Local zoning · Commerce

Commerce — Signage

Q: What signs are allowed in an **R‑1** residential zone in Commerce?

Residential zones ( R‑1, R‑2, R‑3 ) allow limited non‑illuminated neighborhood identification and similar small signs; roof and projecting signs are prohibited and signs may not extend above roof level. See § 19.25.090 and Table 19.25.100A for the size caps (e.g., typical ID signs 10 sf , 6 ft height).

Q: How big can a commercial freestanding sign be?

Use Table 19.25.100A: the typical formula is 1 sf per 1 ft of street frontage up to a maximum of 800 sf ; height is 20 ft maximum at the front property line plus 1 ft of height for each foot the sign is set back (with absolute caps noted in the table). § 19.25.100 .

Q: How many temporary promotional periods can a business run each year?

A business may run up to five promotional periods per calendar year (automobile dealerships up to nine ); each period is 14 days or less, no more than two consecutive periods, and temporary sign permits are required. § 19.25.110 .

Q: Do overlay zones change sign rules?

Yes. Specific plans and overlays (for example, MSP , PD , HOO ) can supersede or supplement Chapter 19 sign rules — the Modelo Specific Plan explicitly incorporates its sign rules and may override Chapter 19 where different. Verify the parcel’s overlay status and the applicable plan text; see § 19.16.020 and § 19.15.040(D) .

Signage under the Commerce 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 Commerce rules for signs (Title 19, Chapter 19.25) as they apply to commercial properties and commercial zones. It explains what types of signs are permitted, dimensional caps, when a master sign plan or conditional use permit is required, special rules for off‑site/billboard signs, and how nonconforming signs are handled under the local zoning code. All requirements below are taken from the Commerce zoning ordinance; verify parcel‑specific questions with the Community Development Director. Commerce zoning & planning information is summarized by the city and in the zoning title.

(First‑time links in text: City planning overview, zoning, development standards, parking, design review, overlay districts, historic preservation, and the California building code are linked where those topics are first mentioned.)

Key local rules (plain list)

Permit required for virtually every permanent or temporary sign: § 19.25.040.
Chapter intent: clean, safe signage and traveler clarity: § 19.25.010.
Residential sign rules (R‑zones) are restrictive (roof signs prohibited; small ID signs allowed): § 19.25.090 and Table 19.25.100A (within § 19.25.100).
Nonresidential sign allowances and formulas live in Table 19.25.100A (in § 19.25.100) — freestanding, wall/roof, readerboards, temporary sign rules are there.
Off‑site (billboard) signs are tightly limited: allowed only in the Modelo Specific Plan (MSP) and in M‑2 with a CUP, plus spacing/area/height limits; many freeway corridors and locations are disallowed: § 19.25.140 and § 19.25.160.
Master sign plan required for new multi‑tenant nonresidential projects (3+ tenants) or where director requests it: § 19.25.130.
Nonconforming sign amortization schedule (lighting/motion: 6 months; painted wall: 1 year; other residential: 1 year; other signs: 3 years): § 19.25.220 (Table 19.25.220A).
HOO (Housing Opportunity Overlay) projects must include a sign program; blade signs may be “free” under HOO rules: § 19.47.120.

(See Commerce Zoning for the full zone list and underlying purposes.)

District‑by‑district breakdown (Commerce zones)

Note: the City’s official zone map determines which of these rules applies to a given parcel; the official listing of zones is in § 19.05.010.

R‑zones — R-1, R-2, R-3 (Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: low‑ to high‑density housing; residential uses. See Chapter 19.07 (development standards).
Sign rules: roof signs and projecting signs are not permitted; no sign may extend above roof level; permanent murals with commercial message prohibited; small identification and real‑estate signs allowed per Table 19.25.100A. § 19.25.090 and § 19.25.100.
Key dimensional standards (Table 19.25.100A highlights): typical neighborhood ID or multifamily ID signs limited to 10 sf and 6 ft height (see Table). § 19.25.100.
Where it applies: parcels zoned R‑1, R‑2, R‑3 on the official zoning map. § 19.05.010.

