Local zoning · Calabasas

Calabasas — Signage

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the City of Calabasas sign rules in Chapter 17.30 — SIGNS of the local zoning code (Title 17). It explains what signs are allowed by zone, special corridor and Calabasas Road district exceptions, design and program requirements, temporary sign rules, and the nonconforming-sign amortization policy — all grounded in the municipal code. See the city's general sign-purpose and general provisions in § 17.30.010 and § 17.30.020 for the policy foundations .

(Throughout this page, internal topic links are provided where the topic naturally appears: see Calabasas Parking, Calabasas Design Review, Calabasas Overlay Districts, Calabasas Development Standards, Calabasas Landscaping and Screening, Calabasas ADUs and the California Building Standards Code.)

Chapter highlights you will use immediately:

  • The sign rules are maximums and the review authority will consider design compatibility, scale and context in addition to numeric limits — § 17.30.020 .
  • Multitenant commercial sites typically must adopt a Sign Program before receiving sign permits — see § 17.30.050 .
  • Design criteria and compatibility expectations are in § 17.30.060 and lighting must comply with the City's Lighting Ordinance (referenced repeatedly in the tables) .
  • The code contains district-specific tables (Tables 3‑17 through 3‑21) that list allowed sign types, maximum number, area, height and special rules (see § 17.30.080(B)) .

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the Calabasas zoning districts (as used in Title 17 sign tables) with the headline sign standards you need for permit application. Each district heading names the actual district code used in the ordinance and cites the controlling sign chapter provisions.

Notes about interpretation: the numeric standards below come from the tables embedded in Chapter 17.30; where the chapter gives special handling (e.g., Calabasas Road exceptions, sign program requirements, or scenic corridor compatibility) those rules are cited with the section number that carries them.

RS, RM, RR, RC, HM (Residential — Single- and Multi‑family; Rural; Hillside/Mountainous)

  • Purpose / typical signs: Project or neighborhood identification, multifamily/mobile home park identification, institutional identification (name/address). See Table 3‑17 in Chapter 17.30 and on-site sign rules in § 17.30.080 .
  • Key numeric standards: Wall/monument signs limited to 5 sq. ft. per acre, not to exceed 30 sq. ft. per sign; monument max 8 ft height; minimum setbacks 10 ft front / 5 ft side for monuments as required by the table and § 17.30.080 .
  • Where it applies: all parcels mapped as RS, RM, RR, RC or HM per the zoning map; consult Calabasas Zoning for the parcel designation.

CL, CR, CMU, CO, CB (Commercial — Limited, Retail, Mixed‑Use, Office, Business Park)

  • Purpose / typical signs: Tenant identification, building‑mounted signs, monument/gateway signs for shopping centers and complexes. See Table 3‑18 and related on-site rules in § 17.30.080 .
  • Key numeric standards:
    • Monument (commercial center/complex): generally 100 sq. ft. per face (2 faces max); 10 ft height typical; special allowances in the Calabasas Road district may raise area to 150 sq. ft. and height to 20–25 ft with council approval (see § 17.30.070 and § 17.30.080(B)(3)) .
    • Building‑mounted (tenant): typically 0.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of frontage with 15 sq. ft. minimum and 80 sq. ft. maximum per sign (per table text in Chapter 17.30) .
    • Pedestrian projecting signs: 3 sq. ft. per face, 2 faces max; bottom edge ≥ 8 ft above finished grade .
  • Where it applies: parcels in CL, CR, CMU, CO, CB zones (see Calabasas Zoning and the sign tables) and subject to Sign Program for multitenant sites (§ 17.30.050) .
  • Practical note: Freeway‑facing signs often have special limits (non‑illuminated only in many cases) and require careful coordination with the Scenic Corridor requirements — see § 17.30.080 and the references to the Lighting and Scenic Corridor rules .

