Local zoning · Camarillo

Camarillo — Signage

Q: What numeric sign standards apply to commercial parcels in Camarillo?

Most commercial zones (for example CPD , CMU , SC ) defer to the city’s sign ordinance in Title 17 for numeric standards (area, height, illumination); the Title 19 zoning chapters simply say "Signs may be erected … in accordance with Title 17." See § 19.26.050 , § 19.23.050 , § 19.27.050 .

Q: Do subdivision sales or sales-office signs have special limits in Camarillo?

Yes. A subdivision sale sign may not exceed 32 sq ft per face , 12 ft in height and may not be illuminated; it must be removed after 2 years or when all lots are sold (Director can extend). Subdivision identification signs are limited to 25 sq ft per face and monument height 8 ft . See § 19.16.160 .

Q: Can I put up banners for a non‑profit community event, and what are the size/time limits?

Yes—under the Special Events Sign Program the director may approve banners for non‑profit events. On‑site banners are limited to 36 sq ft and 3 ft height; off‑site banners are limited to 36 sq ft , with placement no earlier than 10 days before the event and removal within 2 days after (no more than 14 consecutive days ). Directional signs limited to 6 sq ft and 4 ft height (private property only, day of event). See § 19.63.045 .

Q: If my parcel is in Old Town (COT), do I just follow Title 17?

No — the COT chapter explicitly points to Title 17 and also to additional city design guidelines for sign design and placement. Expect both Title 17 numeric rules and Old Town design guidelines to apply; see § 19.25.050 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Camarillo zoning code says about signage (where it appears in the zoning title and the location-specific sign rules included in the zoning chapters). In almost every zoning district the code defers to the city’s sign ordinance codified in Title 17, but a handful of zone-specific sign rules and event/banner rules live directly in Title 19 and are reproduced below in plain English with the controlling citations. Where numeric standards or permits are required by Title 17 itself, those detailed numbers were not included in the retrieved materials — verify with the City. For how signs interact with site review and other approvals, consult the city’s guidance on design review, development standards, and parking as relevant for commercial sites.

Link references used below: first natural mention of key topics is linked — see development standards, design review, parking, overlay districts, historic preservation, landscaping and screening, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

How Camarillo’s zoning title allocates sign rules (big picture)

Most zone chapters simply say: "Signs may be erected … in accordance with Title 17." That means the day-to-day technical limits (allowed sign types, area, height, illumination, set‑backs from streets, structural requirements, permitting process) are controlled by Title 17 rather than Title 19. See the many per-zone “Signs” lines below for examples and citations.
A few sign rules and temporary-event/banner rules are specified directly inside Title 19 (zoning). These are the concrete numbers the zoning code itself provides and are listed in the tables and district writeups below. Examples include subdivision sale/identification sign limits and the Special Events Sign Program limits.
For structural, electrical or other building-code sign requirements, refer to the California Building Standards Code; the zoning code does not replace Title 24 or state sign/building safety requirements. Link: California Building Standards Code.

District-by-district breakdown (signage-specific)

Note: each district subsection below is focused only on what the zoning code says about signs (purpose/use background included briefly to orient the sign reader). Where the zoning chapter only points you to Title 17, the numeric sign controls were Not found in retrieved materials (see “Information Gaps” below).

R-1 (Single-Family Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: single-family homes and accessory residential uses in the R-1 district.
Signs: the zoning chapter states that "Signs may be erected in the R-1 zone in accordance with the sign regulations, Title 17." The code does not enumerate sizes or counts in the R-1 chapter itself. § 19.14.120.
Practical note: the residential chapter also restricts advertising from home-occupations and links back to the sign code for prohibited advertising. § 19.04.165 / § 19.65.

R-E (Rural Estate)

Purpose / typical uses: low-density residential and acreage parcels.
Signs: "Signs may be erected in the R-E zone in accordance with the sign ordinance codified in Title 17." § 19.12.130.

