San Diego Municipal Code Div. 12 Sign Regulations

(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

The purpose of these regulations is to provide a comprehensive system of regulations for signs that are visible from the public right-of-way. The intent of these regulations is to provide a set of standards that are designed to optimize communication and quality of signs while protecting the public and the aesthetic character of the City. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

This Division applies to all signs within the City unless otherwise specifically regulated. This Division applies to all construction within the City whether or not a permit or other approval is required. In addition, discretionary permits may also contain conditions that regulate signs on certain properties. Table 142-12A shows the applicable regulations and type of permit required by this Division, if any, for specific types of signs.

Table 142-12A

Sign Regulations Applicability

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(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.) (Amended 6-18-2013 by O-20261 N.S.; effective 7-19-2013.)

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(a) It is unlawful to do the following:

(1) Place, post, paint or secure any sign, pennant, flag, banner, balloon, or
similar attention-seeking device on public property or within the
public right-of-way unless otherwise provided in the Municipal Code
or specific state statute;

(2) Place any lettering, card, poster, or notice of any kind on any curb,
sidewalk, street, pole, post, utility box, hydrant, bridge, tree, building,
or other surface that is located on public property or in the public
right-of-way unless otherwise provided in the Municipal Code or
specific state statute; or

(3) Erect any sign on any premises contrary to the provisions of this
Division.

(b) Violations of any provisions of this division shall be subject to the
enforcement provisions of Chapter 12, Article 1. Violations of this division
shall be treated as strict liability offenses regardless of intent.
(Amended 6-12-2001 by O-18948 N.S.; effective 12-12-2001.)
(Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)

(a) Where the development permit for a commercial or industrial development specifies a sign requirement, signs that meet the Land Development Code regulations for signs may nevertheless be approved in accordance with Process One without an amendment to that development permit, except as follows:

(1) Any sign that is subject to a development permit in accordance with
the following separately regulated use regulations (Chapter 14,
Article 1):

(A) Comprehensive sign plans (Section 141.1103) adopted January
1, 2000 or later;

(B) Revolving projecting signs (Section 141.1104);

(C) Signs with automatic changing copy (Section 141.1105); and

(D) Theater marquees (Section 141.1106).

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(2) A sign that involves an alteration to the building where the building
alteration would not be in substantial conformance to the applicable
development permit; and

(3) Any proposal that involves an advertising display sign.

(b) New signs for commercial or industrial development with a comprehensive
sign plan adopted prior to January 1, 2000 may be approved in accordance
with Process One if the proposed signs comply with the current Land
Development Code regulations for signs.
(“Signs in Commercial and Industrial Developments” added 5-5-2015 by
O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)

This section is divided into subsections for copy regulations, locational regulations, structural regulations, and sign maintenance regulations.

(a) Copy Regulations

(1) Permanent or changeable copy on signs shall contain on-premises or
public interest messages only.

(A) On-premises messages are those identifying or advertising an
establishment, person, activity, goods, products, or services
located on the premises where the sign is installed.

(B) Public interest messages that are primary signs are those that
are located on the following types of signs and notices:

(i) Official signs and notices, including historical markers
and commemorative plaques authorized by federal,
state, or local law, placed by public officials or
agencies pursuant to and in accordance with federal,
state, or local law for the purposes of carrying out an
official duty or responsibility;

(ii) Service club and religious signs and notices containing
identification of nonprofit service clubs, religious
organizations, or charitable associations and containing
information relating to meetings, locations, fund-raising
or other nonprofit activities; and

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(iii) Political and ideological signs and notices related to
any federal, state, or local election issue or candidate
and signs and notices unrelated to election issues or
candidates but expressing ideological or political views.

(C) Public interest messages for public or private non-profit or
charitable organizations may identify sponsors and supporters
of the signs and notices as described in Section
142.1210(a)(1)(B). A maximum of 15 percent of the total area
of a sign containing a public interest message shall include the
name of the sponsors or supporters, description of the products,
services or activities provided or engaged in by the sponsors or
supporters, and recognized trademarks, logotypes or symbols
customarily associated with the sponsors or supporters.

(D) The following signs are also public interest message signs but
are regulated as secondary signs:

(i) Public utility signs that are required by law;

(ii) Directional signs; and

(iii) Holiday decorations.

(2) Signs may have changeable copy, such as letters, numbers, symbols,
pictorial panels, and other similar characters. Changeable copy shall
be manually or mechanically changeable only in the field and not
remotely or electronically changeable, except for the following signs:

(A) Public service messages in compliance with Section
142.1220(f);

(B) Signs with automatic changing copy may be permitted with a
Neighborhood Use Permit in compliance with Section
141.1105; and

(C) Automobile service station gasoline pricing signs designed in
accordance with state law.

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(3) Painted graphics that are murals, mosaics, or any type of graphic art that are painted on a wall or fence and do not contain copy, advertising symbols, lettering, trademarks, or other references to the premises, products, or services that are provided on the premises where the graphics are located or any other premises, are not signs for the purposes of these regulations.

When painted graphics are installed on other than a wall or fence or
contain copy, advertising symbols, lettering, trademarks, or other
references to the premises, products, or services, only the actual copy
area is considered sign area and shall comply with these regulations.

(4) Signs that resemble traffic control signs, traffic signals or devices, or
which bear the words “stop,” “go slow,” “caution,” “danger,”
“warning” or other similar words, or emergency lights or signals are
not permitted.

(5) Signs that have flashing copy or lights, and signs with stroboscopic
lights, intermittent lights, rotary beacons, chasing lights, or zip lights
are not permitted.

(6) Signs with one copy message that flashes on and off, or with two or
more copy messages that alternate or change, either on the same or
different portions of the sign, are not permitted.

(7) Signs with animated copy that includes action, motion, or an illusion
of either, or has color changes of all or part of the sign face, may be
installed provided that the animated portion of the sign does not
exceed 10 square feet. The animation may be either electrical or wind
powered. The light source for the sign shall be constant, and the
exterior face shall not be moveable. The animated portion of a
primary sign shall count toward the total sign allowance.

(8) Freeway-oriented sign copy shall only identify establishments where
transient lodging or prepared food are offered to the public, or any
retail place of business engaged in supplying goods and services
essential to the normal mechanical operation of automobiles,
specifically including the dispensing of automotive fuel as the primary
function.

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(9) On-premises signs or sign copy relating to an establishment or
occupancy shall be removed no later than 30 calendar days after the
date that the establishment or occupancy vacates the premises.

(10) The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this chapter may
substitute noncommercial copy in lieu of any other commercial or
noncommercial copy. This substitution of copy may be made without
any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this provision is
to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over
noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial
message over any other noncommercial message. This provision
prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary.

(b) Locational Regulations

(1) Signs shall be located no closer than 6 feet horizontally and 12 feet
vertically to overhead electrical conductors, either bare or insulated,
carrying more than 750 volts, except conductors enclosed in approved
metal conduits.

(2) All signs shall comply with the minimum setbacks as established by
base zones, planned districts, and City Council ordinances except as
otherwise specifically provided.

(3) All signs, except for certain temporary signs as described in Section
142.1255, shall be permanently attached to the ground or a structure.

(4) Freeway-oriented signs shall comply with the following regulations.

(A) The sign must be within a 660-foot horizontal distance from
the freeway public right-of-way;

(B) The premises on which the sign is located must be within 1500 feet of a freeway exit that provides access to the premises. The 1500-foot distance is measured directly from the property line of the premises to the freeway ramp; and

(C) The sign copy shall only identify the types of uses described in
Section 142.1210(a)(8).

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(5) Signs on Public Property and in Public Rights-of-Way

(A) Signs are not permitted to be installed on public property or
public rights-of-way, except for signs that are authorized by
law, or as otherwise permitted in the Municipal Code.

(B) Signs that are permitted to project from structures into
parkways shall in no case extend over a street or an alley.

(C) Banners in public rights-of-way that are used for promoting
cultural or civic events or activities of general public interest
are permitted in accordance with the following regulations.

(i) The banners are permitted only on streets and public
rights-of-way that are designated for banner installation
in a City Council resolution.
(ii) The banners shall not be used for commercial or
political advertising, except that logos and trademarks
of sponsoring organizations shall be permitted. The
total area of logos and trademarks shall be limited to 5
percent of the banner area.

(iii) The banners shall be displayed no more than 30
calendar days, with one 30-calendar-day extension.

(iv) The banners shall be installed only on light standards
that have been equipped by the City with mounting
hardware.

(v) The banners have received all necessary permits to
locate in the public right-of-way.

(vi) No street banner other than those authorized by this
section shall be displayed after April 30, 1989.

(D) Clocks are permitted in public rights-of-way between a curb and sidewalk in accordance with the following regulations.

(i) The clock shall be constructed of noncombustible
materials.

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(ii) The clock shall be maintained and shall keep time
accurately.

