Local zoning · Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County — Signage

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

Quick answer

In unincorporated Contra Costa County, a sign permit is required for each non‑exempt sign (§ 88-6.402). Single‑family districts allow only exempt signs, while multi‑family and agricultural districts may use freestanding/monument signs per County standards and one wall sign in multi‑family (§ 88-6.608). Freestanding signs are banned within 1,000 ft of schools/playgrounds/parks, and directional signs in the right‑of‑way are limited to 16 sq ft with strict placement and $2,000,000 insurance (§ 88-6.416(e); § 88-6.810).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Contra Costa County's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Contra Costa County planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Contra Costa County’s Sign Ordinance governs signs in the unincorporated areas only. Signs on private property are regulated under Article 88-6.6, while signs in the public right‑of‑way are regulated under Article 88-6.8 (§ 88-6.204; § 88-6.602). A separate County sign permit is required for each sign unless the sign is expressly exempt (§ 88-6.402). The County regulates signs in a content‑neutral way consistent with constitutional requirements (§ 88-6.206) and applies the current rules prospectively (§ 88-6.208).

In unincorporated areas, a County sign permit is required for each non‑exempt sign, and A‑boards/portable, animated, flashing, moving, vehicle‑mounted, or fence‑attached signs are prohibited (§ 88-6.402; § 88-6.416).

How the County regulates signs (scope, neutrality, and zoning basics)

Title and scope. The ordinance is the Sign Ordinance of Contra Costa County and applies in the County’s unincorporated area; private‑property signs are under Article 88-6.6 and right‑of‑way signs under Article 88-6.8 (§ 88-6.202; § 88-6.204; § 88-6.602).
Message neutrality and timing. Standards apply without regard to message content and govern signs first constructed or displayed after the ordinance’s effective date (§ 88-6.206; § 88-6.208).
Finding your zoning. To determine what district‑specific sign limits apply, confirm your parcel’s zoning on the County’s adopted zoning map (§ 84-2.002) and start with the County’s zoning page. For broader context on County land use in the unincorporated areas, see the zoning & planning overview.

Permit basics (private property vs. right‑of‑way)

Permit required. No person may construct, place, display, or maintain a sign without first obtaining a County sign permit; a separate permit is required for each sign unless otherwise provided (§ 88-6.402).
Exempt signs (no County sign permit):
- Governmental traffic safety/regulatory devices (§ 88-6.418(a)).
- Signs required by law or regulation; if no area is specified by the law, the sign area may not exceed 10 sq ft (§ 88-6.418(b)).
Nonconforming signs. Lawful pre‑existing signs may continue without expansion/alteration until one of these occurs: voluntary removal/relocation; damage/destruction exceeding 50% of market value; property is developed/redeveloped with new structures/additions exceeding 25% of existing developed area; or subdivision changes the lot size/configuration (§ 88-6.414). See also County rules on nonconforming uses.

Countywide prohibitions (apply in all districts unless stated otherwise)

It is unlawful to place/maintain any sign contrary to the code or to federal/state law (including the Outdoor Advertising Act) (§ 88-6.416(a)–(b)).
The following sign types/features are prohibited: animated, mobile, moving, A‑board, or any sign that flashes, blinks, or rotates (§ 88-6.416(c)).
Also prohibited: dilapidated, portable, or fence‑attached signs; signs painted on or attached to a parked vehicle for advertising; signs painted on a wall, bench, structure, or building; cloth/flexible‑material signs (except flags on a flagpole); signs supported by exposed wires/cables; signs designed/oriented for freeway exposure; and signs with external neon lighting (§ 88-6.416(d)).
No freestanding sign may be within 1,000 ft of a school, playground, or park (§ 88-6.416(e)).