CCM (Camarillo Commons Mixed-Use)

Purpose / typical uses: mixed-use development with commercial/residential combinations.
Signs: the chapter says signs are controlled by Title 17 and any design guidelines the City adopts for sign design/placement. § 19.21.050.

CPD (Commercial Planned Development)

Purpose / typical uses: larger commercial planned sites with site‑specific design control.
Signs: "Signs may be erected in the CPD zone in accordance with the sign ordinance codified in Title 17." § 19.26.050.
Practical note: because CPD projects are typically design‑reviewed, check both Title 17 and the project’s planned‑development conditions via design review and the city’s development standards.

COT (Camarillo Old Town)

Purpose / typical uses: historic/old‑town commercial and mixed uses.
Signs: "Signs may be erected in the COT zone in accordance with the sign ordinance codified in Title 17 and other guidelines adopted by the city relating to the design and placement of signs." § 19.25.050.
Practical note: Old Town specifically points to “other guidelines,” so coordinate sign design with Historic Preservation and the Old Town design guidance.

CMU (Village Commercial Mixed-Use)

Purpose / typical uses: village-scale commercial/mixed uses.
Signs: "Signs may be erected in the CMU zone in accordance with Title 17 and any other guidelines adopted by the city relating to the design and placement of signs." § 19.23.050.

SC (Service Commercial)

Purpose / typical uses: service, commercial, light retail.
Signs: "Signs for uses in the SC zone are permitted in accordance with the applicable sign regulations in Chapter 17.04 of this code." § 19.27.050.

M-1 and M-2 (Industrial / Manufacturing)

Purpose / typical uses: light and heavy industrial uses.
Signs: both zones reference Title 17 for sign area/limits; the M-1 chapter says sign area is "in accordance with the sign ordinance codified in Title 17," § 19.30.120, and M-2 likewise § 19.32.120.

RE-40 AC (Rural Estate / Agricultural Uses — wineries & plant nurseries special rules)

Purpose / typical uses: agricultural uses on large parcels.
Special, zone-level sign limits: for agricultural plant nurseries (retail) and agricultural wineries operating under the RE-40 AC zone CUP standards, the size and location of any commercial signage may be determined by the Planning Commission but in no case exceed one on‑site sign with a maximum of 40 square feet in area. § 19.62.167(B) and § 19.62.168(F).
Practical note: those facilities are specifically given an upper limit in Title 19; for other commercial agricultural signage the Planning Commission can set location/size within that cap.

Most decision-relevant sign standards (quick reference table)

Rule / sign type	Key limit or rule (plain English)	Code reference
Subdivision sale sign	One permitted per subdivision; maximum 32 sq ft per face, max 12 ft height; not illuminated; must be removed after 2 years or when lots sold (Director may extend).	§ 19.16.160(A)
Subdivision identification sign	Up to 2 at direct entrances; max 25 sq ft per face; monument height 8 ft; illumination only if POA maintains it.	§ 19.16.160(B)
Special events — on-site banner	One on-site banner per approved event; banner may not exceed 36 sq ft and 3 ft height; top ≤ 8 ft when mounted on posts/fence; building‑mounted banners not exceed roofline.	§ 19.63.045(A)
Special events — off-site banner	Up to 10 off-site banners (limits on display time and placement); each ≤ 36 sq ft, 3 ft height; may be placed no more than 10 days before event and removed within 2 days after (max 14 consecutive days). No banners in public ROW.	§ 19.63.045(B)(1)
Special events — directional signs	Up to 6 directional signs; each ≤ 6 sq ft and 4 ft height; permitted only on private property during the day of the event.	§ 19.63.045(B)(2)
Agricultural nurseries & wineries (RE‑40 AC CUP)	Planning Commission may set size/location but may not exceed one on‑site sign of 40 sq ft.	§ 19.62.167(B) and § 19.62.168(F)
Default for most zones	"Signs may be erected … in accordance with the sign ordinance codified in Title 17." (numeric specifics typically in Title 17)	See zone sign clauses: § 19.21.050, § 19.26.050, § 19.14.120, § 19.12.130, etc.