CT (Commercial — Old Town / Historic core)

  • Purpose / typical signs: Smaller-scale monuments and pedestrian-oriented building signs tuned to an Old Town character. See Table 3‑19 and § 17.30.080 .
  • Key numeric standards:
    • Monument (center/complex): 100 sq. ft. per face (2 faces max); 8 ft height; spacing rules (e.g., 300 ft separation in CT for some monument types) are listed in the CT table in Chapter 17.30 .
    • Building‑mounted (retail/tenant): smaller maxima (often 10 sq. ft. in CT for building-mounted tenant signs) and design compatibility expectations; check the CT table in § 17.30.080 .
  • Where it applies: parcels designated CT on the zoning map and where Old Town design guidelines apply; review with Calabasas Design Review if applicable.

PF, OS, REC (Public Facilities, Open Space, Recreation)

  • Purpose / typical signs: Identification for public facilities, parks, schools, utilities; building identification and wayfinding. See Table 3‑20 and § 17.30.080 .
  • Key numeric standards:
    • Building-mounted or monument (public site): 5 sq. ft. per acre up to 100 sq. ft. max; 8 ft monument; eave height for wall-mounted signs; setbacks vary (private vs. public sites) — 10 ft min front setback for private sites noted in the table .
  • Where it applies: public and private facilities in PF, OS, REC zones.

Calabasas Road district (special corridor overlay along Calabasas Road)

  • Purpose / special rules: Allows monument signs along Calabasas Road with explicit larger height/area caps and a process for council exceptions. See § 17.30.080(B)(3) and the Calabasas Road district allowance in § 17.30.070 for additional area/height conditions .
  • Key numeric standards:
    • Baseline: monument signs in this district allowed up to 20 ft height and 100 sq. ft. sign area.
    • Exception path: council may allow up to 25 ft and 150 sq. ft. upon findings and commission review (see § 17.30.080(B)(3) and § 17.30.070) .
  • Where it applies: along the segment of Calabasas Road defined in the ordinance (east side of Mureau Road to the west side of Parkway Calabasas) — confirm via the zoning map and the Calabasas Road district map in the municipal files.

Key standards at a glance

Topic Key numeric or procedural rule Code Reference
Sign chapter purpose / max‑standards principle Sign maximums are ceilings; review authority weighs architectural compatibility § 17.30.010, § 17.30.020
Sign Program (multitenant) Multitenant and most commercial centers require a Sign Program before signage beyond basic tenant signs § 17.30.050
Monument sign — Commercial centers Typical: 100 sq. ft. per face, 10 ft height; Calabasas Road may allow up to 150 sq. ft./25 ft with approval § 17.30.080(B); Calabasas Road special rule § 17.30.070
Building‑mounted tenant signs Generally 0.5 sq. ft. per linear ft. frontage, min 15 sq. ft., max 80 sq. ft. per sign Table entries in Chapter 17.30 (Tables 3‑18/3‑19) § 17.30.080
Pedestrian projecting signs 3 sq. ft. per face, 2 faces max; lower edge ≥ 8 ft above grade Table entries in Chapter 17.30 § 17.30.080
Temporary banners One temporary banner up to 20 sq. ft. for a special event with a Temporary Use Permit; one time, up to two weeks per year § 17.30.080(A)(2)
Noncommercial message substitution Noncommercial speech may be substituted on any sign structure already approved; structural/regulatory limits still apply § 17.30.020(F–G)
Nonconforming sign amortization Pole signs over 25 ft, roof signs, animated/floating signs: 15-year amortization; other nonconforming classes have schedules (see Table 3‑22) § 17.30.100
Lighting and materials All lighting must comply with the City's Lighting Ordinance; sign design is evaluated under § 17.30.060 design criteria § 17.30.060 and table notes in § 17.30.080

Checklist

An applicant should verify and assemble the following before filing for a sign permit:

  • Determine zone and relevant table (e.g., CL/CR/CMU/CO/CB or RS/RM/CT) — confirm via Calabasas Zoning. Verify if the parcel lies in the Calabasas Road district or another overlay Calabasas Overlay Districts.
  • Confirm whether a Sign Program is required (multitenant/commercial centers) per § 17.30.050 .
  • Prepare scaled elevations and a site plan showing sign location, setbacks and landscaping that meets Calabasas Landscaping and Screening expectations and the landscaped area requirements in the monument rules (see § 17.30.080) .
  • Ensure sign area, height and number comply with the district table (Tables 3‑17 through 3‑21) under § 17.30.080(B) .
  • Provide lighting details and certify compliance with the City's Lighting Ordinance; interior/exterior illumination specifics are referenced in the chapter tables § 17.30.080 .
  • If requesting Calabasas Road district exception or freeway‑facing additional height/area, prepare findings and ARP / commission materials per § 17.30.070 and § 17.30.080(B)(3) .
  • If the parcel is a historic or Old Town property, coordinate with Calabasas Design Review and the CT table rules § 17.30.080 .
  • Check conflicts with vehicle circulation and the City's traffic visibility/driveway rules (see references to blocking views at corners/driveways in the sign tables) and Calabasas Parking if signage affects circulation .
  • For electrical or structural work, coordinate with the California Building Standards Code / Title 24 and obtain building or electrical permits as required (verify with the City) — structural/building permits are separate from the sign permit (not covered in this chapter) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Calabasas Road district exceptions The chapter allows larger monument signs in that corridor, but only with findings and council approval — this materially affects allowable area and height Verify whether the parcel sits inside the defined Calabasas Road district and whether you must pursue the council exception route § 17.30.070, § 17.30.080(B)(3)
Sign Program applicability and content Multitenant sites without an approved Sign Program can be denied larger or coordinated signage Confirm Sign Program requirement and the director's expectations under § 17.30.050; pre‑consult with planning staff
Scenic corridor / freeway-facing rules Some freeway or scenic corridor signs are non‑illuminated or subject to scenic corridor overlay rules; lighting allowances are limited Verify overlay triggers (Scenic Corridor Ordinance references) and lighting rules; see table notes in § 17.30.080 and cross-check overlay rules § 17.18.040 / § 17.20.120 referenced in the tables (confirm with planning)
Nonconforming signs Amortization schedules could require removal or modification after a period Check whether an existing sign is listed as nonconforming and the applicable amortization class in § 17.30.100; appeals and extensions are provided for there
Electrical/building permit separation Chapter 17.30 governs sign land‑use; building and electrical permit triggers are not fully provided here Structural or electrical compliance references Title 24; Confirm separate permit needs with building division and consult the California Building Standards Code — building-code specifics not included in this chapter (verify with jurisdiction)
Interpretations for new zoning districts The director may interpret which sign rules apply to new districts created after the code If your parcel is in a recently created or amended district, verify the director determination and appeal rights under § 17.30.020(C)

Plain-English Summary

Calabasas regulates signs in Chapter 17.30: rules differ by zoning district (residential, commercial, Old Town, public facilities), with specific limits on sign area, height, number and illumination; multitenant commercial sites usually need a Sign Program; exceptions for larger monument signs exist only in the Calabasas Road district with council approval; design compatibility and lighting rules are enforced and nonconforming signs are amortized on a fixed schedule — see § 17.30.050, § 17.30.060, § 17.30.070, § 17.30.080, § 17.30.100 .

Information Gaps

  • Exact sign permit application form name/fee schedule: Not found in retrieved materials (verify with the City counter or Planning Division).
  • Complete text of the Lighting Ordinance and cross‑references (e.g., numeric illumination limits): Chapter mentions compliance but the Lighting Ordinance document itself was not retrieved here — verify lighting limits with the City.
  • Parcel‑specific zoning map overlays and whether a parcel lies in the Calabasas Road district: Confirm by checking the City's zoning maps or with planning staff (not present in the retrieved files).
  • Sign permit review timeline and submittal checklist (plan set items, electrical permit coordination): Not found in the chapter excerpts; verify the procedural checklist with planning/building.