Signs in the public right‑of‑way (Article 88‑6.8)

General prohibition. No sign may be placed/displayed in a public right‑of‑way unless specifically authorized under the Sign Ordinance (§ 88-6.804).
Directional signs (the category authorized in rights‑of‑way) must meet all of the following (§ 88-6.810):
- Location restrictions (§ 88-6.810(a)):
  - Not within 500 ft of another directional sign on the same right‑of‑way facing the same direction (§ 88-6.810(a)(1)).
  - Not at an intersection if it would result in more than one directional sign at any corner (§ 88-6.810(a)(2)).
  - Not within 3 ft of any curb where parking is allowed (§ 88-6.810(a)(3)).
  - Not within 6 ft of a driveway or curb‑cut access ramp (§ 88-6.810(a)(4)).
  - Not in (or extending into) any bus stop zone or sidewalk area (§ 88-6.810(a)(5)–(6)).
  - Not on any median (§ 88-6.810(a)(7)).
  - Must avoid conflicts with Caltrans sight‑distance/clear‑recovery standards (§ 88-6.810(a)(8)).
  - Not within any State right‑of‑way without State approval (§ 88-6.810(a)(9)).
- Area: maximum 16 sq ft (§ 88-6.810(b)).
- Permit terms for right‑of‑way signs (§ 88-6.810(c)):
  - Permit term is one year from approval (unless revoked earlier) (§ 88-6.810(c)(1)).
  - Maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum combined single‑limit of $2,000,000, naming the County as additional insured; 30‑day cancellation notice; provide certificates/updates (§ 88-6.810(c)(2)).
  - Indemnification/defense/hold harmless obligations in favor of the County (§ 88-6.810(c)(3)).
  - Maintenance/repair per associated encroachment permit (§ 88-6.810(c)(4)).
  - County may remove a sign for maintenance/safety; permits may be revoked on 90 days’ notice or immediately for safety (§ 88-6.810(c)(5)–(6)).

District-by-district allowances on private property (Article 88‑6.6)

The County’s sign allowances vary by land use district. Confirm your district on the adopted map (§ 84-2.002) and then apply the district‑specific rules below. For overall development context, see development standards and consider whether design review or overlay districts and historic preservation add requirements (verify with the jurisdiction).

All Land Use Districts — General

Rule: A sign that complies with the Sign Ordinance may be located in any land use district, unless modified below (§ 88-6.608(a)).
Purpose/typical uses/key dimensional standards for each district: Not found in source materials.

Single-Family Residential Districts — R‑6, R‑7, R‑10, R‑12, R‑15, R‑20, R‑40, R‑65, R‑100; Water Recreational F‑1; Single‑family lot in P‑1

Allowed signs:
- Exempt signs under § 88-6.418 or § 88-6.606 (§ 88-6.608(b)). Standards of § 88-6.606 not found in source materials.
Exception: If a non‑residential use is approved by a land use permit on the lot, this residential limitation does not apply (§ 88-6.608(b)). Verify with the jurisdiction.
Purpose/typical uses/key dimensional standards/where applied: Not found in source materials.

Two-Family Residential D‑1 and Multi‑Family M‑6, M‑9, M‑12, M‑17, M‑29; Multi‑family lot in P‑1

Allowed signs (§ 88-6.608(c)):
- Exempt signs under § 88-6.418 or § 88-6.606.
- One or more freestanding or monument signs per lot that meet § 88-6.610.
- One wall sign per lot that meets § 88-6.612.
Notes:
- The specific height/area/placement criteria referenced in § 88-6.610 and § 88-6.612 are not found in source materials.
- Exception for lots with non‑residential uses approved by land use permit (§ 88-6.608(c)). Verify with the jurisdiction.
Purpose/typical uses/key dimensional standards/where applied: Not found in source materials.

Agricultural A‑2, A‑3, A‑4, A‑20, A‑40, A‑80

Allowed signs (§ 88-6.608(d)):
- Exempt signs under § 88-6.418 or § 88-6.606.
- One or more freestanding or monument signs per lot that meet § 88-6.610.
Purpose/typical uses/key dimensional standards/where applied: Not found in source materials.