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (pre-application / permit)

Confirm the parcel’s zoning district and read that zone’s "Signs" line (most zones defer to Title 17). Verify: § in Title 19.
If the site is in Old Town, a Planned Development, or an overlay district, check any additional design guidelines and Historic Preservation rules (Old Town cites supplementary city guidelines). Verify: § 19.25.050.
For temporary event banners or off‑site banners, follow the Special Events Sign Program rules (limits, durations, owner permissions). § 19.63.045.
If you are developing a new subdivision or sales office, follow Subdivision sale/identification sign rules (size, height, removal schedule). § 19.16.160.
For agricultural businesses (nurseries/wineries) operating under RE‑40 AC CUPs, confirm sign max of 40 sq ft unless Planning Commission sets stricter conditions. § 19.62.167 / § 19.62.168.
Review Title 17 itself for numeric limits, permitted sign types, permanent vs. temporary classifications, and application/permit procedures (Title 17 text not found in retrieved materials — verify with the City). Not found in retrieved materials.
Confirm whether the project needs design review or conditions in the PD permit; coordinate sign plan with building/structural requirements per the California Building Standards Code.
Get property‑owner authorization for any off‑site banners (Director requires proof of permission). § 19.63.045(B)(1)(g).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Title 17 numeric limits not present in retrieved files	Most zone chapters refer to Title 17 for exact sign area, height, illumination, marquee rules. Without Title 17 you lack the concrete measurements and permit triggers.	Obtain the City’s Title 17 (Sign Ordinance) and verify sign area, height, lighting, and permit thresholds. Not found in retrieved materials.
Historic/Old‑Town design overrides	COT chapter points to "other guidelines" — specific design rules can be stricter than Title 17 (materials, mounting, colors).	Check Old Town design guidelines and Historic Preservation restrictions for sign materials/placements. § 19.25.050.
Conflicting project conditions (PD/CUP)	Planned Developments or CUPs frequently impose special sign conditions which supersede the default Title 17 allowances.	Review the project’s PD/CUP decision documents and conditions of approval; verify with Planning staff.
Temporary/off‑site banners in public ROW	The Special Events program forbids placing off‑site banners in public right‑of‑way but event enforcement and interpretation can vary.	Confirm acceptable banner locations with the Director at permit time. § 19.63.045(B)(1)(h).
HOA/CC&R restrictions	Even if the City allows a sign, HOA or CC&Rs may prohibit it.	Verify private covenants; the zoning code does not override private agreements. § 19.02.020 notes private agreements are not abrogated.

Plain-English Summary

Most Camarillo zones tell you to follow the City’s separate sign ordinance (Title 17), so for most projects you must read both the zone chapter in Title 19 and Title 17; a few narrow rules (subdivision signs, special-event banners, RE‑40 agricultural CUP limits) are written directly in the zoning code and are summarized above with their § citations. Verify Title 17 for the detailed numeric limits and get director or planning‑commission approvals where the zoning chapters reserve discretion.

Source References

Zoning sign reference for CCM: § 19.21.050 (Signs may be erected in CCM per Title 17).
Zoning sign reference for CPD: § 19.26.050 (Sign ordinance = Title 17).
Zoning sign reference for R-1: § 19.14.120 (R‑1 signs per Title 17).
Zoning sign reference for R-E: § 19.12.130 (R‑E signs per Title 17).
Zoning sign reference for COT: § 19.25.050 (Old Town signs per Title 17 + city guidelines).
Zoning sign reference for CMU: § 19.23.050 (CMU signs per Title 17).
Zoning sign reference for SC: § 19.27.050 (SC signs per Title 17).
Zoning sign references for industrial zones: § 19.30.120 (M‑1) and § 19.32.120 (M‑2).
Subdivision sign rules (sizes/heights/time limits): § 19.16.160.
Special Events Sign Program (banners, off‑site signs, directional sign limits): § 19.63.045.
RE‑40 AC agricultural sign cap (nurseries, wineries under CUP): § 19.62.167(B) and § 19.62.168(F).
Note: explicit Title 17 sign ordinance text (the city’s dedicated sign code with the full list of sign types, measurements, permit procedures) was referenced by many Title 19 chapters but was Not found in the retrieved materials. Verify Title 17 with the City.
California Building Standards (structural/electrical safety, accessibility) is the applicable state code for sign structural / electrical requirements: California Building Standards Code (referenced above by link).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Camarillo Zoning Code (Chapter 19.62) Medium relevance
Camarillo Zoning Code (§ 13) Medium relevance
Camarillo Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 5 (§ 5) Medium relevance
Camarillo Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Camarillo Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CFC § 1 (Chapter 17.04) Medium relevance
Camarillo Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Camarillo Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
Camarillo Zoning Code (Chapter 19.62) Medium relevance
Camarillo Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Camarillo code library

