Chapter 4.12 — SIGNS

In addition to the general purposes listed in Section 1.04.108 Purposes the specific purposes of sign regulations are to:

• A. Provide each sign user an opportunity for effective identification by limiting the number and area of signs permitted on all sites.

• B. Limit off-premises signs in order to maintain the visibility of on-premises signs.

• C. Maintain and enhance the quality of the City's appearance by avoiding clutter and by subjecting certain signs to design review.

• D. Enable users of goods and services to identify establishments offering services to meet their needs.

• E. Regulate the number and size of signs according to standards consistent with the types of establishments in each zoning district or in different portions of a zoning district.

• F. Protect residential districts adjoining nonresidential districts from adverse impacts of excessive numbers or sizes of nearby signs.

• (Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

All signs regulated by this chapter shall be subject to the review and approval of the Community Development Director or person so designated by the Director. The general purpose of this review is to ensure the objectives of the General Plan to maintain quality and attractive business areas. To approve signs, the Community Development Director must make all of the following findings:

• A. The sign's copy and graphics are limited to the information essential to provide adequate business identification, so that the sign does not appear cluttered and does not distract from the identification of other signs in the area. Supplemental copy, such as the advertising of products, services, phone numbers, and web site addresses not part of the business name is not allowed.

• B. The sign provides an attractive graphic composition and is of a high quality material, which is compatible with the surrounding business area and the objectives of the General Plan.

• C. The sign uses compatible colors and avoids the use of garish colors or combinations of colors.

• D. The sign's construction, size, colors, and method of illumination are aesthetically compatible with the site's architecture and architectural context.

• (Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2014-011 § 2; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

• A. Exempt Signs. The following signs are exempt from the regulations of this Code. However,

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City of San Leandro, CA

REGULATIONS APPLYING IN ALL OR SEVERAL

§ 4.12.108

§ 4.12.112

this exemption does not apply to the Building Division requirement of a sign permit for changes in the face or copy of a sign.

1. Official notices of any court, public body, or officer.

2. Notices posted by a utility or other quasi-public agent in the performance of a public duty or by any person giving due legal notice.

3. Street address numbers.

4. Public transit seating signs and public information, directional, and warning signs erected by a public agency.

5. District identification signs approved by the Zoning Enforcement Official and names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets, and the like made an integral part of the structure.

6. One construction sign per frontage with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet located on a construction site during the course of construction.

7. On-premises parking and other directional signs, not exceeding one double-faced sign per entrance, not exceeding four square feet in area and five feet in height or ten square feet if more than 100 feet from a public way.

8. Signs manufactured as a standard, integral part of a mass-produced product accessory to a commercial or public or semipublic use, including telephone booths, vending machines, automated teller machines, and gasoline pumps.

9. Credit card, trading stamp, or trade association signs not exceeding one-half square foot each.

10. One governmental flag of any governmental agency per occupancy.

11. Signs within a building not visible from a public street and window signs not to exceed 25 percent of the visible area of a window.

12. Holiday lights and displays not advertising a product or sale, erected no sooner than 45 days before the holiday and removed within 14 days following the holiday.

13. Nameplates not over two square feet in area, displaying the name and profession of the occupant of the building and/or the address.

14. Older signs that are viewed as having historical significance and that are valued by the community may be considered exempt from these regulations.

15. Except as otherwise specifically set forth herein, the regulations of this chapter do not apply to official traffic or government signs; signs that are not visible from a public right-of-way or area readily accessible to the public; product dispensers and point-ofpurchase displays; scoreboards on athletic fields; gravestones; barber poles; religious symbols; commemorative plaques; the display of street numbers; or any display or construction not defined as a sign in Section 1.12.108 Definitions.

• (Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2014-011 § 2; Ord. 2020-002 § 4; Ord. 2022-001 § 3)

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City of San Leandro, CA § 4.12.112

SAN LEANDRO CODE

§ 4.12.112

The following regulations apply to all non-exempt on-site signs visible from a public right-ofway for each zoning district. All signs in the DA Districts shall be consistent with the Downtown San Leandro Design Guidelines.

