Local zoning · Covina

Covina — Signage

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

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Covina Zoning Code (Title 17) actually requires for signs and sign permitting in the city. It focuses narrowly on the municipal sign rules (Chapter 17.74 and zone-specific signage rules) — how much sign area is allowed, where monument/freestanding signs are allowed, exempt temporary signs, mural/painted‑sign rules, review criteria, nonconforming sign rules, and enforcement. For related site rules you will frequently need to check parking, site plan and design review, and development standards as part of a sign permit review: see the city’s guidance on parking, design review, development standards, and overlay districts. Where building-code compliance is relevant (electrical for illuminated signs, structural attachments) consult the California Building Standards Code.

All citations below reference Covina’s municipal code; each requirement is grounded in its controlling §. If a specific parcel or proposed sign raises ambiguity, note “Verify with the jurisdiction.”

Key city-wide sign rules (Chapter 17.74 and related)

Signs in commercial zones are regulated by Chapter 17.74; its purpose is to regulate location, design, materials, illumination and maintenance of signs to ensure they harmonize with buildings and neighborhoods (intent/purpose: § 17.74.010) .
General permit/review rule: signs requiring a permit are subject to review and approval by the planning department; new developments typically must submit a coordinated signing program as part of site plan review (§ 17.74.050(A–B)) .
Content and on‑premises limitation: sign copy is limited to identification, activities/goods, sale/rental information and safety/directional information; the ordinance disallows off‑premises billboards in most cases (§ 17.74.050(C–E)) .
Copy area and coverage limits: copy generally may not exceed 40% of aggregate sign area (background‑painted lettering on a wall can be treated differently up to 80%) (§ 17.74.050(D)) .
Illumination & moving parts: flashing/moving/audible devices are restricted; blinking lights have wattage/time limits; rotating freestanding signs are allowed up to 8 rpm; lighting must be diffused/indirect and underground service is required for signs needing utilities (§ 17.74.050(F–H, L, N)) .
Exemptions (no sign permit required if not illuminated): small ID signs (≤ 1 sq ft), directional/safety signs (≤ 16 sq ft per face with planning dept review), temporary real estate and contractor signs with limited sizes, and certain downtown sidewalk signs where a sidewalk dining/display permit exists (§ 17.74.040(A–I)) .
Review criteria: planning staff must find compatibility with the building and neighborhood, no detriment to public health/safety, legibility, and overall harmony; the planning director has limited authority to modify up to 10% of size/height/copy area in the public interest (§ 17.74.070 and related minor variance authority) (§ 17.74.070, § 17.78.160( A4)) .
Enforcement/abatement: prohibited or abandoned signs may be removed by authorized officers with notice and retrieval procedures; removed signs can be retrieved for an administrative fee; the city can dispose of unclaimed signs after 15 calendar days (§ 17.75.080–090, enforcement provisions) .

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the Covina districts with explicit sign standards in the retrieved code. Each subsection states purpose, typical permitted sign types and the most decision‑relevant numeric limits. Always confirm parcel zoning on the official map and verify with the planning department.

R-1-7500 (single‑family residential) — Chapter 17.26

Purpose / where it applies: single‑family residential districts regulated under Chapter 17.26 (R‑1‑7500) .
Typical permitted sign types and numeric limits:
- Nameplates: 1 sq ft maximum, one per dwelling unit (§ 17.26.270) .
- For Sale / For Rent: up to 2 signs per lot, each ≤ 4 sq ft (§ 17.26.280) .
- Subdivision / model/home / temporary signs: specific allowances apply with size/height limits and time limits (see § 17.26.290) .
Special/conditional uses (churches, schools): may request site plan approval for signage; by default allowed one wall sign up to 5% of first‑story wall area or 50 sq ft (whichever is greater) and one monument sign up to 20 sq ft / 6 ft height; director can approve a monument up to 50 sq ft / 8 ft in lieu (§ 17.26.285(A–B)) .
Practical note: residential signage rules emphasize small, noncommercial identification and limit advertising; larger/sign programs require site plan approval and director review (§ 17.26.285(F)) .

