Local zoning · Barstow

Barstow — Signage

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the City of Barstow's sign rules as adopted in Title 19 — Zoning, focusing only on the land‑use/signage rules (what signs are allowed where, size, location, temporary sign rules, prohibited signs, sign programs and nonconforming sign rules). The controlling sign ordinance is found at § 19.06.060 (Signs) of the Barstow Zoning Ordinance; district names and abbreviations (for mapping sign rules onto zones) are in Chapter 19.04. § references below tie each requirement to the specific ordinance text.

Note: this page stays within the zoning/sign rules. For construction and electrical permits or structural design refer to the California Building Standards Code. When reading setback, parking or site‑plan requirements referenced by the sign rules, consult the Barstow Development Standards, Barstow Parking, and Barstow Design Review pages as needed.

How the ordinance is organized (quick)

  • The Sign Ordinance is codified at § 19.06.060 (Signs).
  • Zone names/abbreviations used across the Code (e.g., SFR, MDR, C, I, SP, PUD, MZ) are listed in Chapter 19.04; sign rules apply to these districts as mapped in § 19.06.060(d).

District-by-district breakdown (what the Barstow ordinance actually says)

Note: every district heading below uses the actual district abbreviations and the specific ordinance subsections that regulate signs in that district. Where the ordinance uses descriptive names (for example “single‑family district”) those are mapped to the City abbreviation in Chapter 19.04 (SFR = Single‑Family Residential).

SFR — Single‑Family Residential (what is allowed, where it applies)

  • Purpose / typical uses: residential lots and single‑family homes organized under the SFR district. See Chapter 19.04 for mapping.
  • Permitted temporary / permanent signs (high‑level): a personal identification nameplate/address sign (maximum 2 sq ft), and entrance identification signs for housing tracts or mobile home parks in the form of masonry/retaining wall signs or monument signs.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Personal nameplate: ≤ 2 sq ft (§ 19.06.060(d)(1)(a)).
    • Entrance wall sign: ≤ 5 ft height and ≤ 20 sq ft area (§ 19.06.060(d)(1)(b)(i)).
    • Entrance monument sign: ≤ 5 ft overall height and ≤ 20 sq ft sign face (§ 19.06.060(d)(1)(b)(ii)).
    • Minimum separation for tract signs: 300 ft between signs along the same street; max 2 signs per street frontage (§ 19.06.060(d)(1)(b)(iii)).
  • Location: private property only; signs may not be in the public right‑of‑way and illumination is allowed only if subdued (§ 19.06.060(d)(1)(b)(v)).

Practical note: tract or community entrance signs are treated differently than a regular yard sign—if your project is a new subdivision look at the subdivision/model home sign rules in § 19.06.060(f)(4) as well.

MDR — Medium / Multiple‑Family Residential (multi‑unit complexes)

  • Purpose / typical uses: apartments, condominiums and other multi‑family properties in MDR/Multi‑Family districts.
  • Permitted signs: one wall or one monument sign per street frontage.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Area: 1 sq ft per lineal foot of street frontage, max 25 sq ft (§ 19.06.060(d)(2)(a)(i)).
    • Max width: 10 ft; monument or wall positioning tied to roof edge or screen wall dimensions (§ 19.06.060(d)(2)(a)(ii)).
    • Illumination: internal/external allowed but subdued and must avoid glare (§ 19.06.060(d)(2)(a)(iii)).

C / I — Commercial (C) and Industrial (I) districts

  • Purpose / typical uses: retail, services, offices (Commercial C) and manufacturing/warehouse (Industrial I). Sign rules for commercial/industrial areas are the most detailed.
  • Wall sign rules (typical small business):
    • One wall sign per business per street frontage (max two per business), with area limits tied to business frontage: up to 2 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage and sign length no more than 75% of business frontage; pedestrian‑oriented wall signs limited to 1 sq ft per lineal foot. Wall signs cannot extend above a parapet or roof edge and normally must be below the roof edge. (§ 19.06.060(d)(3)(b)(i–iii)).
  • Freestanding / monument / pylon signs: commercial sites may use a single monument or pylon sign per street frontage; fuel/service stations have separate allowances (see fueling station rules below). (§ 19.06.060(f)).
  • Window sign rules (commercial storefronts): perforated vinyl and paper/plastic window signs are regulated by opacity and area (e.g., paper/poster type >80% opaque limited to 30% of window area; perforated vinyl allowed up to 100% of window but must meet perforation/opacity and permit requirements) (§ 19.06.060(e)(2)(e)(1)).

