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Chapter 20 — SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES

20.040 Signs in Open Space and Parks, Agricultural, Residential, and Civic Facilities Districts.

Petaluma Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · Petaluma

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 identification sign may be erected at the main entrance of a tract, provided that it does not exceed five (5) feet in height and twenty-five (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.

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Ch. 20 Signs and Sign Structures | Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance

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 identification sign not directly lighted, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area or a height of five (5) feet on the site of a public building or grounds, a private institution, a church, a club or lodge, or a professional office building, clinic or laboratory.

D. Wall sign. One (1) wall identification 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 flat 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 flat 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 graffiti shall be removed from the sign in a timely manner.

l 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 graffiti shall be removed from the sign in a timely manner.

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

H. Bed and Breakfast Inns. One (1) identification 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.

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Ch. 20 Signs and Sign Structures | Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance

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▸Contents — Petaluma Zoning Code
Petaluma Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 1 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY OF ZONING ORDINANCE
  2. Chapter 2
  3. Chapter 3 — DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
  4. Chapter 4 — ZONE DISTRICTS AND ALLOWABLE LAND USES
  5. Chapter 5 — OVERLAY ZONES
  6. Chapter 6 — FLOODWAY AND FLOOD PLAIN DISTRICTS
  7. Chapter 7 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES
  8. Chapter 8 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENT
  9. Chapter 9
  10. Chapter 10 — ADULT ORIENTED BUSINESS
  11. Chapter 11 — PARKING AND LOADING FACILITIES, OFF-STREET
  12. Chapter 12 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS MODIFICATIONS
  13. Chapter 13
  14. Chapter 14 — LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
  15. Chapter 15
  16. Chapter 16
  17. Chapter 17 — TREE PRESERVATION
  18. Chapter 18 — PUBLIC ART
  19. Chapter 19 — PLANNED UNIT DISTRICT AND PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTR…
  20. ▸Chapter 20 — SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES
    Overview
    1. 20.010 Purposes.
    2. 20.020 Definitions.
    3. 20.030 General Provisions.
    4. 20.040 Signs in Open Space and Parks, Agricultural, Residentia…
    5. 20.050 Signs in Commercial, Mixed Use, Business Park and Indus…
    6. 20.060 Signs in Mobile Home Districts.
    7. 20.070 Temporary Subdivision and Construction Signs - Conformi…
    8. 20.080 Outdoor Advertising Structures.
    9. 20.090 Trailblazer Signs.
    10. 20.100 Political and Campaign Signs.
    11. 20.110 Signs Exempted from Permit.
    12. 20.120 Appeal.
    13. 20.130 Sign Permit.
    14. 20.140 Freeway Oriented Signs.
    15. 20.150 Nearest to Freeways Restricted.
    16. 20.160 Unsafe and Insecure Signs.
    17. 20.170 Removal of Unused Signs.
    18. 20.180 Obstructions Prohibited - Attaching to Certain Items Pr…
    19. 20.190 Traffic Hazard Prohibited.
    20. 20.200 When Sign Surface to be Smooth.
    21. 20.210 Projecting Signs.
    22. 20.220 Existing Signs.
    23. 20.230 Non-Conforming Signs.
  21. Chapter 21 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
  22. Chapter 22 — NONCONFORMING USES
  23. Chapter 23
  24. Chapter 24
  25. Chapter 25 — AMENDMENTS
  26. Chapter 26 — ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES, ENACTMENT
  27. Chapter 27 — RESIDENTIAL DENSITY BONUS
  28. Chapter 28 — GLOSSARY

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