RD (multiple‑family) — Chapter 17.28

Purpose / where it applies: multifamily residential (RD) — site‑specific property development standards reference signage and require compliance with Chapter 17.74 (§ 17.28.040) .
Typical permitted signs:
- On‑site directional signs ≤ 2 sq ft area or ≤ 3 ft height; address signs up to 1 sq ft; developments > 8 units must prepare a sign program subject to director approval (§ 17.28.040 (L.1–4)) .
- Construction/real estate/subdivision signs allowed with size/time limits (construction ≤ 32 sq ft / 6 ft high; real estate sized by site acreage) (§ 17.28.040(L.5)) .

C-3A (regional or community shopping centers) — Chapter 17.42

Purpose / where it applies: C‑3A is the city’s regional/community shopping center zone; unified centers are expected to have sign programs (§ 17.42.010, 17.42.100) .
Key standards:
- Freestanding sign (regional/community center): one freestanding sign per center when center has ≥ 4 establishments and lot frontage > 150 ft; ≤ 100 sq ft per face and ≤ 30 ft height, and setbacks from other freestanding signs specified (§ 17.40.190(A1) applied to shopping centers; see § 17.42.100(A1)) .
- Monument sign (smaller frontages): properties with lot frontage between 45 ft and 150 ft may have one monument sign: ≤ 20 sq ft per face, height ≤ 6 ft, and min separation 50 ft (§ 17.42.100(A2)) .
- Building face signs: each business may have one building‑face sign per occupancy frontage, up to 15% of the area of the first story height; must be mounted flat (§ 17.42.100(B)) .
- Pedestrian signs: one pedestrian‑oriented sign per entrance ≤ 6 sq ft (§ 17.42.100(C)) .
Shopping centers with 4+ establishments require a sign program approved by the director before installation (§ 17.40.190(F)) .

C-5 (specified highway commercial) — Chapter 17.46

Purpose / where it applies: C‑5 is for highway‑oriented commercial activity; signage allowances reflect larger roadside signs (Chapter 17.46 headers and sign rules) .
Key standards:
- Freestanding signs for properties with >100 ft frontage: ≤ 100 sq ft per face, ≤ 30 ft height; smaller properties (45–100 ft) get monument signs: ≤ 20 sq ft per face, ≤ 6 ft height (§ 17.46.200(A1–2)) .
- Large‑frontage properties (>300 ft) may be allowed additional freestanding signs or larger freestanding signs up to 250 sq ft per face by election (§ 17.46.200(B)) .
- Business face sign allowance: up to 15% of first story height and mounted flat against building (§ 17.46.200(C)) .

TC‑C and TC‑P (Downtown / Transit‑oriented commercial) — Chapters 17.50 & 17.52 and downtown design guidelines

Purpose / where it applies: TC‑C and TC‑P are downtown / transit‑concentrated commercial zones with specialized pedestrian signage rules; some sidewalk signs, pennant/flags and murals are allowed under specified standards and may require a sidewalk dining/display permit rather than a sign permit (§ 17.74.040(I); detailed sidewalk/pennant rules in the TC‑P/TC‑C design guidelines and § 17.74.063; mural rules in § 17.74.061) .
Specifics:
- Sidewalk signs: limited to TC‑C, TC‑P, and the Shoppers Lane district of C‑3A; size limits and daily removal requirements apply (typical limits: ≤ 6 sq ft per side, height ≤ 5 ft, min 50% permanent copy) (§ 17.74.040(I) and more detailed rules in the downtown subsections) .
- Murals and painted signs: separate approval path — murals are allowed but cannot function as advertising dominantly, are subject to an ad hoc mural committee review, and a sign permit is still required for murals to proceed to committee (§ 17.74.061) .

Off‑site subdivision directional signage — Chapter 17.73

Off‑site subdivision directional signs require a written off‑site permit, city engineer consent or encroachment permit if in right‑of‑way, may not be located within 600 ft of another approved sign site, and are allowed only while the subdivision is active (typically 12 months) (§ 17.73.030–050) .

