Covina — Signage

Overview

Covina’s sign rules live primarily in Title 17 Zoning, with a citywide framework for on‑premises signs and zone-specific allowances. The code emphasizes coordinated sign programs, safety, and design compatibility. Off‑premises billboards are not allowed, and roof signs are banned citywide.

Roof signs are not permitted in any zone in the city (§ 17.74.020.BB).

Citywide rules that apply to most signs (Chapter 17.74 and related)

• Intent. Covina regulates location, design, materials, illumination, and maintenance of signs to harmonize with buildings and neighborhoods (§ 17.74.010).
• Review and sign programs.
  • Each sign requiring a permit/review is subject to planning department approval; new developments must submit a coordinated signing program with site plan review (§ 17.74.050.A–B).
  • Multi‑tenant properties “where several businesses require signing” must use a coordinated program (§ 17.74.050.B).
• On‑premises only; off‑premises prohibited. The sign provisions apply only to on‑premises signs; off‑premises (nonappurtenant) signs and billboards are not permitted (§ 17.74.050.E; billboard defined in § 17.74.020.D).
• Content limits and “copy area.”
  • Allowed content: identification of building/owner/occupant; information about on‑site activities/goods/services; sale/rental/lease; safety/directional messages (§ 17.74.050.C).
  • Copy area may not exceed 40% of aggregate sign area; if the building face is the background (individual letters with no sign panel), copy may be up to 80% (§ 17.74.050.D; definitions in § 17.74.020.A, I).
• Illumination and movement.
  • No flashing lights, moving parts, audible noises, or other hazards (§ 17.74.050.F).
  • Limited blinking allowed when using frosted lamps ≤11 watts and no lamp blinks more than 15 times/minute (§ 17.74.050.G).
  • Freestanding/unattached signs may rotate up to 8 rpm (§ 17.74.050.H).
  • Lighted signs should use diffused/indirect lighting, max 15 watts per square foot at the sign face (§ 17.74.050.N).
• Placement and safety.
  • Signs may not extend into the current or future public right‑of‑way (ROW) except as specifically indicated; they may be located in the street setback as defined (§ 17.74.050.I; § 17.74.020.FF).
  • For signs governed by Chapter 17.75, location must be at least 5 ft from any property line and never in the public ROW or where they obstruct sight distances or create hazards (§ 17.75.050).
• Window, awning, and pedestrian signs.
  • Window signs are defined as permanent and count toward limits; “gold/silver leaf” and decals are permanent (§ 17.74.020.HH).
  • Awnings/architectural projections may carry sign copy along the border trim, with max 8‑inch letters and ≤40% of border trim; a border sign is in place of a building face sign (§ 17.44.210.F; § 17.46.200.F; § 17.34.210.E).
• Nonconforming and maintenance.
  • Nonconforming signs cannot be moved/altered/added to/replaced unless brought into compliance (except copy changes/maintenance) (§ 17.74.050.M).
  • Signs and supports must be kept in continual repair; sign electrical must be underground (§ 17.74.050.K, L).
• Temporary and special types.
  • “Temporary promotional signs and devices” are referenced in § 17.74.055 (details not in source materials).
  • Religious/charitable/educational/cultural/political posters ≤16 sf are allowed without a sign permit but must also conform to Chapter 17.75 (§ 17.74.040.D).
  • Temporary real estate signs (one per frontage, ≤16 sf per face) and temporary contractor signs are allowed without a sign permit, subject to size/removal limits (§ 17.74.040.G–H).
  • Sidewalk signs and pennant/flags are allowed only in TC‑C, TC‑P, and the Shoppers Lane district of C‑3A, with a sidewalk dining and display permit (no sign permit) (§ 17.74.040.I).
• Murals and painted signs.
  • Murals are allowed only in TC‑C, TC‑P, M‑1, and in the Shoppers Lane district of C‑3A, per § 17.74.061 (§ 17.74.020.II).
  • Painted signs are only permitted in TC‑C and TC‑P (§ 17.74.020.JJ).
• Billboards near sensitive uses.
  • Advertising of tobacco products or alcoholic beverages on billboards is prohibited in any residential zone and within 1,000 ft of any school, park, recreational facility, youth center, or church, as measured straight‑line from the nearest property line (§ 17.74.050.O).
• Chapter 17.75 size rules (applies to signs regulated by that chapter).
  • Total area is ≤32 sf when frontage is ≤100 ft; if frontage is greater than 100 ft, increase by 0.5 sf per linear foot over 100 (§ 17.75.030).
  • Exceptions: public notices and certain traditional ROW communication structures (kiosks, authorized bench ads, etc.), and city/redevelopment agency events (§ 17.75.060).