Practical note: larger shopping centers and multi‑tenant projects can seek a Sign Program to tailor or deviate from the standard rules; sign programs are processed like conditional use permits and must show numbers, sizes, locations, heights, illumination method and materials. § 19.06.060(c)(6) and (6)(b) explain the process and required content.

SP — Specific Plan and PUD — Planned Unit Development (overlay/area plan)

  • When a site is in an adopted SP (Specific Plan) district, the specific plan's sign rules control. If the specific plan “refers back” to the sign ordinance, the ordinance uses the closest comparable zoning district for standards. Where no specific plan standards exist the single‑family sign rules apply by default. (§ 19.06.060(d)(3)(7)).
  • For PUD, base district sign rules apply unless the PUD established different sign standards. (§ 19.06.060(d)(3)(8)).

Link: see how overlays are organized in Barstow Overlay Districts.

PF / Public facilities & MZ (Military)

  • PF (Public Facilities): signs referenced back to § 19.06.060 for regulation; site‑specific setbacks and screening may apply elsewhere in the code.
  • MZ (Military Zone): the ordinance states federal properties are not subject to local sign regulations (MZ is under federal authority). (§ 19.06.060(d)(9)).

Other critical standards you must know

  • Permit required: permits are required for construction, erection, alteration, relocation of signs except where the Code explicitly exempts a sign type; sign permit application and plan sets (typically three sets) are submitted to the Building Department for review (§ 19.06.060(c)(1)).
  • Maintenance: owners must maintain signs (painting, lighting, structural integrity); signs advertising a use not conducted for 90 days lose nonconforming protection and must be made conforming or removed (§ 19.06.060(c)(2)).
  • Temporary signs: temporary sign permits (where required) are valid for the promotion or up to 90 days, up to four times per year, with a $25 application fee for many temporary types; special rules for election signs, real‑estate signs, banners, inflatables, hand‑held signs, etc. (§ 19.06.060(e)).
  • Prohibited signs: the Code lists several prohibited types including portable “A‑frame” signs, billboards, roof signs (except in limited director‑approved cases), pennants/flags (except limited promotional uses), inflatable signs (except for special events), animated/revolving signs (with exceptions), signs that conflict with traffic controls, signs that make sounds/emit odors, vehicle signs used as permanent advertising, and signs in the public right‑of‑way except by city approval. (§ 19.06.060(h)).
  • Nonconforming signs: separate nonconforming sign rules exist in § 19.06.060(g) and Chapter 19.38; rules include no enlargement, abatement schedules, and conditions when removal without compensation is required. (§ 19.06.060(g); § 19.38.130).

Design and construction standards (materials, bases, pole covers, UL approval for illuminated cabinets, etc.) are spelled out in the sign design standards subsection (freestanding, monument, wall sign construction and materials). (§ 19.06.060(f)(5)).

Fuel / Service Station specifics: the Code lists separate allowances and limits (e.g., maximum 6 sq ft per fuel pump side for pump signage; canopy signage rules; one freeway‑oriented sign possible; pylon up to 25 ft and 45 sq ft, or monument up to 6 ft high and 50 sq ft area under the fueling station rules). See § 19.06.060(f)(1–5).

Electronic / reader board signs and Caltrans: reader boards/electronic displays are allowed under a sign program subject to Caltrans regulations (visibility from freeways) and the sign program must count electronic area toward the overall sign area. (§ 19.06.060(c)(6)(vii–viii)).