Source References

  • Calabasas Municipal Code, Chapter 17.30 — SIGNS: Purpose and general provisions § 17.30.010, § 17.30.020 .
  • Calabasas Municipal Code, Chapter 17.30 — Tables and on‑site regulations (Tables 3‑17 through 3‑21), Sign Program and design criteria § 17.30.050, § 17.30.060, § 17.30.080 .
  • Calabasas Municipal Code — Freeway/Calabasas Road district special allowances § 17.30.070, Calabasas Road district monument rules and exception process § 17.30.080(B)(3) .
  • Calabasas Municipal Code — Nonconforming sign amortization schedule § 17.30.100 .
  • Multiple sign‑type tables and examples in Chapter 17.30 (see excerpts and table text for RS/RM/CL/CR/CT/PF/OS/REC and specific land‑use signs) § 17.30.080 .
  • Cross‑references in the sign tables to Scenic Corridor and other overlay development rules (example citations in the tables to § 17.18.040 and § 17.20.120) — verify overlays via Calabasas Overlay Districts and the municipal code .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Calabasas Zoning Code High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 17.30.050.) High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 17.30.050.) High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code High relevance
  • CEC § 3 (§ 3) High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What signs can I put on a single‑family residential lot in Calabasas?

Single‑family residential parcels in the RS district are limited to identification or project signs (neighborhood or multifamily identification where applicable) under Table 3‑17: typically 5 sq. ft. per acre not to exceed 30 sq. ft. per sign, monument height 8 ft, with setbacks (10 ft front, 5 ft side) noted in the table. See § 17.30.080 and Table 3‑17 for full details .

How large can a monument sign be for a shopping center in Calabasas?

For most commercial centers (zones CL/CR/CMU/CO/CB) the standard is 100 sq. ft. per face (2 faces max) and typical height 10 ft, with allowances for the Calabasas Road district and a possible planning commission/council exception to go higher/larger; consult the center criteria and § 17.30.080 and § 17.30.070 .

Do I need a Sign Program for a multitenant site in Calabasas?

Yes — multitenant commercial sites generally must adopt an approved Sign Program to allow coordinated or additional signage beyond basic tenant signs; the Sign Program requirement and review are in § 17.30.050 and the chapter tables (Tables 3‑18/3‑19) .

Can I substitute noncommercial speech on an approved commercial sign?

Yes. The code allows noncommercial messages to be substituted on signs already authorized or exempt, but structural, locational, size, height and illumination rules still apply. See § 17.30.020(F–G) for the substitution and limits .

Are temporary banners allowed and for how long?

One temporary banner up to 20 sq. ft. is allowed for special events with a Temporary Use Permit and may be displayed one time for up to two weeks per year (banner rules in § 17.30.080(A)(2)). Banners in commercial centers under an approved Sign Program may be treated differently — see the same subsection .

What happens to an existing nonconforming pole sign or billboard in Calabasas?

Nonconforming signs are subject to an amortization schedule in § 17.30.100. Certain classes (pole signs over 25 ft., roof signs, animated signs) generally have a 15‑year amortization; other nonconforming signs have different treatments and the director can abate after the amortization period. Appeals are allowed as set out in § 17.30.100 .

Are freeway‑facing signs treated differently in the code?

Yes. The tables and § 17.30.080 include limitations for freeway‑facing signs (separation distances, non‑illumination in some cases, and special higher area/height allowances subject to review). Also, the code cross‑references scenic corridor and freeway corridor development rules that can further restrict design and lighting — check § 17.30.080 and § 17.30.070 .

How does sign design get reviewed for compatibility with the building and streetscape?

Sign design must meet the chapter’s sign design criteria in § 17.30.060; the review authority evaluates architectural compatibility, scale and materials as part of the sign permit or Sign Program review. For Old Town/CT properties, linkages to Calabasas Design Review commonly apply § 17.30.060 .

Can I place a monument sign in an access easement if my parcel has no street frontage?

The code allows a single monument sign in a private access easement adjacent to a public street for land‑locked or flag commercial lots, subject to limitations (adequate separation from other monuments, director discretion) in § 17.30.080 (Flag and Land Locked Commercial Lots) .

Do sign permits include the building/electrical permit for illumination?

No — Chapter 17.30 governs the land‑use side (size, number, location, illumination allowances). Structural or electrical work still requires building/electrical permits and compliance with Title 24 (the California Building Standards Code). Confirm separate permit needs with the City's Building Division; building code specifics are not contained in this chapter § 17.30.020 (general) and table notes reference the Lighting Ordinance .

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