Local zoning · Agoura Hills

Agoura Hills — Signage

Q: How long can temporary banners or yard signs stay up?

Temporary yard signs in residential zones: up to 120 days in any 12‑month period (director may allow an additional 120 days for active marketing). Commercial banners for charitable/community events: up to 30 days prior and 3 days after an event (maximum 33 days ), and new-tenancy banners may be allowed for 90 consecutive days with director approval. See § 9655.10.B.1 , § 9655.10.C–D .

Q: Do I ever need design review for a sign?

Yes — design review is required for many signs in the Old Agoura overlay and for monument/directory signs in that overlay, and sign programs require planning commission review. Some sign permits are also tied to design-review findings; verify with the planning director. See § 9553.5 and § 9655.9 .

Signage under the Agoura Hills local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Agoura Hills zoning and planning ordinance requires for signs (what is allowed, where, and when). The city’s detailed sign regulations are primarily in § 9655 et seq. (Division 5, Sign Regulations) with special rules in the Old Agoura Design Overlay (OA) at § 9553.5; residential district references appear in development-specific sections such as § 9233.7. See the city's general Agoura Hills Zoning and Agoura Hills Development Standards for related site and setback rules.

Key rules (plain-English synthesis, with controlling code cites)

Purpose: The sign rules aim to preserve community character, reduce driver distractions, and allow fair business identification while limiting intrusive signs. See § 9655 for the ordinance intent.
Sign programs: Multi-tenant developments and certain other circumstances require a sign program approved by the planning commission. The sign program rules (when required, standards, and review authority) are in § 9655.9. Typical triggers include new multi-tenant projects with three or more tenants, five or more permanent signs proposed, freeway-facing signs, and other specified cases.
Primary allowances and limits for commercial/business uses (wall / monument / freeway-facing / specialty signs) are in § 9655.8 (see below for a quick table).
Temporary signs: the code provides explicit allowances and size/time limits for temporary window signs, yard signs, event banners, grand-opening balloons, and election signs in § 9655.10. Many of these do not require a sign permit but have strict time and size caps.
Exempt signs: government signs, limited-size flags (detailed size and pole limits), and legally required notices are listed as exemptions in § 9655.11.
Old Agoura overlay: Properties within the Old Agoura Design Overlay (OA) have additional, character-based sign controls: externally-illuminated or halo-lit only, materials (wood, stone, patinaed metals), and turn-off time limits for specified locations; see § 9553.5 and related OA standards.
Cross-references: Many district-specific sections (for example residential minimums) simply require signs to comply with the chapter (see § 9233.7 for the RL district). Verify site-specific overlay mapping for special rules.

You should also expect design review in many cases: the code ties some sign permits to design review, and the planning commission reviews sign programs (see Agoura Hills Design Review).

District-by-district breakdown

Note: the zoning ordinance uses terms such as “commercial, business park, and planned development land use districts” when setting sign rules. Below are the relevant sign rules grouped by how the code treats districts.

Commercial / Business Park / Planned Development

Purpose & typical uses: retail, office, business park, mixed commercial developments. See the general guidance in § 9655 and the specific allowances in § 9655.8.
Key sign standards:
- Wall sign area: measured by frontage; major tenants with frontage >100 ft may use up to 1 sq ft per foot of primary building frontage, but not more than 200 sq ft total for that sign (§ 9655.8.B.1.e).
- Tenant sign maximum length: for multi-tenant storefronts, sign length typically limited to 65% of tenant frontage (§ 9655.8.B.1.d).
- Freeway-facing signs: subject to a sign program, one freeway-facing sign allowed for buildings backing or siding onto US‑101, normally up to 25 sq ft (can be increased to 50 sq ft in lieu of a primary-frontage sign); one maximum per tenant occupying multiple buildings (§ 9655.8.B.1.i).
- Monument signs: commercial centers/business parks with a common name are typically allowed one monument sign, with extra allowances when there are multiple street frontages (§ 9655.8.B.2.a–b).
- Other sign types allowed (counted toward wall allowance unless specified): awning signs (painted non-illuminated), one projecting or under-canopy sign, permanent window signs, drive-thru lane signs with specific internal-facing limits (§ 9655.8.B.3).
Permits / review: many of these require a sign permit; multi-tenant projects often require an approved sign program (see § 9655.9).