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant numeric standards

Sign type	Where typically allowed / comment	Max area / %	Max height	Code Reference
Building face sign (business)	All commercial zones — mounted flat	15% of first‑story height (C‑3A, many zones)	N/A (mounted flat)	§ 17.42.100(B)
Pedestrian‑oriented sign	Entrances (shopping centers, TC zones)	6 sq ft per face	N/A (wall or suspended)	§ 17.42.100(C)
Monument sign (small commercial frontages)	Properties 45–150 ft frontage	20 sq ft per face	6 ft	§ 17.42.100(A2); § 17.38.190(A2)
Freestanding / center sign (large shopping center)	Centers w/ ≥4 establishments and large frontage	100 sq ft per face (typical)	30 ft	§ 17.40.190(A1)
Temporary real estate signs	All commercial and many residential zones	16 sq ft per face (typ.)	Varies (often 6 ft)	§ 17.74.040(G); § 17.26.290
Construction sign	Construction sites	32 sq ft per face; 8 ft allowed for directory sign in some zones	8 ft (directory) / 6 ft (others)	§ 17.74.040(H); § 17.28.040(L.5)
Sidewalk sign / A‑frame	Downtown TC‑C / TC‑P / Shoppers Lane only	6 sq ft per side; height 3–5 ft; min 50% permanent copy	≤ 5 ft	§ 17.74.040(I); downtown details § 17.74.063

(These are the most commonly applied numeric limits; always confirm zone and parcel‑specific subsections cited above.)

Practical guidance and interpretation

Multi‑tenant centers: expect to prepare a coordinated sign program (director approval required for centers with multiple tenants) and include that program in site plan review — the city enforces coordinated design to ensure signs are harmonious (§ 17.74.050(A–B); shopping‑center specifics § 17.40.190(F)) .
Illumination & utilities: illuminated signs must use underground utility service and should have diffused or indirect lighting; wattage limits apply (e.g., 15 watts/sq ft max at sign face for lighted signs) — coordinate electrical/structural compliance with building department and the California Building Standards Code (§ 17.74.050(L, N)) .
Murals vs. signs: murals are permitted but they are not a back‑door for larger advertising; murals may be reviewed by a mural committee and a sign permit is required to forward to that committee (§ 17.74.061) .
Nonconforming signs: permanent nonconforming signs must be removed or made to conform within prescribed timeframes; temporary nonconforming materials (paper, cloth) have short removal windows (§ 17.74.080) .
Small pedestrian/downtown signage: downtown sidewalk signs can be allowed without a sign permit but they typically require a sidewalk dining/display permit and must meet the downtown design guidelines and daily removal rules (§ 17.74.040(I); downtown details) .
Minor variance flexibility: planning staff may grant minor variances (including increases in sign area or height by up to 10%) without a full hearing in limited circumstances — useful when a proposed sign slightly exceeds a numeric limit (§ 17.78.160(A.4)) .