(iii) The ground pedestal support shall not exceed 2 feet in
any dimension.

(iv) There shall be a minimum clearance of 7 feet, 6 inches
between the face portion of the clock and the grade.

(v) The width of the face portion of the clock shall not
exceed 14 inches.

(vi) The clock face shall not exceed a total area of 5 square
feet, and the clock dials shall form at least one-half of
that area.

(vii) The clock shall not contain any advertising, other than a
nameplate containing the name of the manufacturer.
The nameplate shall have engraved or embossed letters
that do not exceed 6 inches in height.

(viii) All necessary permits to locate in the public right-of-
way must be received before installation of the clock.

(E) Community entry signs within the public right-of-way shall
conform to Section 141.1101.

(c) Structural Regulations

(1) Signs and sign-supporting structures shall be listed by a recognized
testing laboratory and constructed in compliance with the requirements
of the Building Regulations and the Electrical Regulations as adopted
by the City of San Diego. Exposed-tube neon signs shall be
constructed and installed in compliance with the Electrical Regulations
as adopted by the City of San Diego.

(2) Guy wires or angle iron structures that are used as sign supports shall
not be visible from public rights-of-way. Sign supports shall appear to
be an integral part of the sign.

(3) The supports for all signs or sign structures shall be placed entirely
within the boundaries of the premises on which the sign is located.

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(4) When installed on the exterior walls of high-rise buildings as defined
in Chapter 4 of the California Building Code, exterior wall signs
greater than 100 square feet in area or greater than 10 feet in either
dimension shall comply with Section 705.13 of the 2025 California
Building Code.

(d) Sign Maintenance Regulations

All signs shall comply with the following maintenance regulations whether or
not a Sign Permit is required.

(1) All signs and sign supports, including decorative covers, shall be
maintained in a clean and safe condition.

(2) Signs shall be maintained in a graffiti-free condition.

(3) The owner shall keep the display area of all painted signs neatly
printed or posted at all times and shall correct any painting, fading,
chipping, peeling, or flaking paint or plastic and mechanical or
structural defect.

(4) Paint or debris associated with signs shall not litter public property or
public rights-of-way.
(Amended 1-13-2004 by O-19253 N.S.)
(Amended 11-13-08 by O-19804 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.)
(Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)
(Amended 4-6-2016 by O-20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)
(Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.)
(Amended 4-9-2020 by O-21181 N.S.; effective 5-9-2020.)
(Amended 5-8-2023 by O-21642 N.S.; effective 6-7-2023.)
(Amended 3-3-2026 by O-22080 N.S.; effective 4-22-2026.)

(a) Primary Signs

Primary signs identify an establishment or a premises while the establishment
is operative or the premises is occupied. The following are the different types
of primary signs:

(1) Wall signs, including theater marquees, marquee signs, and entrance
awning signs

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(2) Roof signs

(3) Projecting signs

(4) Ground signs

(b) Secondary Signs

Secondary signs provide information that is secondary to identifying the
major activities occurring on the premises. Secondary signs may be
permanent or temporary. The following are the categories of permanent and
temporary secondary signs:

(1) Permanent secondary signs are used for establishment identification,
incidental signs, traffic direction, and public utility and safety
information that is required by law.

(A) High-rise building identification wall signs

(B) Incidental signs

(C) Directional signs

(D) Establishment identification signs

(E) Window signs

(F) Public utility signs

(G) Signs required by law

(H) Theater lobby signs

(I) Address numbers

(2) Temporary secondary signs are used for a specific reason for a specific
period of time.

(A) Construction site signs

(B) Real estate signs

(C) Banner signs

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(D) Special signs

(E) Pennants, flags, streamers and other similar devices

(F) Advertising vehicles

(G) Real estate open house directional signs

(H) Subdivision directional and identification signs

(I) Inflatable displays

(J) Window and building signs

(c) Signs Permitted by Higher Process

The following are the types of signs that may be permitted with a Neighborhood Use Permit in accordance with Chapter 12, Article 6, Division 2.

(1) Revolving projecting signs

(2) Signs with automatic changing copy

(3) Theater marquees

(4) Neighborhood identification signs

(5) Reallocation of sign area allowance
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000; amended 6-19-2000 by
O-18814 N.S.)
(Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.)

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(a) Each establishment is entitled to a wall sign and a projecting sign based on the requirements of Sections 142.1225 and 142.1230. Ground signs and roof signs are permitted on a premises basis, and may be installed instead of a projecting sign.

(b) Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones

(1) Primary signs are regulated according to the applicable commercial or
industrial base zone. Sign Categories A, B, and C are established as
follows to identify applicable sign regulations with the appropriate
base zone.

(A) Sign Category A is applicable in all commercial and industrial
zones, except for those precluded in Table 142-12B or in
Planned Districts, or except in the Coastal Overlay Zone where
Category C shall apply.

(B) Sign Category B is applicable in all of the CO zones, and all of
the IP zones, except in the Coastal Overlay Zone where
Category C shall apply.

(C) Sign Category C is applicable in all of the CN zones and in the
commercial and industrial zones within the Coastal Overlay
Zone.

(2) Section 142.1290 contains separate sign regulations for commercial
and industrial zones in La Jolla, and Section 142.1291 contains
supplemental regulations for commercial zones in Ocean Beach.

(c) Table 142-12B identifies under what conditions certain types of primary signs
are permitted in the commercial and industrial zones and the relationship
among the sizes of primary signs. Allowances may be based on
establishment, premises, or street frontage. This table presents primary sign
type relationships only and should not be used to calculate allowable sign area
or number of signs allowed. Refer to sections identified in Table 142-12A for
regulations.

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Table 142-12B Permitted Primary Signs

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(d) All street frontage factors for sign allocation are based on public rights-of- way with publicly maintained street improvements and do not include alleys or unimproved public rights-of-way.

(e) Public interest signs may use the area of any primary sign.

(f) Signs with public service messages are permitted as part of the primary sign allowance. The message may have electronically changing copy without a Neighborhood Use Permit subject to the following regulations.

(1) The sign shall not exceed 25 percent of the maximum permitted area
for primary signs or 50 square feet, whichever is less.

(2) The message shall be contained within the copy area or sign face and
shall not travel or appear to travel. The message shall remain constant
for a period of time with a complete blackout between messages.

(3) The sign may have electronically changing copy which shall be
limited to the following information:

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(A) Time

(B) Date

(C) Temperature

(D) Weather
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)

The following regulations apply to wall signs in all commercial and industrial zone sign categories, unless otherwise indicated.

(a) A minimum of one wall sign per establishment is permitted. Wall signs are
permitted alone or in combinations with other primary signs.

(b) Table 142-12C provides the basis for calculating the wall sign copy area for
establishments along a single street frontage. The permitted sign copy area is
based on the length of the establishment’s street wall and the width of the
adjacent public right-of-way.

Table 142-12C
Calculation of Wall Sign Copy Area
on a Single Street Frontage

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Footnote to Table 142-12C 1 Where a public right-of-way width is developed to 60 feet or less, but is designated as a major street or a primary arterial by the applicable land use plan, the wall sign copy area shall be based on the 60 feet or greater calculation.

(c) General Regulations for All Wall Signs

(1) Table 142-12C calculates the total wall sign copy area available to all
establishments on multiple floors of the same portion of the street wall
of the building. The establishments on upper floors may share the
permitted wall sign copy area or may use the minimum wall sign copy
area for each establishment in the last row of Table 142-12C.

(2) For premises that have more than one street frontage, each street
frontage is considered separately for calculating the permitted wall
sign copy area.

(3) Wall signs are permitted along street frontages where access rights to
the public right-of-way have been waived or taken for public safety or
traffic circulation purposes.

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(4) Premises fronting on more than one public right-of-way may not combine allowable signs for one frontage with another frontage for the purpose of placing the combined area of signs on any one wall.

(5) Walls signs may be internally or externally illuminated.

(6) Walls signs that either project more than 18 inches from a building
wall or are illuminated by self-supporting light fixtures that extend
more than 18 inches over the parkway are considered to be projecting
signs and shall comply with the regulations of Section 142.1230.

(d) Locational Regulations for all Wall Signs

(1) Allowable wall signs may be placed only on the tenancy of the
building on which the allowance is computed except that a primary
occupant of a building, as designated in writing to the City Manager
by the property owner, may use its wall sign copy area allocation for a
sign on a parapet of the building not within its own tenancy.

(2) Unused wall sign copy area that is permitted on an establishment’s
street wall may be used instead on its nonfrontage wall provided that
the wall sign copy area on the nonfrontage wall does not exceed that
which would be permitted on a single street frontage. This area may
not be transferred to a wall facing an alley or a separately owned
parking lot.

(3) Wall signs on premises with a high-rise building identification wall
sign shall not be placed above the minimum building height in the
ranges indicated in Table 142-12J.