CS‑MU (Commercial Shopping Center – Mixed Use)

Special temporary allowances: event banners and grand-opening temporary signage have defined allowances in § 9655.10.C–D (example: one 20 sq ft temporary banner per street frontage for charitable/community events; director may approve a 20 sq ft banner for new tenancies for up to 90 days). Banners not illuminated; no right-of-way placement.

Residential / RL and other residential districts

Residential sites: temporary yard signs allowed in residential and open-space restricted zones — up to two yard signs per lot, each up to 6 sq ft and 6 ft high for up to 120 days in any 12-month period; the planning director can grant an additional 120 days during active marketing (§ 9655.10.B.1). Permanent sign allowances for residential properties are generally referenced to chapter 6 / sign chapter rules; many residential-specific development sections say “All signs shall be in compliance with chapter 6” (for example § 9233.7 for the RL district).
Permits: most residential temporary signs do not require a sign permit; verify for permanent or larger freestanding identification signage.

Old Agoura Design Overlay (OA)

Purpose & application: OA aims to perpetuate a rural character; sign standards are more restrictive and design-driven. See § 9553.5 and the OA design standards in § 9553 et seq.
Key limits:
- No internal illumination except halo-illuminated wall signs allowed subject to design review; monument/directory signs for parcels not visible from the street are permitted with a sign permit subject to design review; otherwise monument signs are allowed only through a sign program (§ 9553.5.A–B).
- Materials required to be wood, stone, or materials that mimic wood/stone or nonreflective/patinated metals — the ordinance emphasizes rural materials and integrated architectural treatment (§ 9553.5.C).
- Specified sign turn-off times for certain geographic areas are in § 9553.5.D.
Permits/review: OA signs commonly require design review; some monument signs require sign program approval (§ 9553.5).

Quick-reference table — most decision-relevant sign standards

Sign type / question	Limit or rule (plain English)	Code Reference
Sign program required?	Yes for new multi-tenant developments (3+ tenants), 5+ permanent signs, freeway-facing signs, certain monument/material choices, or when director determines it's needed.	§ 9655.9
Wall sign (major tenants)	Up to 1 sq ft per ft of primary building frontage, max 200 sq ft for major tenants; second-frontage allowances are half on the second frontage (§ limits vary by frontage).	§ 9655.8.B.1.e–g, i
Freeway‑facing sign	One per qualifying building facing I‑101; normally 25 sq ft, may be increased to 50 sq ft in trade for primary-frontage sign — requires sign program.	§ 9655.8.B.1.i
Monument signs	Commercial centers/business parks: usually one monument sign; extra frontage can allow one per public street frontage with access.	§ 9655.8.B.2.a–b
Gasoline service station	Monument sign per § 9655.8.B.2 plus one changeable-copy ground sign per street frontage ≤ 20 sq ft and 6 ft high; canopy, dispenser, and accessory wall sign limits are specified.	§ 9655.8.C.1–4
Temporary window signs	Allowed in commercial/business/PD zones; ≤ 25% of total window area; no permit required.	§ 9655.10.A
Yard signs (residential)	Up to two signs per lot; each ≤ 6 sq ft and 6 ft high; ≤ 120 days in any 12‑month period (director may extend for active marketing).	§ 9655.10.B.1
Exempt flags	Flag size limits and pole height caps (e.g., max vertical 5 ft, max cumulative 40 sq ft, one pole per developed site).	§ 9655.11.B
OA materials & illumination	Signs must use rural materials (wood/stone/patinaed metals); no internal illumination (halo permitted) and some signs must be turned off by close-of-business/9:30 pm for certain areas.	§ 9553.5.A–D

