Local zoning · Alhambra

Alhambra — Signage

Q: Can I put a freestanding sign in the Central Business District (CBD) in Alhambra?

Yes — the sign chapter allows freestanding signs in the CBD but limits them; for example Table entries indicate one freestanding sign per development with a typical area cap of 20 sq ft and a 5 ft setback in the CBD; confirm the exact per‑parcel allowance and measurement rules in § 23.21.090(B) and § 23.21.080 .

Q: What temporary signage limits should I expect for a banner or grand‑opening?

Banner rules: maximum banner area is 2 sq ft per linear foot of primary building frontage; at most one banner per building frontage (max two per site), limited materials and locations, and display durations are capped under § 23.21.100(D)(1) and § 23.21.100(B) .

Q: Who reviews a Master Sign Program and what must it include?

The Design Review Board reviews Master Sign Programs; a program is required for projects with four or more non‑residential lease spaces and must include location, dimension, colors, fonts, materials, illumination methods, and total allowable sign‑area calculations § 23.21.130 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Alhambra Municipal Code requires for signs (Chapter 23.21 of the Alhambra Zoning Code, often referenced alongside design review rules in Chapter 23.33). It covers what sign types are permitted or prohibited by zoning district, how sign area and height are measured, temporary sign rules, Master Sign Programs, and enforcement/abatement. All requirements below are taken from the city's sign chapter and related design review provisions: read the cited code sections and verify parcel-specific questions with the City. § 23.21.010 .

Note: for the city’s overall zoning map and district purposes see the Alhambra zoning & planning overview and Alhambra Zoning pages linked below. Alhambra zoning & planning overview Alhambra Zoning

How to read this page

Bold text highlights the district codes and the numeric standards you must watch for (for example, § 23.21.090).
The first time natural topics appear they are linked to related GoCodebook pages: Alhambra Development Standards, Alhambra Design Review, Alhambra Parking, Alhambra Overlay Districts, Alhambra ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code. Use those pages for context beyond signage (setbacks, parking, ADUs, building-code compliance).

Key Citywide rules (what applies everywhere)

Purpose and content-neutral approach: the sign chapter is intended to allow communication while preventing visual clutter and hazards § 23.21.010 .
Exemptions (no permit required) include small directional signs, governmental signs, political signs (time-limited), most real estate signs up to 45 sq ft, interior signs not visible from the street, window signs for community events, certain flag signs, and construction/project signs subject to size/height thresholds § 23.21.040 .
Prohibited sign types are listed (animated/blinking, billboards, roof signs, most portable signs unless via temporary use permit, fence signs, etc.) § 23.21.050 .
Measurement rules: sign area, multi-faced and three‑dimensional signs, sign height, street frontage, and building frontage calculation rules are in § 23.21.060 .
General construction, change-of-copy, materials and encroachment rules (private signs must not project over public right-of-way without an encroachment permit) are in § 23.21.070 .
Permanent sign types and their dimensional controls—wall signs, freestanding signs, awning/canopy, projecting/shingle, window, building-identification signs, and fin signs—are regulated in § 23.21.090 .
Temporary sign rules, durations, banner and portable sign limits are set out in § 23.21.100 .
Projects with four or more non-residential lease spaces must have a Master Sign Program; the Design Review Board reviews master sign programs and they must demonstrate compatibility and coordinated design § 23.21.130 .
Sign maintenance and abatement/appeal procedures (including liens and hearings) are in §§ 23.21.140–23.21.210 .

District-by-district breakdown

The sign chapter uses the city’s zoning district shorthand in its allowed-signs table. For each district below I list what the sign chapter permits or restricts (sign-type focus), the primary dimensional controls that apply to signs in that district, and where this district-level guidance is found in the sign chapter. The zoning map and the underlying zoning purposes/uses are not reproduced here; see the city zoning pages for parcel-specific use rules. Alhambra Zoning

Important: the district-level allowances come from Table 23.21.080 in the sign chapter (the table headings use district codes: RL, RM, RH, CBD, EMC, CMU, AC, PO, I, PF, OS) and the specific sign-type standards referenced below from § 23.21.090 and related sections. See § 23.21.080 and § 23.21.090 for the controlling cross‑references and the full per‑district matrix .