(4) Architectural projections that meet the following criteria may be used
as wall space for locating a wall sign:

(A) The projection has a vertical face that is parallel to the face of
the building,

(B) The projection does not project above the roof line, and

(C) The projection does not project over the parkway.

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(5) Wall Signs on Architectural Appendages Wall signs may be placed on an architectural appendage that is an integral part of the building, projects over the roof line, and is perpendicular to the public right-of-way subject to the following regulations. (A) The appendage must be incorporated into the face of the building that is adjacent to the public right-of-way.

(B) The sign must be in lieu of any roof signs or projecting signs
on the premises.

(C) The sign must not project over the parkway.

(D) The area of the sign may not exceed the permitted sign area or
height for a roof sign as indicated in Section 142.1235.

(E) The sign must be located in a sign category that permits roof
signs.

(F) Signs installed or painted on the vertical surface of a marquee
or other architectural projection are not subject to height or
projection requirements but may not project horizontally or
vertically beyond any edge of the marquee or architectural
projection.

(6) Wall Signs on Buildings Facing Parking Lots
Premises that are adjacent to a separately owned parking lot that abuts
a public right-of-way may place a wall sign on the side of the building
facing the public right-of-way subject to the following regulations.
(A) There may be only one separately owned parking lot between
the building wall and the public right-of-way.
(B) The sign may not exceed the permitted sign copy area for a
wall sign on that wall.
(C) The sign copy area permitted for this wall may not transferred
to any other wall or to this wall from any other wall.
(D) The sign may not project over the property line between the
two premises.

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(7) Wall Signs on Alleys Wall signs are permitted on the wall of a building fronting an alley to identify the building occupant subject to the following regulations. (A) The permitted sign copy area is 1 square foot per foot of building facade on the alley. (B) The wall sign copy area may not be transferred to the alley wall from any other wall or to any other wall from the alley wall. (C) The sign may not project into or over the alley. (D) The sign may not project above the eave or parapet of the building wall or beyond the sides of the building. (8) Wall Signs on Awnings All or a portion of a street wall’s permitted wall sign copy area may be used on awnings subject to the following regulations. (A) The sign must be parallel to the building facade being used to calculate the wall sign allowance. (B) The permitted sign area will be calculated on the sign copy area, not the area of the awning. (C) The building facade with the awning sign may not also have a projecting sign. (9) Wall Signs on Mansard or False Roofs Wall signs may be located on a mansard or false roof that does not vary more than 45 degrees from vertical subject to the following regulations.

(A) The maximum wall sign copy area that may be located on a
mansard or false roof shall be a portion of the street wall’s
permitted wall sign copy area and shall not be greater than 50
percent of the permitted sign copy area specified in Table
142-12C.
(B) The wall sign copy area on a mansard or false roof is not in
addition to the maximum permitted area wall signs.
(C) Wall signs on a mansard or false roof may not be used when a
projecting or roof sign is located on the premises.

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(D) The entire sign, except for the sign copy area, and the entire sign support structure shall be fully enclosed and finished in the same material as the mansard or false roof. (e) Wall Signs Extending Above the Roof (1) Wall signs that extend above the roof line or the top of the parapet wall are permitted in sign categories “A” and “B” only. (2) Wall signs may extend above the roof line subject to the following regulations. (A) The sign shall be mounted flush to a vertical wall. (B) The sign shall be placed only on a single-story building. (C) The sign shall be mounted so that the top of the sign is not greater than 16 feet above the ground. (D) The portion of the sign that projects above the parapet shall not exceed 33-1/3 percent of the height of the sign. (E) The establishment shall not have a roof sign. (F) The establishment shall not have a projecting sign that projects over the parapet wall or roof line. (G) The establishment shall not have a mansard or false roof sign. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)

The following regulations apply to projecting signs that project more than 18 inches from a building wall in all commercial and industrial sign categories, unless otherwise indicated.

(a) A projecting sign is permitted for each establishment with accessible street
frontage, in lieu of ground or roof signs.

(b) Table 142-12D provides the permitted sign area, the number of signs
permitted per establishment with street frontage, and the maximum permitted
height for projecting signs.

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Table 142-12D

Maximum Allowances for Projecting Signs On single Street Frontage Premises

Footnotes for Table 142-12D 1 The permitted sign area is for a single face. If a projecting sign has two or more faces, the permitted sign area is doubled. Signs may have more than two faces, but the sign area shall not exceed twice the maximum permitted amount.

2 Where a public right-of-way is developed to 60 feet in width or less, but is designated as a major
street or primary arterial by the applicable land use plan, the roof sign area shall be based on the
greater than 60 feet public right-of-way width.

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(c) Projecting signs are permitted a maximum projection over parkways. Table 142-12E provides the allowable combinations for projection over the parkway and height.

Table 142-12E

Maximum Projection and Height for Projecting Signs

(d) General Regulations for Projecting Signs

(1) The projecting sign shall only be placed along the street frontage
portion of the premises that is occupied by the establishment.

(2) All projecting signs, regardless of whether they project over public or
private property, shall be subject to the regulations of this section.

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(3) A projecting sign is permitted only in lieu of ground or roof signs.
However, if an establishment is permitted to have two ground signs, a
projecting sign may be substituted for one of the ground signs. When
a ground sign and a projecting sign, or two projecting signs, are
installed by the same establishment on the same street frontage, the
area of the two signs shall be reduced to one-half of the maximum sign
area permitted by Tables 142-12D and 142-12H.

(4) Projecting signs may be illuminated. All illuminated signs projecting
over a parkway, except for marquee and entrance awning signs, must
be internally illuminated.

(5) For Sign Category B only, projecting signs shall comply with the
following:

(A) The sign face shall be parallel to the face of the building, and

(B) The sign shall not project above the eaves or parapet of the
building.

(6) Projecting signs are permitted to revolve only if a Neighborhood Use Permit for revolving projecting signs has been issued in accordance with Chapter 12, Article 6, Division 2 (Neighborhood Use Permit Procedures) and Section 141.1101.

(7) Signs on Marquees (Non-Theater) and Entry Awnings

(A) Signs may be mounted directly to the bottom of a marquee or
architectural projection subject to the following regulations.

(i) The sign area shall not exceed 4 square feet per side.

(ii) The vertical dimension of the sign shall not exceed 12
inches.

(iii) The bottom of the sign shall be at least 8 feet above
grade.

(iv) The sign shall be symmetrically placed along a center
line running parallel or perpendicular to the building
facade and the outer edge of the marquee.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(B) All signs that are installed on a marquee or architectural
projection shall be included as part of the permitted sign area
for projecting signs on the premises.

(C) Signs that are attached to a marquee or other architectural
projection that projects over a parkway shall comply with this
section.

(D) Signs installed or painted on the vertical surface of a marquee
or other architectural projection are not subject to height or
projection requirements but may not project horizontally or
vertically beyond any edge of the marquee or architectural
projection.

(e) Locational Regulations for Projecting Signs

(1) Projecting signs shall meet the following minimum clearances:

(A) Signs that project above a parkway shall have a minimum
clearance of 8 feet from the bottom of the sign to the grade
below;

(B) Signs shall not project over alleys; and

(C) Signs that project over vehicular traffic areas on the premises and have a minimum clearance that is less than 16 feet, shall be labeled with the clearance height at the bottom of the sign with letters that are legible from a distance of at least 30 feet. (2) Projecting signs may not be installed within five feet of the ground floor leasehold of an adjacent establishment. (3) An establishment with 25 feet or more street frontage may have a sign that projects perpendicularly beyond a property line, provided that it projects no more than 5 feet, or two-thirds of the distance between the inside edge of the sidewalk and the face of the curb, whichever is less. (4) An establishment with less than 25 feet of street frontage may have a sign that projects 4 feet or less beyond a property line. (5) A minimum horizontal distance of 10 feet shall be provided between projecting signs. (6) Projecting signs may not project above the roof line at the wall.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(7) Signs may project above the top of the parapet wall subject to the
following regulations.

(A) The projecting sign shall only be placed on a single-story
building.

(B) The sign shall not project more than 2 feet vertically above the
top of the parapet.

(C) The uppermost point of the sign shall not exceed 16 feet in
height.

(D) The portion of the sign that projects above the parapet shall not
exceed 33-1/3 percent of the vertical dimension of the sign.

(E) A roof sign shall not be located on the premises.

(F) The establishment shall not have a wall sign that extends above
the parapet.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21836 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21836 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment. Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-21836-SO.pdf ]

The following regulations apply to roof signs, which are permitted only in Sign Category A of the commercial and industrial zone sign categories.

(a) One roof sign shall be permitted per premises. A roof sign is permitted only in
lieu of a permissible ground or projecting sign. Roof signs may be located
only on premises with accessible street frontage. Roof signs are not permitted
on buildings with high-rise building identification wall signs as described in
Section 142.1250.

(b) Table 142-12F provides the permitted sign area for roof signs. The sign area
is determined by the width of the public right-of-way fronting the premises
and the street speed limit on that public right-of-way.