Special restriction noted in § 84‑46.1402 (verify applicability)

One sign is permitted with maximum size 35 sq ft; no rotation/flash/animation; height may not exceed the roof eave line or 20 ft, whichever is lower; and the sign may not face an abutting residential land use district (§ 84-46.1402).
Applicability context (district/overlay where § 84‑46.1402 applies): Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Decision-relevant standards at a glance

Topic	Standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Permit requirement	Sign permit required; separate permit per sign	Unincorporated private property and County-regulated public facilities	§ 88-6.402; § 88-6.602
Exempt signs	Government traffic/control devices; legally required signs (≤10 sq ft if the law doesn’t specify size)	Countywide	§ 88-6.418(a)–(b)
Prohibited sign types	Animated; mobile; moving; A‑board; flashing/blinking/rotating	Countywide	§ 88-6.416(c)
Other prohibitions	Portable; fence‑attached; vehicle‑advertising; painted on walls/benches/buildings; cloth/flexible (except flags on a pole); supported by exposed wires/cables; designed for freeway exposure; external neon	Countywide	§ 88-6.416(d)
Freestanding signs near sensitive uses	No freestanding sign within 1,000 ft of a school/playground/park	Countywide	§ 88-6.416(e)
Right‑of‑way signs (general)	Signs in the public right‑of‑way prohibited unless authorized	Public right‑of‑way	§ 88-6.804
Directional sign in right‑of‑way — size	Max area 16 sq ft	Public right‑of‑way	§ 88-6.810(b)
Directional sign in right‑of‑way — spacing	≥500 ft from another facing the same direction on same ROW; only one per intersection corner	Public right‑of‑way	§ 88-6.810(a)(1)–(2)
Directional sign in right‑of‑way — placement	Not within 3 ft of curb where parking is allowed; 6 ft of driveway/curb ramp; any bus stop/sidewalk; no medians; must meet sight‑distance standards; State approval in State ROW	Public right‑of‑way	§ 88-6.810(a)(3)–(9)
Directional sign permit terms	1‑year term; $2,000,000 liability insurance; indemnify County; maintenance; County removal; revocation on 90 days’ notice or immediately for safety	Public right‑of‑way	§ 88-6.810(c)(1)–(6)
Residential single‑family/F‑1	Only exempt signs (and § 88‑6.606, if applicable) unless a non‑residential use is approved	Private property	§ 88-6.608(b)
Multi‑family/D‑1	Exempt; freestanding/monument per § 88‑6.610; one wall sign per § 88‑6.612	Private property	§ 88-6.608(c)
Agricultural	Exempt; freestanding/monument per § 88‑6.610	Private property	§ 88-6.608(d)
Special numeric limits (verify area)	One sign, max 35 sq ft; height ≤ eave or 20 ft; no flashing/animation; no facing abutting residential	Private property (specific district/overlay unknown)	§ 84-46.1402

Practical interpretation notes

“Painted on a wall” prohibition means commercial messages painted directly on building walls are not allowed; in multi‑family settings, any “wall sign” must meet § 88‑6.612 (standards not provided here) rather than being a painted mural (§ 88-6.416(d)(5); § 88-6.608(c)(3)).
Portable/A‑board signs are explicitly disallowed Countywide (§ 88-6.416(c)–(d)). Consider permanently mounted monument/freestanding options where permitted by district (§ 88-6.610 referenced in § 88-6.608(c)–(d)).
If you’re in a historic or special overlay, additional rules can apply. Check historic preservation and overlay districts and verify with the County.