Frequently asked questions

What numeric sign standards apply to commercial parcels in Camarillo?

Most commercial zones (for example CPD, CMU, SC) defer to the city’s sign ordinance in Title 17 for numeric standards (area, height, illumination); the Title 19 zoning chapters simply say "Signs may be erected … in accordance with Title 17." See § 19.26.050, § 19.23.050, § 19.27.050.

Do subdivision sales or sales-office signs have special limits in Camarillo?

Yes. A subdivision sale sign may not exceed 32 sq ft per face, 12 ft in height and may not be illuminated; it must be removed after 2 years or when all lots are sold (Director can extend). Subdivision identification signs are limited to 25 sq ft per face and monument height 8 ft. See § 19.16.160.

Can I put up banners for a non‑profit community event, and what are the size/time limits?

Yes—under the Special Events Sign Program the director may approve banners for non‑profit events. On‑site banners are limited to 36 sq ft and 3 ft height; off‑site banners are limited to 36 sq ft, with placement no earlier than 10 days before the event and removal within 2 days after (no more than 14 consecutive days). Directional signs limited to 6 sq ft and 4 ft height (private property only, day of event). See § 19.63.045.

If my parcel is in Old Town (COT), do I just follow Title 17?

No — the COT chapter explicitly points to Title 17 and also to additional city design guidelines for sign design and placement. Expect both Title 17 numeric rules and Old Town design guidelines to apply; see § 19.25.050.

Are there specific sign limits for wineries and farm nurseries?

For agricultural plant nurseries and agricultural wineries operating under the RE‑40 AC CUP standards, the Planning Commission may determine size/location but in no case may the on‑site commercial signage exceed one sign of 40 sq ft. See § 19.62.167(B) and § 19.62.168(F).

Where do I find the exact allowed sign types, permit fees, or structural rules for signs?

The zoning chapters point you to the city’s sign ordinance in Title 17 for those details. The retrieved Title 19 materials reference Title 17 repeatedly, but the actual Title 17 text (the sign ordinance itself) was Not found in the retrieved materials — verify Title 17 with the City’s planning or municipal code. For structural and electrical safety (e.g., anchorage, wind loads, conduit, signage illumination) consult the California Building Standards Code.

Do temporary signs on private property require owner permission?

Yes — for off‑site banners associated with events the director requires proof of permission to post banners from the property owner or agent and a contact phone number for removal responsibility. See § 19.63.045(B)(1)(g).

If a Planned Development (PD) permit or CUP is in place, which controls sign allowances?

A PD or CUP may set project‑specific sign conditions that can be stricter or more prescriptive than the City’s default sign ordinance; always review the PD/CUP decision and conditions of approval. Many Title 19 sections explicitly reserve planning commission or director discretion for signs in CUP contexts (see RE‑40 CUP examples).

Can the city allow a sign that exceeds the usual limit?

Yes — some chapters give the Director or Planning Commission discretion to approve exceptions or to set size/location when a CUP or design review is part of the entitlement (for example, agricultural CUPs and subdivision sign location approvals). But the ordinary numeric caps in the zoning chapter still apply unless the commission expressly approves otherwise. See § 19.62.167(B) and general zone sign clauses.

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