Cross‑check sign proposals with broader zoning, development standards, and any applicable overlay districts. Multi‑tenant centers often trigger design review for sign programs, and window/awning sign plans should consider adjacent landscaping and screening. Nonconforming signage changes should be vetted against nonconforming uses and potential variances and exceptions where appropriate.

District-by-District Sign Standards (by zone or code chapter)

Below are the sign allowances provided in the source materials. Where the zone name is not stated in the section, the chapter is listed and the district name is “Not found in source materials.”

Town Center Core (TC‑C) and Town Center Periphery (TC‑P)

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
• Key sign allowances:
  • Sidewalk signs and pennant/flags allowed with a sidewalk dining and display permit (no sign permit) (§ 17.74.040.I).
  • Murals permitted (§ 17.74.020.II).
  • Painted signs permitted in these zones (§ 17.74.020.JJ).
• Where it applies: TC‑C and TC‑P zones. Verify mapped boundaries with the jurisdiction.

C‑3A (Shoppers Lane district only)

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
• Key sign allowances:
  • Sidewalk signs and pennant/flags allowed with a sidewalk dining and display permit (no sign permit) (§ 17.74.040.I).
  • Murals permitted in the Shoppers Lane district of C‑3A (§ 17.74.020.II).
• Where it applies: Shoppers Lane district within C‑3A. Verify with the jurisdiction.

M‑1

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
• Key sign allowances:
  • Murals permitted (§ 17.74.020.II).
• Where it applies: M‑1 district(s). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 17.34 zone (district name not found)

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
• Allowable signs and key limits (§ 17.34.210):
  • One pedestrian‑oriented sign per entrance, ≤6 sf/face; mounted flat or suspended from an integral overhang (§ 17.34.210.A).
  • One sign per occupancy frontage (flat) or one projecting sign that may extend ≤2 ft into the public ROW and not project above the roofline; total area ≤10% of first‑story height (each side of projecting sign counts) (§ 17.34.210.B).
  • One additional rear sign at a public entrance; ≤6% of rear face to first‑story height; mounted flat (§ 17.34.210.C).
  • If building setback ≥10 ft and lot frontage >45 ft, one monument sign: spacing ≥50 ft from other signs on same side; ≤15 sf/face; ≤4 ft tall (§ 17.34.210.D).
  • Awnings/projections: copy along border trim with max 8‑inch letters and ≤40% of trim; counts in lieu of building face sign; perpendicular border signs count as pedestrian signs (§ 17.34.210.E).
  • Two window signs per occupancy, ≤20% of window area; must be permanent (not painted/pasted/taped), except as allowed in § 17.74.020 (§ 17.34.210.F).

Chapter 17.40 zone (district name not found)

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
• Allowable signs and key limits (§ 17.40.190):
  • Regional/community shopping center (≥4 establishments, frontage >150 ft): one freestanding sign per center; spacing ≥150 ft from other freestanding signs on same side; ≤100 sf/face; ≤30 ft tall (§ 17.40.190.A.1).
  • Frontage >45 ft and <150 ft: one monument sign; spacing ≥50 ft; ≤20 sf/face; ≤6 ft tall (§ 17.40.190.A.2).
  • One sign per occupancy frontage (flat) or one projecting sign; total area ≤15% of first‑story height (count both sides of projecting) (§ 17.40.190.B).
  • One pedestrian‑oriented sign per entrance, ≤6 sf/face (§ 17.40.190.C).
  • One additional rear sign at public entrance, ≤10% of rear face to first‑story height; mounted flat (§ 17.40.190.D).
  • Two window signs per occupancy, ≤20% of window area; permanent only (§ 17.40.190.E).
  • Sign program required for centers with ≥4 establishments (§ 17.40.190.F).