• A. Maximum Total Sign Area. The maximum total sign area per tenant occupancy, excluding temporary signs and exempt signs, shall be as follows:

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----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning District Maximum Total Sign Area
RD, RO, and RS Districts 24 square feet for permitted nonresidential uses,
subject to prior approval of the Zoning Enforcement
Official.
RM District • Residential use: 8 square feet per frontage.
• Exception for Residential sites over 2 acres: A
greater area not to exceed 32 square feet may be
approved as a condition of a use permit, as reasonable
and necessary for identification of a development or
use.
• Permitted Nonresidential Uses: 12 square feet
subject to prior approval of the Zoning Enforcement
Official.
B-TOD, CC, CN, CS, DA-1, • Up to 55 feet of frontage: 2 square feet per lineal foot
DA-2, DA-3, DA-4, DA-6, of frontage.
NA-1, NA-2, SA-1, SA-2, SA-3, • Sites with more than 55 feet of frontage: 15 times
IL, IG, IP, IT Districts square root of frontage.
CR, OS, PD, and PS Districts As prescribed by use permit.
P District 40 square feet per frontage.
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1. Only the frontage that is developed or will be developed with an approved building permit shall be counted for purposes of determining the maximum allowable sign area; vacant land reserved for future development may not be used in determining the maximum allowable sign area.

2. The sign area may be allocated between wall signs, freestanding signs, and projecting signs, provided that each sign conforms to the applicable regulations of this section.

3. No sign or sign area permitted on one frontage shall be transferred to another frontage except in accord with a Master Sign Plan prepared pursuant to Section 4.12.120 Master Sign Programs and Sign Exceptions.

• B. Wall Signs.

  1. Wall signs shall not project above an eave or parapet of the wall on which the sign is mounted, including the eave of a mansard roof.

  2. A wall sign opposite an interior property line shall be five feet or one-tenth the lot width from the property line, whichever is greater.

  3. A wall sign shall not project more than two feet from the face of the building.

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City of San Leandro, CA

REGULATIONS APPLYING IN ALL OR SEVERAL

§ 4.12.112

§ 4.12.112

• C. Window Signs.

1. For the purpose of this section, a window shall be defined as that portion of a first or second floor façade consisting of a glass-like material designed to provide viewing of the interior from an adjacent exterior walkway and which shall be no less than 75 percent transparent from the exterior during daylight hours. Window area is defined as contiguous window panels separated by dividers less than six inches in width.

   2. A window sign is considered a permanent sign painted on a store front window or door, or temporary signs attached thereto indicating the name of the business, advertising images, accessory services or products, or both.

   3. Window signs may not exceed a total of 25 percent of the window in which they are located.

   4. Window signs include any interior signs or advertising images within eight feet of the window excluding merchandise display.

   5. No more than two window signs are permitted per ground floor establishment with frontage on, visible from, and direct exterior pedestrian access to a public right-ofway, internal circulation route or common parking area. Second story establishments in a two-story building with frontage on and visible from a public right-of-way, internal circulation route or common parking area may be permitted one window sign per window.

• D. Freestanding Signs.

  1. For multi-family and nonresidential uses permitted in R Districts, one freestanding sign not exceeding five feet in height is permitted on a lot.

  2. In the P District, one freestanding sign not exceeding 25 square feet in area or five feet in height.

  3. In B-TOD, C, NA, SA, DA, and I Districts, one freestanding sign not exceeding 64 square feet is permitted on each frontage. For large lots, a freestanding sign, not exceeding 64 square feet, shall be allowed for each 250 feet of frontage. The maximum height of free-standing signs shall not exceed six feet in the B-TOD District; eight feet in the CC, CN, DA-1, DA-2, DA-3, DA-4, DA-6, NA-1, NA-2, SA-1, SA-2, and SA-3 Districts; and 12 feet in other C and I Districts, except when reviewed and approved as part of a Master Sign Plan.

  4. In OS, PD, and PS Districts, the number and size of freestanding signs shall be as prescribed by the use permit for the principal use.

  5. A freestanding sign shall not be closer to any property line than one-half its height.

  6. A freestanding sign shall not be closer than 15 feet to another freestanding sign or projecting sign on the same site. A freestanding sign shall not be closer than 30 feet to another freestanding sign on an adjacent site or closer than 30 feet to a projecting sign on an adjacent site.

  7. A freestanding sign shall not extend over a public right-of-way and shall not be located on the same frontage as a projecting sign extending over a public right-of-

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City of San Leandro, CA § 4.12.112

SAN LEANDRO CODE

§ 4.12.112

way.

