Local zoning · Calaveras County

Calaveras County — Signage

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In unincorporated Calaveras County, signs are regulated under the Calaveras County Zoning Code, specifically Title 17, Chapter 17.24 (Signs). The rules are content‑neutral and apply to all zoning districts unless a specific standard says otherwise. Expect countywide basics on what’s exempt or prohibited, how to measure sign area, height and clearance, lighting levels, and when a Comprehensive Sign Program can modify standards.

Bottom line: Outside of residential zones, nonresidential uses can generally sign up to a total area equal to the site’s chosen “principal” building elevation in linear feet (1 square foot of sign area per linear foot); in residential zones, only a small, non‑illuminated, wall‑mounted identification sign is allowed for nonresidential uses (e.g., home occupations). See § 17.24.100.A.1–2.

All notes below apply to the unincorporated areas governed by the County’s Calaveras County Zoning code. The Code itself confirms its applicability to the unincorporated area.

Countywide sign rules you’ll encounter first

  • Applicability and purpose. Chapter 17.24 applies to “all signs in all zoning districts” and is geared to safety, aesthetics, and constitutional protection of noncommercial speech. See § 17.24.010–.020.
  • Exempt signs. No permit is required for, among others: temporary holiday decor; community bulletin boards; small event signs (≤18 in x 30 in) for up to 7 days pre‑event and removed within 72 hours after; “Open/Closed”; “No Trespassing”; address numbers under 8 inches; certain small construction info signs; interior, non‑visible signs; murals without logos; political signs (subject to Elections Code and not in ROW). See § 17.24.030.
  • Prohibited signs. Animated or moving signs; balloons/inflatables and similar attention‑getting devices (except as allowed temporarily); mobile billboards; signs in the public right‑of‑way without encroachment approval; signs on utility poles or trees; signs cut into terrain; any sign that creates a traffic hazard, blocks ingress/egress, or emits noise/smoke/odor. See § 17.24.040.
  • Measuring sign area. Area is calculated by enclosing copy/logo within up to two rectangles/squares; special rules cover double‑faced, multi‑faced, and 3‑D signs. See § 17.24.050.
  • Permits. A Zoning Clearance is required for all non‑exempt signs; encroachments over or into public right‑of‑way require a Public Works encroachment permit; when deviations or coordinated multi‑tenant criteria are needed, use a Comprehensive Sign Program (with findings on compatibility, tenant equity, and adequate wayfinding). See § 17.24.060.
  • Copy rules and EMCs. Changes to copy on a legal sign are generally exempt; any noncommercial message can be substituted on any permitted sign; manual changeable copy is allowed. Electronic Message Center standards: minimum 8‑second display, static images only, automatic dimming, and maximum +0.3 foot‑candles over ambient (per the formula). See § 17.24.070.
  • Height and clearance. Max sign top is 25 ft above average grade or 10 ft above the highest on‑site structure point (whichever is less). Clearance: 10 ft over pedestrian‑only areas, 16 ft over vehicle/pedestrian areas. Billboards max 20 ft tall. See § 17.24.080.
  • Illumination. Direct/indirect illumination is allowed if it meets the County’s lighting limits and uses top‑mounted, down‑shielded external fixtures; internally illuminated signs must limit spill to +0.3 foot‑candles at 150 ft and obscure light sources. Cross‑references § 17.16.100 (Lighting & Illumination). See § 17.24.090 and § 17.16.100.
  • Allowed signage by use and sign type. See the District breakdown below and § 17.24.100 for: nonresidential signs in residential zones; general nonresidential allowances in other zones; entrance signs for multi‑tenant projects/subdivisions (up to 250 sq ft cumulative per development); County directional signs (tourism‑oriented, ≤32 sq ft, Administrative Use Permit); billboard allowances (only in M2 with CUP, ≤128 sq ft, spacing and Caltrans permit rules); and detailed temporary sign categories.
  • Temporary signs, highlights. General temporary signs up to 4 ft x 8 ft for ≤6 weeks; “Real estate” cumulative limits (4/8/32 sq ft based on property type); one sandwich board per tenant space (max 2 ft wide x 3 ft tall, must not impede access); “New development” wayfinding ads (≤32 sq ft, max 6 total, ≤1 per frontage, up to 18 months, within 2 miles on consenting private property). See § 17.24.100.F.
  • Nonconforming and maintenance. Reasonable maintenance is allowed; abandoned nonconforming signs must be removed after 12 months discontinuance; damaged nonconforming signs may be restored if damage ≤50% and repairs start within 60 days. Ongoing upkeep is required. See § 17.24.110–.120.