Quick decision‑relevant standards table

Topic / Typical rule Requirement (bolded where numeric) Code Reference
Permit required for new/altered signs Sign permit; plan sets; electrical/building permits if illuminated § 19.06.060(c)(1)
SFR residential nameplate ≤ 2 sq ft § 19.06.060(d)(1)(a)
SFR entrance monument/wall signs Monument/wall ≤ 5 ft height; sign area ≤ 20 sq ft § 19.06.060(d)(1)(b)(i–ii)
Multi‑family sign area 1 sq ft/lineal ft, max 25 sq ft § 19.06.060(d)(2)(a)(i)
Commercial wall sign formula Up to 2 sq ft/lineal ft of business frontage; length ≤ 75% frontage (pedestrian area ≤ 1 sq ft/lineal ft) § 19.06.060(d)(3)(b)(i–ii)
Temporary sign permit time limit Up to 90 days, no more than 4 times/year (unless otherwise stated); $25 permit fee for many temporary signs § 19.06.060(e)(1)(b–c)
Prohibited (selected) Portable A‑frames, billboards, most roof signs, pennants (except limited), inflatable signs (except special events), animated/revolving signs § 19.06.060(h)
Nonconforming sign abandonment If unused/advertises non‑existing use for 90 days → loses nonconforming status § 19.06.060(g)
Sign Programs (shopping centers, large projects) Min 3 acres usually; processed like CUP; planning commission sets areas/locations/height § 19.06.060(c)(6)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before you install a sign in Barstow)

  • Determine zoning district for the parcel (e.g., SFR, MDR, C, I, SP) and confirm which sign subsection applies.
  • Confirm whether the sign is permanent vs temporary (temporary permits and time limits apply). Temporary sign permit where required; fee commonly $25. § 19.06.060(e).
  • Prepare sign permit plans (three sets): elevation, dimensions, materials, attachment details, and electrical details if illuminated. § 19.06.060(c)(1).
  • If the project is a multi‑tenant center or >3 acres, evaluate whether a Sign Program is required/appropriate; sign programs require planning commission review (CUP process). § 19.06.060(c)(6).
  • Verify no conflict with sight‑distance, right‑of‑way, or parking standards; consult Barstow Parking and the clear‑sight criteria in § 19.06.040.
  • If the sign faces a state/federal highway or is freeway‑oriented, check Caltrans regulations and the sign program language for reader boards/electronic signs. § 19.06.060(c)(6).
  • For existing nonconforming signs, review § 19.06.060(g) and Chapter 19.38 before proposing changes.

Link: If you expect sign review to be part of broader site design, coordinate with Barstow Design Review and Barstow Development Standards.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Nonconforming sign compensation & abatement Abatement schedule and compensation rules can require removal or payment; affects redevelopment decisions Verify nonconforming status and abatement schedule in § 19.06.060(g) and § 19.38.130.
Freeway visibility / Caltrans overlap Freeway‑oriented or readerboard signs may be subject to Caltrans rules (and counted in sign program totals) Confirm whether site is within Caltrans‑regulated corridor and reference readerboard/electronic sign language in § 19.06.060(c)(6)(vii–viii).
Specific Plan / PUD overrides Specific plans or PUD approvals can supersede the general sign rules Check the applicable specific plan or PUD documents—if the SP refers back to the sign ordinance the “closest comparable district” rules apply; otherwise single‑family defaults apply (§ 19.06.060(d)(3)(7–8)).
Height & measurement methods The Code references heights (e.g., monument height, sign height) but measurement baseline can vary Verify measurement base in the Code and how it applies to your parcel; “adjacent surface” and parapet references appear in sign subsections—ask planning staff for parcel‑specific interpretation.
Window / perforated vinyl rules vs. storefront design Complex opacity/installation details and a requirement that perforated vinyl be professionally installed; mixing sign types is restricted Confirm whether your proposed combination is allowed and whether a sign permit is required (§ 19.06.060(e)(2) and e.g., window sign rules).
ADU signage The zoning code does not explicitly set out ADU sign allowances Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the City whether ADU identification signs are treated as dwelling identification or subject to SFR rules. Verify with Barstow ADUs.

Plain‑English summary

Barstow’s sign rules live in Title 19, § 19.06.060: most residential lots get small nameplates and limited neighborhood entrance signs; multi‑family properties get one wall or monument sign per street frontage (small area limits); commercial properties calculate wall sign area from the business frontage (and can pursue a sign program for large centers); temporary signs need short permits; many attention‑getting devices (A‑frames, most inflatables, most roof/billboard signs) are prohibited. For anything unusual (freeway readerboards, sign programs, or nonconforming signs) you must check the specific subsection and coordinate with planning staff.