Checklist

Confirm the parcel is in the unincorporated area and identify the zoning district on the adopted map (§ 84-2.002); start with County zoning.
Determine whether your sign is exempt (government safety sign; sign required by law ≤10 sq ft if size not specified) (§ 88-6.418).
For non‑exempt signs, secure a County sign permit; expect a separate permit per sign (§ 88-6.402).
In single‑family/F‑1/P‑1 (single‑family) districts, limit signs to exempt (and any § 88‑6.606 allowances, if applicable). If a non‑residential use is approved on the lot, confirm what standards apply (§ 88-6.608(b)).
In D‑1/M‑districts/P‑1 (multi‑family), consider freestanding/monument signs per § 88‑6.610 and one wall sign per § 88‑6.612; obtain standards from the County (not in source materials) (§ 88-6.608(c)).
In A‑districts, consider freestanding/monument signs per § 88‑6.610 (§ 88-6.608(d)).
Avoid prohibited features: no A‑boards, animated, flashing, moving, portable, vehicle‑mounted, fence‑attached, painted‑on‑wall, cloth/flexible (except flags on a pole), exposed wire/cable supports, freeway‑oriented, or external neon signs (§ 88-6.416(c)–(d)).
Keep freestanding signs at least 1,000 ft from any school, playground, or park (§ 88-6.416(e)).
For any sign in the public right‑of‑way, limit to authorized directional signs and meet spacing/placement/size and permit terms, including $2,000,000 insurance and a 1‑year term (§ 88-6.804; § 88-6.810).
If in a historic/overlay area, or if design review may apply, verify additional requirements with the County (design review; overlay districts).
If altering a nonconforming sign, check whether work triggers loss of nonconforming status (e.g., >50% damage, >25% redevelopment, subdivision) (§ 88-6.414).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Missing standards for § 88‑6.610 and § 88‑6.612	Height/area/placement for freestanding/monument and wall signs are referenced but not provided	Obtain current text from the County to size/locate signs correctly (§ 88-6.608(c)–(d))
Applicability of § 84‑46.1402	Contains specific numeric limits (35 sq ft; 20 ft height) but the district/overlay is not identified	Ask the County whether § 84‑46.1402 applies to your site before relying on those numbers
“Designed for freeway exposure”	Prohibited, but borderline cases (e.g., visibility from a freeway vs. designed for it) can be subjective	Confirm with planning staff how they interpret freeway‑oriented orientation/design (§ 88-6.416(d)(8))
Painted wall graphics vs. wall “signs”	Painted wall signs are prohibited; one wall sign is allowed in multi‑family areas if it meets § 88‑6.612	Clarify acceptable wall sign construction/materials (§ 88-6.416(d)(5); § 88-6.608(c)(3))
Exempt signs list is short in provided materials	Relying on exemption without full list risks unpermitted work	Request the full text of § 88‑6.418 and § 88‑6.606 from the County
Temporary signs	Definition appears but allowances/duration are not provided	Confirm whether and how temporary signs are allowed (§ 88-6.212(o) definition; standards not provided)

Information Gaps

Detailed standards for freestanding/monument signs (§ 88‑6.610) and wall signs (§ 88‑6.612): Not found in source materials.
Full list of exempt signs (§ 88‑6.418 beyond subsections (a)–(b)); any standards under § 88‑6.606: Not found in source materials.
District/overlay context for § 84‑46.1402: Not found in source materials.
Any additional review triggers (e.g., design review thresholds) specific to signs: Not found in source materials.

Plain-English Summary

If you’re in unincorporated Contra Costa County, you almost always need a County sign permit unless your sign is a government traffic device or a legally required notice under 10 sq ft. Single‑family and F‑1 areas allow only exempt signs; multi‑family and agricultural areas allow certain freestanding/monument signs (and one wall sign in multi‑family) if they meet County standards. A‑boards, portable, moving/animated, flashing, painted‑on‑wall, fence‑mounted, vehicle advertising, cloth/flexible, freeway‑oriented, and external‑neon signs are not allowed. Right‑of‑way signs are generally banned, except small directional signs that meet strict spacing/size and insurance rules.