Related topics you might also need: Calaveras County Land Use, Calaveras County Development Standards, Calaveras County Parking, Calaveras County Design Review, Calaveras County Overlay Districts, Calaveras County Historic Preservation, Calaveras County Nonconforming Uses, Calaveras County Variances and Exceptions, and structural/electrical compliance in the California Building Standards Code.

District-by-district standards (how Chapter 17.24 applies)

The base zoning districts are established in § 17.03.010. Each subsection below notes typical uses (from the zone land‑use tables) and the sign allowances that matter most in that zone.

GF — General Forest

  • Typical uses: Resource/forestry with limited public uses (see resource land‑use table).
  • Key signage: For nonresidential uses in this non‑residential zone, total allowed sign area is up to the selected principal building elevation in linear feet (1:1). Entrance signs allowed for multi‑tenant developments per project (≤250 sq ft cumulative). Directional signs require an AUP and are ≤32 sq ft. Temporary allowances apply countywide. See § 17.24.100.A.2, .B–.C, .F.

TP — Timber Production

  • Typical uses: Managed timber production, limited public facilities (resource zones).
  • Key signage: Same as GF for nonresidential allowances; countywide height, clearance, and lighting apply. § 17.24.080–.090, § 17.24.100.A.2.

A1 — General Agriculture

  • Typical uses: Agriculture and related activities; certain public/semi-public uses.
  • Key signage: Nonresidential allowance of 1 sq ft per linear ft of the principal building elevation; entrance/directional/temporary signs as above. § 17.24.100.A.2, .B–.C, .F.

AP — Agriculture Preserve

  • Typical uses: Agricultural preserve operations, limited public uses.
  • Key signage: Same nonresidential allowance and countywide standards. § 17.24.080–.090; § 17.24.100.A.2.

RA — Residential Agriculture

  • Typical uses: Low‑intensity residential with agriculture; some public uses.
  • Key signage: If a use is nonresidential in a residential zone (e.g., home occupation or short‑term rental), only one non‑illuminated, single‑sided sign mounted on the residence, max 12 in high by 24 in long. § 17.24.100.A.1.

RR — Rural Residential

  • Typical uses: Residential; limited accessory/compatible uses.
  • Key signage: Same residential‑zone restriction as RA for nonresidential uses; otherwise countywide standards on height, lighting, and temporary signs apply. § 17.24.080–.090; § 17.24.100.A.1, .F.

R1 — Single‑Family Residential

  • Typical uses: Single‑unit housing and common residential accessories.
  • Key signage: Nonresidential signs limited to one small, non‑illuminated, wall‑mounted ID sign (12 x 24 in). § 17.24.100.A.1.

R2 — Two‑Family Residential

  • Typical uses: Duplexes and a mix of medium‑density residential types.
  • Key signage: Same residential limitation for any nonresidential use. § 17.24.100.A.1.

R3 — Multiple‑Family Residential

  • Typical uses: Multi‑family communities and compatible public uses.
  • Key signage: Same residential limitation for any nonresidential use. § 17.24.100.A.1.

HC — Historic Center (Commercial)

  • Typical uses: Downtown‑type retail, restaurants, services, upper‑story residential per commercial tables.
  • Key signage: As a non‑residential zone, 1 sq ft per linear ft of principal building elevation; entrance signs for multi‑tenant sites and sandwich boards allowed subject to size and access clearances; lighting must be downcast/0.3 fc limit. Design criteria may be layered by a Calaveras County Design Review overlay where mapped. § 17.24.090–.100.

