Local zoning · Daly City

Daly City — Signage

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Daly City zoning and planning ordinance says about signage: which signs are exempt, what sign types are allowed in different districts, illumination and digital billboard rules, permit/appeal procedures, and where design review or variances are required. The rules live in the city sign chapter (Title 17, Chapter 17.32) and related district chapters; read this as an ordinance-driven synthesis, not code text. Key citations appear inline below for verification.

How to read this page

  • Bolded zone names and bolded section numbers are the exact local labels and controlling code references you must check.
  • Internal links are provided to the Daly City menu pages when those topics are discussed (e.g., parking, design review, development standards, overlay districts, landscaping and screening, ADUs, and Title 24 where referenced).

The rest of this page is Daly City–specific and grounded in the municipal code excerpts retrieved from the city's Title 17 sign chapter and related district chapters.

Citywide baseline (applies in every zone)

  • The local sign rules are codified in Chapter 17.32 (Signs) of Daly City's zoning code; many sign definitions reference and amend the Uniform Sign Code. See § 17.32.170 and related sections for the overview of permitted/exempt signs.
  • Some signs are explicitly exempt from the permitting chapter (for example, interior advertising not visible from outside, official traffic signs, utility safety signs, national flags, holiday decorations, and temporary civic posters) — see § 17.32.150 for the full exempt list.
  • General illumination rules prohibit flashing, rotating, or moving lights; lighting must be constant-intensity and must not create glare or a traffic hazard. See § 17.32.160.
  • The planning office enforces the sign chapter and may declare unlawful any sign or structure inconsistent with the chapter; enforcement and penalty provisions are in § 17.32.240.

(For related site requirements—setbacks, parking, landscaping, and when design review applies—see Daly City Development Standards, Parking, Design Review, and Landscaping links below.)

District-by-district breakdown

Note: the sign chapter establishes rules that apply "in all districts" and then adds specific standards for commercial/industrial areas and for special districts. Below are Daly City districts and the local sign rules that apply to them as found in the code.

All Districts — baseline permitted & exempt signs

Purpose / where it applies:

  • Applies to every zoning district in Daly City; the chapter lists signs allowed citywide without a permit and signs that are allowed but require a permit. See § 17.32.170 and § 17.32.150.

Typical permitted uses (selected highlights):

  • Real estate signs on the property: 4 sq ft in residential zones, 12 sq ft in other zones; one sign per property (with A-frame allowances under special conditions). See § 17.32.170(A)(1).
  • Name/address signs for occupants: up to 1 sq ft. See § 17.32.170(A)(2).
  • Contractor/architect signs: up to 32 sq ft (but 16 sq ft in R-1 and R-2). See § 17.32.170(A)(3).
  • Bulletin boards for public/charitable/religious institutions: up to 12 sq ft on-premises. See § 17.32.170(A)(4).

Key dimensional/operational standards:

  • Illumination: constant intensity only; no flashing/moving lights; must not create glare or traffic hazard (§ 17.32.160).
  • Definitions that affect measurement: Primary lot frontage and Secondary lot frontage definitions are added to the Uniform Sign Code and must be used when determining permitted sign frontage and face orientation § 17.32.110–120.

Commercial & Industrial Districts — expanded sign program

Purpose / where it applies:

  • Applies to signs serving commercial and industrial zones (the sign chapter treats commercial/industrial rules separately). See § 17.32.200.

Typical permitted uses and process:

  • Signs listed in this section generally require a sign permit; a nonrefundable filing fee applies and the planning & zoning division must determine conformance before issuance (§ 17.32.200(A)).
  • Review criteria include proportionality to building/site, harmony with building design, compatibility with adjacent properties, and relationship to vehicular and pedestrian sightlines (§ 17.32.200(C)).

Digital/off-premise billboards:

  • Digital billboards are prohibited generally, but the City Council may approve relocation agreements for digital billboards in commercial/industrial zones subject to a use permit and strict operational limits (static messages only, minimum display time, brightness limits such as 0.3 foot-candles above ambient, maximum face size 680 sq ft, automatic dimming sensors, malfunction safeguards) — see § 17.32.200(G) and related subsections.

Planned Development (P‑D) districts

Purpose / where it applies:

  • The P‑D (Planned Development) district customizes development standards through a precise plan; sign rules follow the precise plan and are specified per development. See § 17.28.010–020.

Sign rules & where to look:

  • Signs for residential uses within a P‑D follow the single‑family residential district requirements; signs for non-residential uses follow the light commercial rules (per the precise plan or the light commercial rules). Check § 17.28.020(G–I) for P‑D sign allocation.
  • Because P‑D districts set their own numerical standards via the precise plan, applicants must verify sign allowances with the P‑D precise plan (see § 17.28.020(H–I)).

BART Station Area Combining District (-B)

Purpose / where it applies:

  • The -B combining district implements the BART Station Area Specific Plan and supplements the underlying zone. See § 17.29.010–020.