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 28

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

Table 142-12F

Permitted Sign Area and Height for Roof Signs

Footnotes for Table 142-12F 1 The permitted sign area is for a single face. If a roof sign has two or more faces, the permitted sign area is doubled. Signs may have more than two faces, but the sign area shall not exceed twice the maximum permitted amount.

2 Where a public right-of-way is developed to 60 feet in width or less, but is designated as a major street or a primary arterial by the applicable land use plan, the roof sign area shall be based on the greater than 60 feet public right-of-way width.

(c) The maximum height of roof signs is a combination of the building height and
the maximum vertical dimension of the sign. The maximum vertical
dimension includes the height of the sign plus any space that is required for
clearance under the sign. The maximum total permitted height of the building
and the sign is the measurement of the average elevation of the premises or
the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent street at the point closest to the
sign, whichever is lower, to the uppermost point of the sign. Table 142-12G
provides the maximum height and vertical dimensions for roof signs.

Ch. Art. Div.
14 2 12 29

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

Table 142-12G

Maximum Height and Vertical Dimensions for Roof Signs

Footnote for Table 142-12G 1 See Section 142.1235(e)(2)

(d) General Regulations for All Roof Signs

(1) Roof signs shall have no more than two parallel faces.

(2) Roof signs are not permitted to revolve.

(3) All projecting roof signs must be internally illuminated.

(e) Locational Regulations for All Roof Signs

(1) All roof signs shall be set back a minimum of 3 feet from the edge of
all outside building walls on which the sign is located, unless the
following circumstances exist:

(A) The lower edge of the sign is at least 7 feet above the top of the
building wall and the surface of the roof; and

(B) The sign occupies 25 percent or less of the length of the
building elevation above which the sign is located.

(2) Roof signs that are located on a premises with a boundary within
100 feet from the property line of a residentially zoned lot or premises
shall not exceed 20 feet in height unless one of the following
circumstances exist:

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 30

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(A) The sign is located more than 100 feet from the property line
of the residentially zoned property; or

(B) The entire premises is within 100 feet from the property line of the residentially zoned property, and the sign is located on the 25 percent of the lot or premises that is farthest from the property line.

(3) Roof signs may project over parkways provided that the following
circumstances exist:

(A) The sign pertains to an establishment or activity that is within
the building on which the sign is located;

(B) The portion of the sign projecting into the parkway does not
exceed 33-1/3 percent of the total roof sign area;

(C) The sign does not exceed the permitted sign area for roof signs
in Table 142-12F; and

(D) The sign does not exceed the maximum projection provision
for projecting signs in Table 142-12E.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 8-9-2019 by O-21114 N.S.; effective 9-8-2019.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)
(Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21836 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21836 N.S. will not apply within the
Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local
Coastal Program Amendment.
Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language
http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-21836-SO.pdf ]

The following regulations apply to ground signs in all commercial and industrial zone sign categories, unless otherwise indicated.

(a) One ground sign is permitted for each premises with accessible street
frontage, regardless of street frontage length. In Sign Category A only, the
number of ground signs increases as the street frontage lengthens. Ground
signs are permitted in lieu of roof and projecting signs.

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14 2 12 31

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(b) Signs shall not exceed a height of 3 feet within a visibility area. For
determination of the visibility area see Chapter 11, Article 3, Division 2
(Rules for Calculation and Measurement).

(c) Table 142-12H provides the general regulations for ground signs.

Table 142-12H
Maximum Allowances for Ground Signs

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 32

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

Footnotes for Table 142-12H 1 The permitted sign area is for a single face. If a ground sign has two or more faces, the permitted sign area is doubled. Signs may have more than two faces, but the sign area shall not exceed twice the maximum permitted amount. See Section 142.1440(d)(3). 2 See Section 142.1240(d)(3). 3 See Section 142.1240(d)(2). 4 See Section 142.1240(e)(2). 5 The height of ground signs shall be measured from the grade at the centerline of the adjacent public right-of-way to the top of the sign or sign structure, whichever is higher. The height of any portion of the sign or structure shall not exceed the maximum permitted height as specified in this table. 6 Ground signs are not permitted on premises having less than 100 feet of street frontage.

(d) General Regulations for Ground Signs

(1) For premises that have more than one street frontage, each street
frontage is considered separately for calculating the permitted ground
sign area.

(2) Freeway-oriented signs are permitted, provided that the sign is one of
the permitted ground signs and not an additional sign. No more than
one freeway-oriented sign is permitted per premises.

Ch. Art. Div.
14 2 12 33

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(3) For premises in Sign Category A only, the following apply.

(A) Where more than one sign is located on the same street
frontage, the display area of each sign shall be reduced to
50 percent of that permitted in Table 142-12H.

(B) For single occupancy premises, the establishment may combine the allowable sign area of two or more ground signs into one sign, provided that the sign area does not exceed one- half square foot per foot of street frontage along the same public right-of-way, or 200 square feet, whichever is less.

(C) Ground signs may project over the roof of a building provided
that the following circumstances exist:

(i) There are no other ground signs, roof signs, or
projecting signs on the premises;

(ii) The sign does not revolve;

(iii) The sign complies with the permitted sign area
specified in Table 142-12F; and

(iv) The sign does not exceed the maximum permitted
vertical dimensions for roof signs as specified in
Table 142-12G.

(4) A ground sign is considered to be projecting when any portion of the
sign penetrates a vertical plane connecting the outer eaves of a
building or structure or the outer edges of the parapet wall.

(5) Ground signs may project over a parkway subject to the following
regulations.

(A) The sign height shall not exceed 16 feet;

(B) The sign shall not exceed the projection permitted in
Table 142-12E;

(C) The sign shall not exceed the permitted sign area specified in
Table 142-12D; and

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 34

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(D) If the sign projects above a traffic area, such as a driveway or
parking lot aisle, the minimum clearance between the bottom
of the sign and the ground shall be 8 feet. When the clearance
is less than 16 feet, the sign shall be clearly labeled at the
bottom of the sign with letters that are legible from a distance
of 30 feet.

(6) Ground signs may be internally illuminated or externally illuminated.

(e) Locational Regulations for Ground Signs

(1) Ground signs may be installed only on the street frontage used for determining the ground sign allowable area.

(2) Ground signs that are located on a premises with a property line
within 100 feet of a residentially zoned property shall not exceed
20 feet in height unless one of the following circumstances exists:

(A) The sign is located more than 100 feet from the boundary of
the residentially zoned property; or

(B) The entire premises is within 100 feet of the boundary of the
residentially zone property, and the sign is located on the
25 percent of the premises that is farthest from that property.
The sign shall not exceed the maximum height permitted in
Table 142-12H.

(3) All ground signs, except for freeway-oriented, shall only be placed
along the street frontage of the premises used for determining the
ground sign allowance. Freeway-oriented signs may be located on
any portion of the premises except within the setbacks.

(4) Ground signs may be located in required front and street side yards
subject to the following limitations.

(A) Signs located between 0 and 15 feet from the public
right-of-way:

Maximum height: 3 feet

Permitted sign area: 33 percent of the maximum permitted
area in Table 142-12H

Ch. Art. Div.
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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(B) Signs located 15 feet and up to 25 feet from the public
right-of-way:

Maximum height: 6 feet Permitted sign area: 66 percent of the maximum permitted area in Table 142-12H (C) When more than one ground sign is permitted on a premises, and if the signs are located in the front or street side yards, the permitted sign area shall be reduced in accordance with the limitations in Section 142.1240(e)(4)(A) and (B) and by an additional 50 percent as required by Section 142.1240(d)(3)(A).

(f) Revolving Ground Signs

(1) Ground signs are permitted to revolve in Sign Category “A” only.

(2) Single occupancy premises with two or more street frontages are
allowed to have a revolving ground sign subject to the following
regulations.

(A) No other ground, roof, or projecting signs are permitted on the
premises;

(B) The sign area shall not exceed one-half of that permitted in
Table 142-12H;

(C) The maximum speed of revolution shall not exceed
6 revolutions or cycles per minute; and

(D) The sign shall be installed at least 100 feet from the property
line of a residentially zoned property.

(g) Ground Sign Pole Covers

Where ground signs are supported by poles, covers may be added onto those
poles to improve the aesthetic quality of the ground sign in accordance with
the following regulations.

(1) Pole covers shall not contain signs or sign copy area.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(2) The average combined width of all pole covers for an individual
ground sign shall not exceed an average of 50 percent of the width of
the largest sign face.

(3) Exception: For pole covers that are designed with vertical and
horizontal faces that are a minimum of 50 percent transparent or open,
the average combined width of all pole covers for an individual
ground sign shall not exceed 75 percent of the width of the largest sign
face.

(4) The maximum width of any element of any pole cover shall not
exceed the width of the largest sign face.