Source References

Contra Costa County Zoning Code: § 88-6.202 (Title), § 88-6.204 (Purposes/scope), § 88-6.206 (Message neutrality), § 88-6.208 (Prospective regulation)
Contra Costa County Zoning Code: § 88-6.402 (Permit—Required), § 88-6.602 (Applicability—Private property)
Contra Costa County Zoning Code: § 88-6.418 (Exempt signs—subsections (a)–(b) provided)
Contra Costa County Zoning Code: § 88-6.608 (Land use districts—allowances/restrictions)
Contra Costa County Zoning Code: § 88-6.414 (Nonconforming signs)
Contra Costa County Zoning Code: § 88-6.416 (Prohibited signs—private property)
Contra Costa County Zoning Code: § 88-6.804 (Prohibited signs—right‑of‑way), § 88-6.810 (Directional signs—right‑of‑way)
Contra Costa County Zoning Code: § 84-2.002 (Zoning map adopted)
Contra Costa County Zoning Code: § 84-46.1402 (Restrictions—numeric limits; applicability not specified here)

Sources

Source passages

Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.804) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.810) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.608) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.414) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.204) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-2.002) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-46.1402) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.402) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.206) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.602) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.418) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.212) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-6.202) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Contra Costa County code library

Frequently asked questions

Are A‑frame or sandwich board signs allowed in unincorporated Contra Costa County?

No. A‑board (portable “sandwich board”) signs, along with animated, mobile, moving, or flashing/blinking/rotating signs, are prohibited Countywide (§ 88-6.416(c)). Portable and fence‑attached signs are also prohibited (§ 88-6.416(d)).

Can I put a sign in the public right‑of‑way in unincorporated areas?

Generally no—signs in the public right‑of‑way are prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Sign Ordinance (§ 88-6.804). The ordinance allows directional signs if they meet strict size (≤16 sq ft), spacing, placement, permit term, and $2,000,000 insurance requirements (§ 88-6.810).

Do I need a permit for a sign on private property?

Yes. A County sign permit is required for each non‑exempt sign in the unincorporated area, with a separate permit for each sign (§ 88-6.402). Government traffic devices and legally required signs (≤10 sq ft if no size is specified by law) are exempt (§ 88-6.418).

What signs are allowed in single‑family residential districts?

Only exempt signs (and any allowances under § 88‑6.606) are permitted on single‑family lots in R‑6, R‑7, R‑10, R‑12, R‑15, R‑20, R‑40, R‑65, R‑100, and F‑1, or on single‑family lots in P‑1 (§ 88-6.608(b)). If a non‑residential use is approved on the lot, different rules may apply—verify with the County (§ 88-6.608(b)).

How many signs can multi‑family properties have?

Multi‑family and D‑1 lots may have exempt signs, one or more freestanding/monument signs per lot meeting § 88‑6.610, and one wall sign per lot meeting § 88‑6.612 (§ 88-6.608(c)). Specific size/height/placement standards for § 88‑6.610 and § 88‑6.612 were not provided in the source materials.

How close can a freestanding sign be to a school or park?

No freestanding sign may be within 1,000 feet of a school, playground, or park (§ 88-6.416(e)).

What are the rules for directional signs in the right‑of‑way?

They must be ≤16 sq ft, spaced ≥500 ft from another facing the same direction on the same right‑of‑way, not on medians, bus zones, sidewalks, or within 3 ft of curbs where parking is allowed, and ≥6 ft from driveways/curb ramps; State approval is required in State right‑of‑way (§ 88-6.810(a)–(b)). Permits last 1 year and require $2,000,000 liability insurance and indemnification (§ 88-6.810(c)).

Are painted wall murals with business names allowed?

Signs painted on walls, benches, structures, or buildings are prohibited (§ 88-6.416(d)(5)). In multi‑family districts, one wall sign is allowed if it meets § 88‑6.612 standards (not provided in the source materials) (§ 88-6.608(c)(3)).

My sign was damaged in a storm. Can I rebuild it as‑is?

If it’s a lawful nonconforming sign and was damaged more than 50% of its reasonable market value, it loses nonconforming status and must be brought into compliance (§ 88-6.414(b)). Other triggers include voluntary removal/relocation, major redevelopment (>25% new structures/additions), or subdivision changes (§ 88-6.414).

General information, not legal advice.

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