Note: the code does not restate general zoning district “purposes” inside the sign chapter. Where the sign chapter does not define a district’s non‑sign purpose or permitted uses, the phrase "Not found in retrieved materials" is used — verify with the Zoning Title and the city map. Alhambra Overlay Districts

RL (Residential Low / labeled RL)

Sign-role: Primarily residential sign allowances; exempt signs (directional, governmental, political subject to time limits, small real estate up to 45 sq ft, etc.) are allowed in residential districts § 23.21.040 .
Permanent signage: Wall signs allowed but limited (residential wall signs maximum 20 sq ft and must be ground-floor / below 15 ft) — see § 23.21.090(A) .
Freestanding/other: Check Table 23.21.080 for freestanding allowances in RL; many permanent sign types are restricted in residential districts — consult § 23.21.080 for the Y/N matrix .
Where it applies / typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the zoning map and Title 17. Alhambra Development Standards

RM (Residential Medium / RM)

Sign-role: Similar to RL for exempt signs and small wall identification signs; subject to the same residential dimensional limits in § 23.21.090(A) and exemptions in § 23.21.040 .
Where it applies: See city zoning map — uses not repeated in sign chapter. Alhambra Zoning

RH (Residential High / RH)

Sign-role: Residential limits; wall signs limited to 20 sq ft (ground‑floor, below 15 ft) unless conditionally permitted uses designate otherwise § 23.21.090(A) .
Other restrictions & exemptions: See § 23.21.040 and matrix § 23.21.080 .

CBD (Central Business District / CBD)

Sign-role: Broad sign allowance to support commercial identity: Wall signs and many permanent sign types allowed; freestanding signs are limited (Table shows One freestanding sign per development, 20 sq ft, 5 ft setback) — see § 23.21.090(B) and Table entries in § 23.21.080 .
Dimensional highlights: wall sign area based on frontage (commercial: 2 sq ft per linear foot of primary building frontage) and maximum 20% of wall area rules apply § 23.21.090(A) .
Design review: signage for single- and multi-tenant buildings in non-residential zones is subject to design review § 23.33.020 .

EMC (Employment / EMC)

Sign-role: Permits typical commercial/industrial sign types noted in the matrix; treat commercial frontage rules (wall sign area by linear frontage) and freestanding rules as applicable § 23.21.090(A–B) .
Where it applies: See zoning map. For design integration and site signage coordination use the Master Sign Program rules if multi‑tenant § 23.21.130 .

CMU (Commercial-Mixed Use / CMU)

Sign-role: Mixed‑use allowances; wall-area calculations for commercial frontage apply to ground-floor commercial spaces; building-identification sign area (for taller buildings) uses Table 23.21.090.F (limits by number of stories) § 23.21.090(F) .
Master Sign Program: Required for projects with four or more non‑residential lease spaces § 23.21.130 .

AC (Active Commercial / AC)

Sign-role: Full commercial sign menu (wall, freestanding, awning/canopy, projecting/shingle, window, building identification, fin signs) subject to the permanent sign standards in § 23.21.090 and the allowed-signs matrix § 23.21.080 .
Temporary signs: allowed types and durations are under § 23.21.100 (banners, portable signs up to 20 sq ft, limits on display duration) .

PO (Professional/Office / PO)

Sign-role: Office-oriented signage; Table entries show freestanding allowances (example in the table: One per street frontage, 1 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage, 5 ft setback, 15 ft height) — consult § 23.21.090(B) and § 23.21.080 for the complete per‑district numbers .
Signage used for wayfinding and building identification should align with design review if visible from public streets § 23.33.020 .

I (Industrial / I)

Sign-role: Industrial properties are allowed many permanent and temporary commercial sign types per the matrix; freestanding and wall sign allowances follow the general permanent‑sign standards in § 23.21.090 and the district matrix § 23.21.080 .

PF (Public / PF)

Sign-role: Public and semi‑public building signage allowed but limited by the rule that wall signs may not exceed 20% of the wall area § 23.21.090(A) .
Exemptions: certain governmental signs are exempt § 23.21.040(B) .

OS (Open Space / OS)

Sign-role: Primarily limited; exempt directional and governmental signs allowed § 23.21.040; permanent commercial sign types are generally not the chapter focus for OS — see the matrix § 23.21.080 .