8. All freestanding signs shall be no closer than ten feet to the curb and placed within a landscaped area of not less than 75 square feet in CC Districts and 50 square feet in other districts.

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FREESTANDING SIGN: INTERIOR PROPERTY LINE MINIMUM SETBACK

(The diagram is illustrative)

9. A freestanding sign in a required yard adjoining a street property line shall comply with the requirements of Section 4.08.148 Driveways—Visibility. At intersections, no free-standing sign shall create a visual obstruction within a vertical space between three feet and seven feet above the curb. Two vertical supports with no horizontal dimensions greater than 16 inches are permitted. The obstruction restriction area includes all the land in a triangular area measured 30 feet from the intersection along each street property line.

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City of San Leandro, CA

REGULATIONS APPLYING IN ALL OR SEVERAL

§ 4.12.112

§ 4.12.112

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FREESTANDING SIGN: OBSTRUCTION RESTRICTION AREAS (The diagram is illustrative)

• E. Projecting Signs.

  1. The maximum size shall be eight square feet in P Districts, 25 square feet in C Districts, 32 square feet in I Districts and three square feet in other districts.

  2. No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than ten feet above the surface over which it projects, or less than 15 feet above a vehicular passageway, or project more than five feet into a public right-of-way.

  3. No sign shall project into an alley or truck service driveway more than one foot or be less than 14 feet above the roadway surface over which it projects. This will provide adequate clearance for trucks.

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City of San Leandro, CA

SAN LEANDRO CODE

§ 4.12.112

§ 4.12.112

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PROJECTING SIGNS: AT PUBLIC R.O.W. AND AT ALLEY WAY

(The diagram is illustrative)

4. No sign shall project closer than two feet to a curb.

5. A projecting sign shall be set back five feet from an interior property line.

6. No portion of a projecting sign shall project above an apparent eave or parapet, including the eave of a simulated mansard roof.

7. No portion of a projecting sign shall exceed 30 feet in height measured from finished grade.

8. Signs on awnings, canopies or marquees shall not have letters exceeding eight inches in height or symbols exceeding four feet in any dimension, provided that theaters and cinemas shall be exempt from this requirement.

• F. Multistory Office Identification. Multistory office buildings may be identified under the following conditions:

  1. Only a single company name or logo of an organization or enterprise occupying office space within the office building shall be permitted.

  2. Subject to approval of the Zoning Enforcement Official, multistory office building signs shall be located below the parapet at a height and scale architecturally in harmony with the building.

• G. Construction Signs. The maximum size of temporary construction signs shall be 32 square feet per frontage, except in the RD, RO, and RS districts where the maximum size shall be eight square feet. Construction signs shall be removed within 30 days following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

• H. Real Estate Signs.

  1. The maximum size of temporary real estate signs shall be six square feet, exclusive of riders, in the RD, RM, RO, and RS districts and one sign per listing broker shall be allowed per frontage. Riders shall be limited to no more than three square feet.

  2. The maximum size of temporary real estate signs in all C and I Districts shall be based on frontage as listed below:

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----- Start of picture text -----
Frontage Sign Size
0 - 49 feet 12 square feet
50 - 199 feet 24 square feet
200+ feet 32 square feet
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City of San Leandro, CA

REGULATIONS APPLYING IN ALL OR SEVERAL

§ 4.12.112

§ 4.12.112

Two-sided signs shall be considered one sign. There shall be a maximum of one twofoot by three-foot window sign allowed for each vacancy. All signs shall be nonilluminated. One sign shall be allowed for each frontage. Any sign structure shall be painted a neutral or matching color. Signs exceeding these limitations may be administratively approved by the Zoning Enforcement Official. All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in good condition and free of graffiti.

• I. Temporary Political Signs. The maximum size of temporary political signs shall be 16 square feet unless the sign meets structural and design requirements prescribed by the Uniform Sign Code for signs other than temporary signs. This requirement is intended to prevent installation of structurally unsafe signs. Prior to the installation of any temporary political sign anywhere in the City, the person intending to install the sign or the person on whose behalf the signs are to be installed shall, at least two days prior to the installation, file a declaration of intent to install with the Zoning Enforcement Official or the Zoning Enforcement Official's designee. The declaration shall contain an agreement to remove any sign that is installed in violation of any provisions of the Zoning Code or the Municipal Code, and to pay the City's costs of removal. If a person installs temporary political signs without having filed a declaration of intent, that person or the person on whose behalf the signs are installed, shall be notified to remove the signs and shall immediately remove such signs or pay the cost of removal by the City.