(5) The maximum thickness of any pole cover shall not exceed the maximum thickness of the largest sign face. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 11-28-2005 by O-19444 N.S.; effective 2-9-2006.) (Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21836 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21836 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment. Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-21836-SO.pdf ]

The following regulations apply to secondary signs in all commercial and industrial zone sign categories, unless otherwise indicated.

(a) Secondary signs may be either permanent or temporary.

(b) The area for secondary signs is not included in the calculation for the
allowable sign area for primary signs unless otherwise noted.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

Ch. Art. Div.
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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(a) Table 142-12I identifies the type of permanent secondary signs permitted in the different sign categories.

Table 142-12I

Permanent Secondary Signs

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(b) High-Rise Building Identification Wall Signs

(1) In Sign Category A only, buildings in excess of 100 feet in height shall
be permitted additional wall sign copy area for building identification
purposes subject to the following regulations.

(A) The high-rise building identification wall sign shall be placed on a building at a minimum height of 100 feet, above the uppermost row of windows, and not within 2 feet of the top of a parapet wall.

Ch. Art. Div.
14 2 12 39

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(B) The high-rise building identification sign copy area shall not
be included in the calculation of primary wall sign area.

(C) A premises containing a building with a high-rise wall sign
shall not be entitled to a roof sign.

(D) High-rise wall sign area shall not be transferred from one
building facade to any other building facade.

(E) High-rise wall signs shall not project more than 18 inches from
a building wall, nor shall they be illuminated by self-
supporting light fixtures that extend more than 18 inches over a
parkway.

(F) The sign shall comply with area and setback requirements
determined by reference to Table 142-12J.

(G) The sign shall be placed in its entirety within the Building
Height Measurement Category in Table 142-12J. The height
of the sign is measured from the average grade of the building
immediately below the sign to the uppermost point of the sign
copy area.

(2) Table 142-12J provides the basis for calculating the high-rise building
identification wall sign copy area and the minimum distance the sign
must be set back from the building edge. The permitted sign copy
area is based on the height of the building and the width of the
building facade at the uppermost point of the sign copy area. The
required setback is based on the height of the sign.

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 40

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

Table 142-12J

High-Rise Building Identification Wall Sign Calculations

(c) Establishment identification wall signs, which identify the name or symbol of an establishment, the operation of an establishment, or the products or services available on the premises, shall not be included in the calculation of allowable primary sign area, provided that the following criteria are met: (1) The sign has non illuminated letters; (2) The sign lettering does not exceed 3 inches in average height; and (3) The sign area does not exceed 4 square feet. (d) Incidental signs that pertain to goods, products, services, or facilities that are available on the premises where the sign is located are permitted subject to the following regulations: (1) Incidental signs may be located on ground signs or on a building wall.

(2) Incidental signs may not be attached perpendicularly to a wall.

(3) Incidental signs are limited to the following information:

(A) Trading stamps,

(B) Credit cards accepted,

(C) Notices of services or restrictions, and

(D) Trade affiliations or public interest messages.

Ch. Art. Div.
14 2 12 41

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(e) Directional signs, which are for the sole purpose of directing traffic or
pedestrians, shall have at least 50 percent of the sign area used for providing
direction and shall observe visibility area restrictions.

(f) Permanent window signs shall be permanently affixed to the exterior window.

(g) Public utility and safety signs that are required by law are exempt from this
division.

(h) Theater lobby signs located on the walls of lobbies that are roofed and open
on one side only shall not be calculated as permitted wall sign area, if any of
the following circumstances exists:

(1) The sign is perpendicular to the fronting public right-of-way on the
open side of the lobby;

(2) The open side of the lobby does not front a public right-of-way; or

(3) The sign is located within the lobby and is not intended to be visible to passing vehicular traffic.

(i) Signs that are required by law to be visible from the public right-of-way are
exempt from this division provided that the signs do not exceed the minimum
dimensions required by law. Signs that exceed the minimum dimensions shall
be subject to this division to the extent that the minimum dimensions are
exceeded. Signs required by law other than public utility and safety signs that
do not have specified minimum dimensions shall be subject to this division.

(j) Address numbers that exceed the applicable height and area requirements
from Table 142-12I shall be calculated as permitted wall sign area.

(k) Directory signs, which list the names or uses in a building or on a premises,
may be either primary wall signs or ground signs as permitted for the
premises. Ground directory signs are subject to the minimum setbacks
established by the applicable zones.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000; amended 6-19-2000 by O-18814 N.S.)
(Amended 3-1-2006 by O-19468 N.S.; effective 4-1-2006.)
(Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.)

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 42

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(a) Temporary signs shall not be directly illuminated. (b) Temporary signs shall not be permanently installed or affixed to any sign structure or building. (c) Table 142-12K identifies the type of temporary secondary signs permitted in the different sign categories.

Table 142-12K

Temporary Secondary Signs

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 43

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 44

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 45

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(d) Temporary Construction Site Signs (1) Construction site signs may be either ground or wall signs. (2) Street frontages may not be combined for determining the number of signs permitted on a premises. (3) Signs permitted on one street frontage may not be placed on another street frontage. (4) Construction site ground signs shall be located within 35 feet of the fronting public right-of-way. (5) Signs relating to safety warnings, traffic directions, entry prohibitions, and other similar signs for a construction project are permitted for the duration of the project. (e) Real Estate Signs (1) Real estate sign copy shall be limited to offering the premises for sale, rent, or lease. (2) Real estate signs may be either ground or wall signs. (3) Real estate wall signs shall meet the requirements of Section 142.1225. (4) Real estate signs on the same premises shall have at least 50 feet between signs. (5) Real estate signs shall be placed entirely within the property lines of the premises to which they pertain. (6) Real estate signs shall be removed within 15 business days of sale or occupancy of the premises, whichever occurs first. (f) Open House Directional Signs for Multiple-Unit Dwelling Units in Commercial and Industrial Zones (1) Open house directional signs may contain the name of the person or agency offering a dwelling unit for sale, an arrow, and an address of the dwelling unit. (2) Open house directional signs shall comply with the following regulations. (A) The signs must pertain to one dwelling unit that is being offered for sale. (B) The signs shall be ground-mounted.

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 46

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(C) The signs shall not be placed in the public right-of-way or on public property. (D) The signs may be placed on private property only with the consent of the property owner. (E) The signs may be in place during daylight hours only. (F) Flags, banners, streamer, and pennants may not be placed on or near the signs. (g) Inflatable displays shall comply with the following regulations. (1) The display shall be ground-mounted or roof-mounted and filled with ambient air. (2) The display shall not be placed within 300 feet of any other inflatable display on the same premises or within 300 feet of a freeway public right-of-way. (3) The display shall not be placed within 100 feet of a residentially zoned premises. (4) The display shall observe all Federal Aviation Administration height limitations. (5) The display shall not be located within required setbacks. (6) The display shall not be in place more than 10 consecutive business days, nor more than a total of 20 calendar days in a 12-month period. (7) The materials used shall not fade or tear during the period of installation. Structural materials and installation shall comply with the provisions of California State General Order Number 95. (8) The display shall not be attached to fences, trees, shrubbery, or utility poles. (9) The display shall not be placed in or project into the public right-of-way. (10) The display shall not obstruct or obscure primary signs on adjacent premises. (11) The display shall not create a traffic hazard because of the distractive character of the display or the cumulative effect of all displays to motorists.

Ch. Art. Div.
14 2 12 47

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(h) Temporary Advertising Vehicles (1) A vehicle that has an attached sign or advertising device for the purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to an establishment or activity shall not be parked so that it is visible from public rights-of-way. (2) Business or commercially licensed vehicles that have permanently attached signs or advertising devices and are used for the primary purpose of transporting people and products may be parked so that they are visible from public rights-of-way. (i) Temporary Window or Building Signs (1) Signs may be painted on the interior of a window, or constructed of cloth or paper and attached to the interior of a window or interior building wall.

(2) Signs may not be attached or affixed in any manner to the exterior
surface of any window or building.

(j) Off-premises Directional and Identification Signs for Subdivisions

(1) Off-premises directional and identification signs for subdivisions must
be for a subdivision within the City of San Diego with dwelling units
or lots that are being offered for sale.

(2) Off-premises directional and identification signs for subdivisions shall
comply with the following regulations.

(A) The signs shall not be placed in the public right-of-way or on
public property.

(B) The signs may be placed on private property only with the
consent of the property owner.

(C) Sign copy may contain the name of the subdivision, name of
the developer or subdivider of record, a descriptor of the
development (i.e. single family, condos, etc.), and address or
directional arrow. No information regarding other subdivision
features, prices, or loans is permitted on the sign face.

(D) Signs shall be located within 3 miles of the subdivision with at
least 300 feet between signs, except that signs may be located
at each corner of an intersection of a major street.

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 48

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(E) A maximum of 8 off-premises signs are permitted per subdivision.

(F) Signs shall be a maximum of 16 square feet in sign area.

