Local zoning · Ceres

Ceres — Signage

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Ceres Zoning Code (Chapter 18) requires for signs: who needs a sign approval, what signs are exempt, temporary sign rules, prohibited signs (including a city-wide ban on off-site billboards), maintenance and abatement, and special allowances for business centers, industrial sites, gas stations and drive‑thru menu boards. The city’s sign rules are codified in Chapter 18.26 – Signing Standards; for administrative and design topics you may also need to coordinate with parking, design review, and development standards staff early in the process. § 18.26.010–§ 18.26.160 are the controlling sections of the sign chapter .

Key citywide rules (what applies everywhere)

  • Sign approvals: A sign approval from the Planning Division is required before erecting or displaying any sign except the exempt categories; most permanent signs also require a building permit. See § 18.26.030 .
  • Exempt signs: Small, informational, interior, window, yard, flags, plaques, and certain real estate/temporary signs are exempt from sign approval but have size/time/location limits — see § 18.26.060 .
  • Prohibited signs: Signs that create traffic hazards, roof signs, certain animated/fluorescent signs, and all off‑site advertising/billboards are explicitly prohibited in all zones (§ 18.26.070) .
  • Temporary signs: Banners, grand opening/going‑out‑of‑business signs, fireworks stand signs, and construction/subdivision signs are allowed with time and size limits; many require a temporary sign permit (§ 18.26.080) .
  • Nonconforming signs: Legally existing signs that do not meet the new rules are generally allowed to continue but may not be expanded or relocated; removal/abatement rules are at § 18.26.130–§ 18.26.150 .
  • Maintenance / safety: Dilapidated or unsafe signs must be repaired/removed on notice; the Director may abate and recover costs (§ 18.26.160, § 18.26.140) .

Note: building safety and structural requirements for signs are governed by the California Building Standards Code (Title 24); consult that code early for structural/electrical requirements and any required plan review. See the California Building Standards Code link below in this page and the code excerpts in the Building Code files .

District-by-district breakdown — how the sign rules get applied in Ceres

(Each zoning chapter also repeats the baseline rule: “Signing. All signage shall comply with chapter 18.26 of this title.” When section-level sign allowances are zone-specific they are noted below with the controlling sign §.)

  • R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 (Single‑family and multi‑family residential zones)

    • Purpose and typical uses: residential development and accessory uses (see respective chapters for use lists); each chapter includes “Signing. All signage shall comply with chapter 18.26” .
    • Key sign standards that matter in residential zones: nameplates and street addresses (max 2 sq ft for single/two‑family, 4 sq ft for other uses), yard signs permitted noncommercially up to 6 sq ft and 3 ft high, and project identification monument signs for subdivisions (nonilluminated, up to 30 sq ft and 6 ft high) — see § 18.26.060.F and § 18.26.100.A.2 .
    • Where it applies: single‑family and multi‑family lots; subdivision entrance signs follow the subdivision sign rules in § 18.26.060–18.26.100 .

  • C-1, C-2, C-3, CC, HC, RC (Commercial/retail/center and community/commercial and highway commercial)

    • Purpose and typical uses: neighborhood and regional retail, services, business centers (see each chapter for permitted uses); all reference compliance with Chapter 18.26 for signing (e.g., C‑2: “Signing. All signage shall comply with chapter 18.26”) .
    • Key dimensional/placement standards (tenant, ground, and center signs):
      • For single‑tenant or small retail sites (<1 acre) the aggregate attached sign area is limited to 1 sq ft per lineal foot of primary frontage (and 0.5 sq ft per foot for secondary frontage); individual signs may be capped (see § 18.26.100.C.1–2) .
      • Business centers (>1 acre) may have a freestanding center identification sign: typically up to 150 sq ft per side and 25 ft tall (with larger allowances for sites near State Highway 99) — see § 18.26.100.F.1 .
      • Electronic changeable copy signs (message boards) are allowed only by Conditional Use Permit; specifically, in C-2, CC, HC, and RC zones they may be up to 32 sq ft of the permitted ground sign area and no taller than 16 ft for the electronic portion (and limited to one per site) — see § 18.26.110 .
    • Special cases: gas station price signs have a specific cap (30 sq ft, 6 ft high) and may display electronically the fuel price only (§ 18.26.070.J.1) .

  • M-1, M-2 (Light and General Industrial zones)

    • Purpose and typical uses: industrial and manufacturing uses; signing must follow Chapter 18.26 (each M zone chapter reiterates “Signing. All signage shall comply with chapter 18.26”) .
    • Industrial site standards (sites < 1 acre): any number of parallel attached signs is allowed provided total area does not exceed 1 sq ft per linear foot of primary frontage (and 0.5 sq ft per foot for secondary frontage) and maximum area per sign still applies; one ground sign allowed ≤ 30 sq ft and ≤ 6 ft high for small industrial sites (tenant sign rules § 18.26.100.E) .
    • Business/industrial centers: large centers have separate, larger freestanding sign allowances and must submit a sign program when there are four or more tenant spaces (§ 18.26.100.F) .