• J. Illumination; Movement.

  1. Signs in an CR, OS, P, PD, PS, or R district shall, if lighted, have white or amber lighting and shall be indirectly illuminated.

2. Signs shall not have exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs exceeding 15 watts, unless such signs are approved as part of a Master Sign Plan or a use permit for a cinema or theater. Neon signs are allowed if in conformance with Section 4.12.104 Administrative Review of Signs.

   3. Signs both visible from and within 100 feet of an R district shall not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless they identify an establishment open for business during those hours.

   4. No movement or apparent movement of or in a sign or change in intensity of illumination of a sign shall be permitted, provided that a time or temperature sign or a theater canopy sign consistent with other regulations of this chapter and including no changeable text shall be permitted. Very rapidly flashing or stroboscopic lights or signs are prohibited. Flashing signs are not permitted in CR, OS, P, or R districts.

   5. Reader board signage is allowed for trade schools with instructional programming and community organizations. Text is limited to scheduling of events or classes only.

• K. Temporary and Miscellaneous Signs.

  1. Temporary signs, banners, flags, outdoor display of merchandise, and other advertising devices may be placed by individual tenants on a site for a maximum of two 15-day periods each calendar year, subject to the approval of the Zoning Enforcement Official, provided the total temporary and permanent sign area shall not exceed 150 percent of permitted permanent sign area, and provided that temporary devices do not create safety hazards or block signs identifying adjoining

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City of San Leandro, CA § 4.12.112

SAN LEANDRO CODE

§ 4.12.112

establishments.

  - a. Such signs are subject to prior approval by the Zoning Enforcement Official and number, type, duration, and other aspects may be restricted or conditioned by the Zoning Enforcement Official. 

  - b. Up to two additional 30-day periods may be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Official provided such extensions are determined to be reasonably necessary to achieve business identity and are consistent with the purposes of this Code. 

2. A use permit for a theater or cinema may authorize signs deviating from the standards of this chapter, subject to site plan review under the provisions of Chapter 5.12 Site Plan Approval. The Zoning Enforcement Official may approve marquee signs, animated signs, changeable copy signs, brighter lights, and other features for cinema or theater signs not otherwise authorized by this chapter if such modifications are consistent with the style and character of existing signs on the site and adjacent property, and will not be readily visible from an R district.

• L.

Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited:

1. Canvas signs, banners, pennants, streamers, balloons or other temporary or wind signs except as provided in Subsection K.1 or E.8.

2. Mobile, A-frame, and portable signs except as provided in Subsection K.3.

3. Roof or canopy signs extending to a height more than four feet above the roofline.

4. Signs which resemble any official marker erected by the City, State, or any governmental agency, or which, by reason of position, shape, color or illumination would conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal or would be a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

   5. Signs which produce odor, sound, smoke, fire, or other such emissions.

   6. Window or contiguous window panes covered by paper, painted or other signs which exceed 25 percent of the total area of that window at any time.

   7. A vehicle or equipment stored with mast arms in an elevated position with intent to advertise.

   8. Abandoned signs.

   9. Cabinet Signs.

   10. Signs with exposed raceways.

• M. Prohibited Locations.

  1. No sign shall be affixed to any vehicle or trailer on a public street or public or private property unless the vehicle or trailer is intended to be used in its normal business capacity and not for the sole purpose of attracting business.

  2. No sign shall be erected within an airport approach zone, airport turning zone, or airport transition zone designated by the Oakland Airport Land Use Commission

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City of San Leandro, CA

REGULATIONS APPLYING IN ALL OR SEVERAL

§ 4.12.112

§ 4.12.120

(ALUC), such that it would project above the approach surface, conical surface, or the transitional surface designated by the ALUC; make it difficult for flyers to distinguish between airport lights and others; result in glare; impair visibility; or otherwise interfere with or endanger the landing, take off, or maneuvering of aircraft. (Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2008-003 § 13; Ord. 2014-011 § 2; Ord. 2016-012 § 4; Ord. 2020-002 § 4; Ord. 2020-012 § 3; Ord. 2022-001 § 3)

Off-site advertising signs are not permitted within the City. Any nonconforming off-site advertising sign may only be reconstructed or relocated pursuant to a relocation agreement between the City and the sign owner, consistent with Section 5412 of the California Business and Professions Code. Real estate and development signs otherwise allowed in this chapter are not considered off-site advertising signs.