Chapter 17.44 zone (district name not found)

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
• Allowable signs and key limits (§ 17.44.210):
  • Frontage >100 ft: one freestanding sign; spacing ≥100 ft from other freestanding signs on same side; ≤100 sf/face; ≤30 ft tall (§ 17.44.210.A.1).
  • Frontage >45 ft and ≤100 ft: one monument sign; spacing ≥50 ft; ≤20 sf/face; ≤6 ft tall (§ 17.44.210.A.2).
  • Frontage >300 ft: either one additional freestanding sign of same size/height, or increase the single freestanding sign to ≤250 sf/face (§ 17.44.210.B).
  • Two building face signs per occupancy frontage; total area ≤15% of first‑story height; mounted flat (§ 17.44.210.C).
  • One additional rear sign at public entrance, ≤10% of rear face to first‑story height; mounted flat (§ 17.44.210.D).
  • Two window signs per occupancy, ≤20% of window area; permanent only (§ 17.44.210.E).
  • Awnings/projections: border‑trim copy, max 8‑inch letters and ≤40% of trim; counts in lieu of building face sign; perpendicular border signs count as pedestrian signs (§ 17.44.210.F).

Chapter 17.46 zone (district name not found)

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
• Allowable signs and key limits (§ 17.46.200) — substantially the same as § 17.44.210:
  • Frontage >100 ft: one freestanding sign; spacing ≥100 ft; ≤100 sf/face; ≤30 ft tall (§ 17.46.200.A.1).
  • Frontage >45 ft and ≤100 ft: one monument sign; spacing ≥50 ft; ≤20 sf/face; ≤6 ft tall (§ 17.46.200.A.2).
  • Frontage >300 ft: either one additional freestanding sign or increase the single freestanding sign to ≤250 sf/face (§ 17.46.200.B).
  • Two building face signs per occupancy frontage; total area ≤15% of first‑story height; mounted flat (§ 17.46.200.C).
  • One additional rear sign at public entrance, ≤10% of rear face; mounted flat (§ 17.46.200.D).
  • Two window signs per occupancy, ≤20%; permanent only (§ 17.46.200.E).
  • Awnings/projections: border‑trim copy, max 8‑inch letters and ≤40% of trim; counts in lieu of building face sign; perpendicular border signs count as pedestrian signs (§ 17.46.200.F).

Chapter 17.48 zone (district name not found)

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
• Allowable signs and key limits (§ 17.48.080):
  • One sign per occupancy frontage; total area ≤10% of first‑story height; mounted flat (§ 17.48.080.A).
  • One rear sign at a public entrance onto an alley/parking lot, ≤6% of rear face to first‑story height; mounted flat (§ 17.48.080.B).

Chapter 17.30 zone (district name not found)

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
• Sign standards (§ 17.30.210):
  • No blinking, flashing, or animated signs visible from any street or highway (§ 17.30.210.A).
  • Signs not located in any required yard area and must not exceed the zone’s height provisions (§ 17.30.210.B).
  • Lighting arranged to reflect away from adjoining premises (§ 17.30.210.C).

Chapter 17.26 zone (district name not found)

• Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
• Signs generally allowed only per §§ 17.26.270–17.26.290; this chapter also incorporates applicable sign/advertising provisions not in conflict (§ 17.26.260). Specific standards not found in source materials.

Key standards at a glance

Checklist

• Confirm your site’s zoning and which chapter‑based sign standards apply to it (e.g., § 17.34.210, § 17.40.190, § 17.44.210, § 17.46.200, § 17.48.080). Verify with the jurisdiction.
• Ensure the sign is an on‑premises sign and not a roof sign (§ 17.74.050.E; § 17.74.020.BB).
• Prepare a coordinated signing program if multiple tenants or a shopping center are involved (§ 17.74.050.B; § 17.40.190.F).
• Check quantitative limits:
  • Building‑face sign area: ≤10–15% of first‑story height, zone‑dependent (§ 17.34.210.B; § 17.40.190.B; § 17.44.210.C; § 17.46.200.C; § 17.48.080.A).
  • Window sign count and area: ≤2 per occupancy; ≤20% of window area (§ 17.34.210.F; § 17.40.190.E; § 17.44.210.E; § 17.46.200.E).
  • Freestanding/monument signs: verify frontage thresholds, spacing (≥50–150 ft), area (≤15–100 sf/face), and height (≤4–30 ft) per chapter.
• Respect placement: no encroachment into current/future ROW; maintain ≥5 ft from property line where § 17.75 applies; avoid sight obstructions (§ 17.74.050.I; § 17.75.050).
• Design illumination to meet diffused/indirect and power limits; avoid flashing/motion hazards (§ 17.74.050.F–H, N; and any stricter zone rules such as § 17.30.210.A).
• Confirm special types: sidewalk signs only in TC‑C/TC‑P/C‑3A Shoppers Lane; murals/painted signs only in specified zones (§ 17.74.040.I; § 17.74.020.II, JJ).
• Maintain nonconforming signs only with copy changes/maintenance; any alteration must bring them into compliance (§ 17.74.050.M).
• Keep utilities underground and maintain signs in good repair (§ 17.74.050.K, L).