  • A‑P and P‑C / Planned Community and other overlay districts

    • Almost every zone that allows development also includes the boilerplate: “Signing. All signage shall comply with chapter 18.26 of this title.” Where overlays or master plans exist, they may be more restrictive and can add zone‑specific sign rules. Verify overlay constraints in the project area and coordinate early with the Planning Division and any applicable overlay rules (see Overlay Districts) .
    • If a property sits in Historic Preservation overlay or is a designated historic resource, additional review and design controls apply for signs because exterior alterations (including signs) are treated as alterations to historic resources (Historic Preservation chapter) .

Practical note: Every district points back to Chapter 18.26 for the substantive sign rules and to local chapters for site‑specific procedures; where the zoning chapter is silent, the sign chapter governs. See the city pages on development standards, design review, overlay districts, historic preservation and parking early in your project discussion.

Quick decision table — most decision-relevant standards

Sign type / situation Key numeric limits or rule Code reference
Sign approvals required (general) Sign approval from Planning Division; most permanent signs also need a building permit § 18.26.030
Yard signs (residential) Max 6 sq ft per sign; 3 ft height limit; time limit per sign 130 days § 18.26.060.E
Subdivision/model home signs Up to 32 sq ft per side, 8 ft height for subdivision signs; model home sales office sign ≤ 12 sq ft § 18.26.060.E and § 18.26.060.E.5
Small retail/industrial tenant signs Total attached sign area ≤ 1 sq ft/lineal ft of primary frontage (0.5 for secondary) § 18.26.100.C / E
Ground sign (small industrial or project monument) Typically ≤ 30 sq ft and ≤ 6 ft high (project monument same) § 18.26.100.E.3 and § 18.26.100.A.2
Business center freestanding sign Up to 150 sq ft/side and 25 ft tall for centers >1 acre (higher near Hwy 99) § 18.26.100.F.1
Electronic changeable copy Allowed only with Conditional Use Permit; limited to 32 sq ft of ground sign in certain zones; one per site § 18.26.110
Off‑site advertising / billboards Prohibited in all zones § 18.26.070.K
Temporary banners ≤ 72 sq ft per banner per street frontage; max 90 days cumulative per year (varies by banner type) § 18.26.080.B

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy before installing a sign

  • Obtain a Sign Approval from the Planning Division before erecting/displaying a non‑exempt sign (§ 18.26.030) .
  • If the sign is permanent (structural or electrical) obtain the required building permit concurrent with sign approval (building code/Title 24 applies) (Chapter 18.26 notes building permit requirement; see Title 24 link) .
  • Confirm the sign type is permitted in the relevant zone and that size/height limits are met (review § 18.26.090–§ 18.26.110 for freestanding, tenant, and electronic sign allowances) .
  • For banners, grand openings, subdivision, or fireworks stands, secure a temporary sign permit (and Fire Department review where noted) (§ 18.26.080) .
  • Ensure sign placement does not obstruct the clear vision triangle (see code reference to 18.27.020) or pedestrian/vehicle sight lines; verify any right‑of‑way rules for signs placed in public easements (§ 18.26.060.E and cross‑reference 18.27.020) .
  • If proposing electronic changeable copy, prepare for a CUP and a design finding showing community compatibility (see § 18.26.110) .
  • If property is in a Historic Preservation overlay or has historic designation, secure any additional approvals / design review required by the Historic Preservation chapter (§ 18.35) .
  • For multi‑tenant centers (4+ tenants), submit a sign program for Planning Commission approval (§ 18.26.100.F.2) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Electronic/LED/message boards require a CUP The ordinance limits electronic copy and makes use discretionary; unauthorized LED signs can be ordered removed Verify § 18.26.110 and obtain a Conditional Use Permit; confirm allowed size (32 sq ft portion) and number (one per site)
Off‑site signs / billboards City prohibits off‑site advertising; placing one risks immediate enforcement and removal Off‑site signs are barred under § 18.26.070.K — do not propose billboards without written confirmation from the City (prohibition applies in all zones)
Nonconforming sign treatment Existing nonconforming signs may be allowed to remain but cannot be expanded; some can be abated without compensation Confirm whether a sign is legally nonconforming and which standard applies under § 18.26.130–18.26.150; verify any property‑specific history with Planning
Signs in rights‑of‑way/public easements Yard signs placed in ROW/easements may be removed without liability and must meet setback/clearance rules Verify location and comply with placement rules (ten feet from roadway edge where no sidewalk or five feet from sidewalk) and clear vision triangle requirements; see § 18.26.060.E and referenced § 18.27.020
Interplay with overlays / historic districts Overlay design rules can be more restrictive and can require design review or HPC approvals If on a historic property or in an overlay, coordinate with Historic Preservation (§ 18.35) and Design Review — verify additional restrictions and aesthetic requirements
Structural/electrical compliance (Title 24) Planning sign approval does not replace building/electrical code compliance; unsafe/sign structures can be ordered removed Confirm Building Division structural/electrical submittal requirements per California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and follow plan review (see Building Code excerpts)