Commercial — C‑2, C/M‑1

Purpose & typical uses: retail and service commercial, with accessory uses; Table 19.09.010A lists permitted commercial uses. § 19.09.020 and Table 19.09.010A.
Sign rules: governed by Table 19.25.100A (§ 19.25.100). Freestanding sign formula: 1 sf per 1 ft of street frontage up to 800 sf max; 20 ft max at front property line, then +1 ft height per ft of setback, with an absolute max height often 42 ft for some cases — see table and accompanying notes. Wall/roof signs may substitute for freestanding where allowed; combined wall+roof area limited to 3 sf per 1 ft of building frontage and roof sign height capped (roof signs have story‑based caps). Readerboard/electronic signs allowed only with CUP and have separate area rules. § 19.25.100.
Where it applies: parcels zoned C‑2 or C/M‑1. See official zone map. § 19.05.010.

Industrial / Manufacturing — M‑1, M‑2

Purpose & typical uses: light to heavy industrial uses (Table of uses). § 19.05.010 and chapters on specific uses.
Off‑site (billboard) rules: off‑site signs are permitted only in the Modelo Specific Plan (MSP) subject to that plan, and M‑2 only with a Conditional Use Permit; certain streets (Atlantic Ave, Washington Blvd, I‑5), and buffers (e.g., within 750 linear feet of The Citadel property, within redevelopment areas, or within 200 ft of civic center/parks/schools/residential) are expressly prohibited for off‑site signs. § 19.25.140.
Off‑site development standards (size/height/spacing): Max height 42 ft, max area 800 sf per face, max two faces (with rare grandfathered third‑face exceptions), minimum distance from another off‑site sign 720 ft, minimum distance from a ramp/intersection 375 ft. § 19.25.160.
Where it applies: parcels zoned M‑1 / M‑2 or within the MSP. Verify with the Modelo Specific Plan document for MSP parcels. § 19.16.020.

Overlay & special districts: PD (Planned Development Overlay), MSP (Modelo Specific Plan), HOO (Housing Opportunity Overlay)

PD: The PD overlay may require a master sign plan as part of the PD approval and may modify underlying standards where the specific plan controls; see § 19.15.040(D) for master sign plan direction. § 19.15.040(D) and related.
MSP: The Modelo Specific Plan controls signs on its parcels and may supersede Chapter 19 rules where it specifies alternative standards; off‑site/billboard allowances are handled within the MSP and associated Master Sign Plan. § 19.16.020 and § 19.25.140.
HOO: Projects in the HOO must include a sign program describing allowed sign locations, materials, illumination, and temporary banners; blade (pedestrian) signs may be excluded from maximum sign area calculations (small blade signs limited to 2 sf per face). § 19.47.120.

Table — Most decision‑relevant standards (quick reference)

Topic	Decision‑relevant rule (short)	Code reference
Freestanding (on‑site) sign (nonresidential)	Max 1 sf per 1 ft frontage; 800 sf max; 20 ft max at front property line; setback adds +1 ft/ft to height; absolute 42 ft in some cases	§ 19.25.100 (Table 19.25.100A)
Wall & roof signs (nonresidential)	Aggregate wall+roof limited to 3 sf per 1 ft building frontage; roof signs capped by building stories; wall sign ≤ 35% of wall area	§ 19.25.100 (Table)
Off‑site (billboard) signs	Allowed only in MSP (per MSP rules) and M‑2 with CUP; max 800 sf/face, 42 ft height, spacing minima	§ 19.25.140, § 19.25.160
Temporary / promotional signs	Max 5 promotional periods/yr (9 for auto dealers); each period ≤ 14 days; ≤ 4 temporary signs per event; temporary sign permit required	§ 19.25.110
Master sign plan	Required for all new nonresidential projects with 3+ tenant spaces or when director deems necessary; Planning Commission approval sometimes required	§ 19.25.130
Permit requirement & building compliance	Sign permit required before erection/alteration; signs must comply with the latest building code	§ 19.25.040; California Building Standards Code link