C1 — Local Commercial

  • Typical uses: Neighborhood‑serving retail and services; limited mixed use per § 17.06.020.
  • Key signage: Same as HC for nonresidential zones (1:1 area rule), with countywide height/lighting. § 17.24.080–.090; § 17.24.100.A.2.

C2 — General Commercial

  • Typical uses: Larger retail, service, and commercial corridors per § 17.06.020.
  • Key signage: Same 1:1 area rule; entrance/directional/temporary allowances apply. § 17.24.100.A.2–.C–.F.

CP — Professional Office

  • Typical uses: Offices and compatible services per § 17.06.020.
  • Key signage: Same 1:1 area rule; entrance/directional/temporary allowances apply; lighting caps apply. § 17.24.090–.100.

M1 — Light Industrial

  • Typical uses: Light manufacturing, business support, and ancillary commercial uses per § 17.07.020.
  • Key signage: 1:1 area rule; entrance/directional/temporary allowances apply; no special billboard provision in M1. § 17.24.100.A.2–.C–.F.

M2 — General Industrial

  • Typical uses: Heavier industrial/manufacturing per § 17.07.020.
  • Key signage: Same 1:1 area rule for general on‑site signs. Billboards are allowed only here, with a Conditional Use Permit, max 128 sq ft area, min 300 ft spacing from other billboards and same‑business on‑site signs, non‑blinking illumination only, and a Caltrans Outdoor Advertising Act permit. Billboard height max 20 ft. See § 17.24.100.D and § 17.24.080.C.

M4 — (Industrial) Heavy/Extractive

  • Typical uses: As identified in industrial tables; heavier/utility/recycling functions.
  • Key signage: 1:1 area rule; entrance/directional/temporary allowances; no billboard provision cited for M4. § 17.24.100.A.2–.C–.F.

PS — Public/Semi‑Public

  • Typical uses: Public facilities, institutions; see the Public/Semi‑Public chapter.
  • Key signage: Treated as non‑residential—use the 1:1 on‑site sign area rule; community identification signs may be approved in any zone (AUP), ≤60 sq ft, ≤15 ft tall, with compatibility and community outreach findings. § 17.24.100.A.2, .E.

REC — Recreation

  • Typical uses: Parks and recreation facilities; see § 17.08.030.
  • Key signage: Non‑residential standards apply (1:1 area rule; directionals, entrance signs, temporary signs permitted as specified). § 17.24.100.A.2–.C–.F.

OS — Open Space

  • Typical uses: Open space and conservation.
  • Key signage: Non‑residential standards apply (1:1 area rule; directionals/temporary as allowed). § 17.24.100.A.2–.C–.F.

Notes affecting multiple districts:

  • Design Review or Planned Development criteria can further shape materials, placement, and lighting. § 17.24.090 allows other criteria “by planned development or design review.” Check mapped Calaveras County Overlay Districts.
  • At driveways/intersections, maintain required visibility clearances referenced in § 17.16.140 (tied into the sign clearance rules in § 17.24.080.B).