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Covina allows only on‑premises signs and bans roof signs outright. Commercial zones typically allow a small monument sign for modest frontages and a taller freestanding sign for deep frontages, plus limited building‑face, pedestrian, and window signs. Sidewalk signs and murals are limited to specific districts, and illumination and moving/blinking features are tightly controlled. Multi‑tenant properties and centers need coordinated sign programs.

Information Gaps

• The official names of the districts governed by Chapters 17.34, 17.40, 17.44, 17.46, 17.48, 17.30, and 17.26 are not in the source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
• The full text of § 17.74.055 (temporary promotional signs) is not provided.
• § 17.74.020.JJ (painted signs) is truncated; any additional conditions are not available here.

Source References

• § 17.74.010 (Intent and purpose)
• § 17.74.020 (Definitions; includes aggregate sign area, window signs, monument signs, murals, painted signs, roof signs)
• § 17.74.040 (Permit – Exceptions; includes sidewalk signs and pennants in TC‑C, TC‑P, C‑3A Shoppers Lane)
• § 17.74.050 (General requirements; permits/review, on‑premises only, copy area, illumination/motion limits, maintenance, utilities, nonconforming, tobacco/alcohol billboard buffer)
• § 17.75.030 (Size – Chapter 17.75 signs)
• § 17.75.050 (Location – Chapter 17.75 signs)
• § 17.75.060 (Exceptions)
• § 17.34.200–.210 (Signs – Generally; Allowable signs and special regulations)
• § 17.40.190 (Allowable signs and special regulations)
• § 17.44.210 (Allowable signs and special regulations)
• § 17.46.200 (Allowable signs and special regulations)
• § 17.48.080 (Allowable signs and special regulations)
• § 17.30.210 (Signs – Standards)
• § 17.26.260 (Signs – Generally)
• § 17.73.020 (Sign specifications by council resolution)
• § 17.04.519 (Sign definition)

Source passages

• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.75.050) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.74.050) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.74.010) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.44.210) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.74.020) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.34.210) Medium relevance show source text
• CMC § 17.34.200 (§ 17.34.200) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.04.519) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.75.030) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.46.200) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.75.060) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.30.210) Medium relevance show source text
• CMC § 17.26.260 (§ 17.26.260) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.73.020) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.48.080) Medium relevance show source text
• Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.40.190) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• § 17.74.010 (Intent and purpose) (§ 17.74.010)
• § 17.74.020 (Definitions; includes aggregate sign area, window signs, monument signs, murals, painted signs, roof signs) (§ 17.74.020)
• § 17.74.040 (Permit – Exceptions; includes sidewalk signs and pennants in TC‑C, TC‑P, C‑3A Shoppers Lane) (§ 17.74.040)
• § 17.74.050 (General requirements; permits/review, on‑premises only, copy area, illumination/motion limits, maintenance, utilities, nonconforming, tobacco/alcohol billboard buffer) (§ 17.74.050)
• § 17.75.030 (Size – Chapter 17.75 signs) (§ 17.75.030)
• § 17.75.050 (Location – Chapter 17.75 signs) (§ 17.75.050)
• § 17.75.060 (Exceptions) (§ 17.75.060)
• § 17.34.200–.210 (Signs – Generally; Allowable signs and special regulations) (§ 17.34.200)
• § 17.40.190 (Allowable signs and special regulations) (§ 17.40.190)
• § 17.44.210 (Allowable signs and special regulations) (§ 17.44.210)
• § 17.46.200 (Allowable signs and special regulations) (§ 17.46.200)
• § 17.48.080 (Allowable signs and special regulations) (§ 17.48.080)
• § 17.30.210 (Signs – Standards) (§ 17.30.210)
• § 17.26.260 (Signs – Generally) (§ 17.26.260)
• § 17.73.020 (Sign specifications by council resolution) (§ 17.73.020)
• § 17.04.519 (Sign definition) (§ 17.04.519)

• Official Covina code library