Plain-English Summary

If you want a new sign in Ceres, expect to get a Planning sign approval first (temporary or exempt signs aside), follow size and height caps that depend on whether you’re in a residential, commercial, or industrial zone, and never put up billboards — electronic message signs need a Conditional Use Permit. Most technical and safety rules (structural/electrical) are handled through building permits under Title 24; verify placement vs. vision triangles and any design or historic overlay controls with the Planning Division. Key sign rules live in Chapter 18.26 of the Ceres Zoning Code (§ 18.26.010–§ 18.26.160) .

Source References

  • Ceres Zoning Code — Chapter 18, CHAPTER 26: Signing Standards (see § 18.26.010 – § 18.26.160) § 18.26.010–§ 18.26.160 .
  • Sign approvals and fees — § 18.26.030; § 18.26.040 .
  • Definitions and exemptions — § 18.26.050; § 18.26.060 .
  • Temporary signs and banners — § 18.26.080 .
  • Tenant identification, business centers, industrial site sign standards — § 18.26.090–§ 18.26.100; § 18.26.100.E–F .
  • Electronic changeable copy (message) signs — § 18.26.110 .
  • Prohibited signs (off‑site advertising/billboards) — § 18.26.070.K .
  • Nonconforming, abatement, and enforcement procedures — § 18.26.130; § 18.26.140; § 18.26.150; § 18.26.160 .
  • Historic preservation and signs treated as “alterations” — Chapter 18.35 (Historic Preservation) .
  • California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — for structural/electrical sign standards (see Building Code Appendix H excerpts) — California Building Standards Code and building code excerpts included in local file extracts .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Ceres Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (chapter or) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (chapter to) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (section business) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (chapter 5.18) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (section business) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Ceres Zoning Code (title 1.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a sign approval from the City of Ceres?

Yes — a sign approval from the Planning Division is required before erection or display of any sign except those specifically listed as exempt; most permanent signs also require a building permit. See § 18.26.030 .

What temporary signs are allowed and for how long?

Ceres allows grand opening signs (up to 30 days), going‑out‑of‑business signs (minimum 90 days when applicable), banners for events/promotions up to 72 sq ft per frontage for up to 90 days per year, and other temporary device allowances; many of these require a temporary sign permit from the Planning Division (§ 18.26.080) .

Are billboards and off‑site advertising allowed in Ceres?

No. Off‑site advertising / billboards are prohibited in all zones under the sign chapter (§ 18.26.070.K) .

Can I put an LED/electronic message board on my property?

Maybe — electronic changeable copy signs are allowed only through a Conditional Use Permit and are limited in size and location (for retail/commercial including business centers the message portion may be up to 32 sq ft of the allowable ground sign area and the electronic portion may not exceed 16 ft in height) — see § 18.26.110 .

What are the typical ground sign limits for small industrial or retail sites?

For sites less than one acre, industrial sites commonly are allowed one ground sign up to 30 sq ft and 6 ft high; small retail and industrial tenant attached signs are limited by frontage-based formulas (e.g., 1 sq ft per lineal foot of primary frontage) — see § 18.26.100.E and § 18.26.100.C .

What happens to existing signs that don’t meet the new rules?

Legally established nonconforming signs may remain but cannot be expanded or moved; the City can require removal or abatement if legal criteria are met and may inventory and abate illegal/abandoned signs under the timelines and procedures in § 18.26.130–18.26.150 .

Can I put a yard sign or political sign in the public right‑of‑way?

Yard signs may be placed in the public right‑of‑way in limited circumstances, but the code requires a minimum setback from the pavement or sidewalk and compliance with the clear vision triangle; signs in ROW or public utility easements can be removed by the City/utility and are subject to safety rules (§ 18.26.060.E; cross‑reference § 18.27.020) .

Do multi‑tenant shopping centers need a coordinated sign program?

Yes. Multi‑tenant commercial or industrial centers with four or more tenant spaces generally require a sign program approved by the Planning Commission as part of discretionary approvals; the program governs colors, materials, sign forms and may allow larger aggregate sign area for large centers (§ 18.26.100.F.2–3) .

If a sign is unsafe or damaged, how fast must it be fixed or removed?

The owner must repair or remove dilapidated or unsafe signs within 10 days after written notification; abandoned signs must be removed within 30 days unless an extension is granted by the Director (§ 18.26.160; § 18.26.140.D) .

Are there different rules for gas station price signs?

Yes. Gas station motor fuel price signs are specifically limited to no more than 30 sq ft in area and 6 ft in height (unless state law requires otherwise); the price portion may be electronically changeable for price only (§ 18.26.070.J.1) . ---

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