle to identify or advertise the associated business, provided that the vehicle is primarily used for the business;

J. Signs that are painted on or attached to the windshield of a vehicle or boat;

K. Public telephone identification;

L. Signs of an instructive nature or which include information required by County, State or Federal enforcement agencies including, but not limited to: telephone booth, gas pump use instructions, instructions for recreational vehicle dump station, brake and smog certification, restroom identification, no smoking, propane tank identification, gas pump identification, air and water, drive to forward pump, cashier, hours of operation, required gallon to liter conversion, full and self service signs at each island not exceeding four square feet in area, and traffic directional signs as approved by enforcement agencies for necessary traffic control and direction, provided that they do not exceed four square feet in area each and do not exceed thirty (30) inches in height in front or side street yard and no symbol, name, or other message is on said signs;

M. Directional, warning, or identification signs not exceeding two square feet in area for petroleum drilling and extraction activities;

N. Any official sign, signal, device, or marking which purports to be or is an imitation of, or resembles, an official traffic control device or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic or which hides from view any official traffic control device;

O. Barber poles;

P. Open space management signs which do not exceed four square feet in area.

Q. Outdoor signs, pursuant to Section 7.120.040.H.

(Ord. No. 5439, § 16, 9-23-2025)

The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:

A. Moving or rotating signs, flags, pennants, banners;

B. Signs with flashing, moving, or animated illumination;

C. Advertising signs that include the words, "Stop, Look, Listen" or any other word, phrase, symbol, lights, motion, sound, fumes, mist, or other effluent that may interfere with, mislead, or confuse the driving public;

D. Portable signs, except for temporary off-site real estate signs as provided in Section 20.60.060;

E. Signs on inflatable advertising devices when the device is attached or secured to the ground or structure;

F. Signs extending above roofs, and roof signs, except where specifically provided for under the provisions of this title for signs attached to structures;

G. Wind activated signs;

H. Any other advertising device attached to a structure, fence, pole, or vehicle on display not specifically authorized by this Title.

The following methods will be used to compute the area of a sign:

A. The area of a sign is computed by multiplying the height by the length of the sign, not including framework of the sign. The base or supporting structure of a sign shall not be considered part of the sign.

B. The area of a two sided back to back sign shall be computed by multiplying the height by the length of only one side.

C. The area of a two sided or multifaced sign where the signs are not back to back shall be computed by multiplying the height by the length of each sign face.

D. The area of signs which are composed of letters individually mounted or painted on a structure, without a border or frame enclosure, shall be computed from the smallest single rectangle in which all the letters or words can be enclosed.

E. The area of a sign that is an object or statuary shall be computed by the appropriate mathematical equation for determining total surface of an object.

A. Electronic time and temperature signs as part of an approved on-site advertising sign are permitted as regulated by this chapter as to height and size.

B. Exit, entrance, or other on-site traffic directional signs are permitted, provided that the signs do not exceed six feet in height and contain no advertising or message other than for traffic directions. Signs may be attached to a structure providing the sign does not project above the peak of the roof of the structure.

C. Special signing required for drive-in windows for drive-in restaurants, banks, or similar businesses are permitted, provided the sign copy is necessary for information, instruction, or directions and specifically related to the special use subject to review and approval of the Director of Planning and Building Inspection.

Existing signs that are rendered legal non-conforming by this chapter shall be subject to the requirement of Chapter 20.68 of this Title.