Source References

  • Barstow Zoning Ordinance, Title 19 — CHAPTER 19.06 (Development Standards) — Sec. 19.06.060. — Signs (full sign rules, definitions, general provisions, temporary signs, prohibited signs, sign programs): § 19.06.060.
  • Barstow Zoning Ordinance, Title 19 — CHAPTER 19.04 — Districts established (zone abbreviations SFR, MDR, C, I, SP, PUD, MZ, PF): § 19.04.010.
  • Sign program rules and processing (minimum size, review as conditional use permit, required plan content): § 19.06.060(c)(6).
  • Temporary signs (permit fee, length, permitted types, hand‑held sign rules): § 19.06.060(e).
  • Nonconforming sign rules and abatement schedule: § 19.06.060(g); Chapter 19.38 (Nonconforming signs detailed).
  • Prohibited signs (portable, billboards, animated, etc.) and preservation of Route 66 vintage signs: § 19.06.060(h).
  • Fuel/service station sign specifics (pump signs, canopy signs, pylon vs monument height/area): § 19.06.060(f).

For building/electrical permit requirements related to sign construction, consult the California Building Standards Code. For site plan, setback and parking interactions see Barstow Development Standards and Barstow Parking. For projects requiring design findings or discretionary review see Barstow Design Review. For overlay mapping consult Barstow Overlay Districts. For ADU signage questions see Barstow ADUs.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Barstow Zoning Code (chapter a) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (section 19.06.060) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (chapter for) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (section 19.06.060) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (section 19.06.060) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (section that) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (section 19.06.060) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.02.005) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (Title 19) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 12.12.020 (section 12.12.020) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (chapter 19.30) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (title within) Medium relevance
  • CRC § R608.5.4 Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What is the controlling sign ordinance section in Barstow?

The controlling local sign rules are codified at § 19.06.060 (Signs) in Title 19 — Zoning (Barstow Zoning Ordinance).

How big can a wall sign be for a small business in Barstow?

For typical commercial businesses the ordinance allows up to 2 sq ft per lineal foot of business frontage, and the sign length cannot exceed 75% of the business frontage (pedestrian‑oriented wall signs are limited to 1 sq ft per lineal foot). See § 19.06.060(d)(3)(b)(i–iii).

Do I need a permit for a banner for a grand opening?

Yes — most temporary promotional banners/flags/streamers require a temporary sign permit (application fee commonly $25) and are limited to the promotion length or 90 days, up to four times per year, unless the ordinance states otherwise. See § 19.06.060(e).

Are A‑frame (sandwich) signs allowed on sidewalks in Barstow?

No — portable signs such as A‑frame / sandwich board signs are listed among prohibited signs unless the city specifically approves otherwise. § 19.06.060(h).

How are multi‑tenant shopping center signs handled?

Large centers often use a Sign Program (processed like a conditional use permit) that specifies number, size, location and design; a sign program can authorize deviations from the standard sign chapter for integrated projects. See § 19.06.060(c)(6).

Can I install an electronic (LED) reader board sign?

Electronic signs are allowed under a sign program and the electronic readerboard area counts toward the overall sign area; movement/scrolling is restricted and freeway‑visible electronics must comply with Caltrans and the sign program's conditions. See § 19.06.060(c)(6)(vii–viii).

What happens if my old billboard or freestanding sign no longer advertises an active business?

If a sign advertises a use not conducted on the property for 90 days, the sign loses its nonconforming protection and must be made conforming or removed; abatement and compensation rules vary and are described in § 19.06.060(g) and Chapter 19.38.

Are roof signs allowed in Barstow?

Roof signs are generally prohibited, except if the director finds other alternatives are impractical; then roof signs may be allowed only if architecturally integrated into the roof system. § 19.06.060(h)(4).

Where do I check district‑specific rules for my parcel?

Confirm the parcel’s zoning district in Chapter 19.04, then read the matching sign subsection in § 19.06.060(d) (e.g., SFR, MDR, C, I).

Does Barstow treat Route 66 vintage signs differently?

Yes — the ordinance encourages preservation of vintage signs along the Historic Route 66 corridor where feasible and allows them to remain if structurally sound and well maintained. § 19.06.060(h) note on vintage sign preservation.

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