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant sign standards

Sign type	Typical limit or rule (citywide)	Code reference
Exempt small directional signs	≤ 4 sq ft; exempt from permit if standards met	§ 23.21.040(A)
Real estate signs (exempt)	≤ 45 sq ft	§ 23.21.040(D)
Wall signs (residential)	≤ 20 sq ft; ground floor, ≤ 15 ft height	§ 23.21.090(A)
Wall signs (commercial)	2 sq ft per linear foot primary frontage; ≤ 20% of wall area	§ 23.21.090(A)
Freestanding (CBD example)	One per development; 20 sq ft; 5 ft setback	Table / § 23.21.090(B)
Portable signs (temporary)	≤ 20 sq ft; ≤ 5 ft height; see permit limits	§ 23.21.100(D)(2)
Banners (temporary)	Area: 2 sq ft per linear foot of primary frontage; limited number/duration	§ 23.21.100(D)(1)
Changeable copy	Manual changeable copy ≤ 50% of sign area	§ 23.21.070(E)
Prohibited signs	Animated/blinking (except few), billboards, roof signs, fence signs, etc.	§ 23.21.050
Master Sign Program	Required for projects with ≥ 4 non‑residential lease spaces	§ 23.21.130
Sign measurement rules	Area & height methods, three‑dimensional rules, frontage definitions	§ 23.21.060

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy

Confirm the parcel’s zoning district and consult Table 23.21.080 to see which sign types are allowed on that district § 23.21.080 . Alhambra Zoning
Calculate sign area and height using the chapter’s measurement rules § 23.21.060 .
Check whether the sign is exempt (no permit) under § 23.21.040 or needs a sign permit; if exempt, ensure you strictly meet the exemption limits § 23.21.040 .
If the project has ≥ 4 non‑residential lease spaces, prepare a Master Sign Program with graphics, area calculations, and materials § 23.21.130 .
For signs visible from or projecting into the public right-of-way obtain Public Works encroachment permit if required § 23.21.070(F) .
Submit signage to the Design Review Board when required (single‑tenant, multi‑tenant without a master sign program, and master sign programs are subject to design review) § 23.33.020 . Alhambra Design Review
Ensure materials, illumination and installation meet construction and electrical code requirements (follow the California Building Standards Code / Title 24 for structural/electrical) § 23.21.070(A) . California Building Standards Code
Maintain signs in good condition and adhere to maintenance and abatement procedures; noncompliance can lead to hearings and liens § 23.21.140; §§ 23.21.170–210 .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Encroachment into public right‑of‑way	Signs that project over public property need an encroachment permit and can be denied; illegal encroachment may be abated § 23.21.070(F)	Confirm exact property line, sidewalk grade, Public Works encroachment rules; obtain permit if necessary.
Whether a sign is “exempt” or needs a permit	Exempt signs have strict size/time/location rules; misclassifying can lead to abatement § 23.21.040	Confirm exemption details (e.g., real estate signs ≤ 45 sq ft), and, for open-house directional signs, follow the public parkway rules and time windows § 23.21.040(J) .
Master Sign Program applicability	A project with multiple tenants is required to coordinate signage via a program; missing this can delay tenant signage § 23.21.130	Verify number of lease spaces; if ≥4, prepare Master Sign Program to Design Review Board standards.
Measurement complications (3‑D signs/multi‑faced)	Incorrect area or height calculations change allowable size and could make a sign illegal § 23.21.060	Use the chapter’s measuring figures and, if necessary, ask staff to confirm measurement method.
District‑by‑district gaps	The sign chapter states allowances by district code but does not restate each district’s underlying land‑use purpose	Consult Title 17 / zoning map to confirm that the proposed sign’s business/land use is actually allowed in the district. Verify with the City.
Illumination and animated content	Animated or flashing signs are prohibited except limited exceptions; illumination changes can remove change‑of‑copy exemptions § 23.21.050; § 23.21.070(B)	If proposing illuminated or changeable copy, verify specific allowable illumination and whether design review or additional permits are needed.

Plain-English Summary

Alhambra’s sign rules (Chapter 23.21) let businesses and property owners put up identification and temporary signs but tightly control size, placement, type, and materials to avoid clutter and hazards; many small signs are exempt, certain sign types (billboards, roof signs, blinking/animated signs) are banned, multi‑tenant sites often must file a Master Sign Program, and many signs require Design Review or an encroachment permit if they affect the public right‑of‑way §§ 23.21.040–23.21.130; § 23.33.020 .