Checklist

Confirm parcel zoning and applicable zone chapter (R‑1‑7500, RD, C‑3A, C‑5, TC‑P/TC‑C, etc.) — see Table of zones § 17.06.010 .
Determine whether the proposed sign is exempt from a sign permit (e.g., ≤ 1 sq ft address plaque, certain directional signs ≤ 16 sq ft per face) (§ 17.74.040(A–B)) .
If not exempt, prepare a sign permit application and, for multi‑tenant projects, a coordinated signing program to submit with site plan review (§ 17.74.050(A–B)) .
Check numeric limits for sign type in the zone (wall % limits, monument/freestanding sq ft and height, sidewalk sign sizes) — cite the zone‑specific § (examples: § 17.42.100, § 17.40.190, § 17.46.200, § 17.26.285) .
Confirm electrical/structural compliance with building code (California Building Standards Code) and plan for underground utility connection for illuminated signs (§ 17.74.050(L)) .
Review mural/painted sign procedures if the project includes public art (§ 17.74.061–062) .
For temporary/sale/real estate/construction signs, note size and time limits and removal requirements (§ 17.74.040(G–H); § 17.26.290) .
If a slight exceedance is needed, consider a minor variance for up to 10% increase to sign area/height/location (§ 17.78.160) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Mural vs. advertising sign	Murals that function as advertising may be restricted; mural approvals follow a different committee process	Confirm mural vs. sign classification; follow § 17.74.061 process and get a sign permit to forward to mural committee
Downtown sidewalk signs/ROW encroachment	Some pedestrian signs are allowed in TC zones but can’t block accessible paths or encroach into ROW	Confirm that sidewalks meet accessibility/safety requirements and whether a sidewalk dining/display permit is required (§ 17.74.040(I))
Digital/electronic displays and blinking lights	Illumination, blinking and animated signs have wattage and frequency limits and sight‑distance/safety constraints	Check § 17.74.050(G–F, N) for blinking wattage/frequency and consult planning for safety review
Parcel‑specific variation (frontage, frontage breaks)	Sign allowances (monument vs. freestanding) hinge on lot frontage thresholds (45 ft, 100 ft, 150 ft, 300 ft)	Measure frontage against the code’s thresholds in the applicable zone section (e.g., § 17.38.190, § 17.42.100, § 17.46.200)
Nonconforming sign amortization	Older signs may be nonconforming and subject to timetable for removal/conformance	Check nonconforming sign rules in § 17.74.080 and nonconforming sign timelines in § 17.70.100
ADU or residential tenant signage	The code has limited residential signage language; ADU‑specific sign rules are not spelled out in the retrieved materials	Verify with the city; ADU sign rules not found in retrieved materials — contact planning (Verify with the jurisdiction) — see ADUs for related ADU policy links

Plain‑English summary

Covina’s zoning code limits signs by zone: small residential nameplates and for‑sale signs in R‑1; apartment projects must use small directional/address signs and larger developments need a sign program; commercial zones control sign area as a percentage of the first‑story wall or by specific square‑foot and height caps for monument and freestanding signs (typical monuments are 20 sq ft / 6 ft, big shopping‑center freestanding signs up to 100 sq ft / 30 ft). Many small signs are exempt from sign permits but anything larger or illuminated needs planning review; murals have their own approval path. See the cited municipal code sections to confirm exact numbers and to prepare a coordinated sign program (§ 17.74.050, § 17.42.100, § 17.46.200, § 17.26.285) .

Source References

Covina Municipal Code, Title 17 (Zoning) — Chapter 17.74 (Signs in Commercial Zones), including general requirements, exemptions, review criteria: § 17.74.010 – § 17.74.080 .
Covina Municipal Code, Chapter 17.26 (R‑1‑7500) — nameplates, for rent/sale, signs for conditional uses, subdivision signs: § 17.26.260 – § 17.26.290 .
Covina Municipal Code, Chapter 17.28 (RD multiple‑family) — property development standards including sign program and unit thresholds: § 17.28.040 and related subsections .
Covina Municipal Code, Chapter 17.42 (C‑3A commercial zone): sign allowances for shopping centers, wall signs, monument signs: § 17.42.010; § 17.42.100 .
Covina Municipal Code, Chapter 17.40 and 17.38 — shopping center and commercial sign allowances and sign program requirements: § 17.40.190, § 17.38.190 .
Covina Municipal Code, Chapter 17.46 (C‑5 highway commercial): freestanding/monument sign sizes and heights: § 17.46.190–200 .
Covina Municipal Code, Chapter 17.73 (Off‑site subdivision directional signs): location, permit and duration limits: § 17.73.030–050 .
Covina Municipal Code, enforcement and removal, retrieval and disposal of signs, cleanup deposit: § 17.75.080 – § 17.75.100 and enforcement sections § 17.74.140 et seq. .
Minor variance authority (including small increases in sign area/height up to 10%): § 17.78.160 .
For related processes and topics referenced above: Covina zoning & planning overview, Covina Zoning, Covina Development Standards, Covina Parking, Covina Design Review, Covina Overlay Districts, Covina ADUs, California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