Practical guidance & interpretation

Calculate allowed freestanding area using the frontage formula in Table 19.25.100A; then check setback‑increased height allowances and nearby restricted locations (residential buffers, civic center, schools, The Citadel buffer). The table is the controlling calculator; rely on § 19.25.100 for numeric caps and § 19.25.140 for off‑site prohibitions.
Multi‑tenant centers: expect to prepare a master sign plan (required for 3+ tenant spaces) showing locations, sizes, materials, and lighting; the planning commission will review when the director so requires. § 19.25.130.
Temporary promotions: get a temporary sign permit in advance; limit promotional periods and banner counts per § 19.25.110. Inflatable objects have strict height caps (e.g., 75 ft above grade or 50 ft above building).
Off‑site/billboard applicants: prepare to show spacing, visual compatibility, and traffic/safety analyses; the planning commission considers visual clutter and field of vision among other findings under relocation/relief programs. § 19.25.150–160.
Historic / overlay properties: if your parcel is within a historic area or HOO, a sign program or design review may be required in addition to the standard sign permit; blade signs have special treatment in the HOO. § 19.47.120 and chapter on historic landmarks.
Building permit & code compliance: after sign permit approval you must submit to the Building Department; signs must meet the latest California Building Standards Code. § 19.25.040.

(If a rule or numeric limit is missing from the snippets above, the ordinance text instructs to confirm with the Community Development Director or the specific plan for the parcel.)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Confirm parcel zoning on the official zoning map (zones include R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, C‑2, C/M‑1, M‑1, M‑2, PF, PD, MSP). § 19.05.010.
Determine whether project triggers a Master Sign Plan (nonresidential projects with 3+ tenant spaces) and prepare required elevations and materials. § 19.25.130.
Calculate allowed sign area by applicable table/formula (Table 19.25.100A under § 19.25.100).
Obtain a sign permit from Community Development (and then a Building permit if required); submit plans showing code compliance with the latest California Building Standards Code. § 19.25.040.
For temporary promotional signage, apply for a temporary sign permit and follow the § 19.25.110 calendar/quantity limits.
If proposing an off‑site/billboard sign: prepare a Conditional Use Permit (if in M‑2) or comply with the MSP Master Sign Plan rules and the spacing/height/area caps in § 19.25.160.
Check nonconforming amortization rules if replacing/removing an existing nonconforming sign (see § 19.25.220).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Parcel‑specific MSP rules	The Modelo Specific Plan may override Chapter 19 numeric standards (including off‑site allowances)	Confirm whether parcel lies in MSP and apply the MSP sign rules; see § 19.16.020 and MSP documents on file with the Director.
Freestanding height vs. setback calculation	Table formula uses frontage and setback to increase allowable height; miscalculation can produce code violations	Verify frontage measurement method and final computed height with the Community Development Director. § 19.25.100.
Whether an electronic/readerboard needs CUP	Readerboards/electronic signs have special limitations and may require CUP	Check Table 19.25.100A and the CUP rules; contact Community Development — § 19.25.100.
Historic/overlay sign program exceptions	HOO and PD may allow different treatments (blade signs, sign program requirements)	Confirm overlay boundaries and sign program requirements (e.g., § 19.47.120 for HOO; § 19.15.040 for PD).
Building code vs. zoning (structural safety)	Zoning grants sign size/placement; Building Code governs structural & electrical safety	Obtain Building Department review and meet the latest California Building Standards Code; § 19.25.040(B)(1) requires building‑code compliance.

Plain‑English summary

Commerce’s sign rules (Title 19, Chapter 19.25) set size, height, and placement limits that vary by zone: small ID signs in residential areas; frontage‑based formulas and 800 sf caps for many commercial freestanding signs; strict restrictions for billboards (allowed only in the Modelo Specific Plan or M‑2 with a CUP); temporary and multi‑tenant sign rules require permits or a master sign plan; and existing nonconforming signs must be removed or brought into compliance on a fixed schedule. Always get a sign permit and the Building Department's approval before installing.