(G) Signs shall comply with a maximum height of 8 feet.

(H) Signs shall not exceed a height of 3 feet within a visibility area.
For determination of the visibility area see Chapter 11, Article
3, Division 2 (Rules for Calculation and Measurement).

(I) Flags, banners, streamers, and pennants may not be placed on
or near the signs.

(k) Banners, Pennants, Flags, and Streamers
(1) Banners, pennants, flags, streamers, flares, wind-propelled and
noise-making devices, and other similar devices shall not be permitted,
unless they qualify as one of the following:
(A) Corporate or Institutional Flags
Corporate and institutional flags shall be displayed from either
freestanding or wall-mounted flagpoles. The flags may not
exceed one sign for every 100 feet of street frontage and may
not exceed five flags per premise
(B) Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations shall be removed within 20 calendar days
of the passing of the holiday.
(C) Grand Opening Streamers, Temporary Banners, and Pennants
Streamers, temporary banners, and pennants identifying the
grand opening of a completely new establishment shall be
permitted for no more than 60 consecutive calendar days. They
shall not be placed within 50 feet of a residentially zoned
premises. Two temporary banner signs shall not exceed
one-half of the maximum permitted sign copy area for
allowable wall signs.
(2) Banners, pennants, flags, and streamers must also comply with
regulations in Section 142.1255(g)(7) - (11) for inflatable displays.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 1-23-2013 by O-20235 N.S.; effective 2-22-2013.)

Ch. Art. Div.
14 2 12 49

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

The following signs may be permitted with a Neighborhood Use Permit in accordance with Chapter 12, Article 6, Division 2 and Chapter 14, Article 1, Division 11: (a) Revolving projecting signs, (b) Signs with automatic changing copy (except that automobile service station gasoline pricing signs designed in accordance with state law may be approved in accordance with Process One). (c) Theater marquees, (d) Neighborhood identification signs, and (e) Comprehensive sign plans. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19804 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.) (Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)

The following regulations apply to all signs, both permanent and temporary, that are permitted in single dwelling unit residential zones. (a) Permanent Signs The following signs are permitted in all of the single dwelling unit residential zones on a permanent basis. (1) Street address numbers are permitted, provided that the numbers do not exceed ½ square foot each. Address numbers may be either internally or externally illuminated. (2) Nameplates are permitted, provided that they do not exceed 1 square foot in area. Nameplates may be indirectly illuminated only. (3) Accessory warning signs that provide warnings such as “no parking,” “watch dogs,” and “security services” are permitted. The maximum sign area permitted for accessory warning signs is 1 square foot. (4) Category C Signs are permitted in accordance with Section 142.1220 for commercial, office, retail, and institutional uses that are allowed in residential zones, as identified in Table 131-04B, except that ground signs shall not exceed 3 feet in height and secondary signs are not permitted.

Ch. Art. Div. 14 2 12 50

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(b) Temporary Signs
The following signs are permitted in all single-dwelling unit residential zones
on a temporary basis.

(1) Real estate signs that offer the premises for sale, lease, or rent are permitted on a temporary basis, in accordance with the following regulations. (A) One sign may be located on each street frontage. (B) The signs may be single-faced or double-faced. (C) The sign area shall not exceed 9 square feet, and the sign dimensions shall not exceed 3 feet by 3 feet. (D) The sign height shall not exceed 6 feet. (E) The signs shall not be illuminated. (F) The sign shall be removed within 15 business days of sale or occupancy of the premises, whichever occurs first. (2) Yard sale signs that identify a yard sale on the premises are permitted during the hours of the sale in accordance with the following regulations. (A) One single-faced sign may be permitted per premises. (B) The sign area shall not exceed 9 square feet. (C) The sign height shall not exceed 6 feet. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20917 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.)

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The following regulations apply to all signs, both permanent and temporary, that are permitted in all multiple dwelling unit residential zones, unless otherwise indicated. (a) In all multiple dwelling unit residential zones, the following signs are permitted on a permanent basis. (1) Street address numbers are permitted, provided that the numbers do not exceed .5 square foot each. Address numbers may be either internally or externally illuminated. (2) Nameplates are permitted provided that they do not exceed 1 square foot in area. Nameplates may be indirectly illuminated only. (3) Accessory warning signs that provide warnings such as “no parking,” “watch dogs,” and “security services” are permitted. The permitted sign area for accessory warning signs is 1 square foot. (4) Directional ground signs may be permitted at each driveway of a parking lot containing five or more parking spaces provided that the following regulations are met: (A) The sign may be single-faced or double-faced; (B) The sign area shall not exceed 2 square feet; and (C) The sign height shall not exceed 4 feet. (5) Category C Signs are permitted in accordance with Section 142.1220 for commercial uses that are allowed in residential zones, as identified in Table 131-04B, except that ground signs shall not exceed 3 feet in height and secondary signs are not permitted.

(b) In all multiple dwelling unit residential zones, the following signs are
permitted on a temporary basis.
(1) Ground signs offering new residential developments for sale, lease, or
rent are permitted for 1 year from the issuance of occupancy permits
or until all units have been sold, rented, or leased, whichever occurs
first. The signs shall comply with the following regulations:
(A) One single-faced or double-faced sign is permitted for each
street frontage.
(B) For the RM-1-1, RM-1-2, and RM-1-3 zones, the maximum
display area is 16 square feet, and the maximum height is 6
feet.

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(C) For the RM-2-4, RM-2-5, and RM-2-6 zones, the maximum sign area is 24 square feet, and the maximum height is 8 feet. (D) For the RM-3-7, RM-3-8, and RM-3-9 zones, the maximum sign area is 32 square feet, and the maximum height is 12 feet. (E) For the RM-4-10, RM-4-11, and RM-45-12 zones, the maximum sign area is 48 square feet, and the maximum height is 16 feet. (F) Wall signs may be used in lieu of ground signs, provided that they do not exceed the permitted sign area in Section 142.1270(b)(1)(B) through 142.1270(b)(1)(E) and the sign is not placed higher than 12 feet from grade to the top of the sign. (2) Ground signs offering existing residential developments and vacant lots for sale, lease, or rent are permitted, provided that the sign complies with the following regulations. (A) One sign is permitted for each street frontage. (B) For the RM-1-1, RM-1-2, and RM-1-3 zones, the maximum sign area is 4 square feet, and the maximum height is 4 feet. (C) For the RM-2-4, RM-2-5, and RM-2-6 zones, the maximum sign area is 6 square feet, and the maximum height is 4 feet. (D) For the RM-3-7, RM-3-8, and RM-3-9 zones, the maximum sign area is 8 square feet, and the maximum height is 6 feet. (E) For the RM-4-10, RM-4-11, and RM-45-12 zones, the maximum sign area is 10 square feet, and the maximum height is 6 feet. (F) One additional foot in height is permitted for the post and crossbar supporting the sign. (G) Wall signs may be used in lieu of ground signs, provided that they do not exceed the permitted sign area in Section 142.1270 (B) through (E) above, and the signs are not placed higher than 12 feet from grade to the top of the sign. (H) For the RM-1-1, RM-1-2, RM-1-3, RM-2-4, RM-2-5, and RM-2-6 zones only, banner signs may be used in lieu of wall signs, provided that they do not exceed the permitted sign area in Section 142.1270 (B) and (C) above, and provided that the sign is mounted flush against the building.

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(3) Real estate signs other than those identified in Section 142.1270(b)(1) and (b)(2) that offer the premises for sale, lease, or rent are permitted on a temporary basis, subject to the following regulations. (A) One sign may be located on each street. (B) The signs may be single-faced or double-faced. (C) The sign area shall not exceed 4 square feet, and the sign dimensions shall not exceed 2 feet. (D) The sign height shall not exceed 4 feet, but the supporting post and cross bar may increase the height to 5 feet. (E) The signs shall not be illuminated. (F) The signs shall be removed within 15 business days of sale or occupancy of the premises, whichever occurs first. (4) Yard sale signs that identify a yard sale on the premises are permitted during the hours of the sale in accordance with the following regulations. (A) One single-faced sign is permitted for each premises. (B) The sign area shall not exceed 9 square feet. (C) The sign height shall not exceed 6 feet. (c) Permanent Signs in the RM-3-7, RM-3-8, and RM-3-9 Zones The permanent signs listed below are permitted in the RM-3-7, RM-3-8, and RM-3-9 zones only. (1) Property identification wall signs are permitted, provided that the signs comply with the following regulations. (A) One sign is permitted for each street frontage. (B) The sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet for each street frontage. (C) The signs shall not be placed higher than 12 feet. (D) The signs shall not project above the roof or parapet of the building. (E) The signs shall not be internally illuminated.