Source References

Alhambra Municipal Code, Chapter 23.21 (Signs), including: § 23.21.010 (purpose) ; § 23.21.020 (definitions) ; § 23.21.040 (exempt signs) ; § 23.21.050 (prohibitions) ; § 23.21.060 (measurement) ; § 23.21.070 (general provisions) ; § 23.21.080 (allowed signs by zone district / Table 23.21.080) ; § 23.21.090 (permanent sign standards) ; § 23.21.100 (temporary signs) ; § 23.21.130 (Master Sign Program) ; §§ 23.21.140–23.21.210 (maintenance, abatement, hearing and appeal procedures) .
Design review applicability for signs: § 23.33.020 (Design Review chapter) .
For citywide zoning context, see the Alhambra zoning overview and development standards pages on GoCodebook: Alhambra zoning & planning overview Alhambra Development Standards

Sources

Retrieved passages

Alhambra Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.21.130) High relevance
Alhambra Zoning Code (section establishes) High relevance
Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.12.190) High relevance
Alhambra Zoning Code (chapter when) High relevance
CEC § 23.21.070 (§ 23.21.070) Medium relevance
Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.21.190) Medium relevance
Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.21.100) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Alhambra code library

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a freestanding sign in the Central Business District (CBD) in Alhambra?

Yes — the sign chapter allows freestanding signs in the CBD but limits them; for example Table entries indicate one freestanding sign per development with a typical area cap of 20 sq ft and a 5 ft setback in the CBD; confirm the exact per‑parcel allowance and measurement rules in § 23.21.090(B) and § 23.21.080 .

Are real‑estate open‑house signs allowed in residential districts?

Yes — off‑site portable open‑house/directional signs are exempt in residential districts if they follow the chapter’s restrictions (permission of adjacent property owner, max numbers per corner/intersection, spacing, hours limited to weekends/holidays and limited to the day of the open house), see § 23.21.040(J) .

What is the maximum wall sign area for a commercial tenant?

For commercial and mixed‑use zones the chapter limits primary building frontage signs to 2 sq ft per linear foot of primary building frontage (other frontages 0.5 sq ft per linear foot), and wall signs must not exceed 20% of the wall area; see § 23.21.090(A) .

Do I need Design Review for a new sign on a single‑tenant building?

Yes — signage for single‑tenant buildings in both residential and non‑residential zones is identified as subject to design review under the Design Review chapter; see § 23.33.020 and the sign chapter for related standards § 23.33.020 .

Are portable signs (A‑frames) allowed?

Portable signs are regulated: they are generally treated as temporary and the chapter caps portable sign area at 20 sq ft and height at 5 ft where allowed, but portable signs may be prohibited in some districts unless approved by a temporary use permit — check § 23.21.100(D)(2) and the prohibitions § 23.21.050 .

What temporary signage limits should I expect for a banner or grand‑opening?

Banner rules: maximum banner area is 2 sq ft per linear foot of primary building frontage; at most one banner per building frontage (max two per site), limited materials and locations, and display durations are capped under § 23.21.100(D)(1) and § 23.21.100(B) .

What signs are outright prohibited in Alhambra?

The code lists prohibited sign types including animated/blinking signs (with narrow exceptions), billboards, roof signs, permanent wind‑blown devices and balloons, fence signs, certain window‑applied advertising, and more — see § 23.21.050 for the full list and exceptions .

If my existing sign becomes nonconforming, what happens?

Nonconforming signs are subject to amortization and abatement; the Director can order abatement after the amortization period and the city can hold hearings, place liens, and abate the sign under §§ 23.21.150–23.21.210; owners have appeal rights to the Board of Appeals § 23.21.200–210 .

Who reviews a Master Sign Program and what must it include?

The Design Review Board reviews Master Sign Programs; a program is required for projects with four or more non‑residential lease spaces and must include location, dimension, colors, fonts, materials, illumination methods, and total allowable sign‑area calculations § 23.21.130 .

Does the sign chapter control illuminated signs and electrical work?

The sign chapter requires signs to be constructed in compliance with the applicable building and electrical codes; changes to illumination may remove a change‑of‑copy exemption. For structural and electrical compliance, follow the California building/electrical code requirements in addition to § 23.21.070(A–B) . California Building Standards Code

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