Source References

Commerce Municipal Code — Title 19 (Zoning), Chapter 19.25 (Signs): intent § 19.25.010, definitions, applicability.
Commerce Municipal Code — Sign permits and building compliance: § 19.25.040.
Commerce Municipal Code — Residential sign regulations: § 19.25.090; Nonresidential Table 19.25.100A: § 19.25.100.
Commerce Municipal Code — Temporary signs: § 19.25.110.
Commerce Municipal Code — Master sign plans: § 19.25.130.
Commerce Municipal Code — Off‑site/billboard rules & standards: § 19.25.140, § 19.25.160.
Commerce Municipal Code — Nonconforming sign amortization: § 19.25.220 (Table 19.25.220A).
Modelo Specific Plan / Specific plans authority: § 19.16.020 (MSP overrides where specified).
HOO (Housing Opportunity Overlay) sign program requirements: § 19.47.120.
Official Zone List (R‑, C‑, M‑zones, PD, MSP): § 19.05.010.
California Building Standards Code (referenced for structural/electrical compliance) — local Building Department application required after sign permit: California Building Standards Code link.

(Where text or a number could not be located in the retrieved print export, the ordinance instructs to verify with the Community Development Director or the specific plan text on file. If you need the exact MSP plan text, request it from the City or the Community Development Department.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Commerce Zoning Code (§ 9) High relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 9) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 10) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (Chapter 9.40.) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (Chapter 19.19) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (Title 19) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (Title 19.) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (CHAPTER 19.37) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Commerce code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a sign permit in Commerce?

Yes. A sign permit is required before placing, erecting, moving, reconstructing, altering, or displaying any sign; the application is first reviewed by the Community Development Department and then, if required, by the Building Department for code compliance. § 19.25.040.

What signs are allowed in an **R‑1** residential zone in Commerce?

Residential zones (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3) allow limited non‑illuminated neighborhood identification and similar small signs; roof and projecting signs are prohibited and signs may not extend above roof level. See § 19.25.090 and Table 19.25.100A for the size caps (e.g., typical ID signs 10 sf, 6 ft height).

How big can a commercial freestanding sign be?

Use Table 19.25.100A: the typical formula is 1 sf per 1 ft of street frontage up to a maximum of 800 sf; height is 20 ft maximum at the front property line plus 1 ft of height for each foot the sign is set back (with absolute caps noted in the table). § 19.25.100.

Are billboards allowed in Commerce?

Off‑site/billboard signs are tightly restricted: they are permitted only within the Modelo Specific Plan (per that plan) and in M‑2 with a conditional use permit, and certain streets/areas are expressly off‑limits (e.g., Atlantic Ave, Washington Blvd, I‑5, buffers near The Citadel, civic center, parks, schools, and residential zones). § 19.25.140 and § 19.25.160.

When is a Master Sign Plan required?

A Master Sign Plan is required for all new nonresidential development projects with three or more tenant spaces, or when the Director determines a plan is needed because of project characteristics; the plan must illustrate number, location, height, dimensions, materials, design, and colors for all proposed signage. § 19.25.130.

Can I use electronic or readerboard signage?

Electronic readerboard signs are regulated separately and typically require a Conditional Use Permit; the Table 19.25.100A entries indicate the readerboard size rules and CUP requirement for readerboards in nonresidential zones. Check § 19.25.100 and consult the Community Development Director for CUP standards.

How many temporary promotional periods can a business run each year?

A business may run up to five promotional periods per calendar year (automobile dealerships up to nine); each period is 14 days or less, no more than two consecutive periods, and temporary sign permits are required. § 19.25.110.

What happens to an existing sign that no longer meets the code?

Nonconforming on‑site signs are subject to an amortization schedule: lighting/motion nonconformities must be corrected within 6 months; painted wall signs within 1 year; other residential nonconforming signs 1 year; all other nonconforming on‑site signs 3 years. See § 19.25.220 (Table 19.25.220A).

Do overlay zones change sign rules?

Yes. Specific plans and overlays (for example, MSP, PD, HOO) can supersede or supplement Chapter 19 sign rules — the Modelo Specific Plan explicitly incorporates its sign rules and may override Chapter 19 where different. Verify the parcel’s overlay status and the applicable plan text; see § 19.16.020 and § 19.15.040(D).

Who enforces sign removal in public rights‑of‑way?

The City will require removal of illegally placed signs in the public right‑of‑way within 48 hours of notice and may remove immediately for public safety and bill the owner; owners can request a hearing within 48 hours after removal. § 19.25.230.

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