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(2) Property identification ground signs are permitted in lieu of property identification wall signs, provided that the ground signs comply with the following regulations. (A) One sign is permitted for each street frontage. (B) The signs may be single-faced or double-faced. (C) For premises with multiple street frontages, wall signs may be used on one street frontage and ground signs on another, if desired. (D) The sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet for each side of a double-faced sign. The faces may not be combined for purposes of increasing the permitted area on a face. (E) The sign height shall not exceed 6 feet. (F) The signs shall not be internally illuminated. (d) Permanent Signs in the RM-4-10, RM-4-11, and RM-5-12 Zones The permanent signs listed below are permitted in the RM-4-10, RM-4-11, and RM-5-12 zones only. (1) Property identification wall signs are permitted, provided that the signs comply with the following regulations. (A) One sign is permitted for each street frontage. (B) The sign area shall not exceed 40 square feet for each street frontage. (C) The signs shall not be placed higher than 24 feet from grade to the top of the sign. (D) The signs shall not project above the roof or parapet of the building. (E) The signs may be internally or externally illuminated. (2) Property identification ground signs are permitted in lieu of property identification wall signs, provided that the ground signs comply with the following regulations: (A) One sign is permitted for each street frontage. (B) The signs may be single-faced or double-faced. (C) For premises with multiple street frontages, wall signs may be used on one street frontage and ground signs on another, if desired.

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(D) The sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet for each side of a double-faced sign. The faces may not be combined for purposes of increasing the permitted area on a face. (E) The sign height shall not exceed 6 feet. (F) The signs may be internally or externally illuminated. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 3-1-2006 by O-19468 N.S.; effective 4-1-2006.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19805 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20917 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.)

The following regulations apply to all signs, both permanent and temporary, that are permitted in all agricultural base zones. The following signs are permitted in all of the agricultural base zones on a permanent basis. (a) A ground sign to identify the establishment or primary use of the premises is permitted in accordance with the following regulations. (1) One sign is permitted for each street frontage. (2) The sign area shall not exceed 12 square feet. (3) The sign height shall not exceed 12 feet. (b) Ground signs that identify the sale of products that are produced on the premises are permitted in accordance with the following regulations. (1) The sign may be used only when products are available for sale to the public. (2) One sign is permitted for each street frontage. (3) The sign area shall not exceed 12 square feet. (4) The sign height shall not exceed 12 feet.

(5) A wall sign may be used in lieu of a ground sign if the wall sign is
placed on a stand that is used to sell products. The wall sign shall
comply with Section 142.1275(b)(1) through (3), and shall not project
above the eaves or parapet of the stand.

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(c) Real estate signs that offer the premises for sale, lease, or rent are permitted
on a temporary basis in accordance with the following regulations.
(1) One sign may be located on each street frontage.
(2) The sign may be single-faced or double-faced.
(3) The sign area shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(4) The sign height shall not exceed 12 feet.
(5) The sign shall not be illuminated.
(6) The sign shall be removed within 15 business days of sale or
occupancy of the premises, whichever occurs first.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

The following regulations apply to all signs, both permanent and temporary, that are permitted in all open space base zones. (a) In the OP and OC zones, all proposed signs are subject to the approval of the City Manager. (b) Permanent Signs The following signs are permitted in all of the open space zones on a permanent basis. (1) Street address numbers are permitted, provided that the numbers do not exceed ½ square foot each. Address numbers may be either internally or externally illuminated. (2) Nameplates are permitted provided that they do not exceed 1 square foot in area. Nameplates may be indirectly illuminated only. (3) Accessory warning signs that provide warnings such as “no parking,” “watch dogs,” and “security services” are permitted. The permitted sign area for accessory warning signs is 1 square foot. Accessory warning signs may be indirectly illuminated only.

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(c) Temporary Signs (1) Real estate signs that offer the premises for sale, lease, or rent are permitted on a temporary basis in accordance with the following regulations. (A) One sign may be located on each street. (B) The signs may be single-faced or double-faced. (C) The sign area shall not exceed 4 square feet, and the sign dimensions shall not exceed 2 square feet. (D) The sign height shall not exceed 4 feet, but the supporting post and cross bar may increase the height to 5 feet. (E) The signs shall not be illuminated. (F) The sign shall be removed within 15 business days of sale or occupancy of the premises, whichever occurs first. (2) Yard sale signs that identify a yard sale on the premises shall be permitted during the hours of the sale in accordance with the following regulations. (A) One single-faced sign is permitted for each premises. (B) The sign area shall not exceed 9 square feet. (C) The sign height shall not exceed 6 feet. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

(a) Purpose of the La Jolla Commercial and Industrial Sign Control District It is the intent of this sign district to preserve and enhance the unique aesthetic and economic values of the commercially and industrially zoned portions of the community of La Jolla and to provide a systematic and comprehensive approach toward meeting the sign needs of the community. In fulfilling this purpose, it is intended that signs in this sign district will comply with the goals and recommendations of the La Jolla Community Plan.

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(b) Application The regulations of this sign district are applicable to all commercially and industrially zoned property within the boundaries of the La Jolla Community Plan as described on the appropriate map and appended boundary description on file in the office of the City Clerk and shall be equally applicable to any other property subsequently placed in a commercial or industrial zone if the property lies within the boundaries of the La Jolla Community Plan. This sign district shall not apply to any area within the boundaries of a planned district unless the provisions of the planned district so stipulate. (c) Subdistricts and Boundary The boundaries of this sign district and any subdistricts are set forth on Drawing No. C-643.1 and the appended boundary description on file in the office of the City Clerk. (d) On-Premises Sign Regulations for Subdistrict A (1) Wall Signs (A) Area. The sign for each premises shall not exceed 1 square foot for each foot of street frontage or 25 square feet, whichever is larger, and each tenant shall be permitted a minimum of 8 square feet. (B) Wall signs shall not extend more than 18 inches from the building facade. Wall signs shall not extend above the parapet or eave of the building to which the signs are attached. (2) Identification Signs (A) One single-faced or double-faced, freestanding sign located adjacent to each entrance or exit driveway to a parking lot is permitted. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area or a height of 12 feet measured from the base at ground level to the apex of the sign. (B) One sign on the exterior wall at each side or rear entrance to a store, shop, or place of business is permitted provided that the sign does project above the parapet or eave of the building to which the sign is attached. No such sign shall be attached to the perimeter framing of the building or to the face of canopies or porch roofs. No such sign shall have an area exceeding 12 square feet.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (4-2026)

(3) Freestanding Ground Signs
Where the face of the building sets back from the property line more
than 20 feet, one single-faced or double-faced freestanding ground
sign is permitted, in addition to those on the building, in accordance
with the following.
(A) No part of the sign shall extend over public property or have a
height exceeding 20 feet measured from the base at ground
level to the apex of the sign. In the Coastal Overlay Zone,
however, no part of the sign shall exceed 8 feet in height.
(B) The total area of the signs shall not exceed 0.5 square feet per
foot of street frontage or 40 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(e) On-Premises Sign Regulations for Subdistrict B
(1) Freestanding Ground Signs
(A) Number permitted. One multi-faced ground sign for any
premises having frontage on a public right-of-way.
(B) More than one frontage. Where a premises fronts on more than
one public right-of-way or street, excluding alleys and service
ways, Section 142.1290(e)(1)(D) shall apply to each frontage.
Each frontage is to be considered separately for determination
of ground sign allowances. (Street side yard does not count as
frontage.)
(C) Height Limit. 20 feet measured vertically from the sign base at
ground level to the apex of the sign. Coastal Overlay Zone
Height Limit. 8 feet measured vertically from the sign base at
ground level to the apex of the sign.
(D) Area. The maximum permitted area of a ground sign is 64
square feet or 0.75 square feet for each foot of street frontage
per premises, whichever is less, for each face of a double-faced
sign or for the sole face of a single-faced ground sign. If a sign
has more than two faces, the total area may not exceed twice
the area permitted for one face.
(E) Rotating signs are not permitted.
(F) Ground signs shall not project over roofs located on the
premises or the public rights-of-way.

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(G) Ground signs may only be utilized on premises where the
building sets back at least 20 feet from the public right-of-way
of the frontage street to which the ground sign is oriented.
(2) Wall Signs
(A) Area. Permitted area for wall signs shall be calculated in
accordance with Table 142-12L.

Table 142-12L
Basis for Calculation of Area for Wall Signs on a Single Frontage
in the La Jolla Sign Control District

(Calculation: Linear street frontage of premises times table factor for each category=permitted area in square feet for fascia or wall sign.)

This frontage factor is relative to the building facade on each premises which has separate and exclusive public entrance visible from a public right-of-way, excluding alleys and service ways. Each premises shall have a minimum area of 24 square feet, and each tenant shall be permitted a minimum of 8 square feet. (Street side yard does not count as frontage.)

(B) Wall signs shall not extend more than 18 inches from the building wall. (C) Projecting Wall Signs (i) Wall signs may not project above the roof line at the wall, or the top of the roof or roof line, whichever is applicable.

