20.040 Signs in Open Space and Parks, Agricultural, Residential, and Civic

Facilities Districts.

Conformity with Regulations: No sign, outdoor advertising structure, or display with any character shall be

permitted in an AG, OSP, or R District except the following:

A. Permanent tract signs. One (1) permanent tract identiPcation sign may be erected at the main entrance of a

tract, provided that it does not exceed Pve (5) feet in height and twenty-Pve (25) square feet in area. Such sign may

be indirectly illuminated in white light, provided the intensity does not exceed ten (10) foot lamberts.

B. Real estate signs. One (1) non-illuminated real estate sign advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises

on which it is maintained. For each ten (10) feet of lot(s) width, one (1) square foot of sign area is permitted, but in

no case shall such area exceed thirty (30) square feet. All such signs shall be set back from every street lot line at

The Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance is current through Ordinance 2907, passed September 8, 2025.

Ch. 20 Signs and Sign Structures | Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance Page 6 of 18

least a distance in feet equal to one-half (1/2) the number of square feet in area of the sign, but each setback shall

not be less than any required front yard.

C. Free-standing signs. One free-standing identiPcation sign not directly lighted, not exceeding twenty (20) square

feet in area or a height of Pve (5) feet on the site of a public building or grounds, a private institution, a church, a

club or lodge, or a professional oRce building, clinic or laboratory.

D. Wall sign. One (1) wall identiPcation sign not directly lighted, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area on

the site of a church, school, community center or other public or institutional building.

E. Announcement signs. One (1) non-illuminated announcement sign or bulletin board not over twelve (12)

square feet in area on the site of a church, school, community center or other public or institutional building which

sign, if not attached Qat against a building, shall be at least twelve (12) feet from all street curb or pavement lines.

 1.   Announcement Signs for Public and Private Academic Schools. One (1) non-illuminated announcement sign

or bulletin board not over thirty-two (32) feet in area on the site of a public or private academic school. Which

 sign, if not attached Qat against a building, shall be at least twelve (12) feet from all street curb or pavement

  lines. Announcement signs may not project over two (2) feet from any wall surface in compliance with Section

 20.050(A)(6). Messages on these signs shall be related to school activities. The school shall be responsible for

maintaining the sign in an attractive and well kept condition. Unauthorized messages and/or graRti shall be

removed from the sign in a timely manner.

 2.   Announcement Signs for Churches, Community Centers or Other Public or Institutional Buildings Other Than

Public and Private Academic Schools. One (1) non-illuminated announcement sign or bulletin board not over

twelve (12) square feet in area on the site of a church, community center or other public or institution

 building other than a public or private academic school. Which sign, if not attached Qat against a building,

 shall be at least twelve (12) feet from all street curb or pavement lines. Announcement signs may not project

over two (2) feet from any wall surface in compliance with Section 20.050(A)(6).

F. Temporary signs. Temporary construction and subdivision signs, in accordance with the provisions of Section

20.050(B).

G. Lighting of signs. No sign in an AG or R District shall be constructed in such a way that any light Plament or

tubing is visible from the front of the sign or from beyond the property line.

H. Bed and Breakfast Inns. One (1) identiPcation sign, on the site of a bed and breakfast inn, not internally lighted,

not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, of distinctive design and in keeping with the character of the structure

and neighborhood.

The Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance is current through Ordinance 2907, passed September 8, 2025.

Ch. 20 Signs and Sign Structures | Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance Page 7 of 18