(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

• A. Master Sign Programs Required. Any development that will have/has: (a) either three or more nonresidential occupants, or occupying two acres or more; and (b) requires Site Plan Approval as per the requirements of Chapter 5.12 Site Plan Approval, shall submit a Master Sign Program application. Such plan must be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Official prior to issuance of any permit for signs. Each new tenant would have to meet the requirements of the new Master Sign Program.

• B. Exceptions May be Proposed. Any sign application, including both individual sign applications and Master Sign Programs, may propose exceptions from the standards of this chapter (i.e., an individual sign or sign program that would exceed the size and height limitations of Section 4.12.112 Regulations for On-Premises Signs). Exceptions approved as part of a Master Sign Program will apply to the signage of subsequent tenants.

• C. Application Requirements. Applications for approval of either a Master Sign Program and/ or Sign Exception shall be submitted to the Planning Division and shall include the following:

  1. A site plan, drawn to scale, delineating the site proposed to be included within the sign program and the general locations of all signs;

  2. Drawings and/or sketches indicating the exterior surface details of all buildings on the site on which wall signs, directory signs, or projecting signs are proposed;

  3. A scale drawing of the proposed sign(s), indicating dimensions of all structures, cabinets and/or letter height, and proposed color schemes; and

  4. If a Sign Exception is requested, a statement of the reasons for any requested modifications to the regulations or standards of this chapter.

• D. Review and Approval Authority. The Zoning Enforcement Official shall be the decisionmaker, unless the Zoning Enforcement Official defers action to the Planning Commission. The Zoning Enforcement Official or Planning Commission shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the requested Master Sign Program/Sign Exception. The decision-maker may require any reasonable conditions necessary to carry out the intent of this section.

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City of San Leandro, CA § 4.12.120

SAN LEANDRO CODE

§ 4.12.140

• E. Appeals. A decision by either the Zoning Enforcement Official or by the Planning Commission may be appealed pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 5.20 Appeals.

• F. Standards for Approval. In addition to finding that the proposed Master Sign Program and/ or Sign Exception meets the requirements for all signs as specified in Section 4.12.104 Administrative Review of Signs, the decision-maker shall find:

  1. That the proposed sign or sign program contributes to the design quality of the site and surrounding area, and that any proposed exception, will be superior to the quality that would result under the regulations and standards of Section 4.12.112 Regulations for OnPremises Signs;

2. That the proposed signs are compatible with the style or character of existing improvements on the site and are well-related to each other; and

   3. That any deviations from the standards of this chapter are fully consistent with the purposes of this Chapter and this Code.

• (Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4; Ord. 2022-001 § 3; Ord. 2024-011, 7/15/2024)

No sign regulated by this chapter shall be erected or displayed unless a sign permit or temporary sign permit is obtained. All temporary signs shall be subject to the provisions of Subsection K.1 of Section 4.12.112 Regulations for On-Premises Signs.

(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

Signs shall be subject to the Uniform Sign Code requiring building permits for certain signs. (Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

Lateral and columnar sign supports shall be designed so as to be architecturally integrated with the building to which they are attached or so that required extra bracing, including, but not limited to, angle irons, guy wires and cables, shall not be exposed to view from streets or public passageways.

(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

No sign shall be installed in such a manner that any portion of the sign or its support will unreasonably interfere with:

• A. The operations of the Fire Department in raising ladders to building roofs, windows, fire escapes, balconies or exits, or in taking hose lines or other fire-fighting or rescue equipment to any part of a building;

• B. The operations of the Fire Department in gaining access to any areas around buildings;

• C. The use of any standpipe or required door, ventilator or window. (Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

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City of San Leandro, CA

REGULATIONS APPLYING IN ALL OR SEVERAL

§ 4.12.140

§ 4.12.140

Signs and sign structures shall be maintained at all times in a state of good repair, with all braces, bolts and structural parts and supporting frames and fastenings reasonably free from deterioration, rot, rust, and loosening. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him or her, any sign or sign structure which is in a sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed, broken, deteriorated or other dilapidated, unsafe condition. (Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)

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City of San Leandro, CA