Brisbane — Signage

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Brisbane regulates signs in Title 17 – Zoning, specifically Chapter 17.36 “Advertising Signs,” which applies to most signs on private property citywide and sets definitions, size limits, locations, process, and enforcement. The chapter works alongside the city’s broader Brisbane Zoning framework and cross-references review processes and findings in other parts of Title 17 where needed. Key tools you will use are Table 17.36.020 (sign types, maximum areas, approval authority, and time limits) and the frontage rules that cap total sign area.

What counts as a “sign” and where the rules apply

• The code regulates “advertising signs” visible from public areas on private property, including wall, window, awning, projecting, freestanding, banner, illuminated, kinetic, and other types. Paintings and art forms visible to the public are not considered advertising signs. Nothing here authorizes signs on public property.
• Permits are generally required, with limited exemptions for small identification, sale/lease, home occupation, and small or temporary window signs that meet Table 17.36.020.
• Signs must be on the same site as the use they identify (except off-site open house and off-site directional signs), must observe district height limits, and must be maintained in good condition. Projecting signs need at least 8 ft clearance or more if another code requires it; unauthorized placement on private property without owner consent is unlawful.

Citywide standards and process

• Measuring area and height. Sign area is calculated per Figure 17.36.020B; the maximum total signage allowed on a lot comes from Table 17.36.020. Sign height may not exceed the height otherwise allowed in the district.
• Frontage controls. Secondary-frontage signs are allowed up to one‑half the area otherwise allowed for that frontage, but combined sign area across all frontages may not exceed 100 sq ft. The Planning Director decides which street is your primary frontage.
• Sign programs. A Planning Commission–approved sign program is required when requests exceed certain thresholds (for example, frontage over 100 ft requesting more than 100 sq ft; multi-tenant sites seeking more than Figure 17.36.020A would allow; multiple nonresidential uses in residential districts requesting more than 20 sq ft; and for sites with a specific plan or a planned development permit). The Commission may tailor additional requirements and must make findings per §17.36.060(D).
• Approvals and noticing. Approval authority scales with sign type and size per Table 17.36.020 and Figure 17.36.020A:
  • Planning Director may approve smaller, conforming signs; some exempt signs need no permit.
  • Larger or special types go to the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission; those reviews require mailed notice to nearby owners/occupants at least 10 days before the meeting. Sign programs are reviewed by the Planning Commission with 300‑ft mailed notice.
• Design review coordination. When a project is subject to Brisbane Design Review, one of the required findings is that signage is appropriate in location, scale, type, and color and enhances the site design.
• Enforcement. Unlawful signs are declared a public nuisance; the City may abate them and recover costs. Nonconforming signs may not be replaced or altered unless brought into conformance (ordinary safety repairs allowed).

Common sign types and key limits

The most-used limits below come from Table 17.36.020; where you see “Figure 17.36.020A,” that figure governs the maximum area and who approves for that style/size.

Notes:

• “Specific General Plan subareas” where roof and pole signs are permitted are: Southeast Bayshore, Northeast Bayshore, Northwest Bayshore north of Main Street, Beatty, Baylands, and Southwest Bayshore. Verify your site’s subarea before proposing these sign types.
• “Where more than one classification applies, the most restrictive applies.”

Election signs (citywide)

Noncommercial “election signs” have their own standards: maximum 10 sq ft area, maximum 3 ft height if freestanding, ambient lighting only, and must not create a sight-distance hazard.

District-focused guidance for signage

Brisbane’s Chapter 17.36 applies to all districts; some districts restate compliance or add clarifications. Use this section to translate the citywide rules to the districts where you’re likely to ask “what can I do here?” District height caps and other Brisbane Development Standards still apply to signs.

R-1 Single-Family Residential

• Purpose for signage: Quiet, low-scale identification and temporary real estate/home occupation signage only, under Chapter 17.36.
• Typical sign types: small identification signs (1 sq ft), residential sale/lease (6 sq ft), home occupation (3 sq ft), temporary/limited window signs.
• Key dimensional standards: Freestanding signs for multifamily do not apply; projecting signs are uncommon in R-1 due to small scale; height of any sign cannot exceed the district’s structure height limit.
• Where it applies: All parcels zoned R-1 in Brisbane.

R-2 and R-3 Residential

• Purpose for signage: Provide wayfinding for multi-unit housing while conserving neighborhood character. Chapter 17.36 governs.
• Typical sign types: multifamily identification signs per Table 17.36.020; temporary sale/lease signs; window signs.
• Key dimensional standards: Multifamily in residential districts—up to 10 sq ft for frontage <100 ft; 20 sq ft for frontage ≥100 ft; 8 sq ft on secondary frontage; one per frontage; freestanding signs ≤4 ft high; no roof/eave signs. Overall combined signage across frontages capped at 100 sq ft.
• Where it applies: All R-2 and R-3 parcels with multiple units.

R-MHP Mobile Home Park District

• Purpose for signage: Identification for the park and its facilities and essential on-site informational/directional signs; all signs must meet Chapter 17.36.
• Typical sign types: identification monument or wall signs sized per frontage limits; on-site directional signs.
• Key dimensional standards: Governed by Table 17.36.020 and frontage rules; freestanding height subject to district height cap.
• Where it applies: Parcels zoned R-MHP.