CMC § 8 (§ 8) High relevance
Covina Zoning Code (§ 13) High relevance
CMC § 17.26.260 (§ 17.26.260.) High relevance
Covina Zoning Code (§ 17.73.030.) High relevance
CMC § 11.50 (chapter and) High relevance
CMC § 17.64.030 (§ 17.26.285.) High relevance
CMC § 350 High relevance
CMC § 3 (§ 3) High relevance
CMC § 020 High relevance
CMC § 6 (§ 6) Medium relevance
CMC § 7.24 (§ 7.24) Medium relevance
CMC § 7.64 (§ 7.64) Medium relevance
CMC § 1.04 (§ 1.04) Medium relevance
CMC § 150 Medium relevance
CMC § 4 (§ 4) Medium relevance
Covina Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Covina code library

Frequently asked questions

What sign types need a planning department sign permit in Covina?

Most non‑exempt signs require planning department review and a sign permit; exemptions include a single identification sign ≤ 1 sq ft, certain directional/safety signs ≤ 16 sq ft per face (after planning review), and specific downtown sidewalk signs when covered by a sidewalk dining/display permit — see § 17.74.040 and § 17.74.050 for the permit and exemption rules .

How much wall sign area can a business in Covina have?

In most commercial zones the code caps building face signage as a percentage of the first‑story wall height — commonly 15% of the first‑story area for C‑3A and many commercial zones; check the applicable zone subsection (for example § 17.42.100(B) for C‑3A) to confirm the exact percentage and mounting requirements .

What are the allowed monument or freestanding sign sizes?

Typical limits: small commercial/retail lots (45–150 ft frontage) may have a monument sign ≤ 20 sq ft per face and ≤ 6 ft high; large shopping centers can have a freestanding sign up to 100 sq ft per face and 30 ft high; some highway/frontage zones (C‑5) allow bigger freestanding options or additional signs per frontage thresholds — see § 17.42.100, § 17.40.190, and § 17.46.200 for zone‑specific thresholds and separations .

Are murals treated the same as signs in Covina?

No. Murals have a dedicated approval path: murals are allowed but cannot be mere sign extensions and are subject to review by a mural committee; a sign permit must be submitted for a mural to go to the committee (§ 17.74.061) — murals do not automatically increase the maximum signage allowed and remain subject to maintenance/abatement rules .

Can a business put a sidewalk A‑frame sign in downtown Covina?

Possibly — sidewalk signs and pennant/flags are permitted only in TC‑C and TC‑P and in the Shoppers Lane district of C‑3A, and they typically require a sidewalk dining/display permit rather than a sign permit; they must meet size/height and daily removal rules in the downtown guidelines (§ 17.74.040(I); downtown subsections) .

What happens to signs the city finds are illegally posted or abandoned?

Authorized city officers may remove prohibited or abandoned signs after providing notice and a short cure period; removed signs are held for retrieval (administrative fee) and may be disposed of if not claimed within 15 days (§ 17.74.140–150 and § 17.75.080–090) .

Is electronic or flashing signage allowed in Covina?

Electronic or flashing elements are restricted: the code limits blinking lights (frosted lamps ≤ 11 watts and ≤ 15 blinks per minute), requires diffused/indirect lighting and restricts moving/flashing/ audible devices that create hazards; verify the lighting/legibility and wattage rules in § 17.74.050(F–G, N) .

Can the planning director grant small increases to sign height or area without a variance hearing?

Yes. The code allows the designated planning official to consider minor variances for slight modifications — including increases in sign area or height by up to 10% — subject to findings and conditions (§ 17.78.160(A.4)) .

Do off‑site subdivision directional signs require permits?

Yes. Off‑site subdivision directional signs require a written off‑site permit from the planning department, may need city engineer approval for placement in right‑of‑way, must follow spacing rules (no closer than 600 ft from another approved site) and are generally allowed only while the subdivision is active (§ 17.73.030–050) .

Where do I check how signage interacts with parking, setbacks or design review?

Sign permit review is frequently combined with site plan review and design review; see the city’s pages for parking, design review and development standards and reference the zone‑specific sign rules cited above (e.g., § 17.42.100, § 17.74.050) for details . ---

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