Key standards at a glance

Standard Countywide rule Notes Code Reference
Max sign height Top of sign ≤ 25 ft above average grade or ≤ 10 ft above highest on‑site structure point (whichever is less) Billboards: ≤ 20 ft § 17.24.080
Minimum clearance 10 ft over pedestrian‑only; 16 ft over vehicle/ped areas Also observe intersection visibility § 17.24.080.B
Illumination (external) Top‑mounted, down‑directed, no glare onto roads/adjacent property See lighting chapter cross‑ref § 17.24.090.A; § 17.16.100
Illumination (internal) Light spill ≤ +0.3 fc at 150 ft; light source not directly visible Use filtered/translucent lenses § 17.24.090.B
EMC/automatic copy 8‑sec min display; static only; auto dim; ≤ +0.3 fc over ambient (formula) Sensors/controls required § 17.24.070.D.2
Sign area (nonres uses in Residential zones) One non‑illuminated wall sign, single‑sided, ≤ 12 in x 24 in Must be mounted on residence § 17.24.100.A.1
Sign area (all non‑residential zones) Total sign area ≤ 1 sq ft per linear ft of chosen principal building elevation Total applies to all on‑site signs § 17.24.100.A.2
Entrance ID signs ≤ 250 sq ft cumulative per development/subdivision For ≥2‑tenant projects and subdivisions § 17.24.100.B
Directional (tourist) ≤ 32 sq ft; Administrative Use Permit Uniform design may be required § 17.24.100.C
Billboards (off‑site) Only in M2 with CUP; ≤ 128 sq ft; ≥ 300 ft from others/same‑business on‑site signs; non‑blinking Caltrans Outdoor Advertising Act permit also required § 17.24.100.D; § 17.24.080.C
Temporary — general ≤ 4 ft x 8 ft; ≤ 6 weeks; 4‑week gap before reposting No posting on traffic/utility hardware; across‑road banners need approvals § 17.24.100.F.1
Temporary — real estate 4/8/32 sq ft cumulative (res <5 ac / small multi‑unit / other real estate) Remove at closing or initial full occupancy § 17.24.100.F.2
Temporary — sandwich board 1 per tenant; ≤ 2 ft wide x 3 ft tall; no access obstructions Can be in setback; keep clear paths/parking § 17.24.100.F.3
Temporary — new development Within 2 miles on consenting private property; ≤ 32 sq ft; ≤ 6 total; ≤ 1 per frontage; ≤ 18 months Timing runs from first sign § 17.24.100.F.4

Checklist

  • Confirm the parcel’s base zone and any overlays using Calaveras County Zoning; apply § 17.24 countywide rules.
  • Determine if your sign is exempt under § 17.24.030. If exempt, no Zoning Clearance is required.
  • If not exempt, prepare a site plan and sign specs; obtain a Zoning Clearance per § 17.24.060.B.
  • If your sign projects into/over public right‑of‑way, secure a Public Works encroachment permit per § 17.24.060.C.
  • Compute allowed area: Residential‑zone nonresidential uses are capped at one 12 in x 24 in non‑illuminated wall sign; all other non‑residential zones use the 1:1 linear‑foot rule. § 17.24.100.A.
  • Check height and clearance limits; confirm sight distance at driveways/intersections. § 17.24.080.
  • Verify lighting plan meets 0.3 fc caps and shielding. § 17.24.090; cross‑check § 17.16.100.
  • For multi‑tenant projects or deviations, consider a Comprehensive Sign Program with required findings. § 17.24.060.D.
  • For billboards, confirm M2 zoning, prepare a CUP, spacing, height, lighting limits, and secure a Caltrans Outdoor Advertising Act permit. § 17.24.100.D; § 17.24.080.C.
  • Align construction/electrical with the California Building Standards Code, as referenced in § 17.24.060.A.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
“Principal building elevation” selection It controls the 1:1 total sign area in non‑residential zones Document which facade you designate; ensure the total across all signs stays within the cap. § 17.24.100.A.2
Overlay/design criteria Overlays or PD plans can add materials/placement rules Check mapped overlays and any PD/Specific Plan conditions; coordinate with Calaveras County Design Review. § 17.24.090
EMC brightness measurement The 0.3 fc cap relies on an ambient reading and distance formula Show method/instrumentation; include auto‑dimming specs. § 17.24.070.D.2; § 17.24.090.B
Right‑of‑way encroachment Signs in or over ROW need separate approval Confirm ROW boundary; obtain Public Works encroachment permit if applicable. § 17.24.060.C; § 17.24.040.D
Historic context/murals Murals are exempt if they lack logos/copy; historic areas may have aesthetic sensitivities Confirm mural is non‑commercial; if in a historic district, coordinate early. § 17.24.030(K)
Temporary sign timing Overstay or rapid reposting can trigger enforcement Track installation/removal dates; observe six‑week display and four‑week gap. § 17.24.100.F.1

Plain-English Summary

If you’re in unincorporated Calaveras County, most permanent business signs follow a simple formula: in non‑residential zones you get up to 1 square foot of total sign area per foot of your chosen main building face, and your lighting must be downward‑directed and modest. In residential zones, only a small, non‑lit wall sign is allowed for nonresidential uses like a home occupation. Temporary signs are allowed with size and time limits, and billboards are limited to the M2 industrial zone with a CUP and Caltrans permit.