Nonresidential districts (general guidance)

• Purpose for signage: Business identification and wayfinding consistent with district character under Chapter 17.36. Common formats include wall, awning, projecting, freestanding monument, and, in limited subareas, roof or pole signs.
• Typical sign types and approvals: Wall/awning/window per Figure 17.36.020A; some may be Planning Director–level if small and fully conforming; larger or special signs (illuminated, kinetic, pole, roof) require Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission with findings.
• Key dimensional standards: Total area by frontage and Table 17.36.020; height cannot exceed the district’s structure height; projecting clearance ≥8 ft. Roof and pole signs are limited to named General Plan subareas.
• Where it applies: All commercial/industrial zoning districts. Not found in retrieved materials: district-specific sign area multipliers beyond Chapter 17.36.

SCRO‑1 District (objective design standards context)

• Purpose for signage: Projects processed under SCRO‑1 objective design standards must still meet signage standards in §17.36.
• Typical sign types and size: As allowed by Chapter 17.36 and Table 17.36.020.
• Key dimensional standards: Follow Chapter 17.36 and district height limits.
• Where it applies: Parcels mapped in the SCRO‑1 district. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Process notes you’ll actually use

• Who decides? Small, conforming signs can be approved administratively by the Planning Director; mid‑range or special types go to the Zoning Administrator; largest or most visible/sensitive (e.g., pole, kinetic) go to the Planning Commission. The Director or Administrator may refer borderline applications upward if there are potential adverse impacts.
• Public notice is required for Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission sign reviews and for sign programs; administrative Director approvals typically require no notice.
• Some applications and minor sign permits are handled by the Zoning Administrator under Title 17; sign permits are also carved out from routine reporting to the Commission.

Interactions with other Brisbane titles and programs

• Nonconforming signs are subject to special limits on alteration and replacement; see also Brisbane Nonconforming Uses.
• Projects requiring discretionary site or building design changes may also go through Brisbane Design Review, which considers signage as part of the design.
• Structural/electrical, wind, or seismic aspects of signs are governed outside zoning by the California Building Standards Code. Not covered here.

Checklist

• Confirm your zoning district and any applicable subarea/overlay; roof or pole signs are limited to specific General Plan subareas. Verify with the jurisdiction.
• Determine primary vs secondary frontage with the Planning Director if there is more than one street frontage.
• Calculate maximum sign area per Table 17.36.020 and Figure 17.36.020A; cap combined area at 100 sq ft across all frontages.
• Verify whether your sign type is exempt from a permit; if not, identify the correct approval authority (Director, Zoning Administrator, or Planning Commission).
• If requesting more than baseline allowances or on multi‑tenant/long frontage sites, prepare a Sign Program for Planning Commission.
• For illuminated, kinetic, portable, or off‑site directional signs, prepare materials to support findings under §17.36.060(D).
• Observe placement and clearance rules (e.g., 8 ft minimum for projecting signs) and district height caps.
• Plan for removal timelines on temporary signs (e.g., construction, subdivision, banner).
• Maintain signs in good repair; avoid unauthorized placement on others’ property.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Brisbane’s sign rules are centralized in Chapter 17.36: small identification and real estate signs are easy, larger business signs are possible with the right size, frontage, and review tier, and special types (like illuminated or kinetic) need findings. If you have a long frontage, multiple tenants, or want more area than the baseline, expect to prepare a Sign Program for Commission review.

Source References

• Title 17 – Zoning; Chapter 17.36 “Advertising Signs” (purpose, applicability, definitions, general regs, frontage, sign programs, approvals, enforcement) — §§17.36.010–.060, .090; Table 17.36.020; Figures 17.36.020A–B.
• District cross-references: R-1 signs (§17.06.060); R‑MHP signs (§17.11.070); SCRO‑1 standards (signage follows §17.36).
• Design Review finding on signage (§17.42.040).
• Election signs (§17.32.260).
• Zoning Administrator procedures and sign permit carve‑outs (§17.56.040 and related).

Retrieved passages

• Brisbane Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Brisbane Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Brisbane Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Brisbane Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Brisbane Zoning Code (title can) Medium relevance show source text
• Brisbane Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Brisbane Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text
• Brisbane Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Title 17 – Zoning; Chapter 17.36 “Advertising Signs” (purpose, applicability, definitions, general regs, frontage, sign programs, approvals, enforcement) — §§17.36.010–.060, .090; Table 17.36.020; Figures 17.36.020A–B. (Title 17)
• District cross-references: R-1 signs (§17.06.060); R‑MHP signs (§17.11.070); SCRO‑1 standards (signage follows §17.36). (§17.06.060)
• Design Review finding on signage (§17.42.040). (§17.42.040)
• Election signs (§17.32.260). (§17.32.260)
• Zoning Administrator procedures and sign permit carve‑outs (§17.56.040 and related). (§17.56.040)
• Brisbane_ZoningCode.md

• Official Brisbane code library