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(ii) Wall signs may not project above the top of a parapet wall. (3) Projecting Signs (A) Any premises with frontage on a public right-of-way is permitted to have one projecting sign. The projecting sign may exist instead of, but not in addition to, a ground sign. (B) Area. The maximum permitted area of a projecting sign shall not exceed 48 square feet or 0.5 square feet for each foot of street frontage, whichever is less, for each face of a double- faced sign. Projecting signs may have a maximum of two faces. (C) Maximum projection over public right-of-way. A sign may not project perpendicularly beyond the property line more than 5 feet or two-thirds of the distance from the curb to property line, whichever is less. For allowable combinations of projection and height for projecting signs over public rights-of-way see Table 142-12M. If an establishment has a frontage less than 25 feet, a projecting sign on the establishment is limited to a projection of 4 feet beyond the property line. (D) Height over roof or parapet. Projecting signs may not extend above the roof line at the wall or the top of a parapet wall.

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Table 142-12M

Allowable Combinations of Projection and Height for Projecting Signs in the La Jolla Sign Control District

(4) Identification Signs (A) One single-faced or double-faced freestanding sign located adjacent to each entrance or exit driveway to a parking lot is permitted. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area or a height of 12 feet measured from the base at ground level to the apex of the sign, except that in the Coastal Overlay Zone, the height of the sign shall not exceed 8 feet. (B) One sign on the exterior wall at each side or real entrance to a store, shop or place of business is permitted provided that no sign shall project above the parapet or eave of the building to which the sign is attached. No such sign shall be attached to the perimeter framing of the building or to the face of canopies or porch roofs. No such sign shall have an area exceeding 12 square feet.

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(f) Abatement
Any sign not in compliance with the provisions of this section within 7 years
from the effective date of the ordinance adopting these regulations shall be
removed or brought into compliance unless the sign is granted an extension of
time as set forth in Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 8 (Sign Permit Procedures).
Any sign located on property subsequently placed in this sign district and not
in compliance with the provisions of this section shall be removed or brought
into compliance within 7 years from the effective date of the ordinance
establishing this sign district on the property unless the sign is granted an
extension of time as set forth in Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 8.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective
1-1-2000; amended 6-19-2000 by O-18814 N.S.)
(Amended 6-18-2013 by O-20261 N.S.; effective 7-19-2013.)

(a) Purpose of the Ocean Beach Sign Enhancement District It is the purpose of the Ocean Beach Sign Enhancement District to maintain, preserve, and promote the distinctive commercial signage of the Ocean Beach area and to regulate identification of commercial enterprises within the Ocean Beach community’s Newport Avenue commercial core area. Signs in the commercial core area shall reflect the goals of the Ocean Beach Community Plan and Commercial Improvement Program. It is the intent of the Ocean Beach Sign Enhancement District to acknowledge and preserve design elements of the area’s initial major period of development during the decades of the 1920’s to 1940’s. Neon tubing and other design elements that reference this era are encouraged, if feasible, as elements in new or renovated signs. In addition to those types of signs currently permitted by the Sign Regulations, Category C, as set forth in Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 12, certain additional types of signs are specifically permitted and other additional types of signs are specifically prohibited in the Ocean Beach Sign Enhancement District, as set forth in this section. (b) Boundaries The boundaries of the Ocean Beach Sign Enhancement District are designated as those boundaries set forth for the Pedestrian Commercial Overlay Zone in Ocean Beach on that certain Map No.C-747; and that certain Map No. C-772, Maps “A” and “B”; and on file in the office of City Clerk under Document No. 769627 and Document No. 272788, respectively.

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(c) Signs
The following types of signs are permitted in addition to those types of signs
permitted by Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 12, Sign Regulations Category C.
Permitted signs shall be maintained or erected in conformance with all
applicable building regulations in Municipal Code Chapter 9, Article 1, and
the regulations concerning total permitted sign area as determined by the
applicable sections of the Sign Regulations. Those existing signs permitted
by subsection (1) of this section are hereby exempted from the total permitted
sign area regulations noted in subsections (2), (3) and (4) of this section and
from the total permitted signage area regulations permitted by the Sign
Regulations.

(1) Existing projecting signs that extend above the roof line are permitted,
if installed before the adoption to the City-Wide Sign Ordinance on
March 6, 1973. Retention of one such sign per 50 feet of street
frontage is permitted, subject to all applicable regulations set forth in
Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 12. No other projecting signs (those
provided by subsections (2), (3), and (4) following) are permitted with
the retention of an existing projecting sign extending above the roof
line.
(2) Projecting signs not extending above the roof line and located between
9 feet above sidewalk to 15 feet above sidewalk, limited to one such
projecting sign per 50 feet street frontage, and may not exceed a
maximum of four square feet per sign face.
(3) Individual letter signs, free-standing on a ledge or canopy, located
between 9 feet above sidewalk to 15 feet above sidewalk, and limited
to eight square feet in area, and shall not exceed a maximum of 12
inches projected from the building wall.
(4) Three-dimensional iconographical signs, such as barber poles, limited
to one such iconographical sign per 50 feet frontage and shall not
exceed a maximum of 18 inches projected from the building wall and
a maximum of four square feet in cross-section. The term
“iconographical,” as used in this section, shall refer to incidental signs
not containing text.
(d) Design Requirements
The use of backlighted or indirectly illuminated faces for those signs
permitted by subsections (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this section and for all
permanent freestanding signs, shall be prohibited, with the exception of those
signs which incorporate one or both of the following elements in their design:
exposed neon tubing; or backlighted opaque-facing.

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(e) Abatement
All signs are subject to the abatement procedures as set forth in Chapter 12,
Article 1, Division 5, (Sign Violations and Enforcement Procedures), except
that those signs specifically prohibited in this district and typically allowed in
the Sign Regulations, which are not in compliance with this section shall not
be subject to abatement.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000; amended 6-19-2000 by
O-18814 N.S.)
(Amended 3-1-2006 by O-19468 N.S.; effective 4-1-2006.)

(a) Purpose and Intent It is the intent of this sign district to preserve and promote the unique aesthetic and economic values of Centre City; to provide a systematic and comprehensive approach toward meeting the sign needs of the community; to promote efficient vehicular traffic movement; to promote traffic safety; and to facilitate implementation of the Comprehensive Downtown Parking Plan, as adopted by the City Council on December 2, 1997, and on file in the Office of the City Clerk as Document No. RR-289520. (b) Definitions and Qualifying Criteria All defined terms appear in italics in this division. For purposes of this division: District means the Centre City Sign Control District. Traffic Destination Point means a business area or tourist destination within the District for which the City Engineer has determined that vehicular trips to and from the destination are substantial in relation to the total traffic in the District and for which the City Engineer has determined that directional signage to the destination would be prudent in order to promote efficient and safe vehicular movement on the streets located in the District. Parking Facility means a privately or publicly owned or operated off-street parking facility or group of facilities within the District for which the City Engineer has determined that directional signage to such parking facility will serve a substantial public interest by promoting efficient parking and implementation of the Comprehensive Downtown Parking Plan, as adopted by the City Council on December 2, 1997, and on file in the Office of the City Clerk as Document No. RR-289520.

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(c) Applicability of Division
Certain types of signs are specifically permitted in the District, as set forth in
this division. The signs permitted under this division are in addition to those
types of signs currently permitted by the Centre City Planned District
Ordinance, Marina Planned District Ordinance, and Gaslamp Quarter Planned
District Ordinance.
(d) Boundaries of District
The boundaries of the District are coterminous with the Centre City
Community Plan Boundary, as shown on Figure 1 of Chapter 10, Article 3,
Division 19 of the San Diego Municipal Code.

(e) Types of Permitted Signs
Directional Signs are permitted on public property and in public rights-of-way
for the purpose of directing vehicular traffic to the following location:
(1) Public places that are owned, leased or operated by federal, state or
local governments or their agencies.
(2) Privately owned or operated scenic, cultural, scientific, educational,
tourist-attraction facilities, or any combination of these facilities that
qualify as Traffic Destination Points.
(3) Privately owned or operated parking facilities open to the general
public that qualify as Parking Facilities.
(f) Permitted Signs to Conform to Other Laws
Signs permitted under this division shall be maintained or erected in
conformance with all applicable building regulations in Land Development
Code Chapter 14, Article 5, and the applicable regulations concerning total
permitted sign area.
(Added 9-14-1999 by O-18676 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

[Editors Note: This section only applies outside of the Coastal Overlay Zone.]

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The sign regulations in Chapter 15, Article 16 shall apply to all signs in the Old Town San Diego Planned District, as designated on Map Drawing No. C-993, excluding signs within Presidio Regional Park in the Presidio Sub-District. Signs within Presidio Regional Park in the Presidio Sub-District shall comply with the sign regulations in Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 12. (“Old Town San Diego Planned District Sign Regulations” added 8-9-2019 by O-21114 N.S.; effective 9-8-2019.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (3-2026)

Article 2: General Development Regulations