Sign rules:

  • Signs in the -B district must comply with the BART Station Area Specific Plan design guidelines rather than (or in addition to) general sign chapter standards — see § 17.29.070. Applicants should consult the specific plan for design and size expectations.

Sullivan Corridor Specific Plan District (SC)

Purpose / where it applies:

  • The SC district implements the Sullivan Corridor Specific Plan and contains its own design guidance. See § 17.21.010–020.

Sign rules:

  • The specific plan supplements the zoning code; sign treatments that are part of that specific plan control in the SC area. Check the SC specific plan text and design guidelines for sign allowances. (The code notes the specific plan prevails where inconsistent.)

Cemetery district / cemetery uses

Purpose / where it applies:

  • Chapter 17.24 governs cemetery uses. See § 17.24.020(G).

Sign rules:

  • Signs are limited to identification and name signs only; "no advertising or promotional type signs" are permitted for a cemetery use per § 17.24.020(G).

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant sign standards

Standard or permitted sign Limit / rule Applies in / when Code Reference
Real estate "for sale/lease" sign 4 sq ft in residential; 12 sq ft in other zones; one sign per property All districts (exempt/allowed list) § 17.32.170(A)(1)
Contractor/architect sign on construction site 32 sq ft normally; 16 sq ft in R‑1/R‑2 All districts (permitted) § 17.32.170(A)(3)
A‑frame / temporary off‑site real estate signs Allowed off‑site but must be removed daily (sundown) in certain cases All districts (permitted) § 17.32.170(A)(1)
Illumination Constant intensity only; no flashing/rotating; must not cause glare All districts § 17.32.160
Commercial/Industrial signs — permit required Sign permit + fee; planning determines conformance Commercial & Industrial zones § 17.32.200(A–C)
Digital/off‑premise billboard controls Generally prohibited; council can approve under use permit with limits: max face 680 sq ft, ≤0.3 ft‑candles above ambient, min display time, dimmers & failsafe Commercial/Industrial w/ relocation agreement § 17.32.200(G) and subsections
Sign appeals & variances Variance/appeal procedures exist; planning commission may grant variances for height/area/location/number City planning/commission § 17.32.220–230
Exempt signs list Interior ads, traffic markers, government-required signs, flags, holiday displays, certain temporary posters All districts § 17.32.150

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy

  • Confirm whether your sign is exempt under § 17.32.150; if exempt, no sign permit is required.
  • If not exempt, prepare a sign permit application and pay the nonrefundable filing fee; commercial/industrial signs always require a permit per § 17.32.200(A).
  • Provide drawings showing sign face area, orientation (primary vs. secondary frontage defined in § 17.32.110–120), materials, lighting details (must meet § 17.32.160), and location relative to property lines and parking/drive aisles.
  • For digitized or off‑premise billboard proposals, prepare a use‑permit package addressing operational limits (brightness, message interval, face size) in § 17.32.200(G) and be ready for council-level review.
  • If project also requires building‑mounted changes, confirm whether design review is required (see Daly City Design Review; major projects trigger design review per § 17.45.120).
  • If your property is in a combining or specific plan district (for example -B or SC), check the specific‑plan sign guidelines (e.g., § 17.29.070 for the BART area).
  • If you need relief from size/height/location limits, prepare a variance justification per § 17.32.220; appeals follow § 17.32.230.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Measurement method for sign area and what counts as a face Sign area determines whether you exceed residential or commercial size limits Verify how Daly City applies Uniform Sign Code definitions and the local additions (see § 17.32.110–140) and supply scaled drawings.
Which district’s rules control when a P‑D or specific plan applies P‑D and specific plans override or supplement standard sign limits Verify the P‑D precise plan or BART/SC specific plan text (see § 17.28.020(G) and § 17.29.070).
Digital billboard measurement & brightness testing distance Brightness limit is tied to specific measurement distances that vary by sign size Confirm required test procedure and preset measurement distances described in § 17.32.200(G).
Whether a proposed sign triggers design review Design review may add submittal requirements or denial risk Check § 17.45.070–120 and coordinate with planning staff early; major projects require design review.
Off‑site or roof-mounted signs The code restricts off‑premise mounting and roof extension Confirm that off‑premise/roof mounting rules in § 17.32.200(E–F) apply and that a use permit is not required.
Timing and deposit requirements for temporary permits (searchlights, temporary signs) Failure to remove temporary signs can result in forfeiture of cash deposits Confirm removal deadlines and deposit requirements under the temporary‑sign rules in § 17.32.130 and related subsections.

Plain-English Summary

Daly City's sign ordinance (Title 17, Chapter 17.32) lists small signs that are exempt (e.g., interior ads, flags, traffic markers), sets modest area limits for residential real‑estate and construction signs, requires sign permits for most commercial signs, and tightly restricts digital/off‑premise billboards (use permits only, with strict brightness, size and operational rules). Always confirm whether your property is inside a special plan or P‑D because those plans can override the standard rules.