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Confirm zoning district and overlays for the parcel (e.g., OA, RL, commercial/business park/PD). Verify overlay boundaries. (See Agoura Hills Overlay Districts.)
Determine whether a sign program is required under § 9655.9 (multi-tenant, 5+ permanent signs, freeway-facing, materials exceptions).
Measure tenant frontage and calculate wall sign allowance (1 sq ft per ft of primary frontage, caps) per § 9655.8.B.1.
Check monument sign allowances (one per center or per street frontage as applicable) § 9655.8.B.2.
If in Old Agoura (OA), design signs with required materials and external/halo-only illumination; plan for design review § 9553.5. See Agoura Hills Design Review.
For temporary signs/banners/balloons, confirm sizes, durations and rule (no illumination, no right-of-way posting) in § 9655.10.
Prepare sign permit application or sign program package (if required) and pay fee set by the city; planning commission review may be required for sign programs § 9655.9.
Coordinate with site parking and landscape/screening requirements where sign base/monument siting affects parking, drive aisles, or landscaping (see Agoura Hills Landscaping and Screening).
Verify any required building or electrical permits with building officials (for fixed sign supports or electrical feed) — see California Building Standards Code. Not found in retrieved materials: specific Building Code thresholds for when a building permit is required.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Does my project require a sign program?	Sign programs change who approves signs (planning commission) and permit more flexibility but require a full program submission. Misclassifying could halt permitting.	Check triggers listed in § 9655.9 (3+ tenants, 5+ signs, freeway-facing, material exceptions) and confer with planning staff.
Freeway‑facing sign eligibility and trade-offs	Freeway-facing sign allowance is narrow, site-specific, and can be traded for primary-frontage area — mis-measuring frontage or assuming eligibility will cause denial.	Confirm whether the building directly backs/sides onto US‑101 (not separated by frontage road) and follow § 9655.8.B.1.i. Verify with planning / site plan.
Internal illumination rules in OA and citywide	The OA overlay restricts internal illumination; elsewhere the code generally prohibits internal illumination but allows halo-lit wall signs — variance possibilities are limited.	Verify § 9553.5.B and the countywide mapping of OA boundaries; check design-review requirements.
Measurement method for window area and wall area	Calculating allowable temporary window signage or wall sign area depends on how the code defines window area and frontage. Incorrect calculations affect permit approvals.	Follow measurement definitions and limits in § 9655.8 and § 9655.10.A; confirm with planning director.
Overlaps with other development standards (setbacks, landscaping, parking)	A permitted sign may still be sited illegally if it blocks required parking, setbacks or required landscape buffers.	Coordinate sign base/monument siting with Agoura Hills Development Standards, Parking, and Landscaping and Screening.
Building permits / structural/electrical work	The sign code controls appearance and location but mounting, electrical work and structural supports may trigger building permits (Title 24).	Verify with building department and the California Building Standards Code. Not found in retrieved materials: exact thresholds for building permits in the sign chapter.

Plain‑English summary

Agoura Hills limits signs to protect the city’s character and safety: small temporary signs are allowed with strict size/time caps, commercial tenants get wall‑area allowances tied to frontage (with caps), monument and freeway signs have defined allowances, and multi‑tenant projects or special cases must submit a sign program and usually go through design review. For Old Agoura properties the rules are stricter — natural materials and no internal illumination are required. Verify your parcel’s zone and overlay and check whether a sign program or design review is required before ordering fabrication.