Source References

  • Calaveras County Zoning Code — Title 17 (Adopted 7/16/2024; Effective 8/15/2024). Applicability to unincorporated areas: § 17.01.050.
  • Signs — Purpose/Applicability: § 17.24.010–.020; Exempt: § 17.24.030; Prohibited: § 17.24.040; Measuring: § 17.24.050; Permits/Comprehensive Sign Program: § 17.24.060; Copy/Message Substitution/EMC: § 17.24.070; Height/Clearance: § 17.24.080; Illumination: § 17.24.090; Allowed signage, Directional, Billboards, Temporary: § 17.24.100; Nonconforming/Maintenance: § 17.24.110–.120.
  • Zone framework and land‑use context: Establishment of zones § 17.03.010; Residential uses § 17.05.020; Commercial uses § 17.06.020; Industrial uses § 17.07.020; Public/Semi‑Public development standards § 17.08.030.
  • Lighting cross‑reference: § 17.16.100 Lighting & Illumination.
  • Sign definitions (e.g., Billboard, Digital Display): § 17.43.190 (Sign Terms).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • CEC § 17.24.030 (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Section 17.24.100.F) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Chapter 17.32.) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 17.16.080 (Section 17.16.080) Medium relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 17.16.080 (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (CHAPTER 17.01) Medium relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (CHAPTER 17.42) Medium relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calaveras County Zoning Code (Chapter shall) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Are electronic message center (EMC) signs allowed in unincorporated Calaveras County?

Yes, but only with strict limits: static images only (no motion), minimum 8‑second display, automatic dimming, and brightness no more than 0.3 foot‑candles over ambient using the County’s measurement formula. See § 17.24.070.D.2.

How big can my permanent business signs be in a commercial or industrial zone?

Add up all on‑site signs: your total cannot exceed 1 square foot of sign area per linear foot of your chosen principal building elevation. You pick the elevation for the calculation; placement is not limited to that face. See § 17.24.100.A.2.

I run a home occupation. What sign can I have in a residential zone?

You may have one non‑illuminated, single‑sided identification sign, mounted on the residence, no larger than 12 inches by 24 inches. See § 17.24.100.A.1.

What are the rules for A‑frame/sandwich board signs?

One per tenant space, up to 2 feet wide by 3 feet tall. It may sit in the setback but cannot block doorways, walkways, drive aisles, parking, or create hazards. See § 17.24.100.F.3.

Can I put up billboard advertising on my M2 industrial property?

Possibly. Billboards are allowed only in the M2 zone with a Conditional Use Permit, max 128 sq ft, at least 300 ft from another billboard facing the same direction (and from the same‑business on‑site sign), no blinking/animated lighting, max 20 ft tall, and they require a Caltrans Outdoor Advertising Act permit. See § 17.24.100.D and § 17.24.080.C.

Do I need a permit for temporary “for sale” or “for lease” signs?

They are allowed with cumulative size caps (4/8/32 sq ft depending on the property type) and must be removed at close of escrow or initial full occupancy. See § 17.24.100.F.2.

Are murals regulated like signs?

Murals are exempt if they contain no logos, emblems, commercial copy, or depictions tied to on‑site activities. Historic context may still matter—coordinate early. See § 17.24.030(K).

Who approves coordinated multi‑tenant sign programs?

Submit a Comprehensive Sign Program if you need deviations or cohesive standards for projects with two or more nonresidential tenants. Approval requires findings on compatibility, tenant equity, and clear wayfinding. See § 17.24.060.D. ---

More in Calaveras County code

Ask about any Calaveras County property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Calaveras County zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Calaveras County zoning topics

Calaveras County Zoning

Calaveras County Land Use

Calaveras County Development Standards

Calaveras County Parking

Calaveras County Design Review

Calaveras County Overlay Districts

Calaveras County Historic Preservation

Calaveras County Nonconforming Uses

Calaveras County Variances and Exceptions

Calaveras County Landscaping and Screening

Calaveras County overview