Source References

Agoura Hills Zoning Ordinance, Division 5 — Sign Regulations: § 9655 (Intent) and related sections § 9655.8, § 9655.9, § 9655.10, § 9655.11.
Old Agoura Design Overlay — Signs and materials: § 9553.5 (OA sign materials, illumination, turn-off times).
RL district development standards (note: refers signs back to chapter 6): § 9233.7.
Zoning ordinance / Article IX context and organization: Article IX general provisions (Title and Part 1).
For building/electrical/structural permit thresholds: consult the California Building Standards Code (not specified in retrieved sign chapter).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Agoura Hills Zoning Code (chapter 5) High relevance
Agoura Hills Zoning Code High relevance
Agoura Hills Zoning Code (section 9655.8.B.1.) High relevance
Agoura Hills Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Agoura Hills Zoning Code (section 9655.8.B.1) Medium relevance
Agoura Hills Zoning Code (chapter 6) Medium relevance
Agoura Hills Zoning Code (section 9655.8.B.1.) Medium relevance
Agoura Hills Zoning Code (section 9552) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Agoura Hills code library

Frequently asked questions

What does Agoura Hills allow for wall sign area in a shopping center?

Wall sign allowances for commercial tenants are calculated by frontage: major tenants with frontage over 100 ft may have up to 1 sq ft per foot of primary building frontage, but in no event more than 200 sq ft for the wall sign. Additional rules cover second-frontage, tenant-length caps, and centering requirements. See § 9655.8.B.1.e–g.

Is internal illumination allowed for signs in Agoura Hills?

The ordinance generally prohibits internal illumination; halo-illuminated wall signs are allowed in some cases, and the Old Agoura overlay expressly forbids internal illumination (with limited halo exceptions) and requires externally compatible lighting. See § 9655.8 and § 9553.5.B.

When is a sign program required?

A sign program is required for several situations including new multi‑tenant projects of three or more tenants, proposals with five or more permanent signs, freeway‑facing signs, and where the director finds a sign program necessary. Planning commission approval is required for sign programs. See § 9655.9.

How long can temporary banners or yard signs stay up?

Temporary yard signs in residential zones: up to 120 days in any 12‑month period (director may allow an additional 120 days for active marketing). Commercial banners for charitable/community events: up to 30 days prior and 3 days after an event (maximum 33 days), and new-tenancy banners may be allowed for 90 consecutive days with director approval. See § 9655.10.B.1, § 9655.10.C–D.

Are freeway-facing signs allowed near US‑101?

Yes, buildings that directly back or side onto US‑101 may be eligible for one freeway‑facing sign (typically up to 25 sq ft, with a possible trade to 50 sq ft) but only under an approved sign program and subject to further restrictions (not applicable if separated by a public frontage road). See § 9655.8.B.1.i.

What special rules apply in Old Agoura (OA)?

Old Agoura requires signs to reinforce the rural character: externally illuminated monument/directory signs subject to design review, materials such as wood, stone or patinaed metals, prohibition on internal illumination (halo permitted), and specified night shut-off times for some locations. See § 9553.5.A–D.

Do gas stations get special sign allowances?

Yes. Gasoline service stations are allowed a monument sign per the monument rules plus one changeable-copy ground sign per street frontage (≤ 20 sq ft, 6 ft height), limits on canopy/island/dispenser signs (dispenser sign ≤ 2 sq ft, island canopy sign ≤ 10 sq ft per street frontage), and accessory wall sign size caps. See § 9655.8.C.1–4.

Do I ever need design review for a sign?

Yes — design review is required for many signs in the Old Agoura overlay and for monument/directory signs in that overlay, and sign programs require planning commission review. Some sign permits are also tied to design-review findings; verify with the planning director. See § 9553.5 and § 9655.9.

Are window signs counted toward sign area limits?

Permanent window signs are allowed and are not subject to a sign permit (they are treated as permanent signs and counted per the chapter); temporary window signs are allowed in commercial/business/PD zones and may not exceed 25% of total window area. See § 9655.8.B.3.c and § 9655.10.A.

Who approves appeals or sign program decisions?

Sign programs are approved by the planning commission; the code also describes public hearing and appeal procedures for planning commission matters. See § 9655.9 and the planning hearing rules in § 9804 (planning commission and council hearing/appeal structure).

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