Source References

  • § 17.32.170 — Permitted signs in all districts (real estate, occupant, contractor, bulletin board limits).
  • § 17.32.150 — Exempt signs (interior ads, traffic signs, flags, holiday decorations, etc.).
  • § 17.32.160 — General illumination and lighting restrictions.
  • § 17.32.200 — Permitted signs in commercial and industrial districts; permit requirements and review criteria.
  • § 17.32.200(G) — Digital/off‑premise billboard operational limits and brightness/size caps.
  • § 17.32.220–230 — Variances and appeal procedures for sign decisions.
  • § 17.32.240 — Enforcement and penalty provisions.
  • § 17.28.020(G) — P‑D district note that residential/nonresidential signage follows specific standards.
  • § 17.29.070 — Sign requirements for the BART Station Area Combining District (-B).
  • § 17.24.020(G) — Cemetery signage limits to identification only.
  • § 17.45.070–120 — Design review applicability and findings (when signage may require design review).
  • Temporary signs, searchlights, deposits and removal procedures — see § 17.32.130 and related subsections.

Information Gaps / Items not confirmed in retrieved materials

  • Exact list of all city zoning district labels (full R‑zone/C‑zone table with numeric names) as they appear in the zoning map: Not found in retrieved materials (verify with Daly City Zoning map or municipal code index).
  • Any recent amendments to Chapter 17.32 after the retrieved file text: Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the city clerk or current municipal code online.
  • Specific numeric measurement procedures (distance tables) for brightness testing beyond the example for a 14'×48' face: partial guidance in § 17.32.200(G), but confirm the city's measurement protocol with planning staff.

Source links (city menu pages referenced above)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Daly City Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Daly City Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Daly City Zoning Code (Chapter 17.41) Medium relevance
  • Daly City Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Daly City Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Daly City Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Daly City Zoning Code (chapter to) Medium relevance
  • Daly City Zoning Code (Section 65.856) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What signs are allowed in residential zones in Daly City?

Small on‑site signs such as real estate "for sale/lease" signs (up to 4 sq ft) and name/address signs (up to 1 sq ft) are allowed citywide; small contractor/architect signs are allowed on active construction (but in R‑1 and R‑2 these are limited to 16 sq ft). See § 17.32.170 for the list of permitted signs and size caps.

Do I need a sign permit for my store front in Daly City?

Yes — most commercial and industrial signs require a sign permit and a nonrefundable filing fee; the planning and zoning division must determine the application complies with the sign chapter before approval. See § 17.32.200(A–C).

Are digital billboards allowed in Daly City?

Digital/off‑premise billboards are generally prohibited, but the City Council may authorize them under a relocation agreement and use permit in commercial/industrial zones subject to strict conditions (static messages only, maximum face 680 sq ft, brightness limits such as ≤ 0.3 foot‑candles above ambient, dimming sensors, and fail‑safe). See § 17.32.200(G).

What signs are exempt from Daly City’s sign permit requirements?

Exempt signs include advertising entirely inside a building, traffic/highway markers, government‑required signs, utility safety signs, flags, holiday decorations (non‑advertising), and temporary civic posters on private property — see the full exempt list in § 17.32.150.

If my sign is denied by the city planner, can I appeal?

Yes — a decision by the city planner may be appealed in writing to the planning commission within fifteen days; the planning commission holds a public hearing and may affirm, modify, or reverse the planner’s decision (further appeals to the city council are possible). See § 17.32.230.

Will I need design review for a new building‑mounted sign?

Potentially. If the sign is part of a project that meets the thresholds for major design review (for example, new commercial buildings over certain sizes or projects that trigger design review per Chapter 17.45), design review approval will be required before issuance of permits; see § 17.45.070–120 and coordinate with the planning department.

What if my property is in a P‑D or the BART (-B) district — which sign rules apply?

P‑D precise plans and specific plans (including the BART Station Area Specific Plan for -B) contain supplemental sign standards that can override standard code provisions; check the P‑D precise plan or the specific plan sign guidelines (see § 17.28.020(G) and § 17.29.070).

How are sign area and frontage measured in Daly City code?

The code adds definitions for Primary lot frontage and Secondary lot frontage and amends Uniform Sign Code definitions; the measurement approach follows those definitions and Uniform Sign Code practices — confirm which frontage is "primary" for your site because it affects permitted sign faces and orientation (§ 17.32.110–120).

Can I get a variance for a sign that exceeds size or height limits?

Yes — the planning commission may grant variances for sign height, area, location, or number if special circumstances create practical difficulties and the variance won't be a special privilege to the applicant. See § 17.32.220 for variance standards and required findings.

What happens if temporary signs are not removed after an event?

Temporary sign permits often require a deposit; if signs are not removed within the required period, the city may forfeit the deposit and/or remove the signs and initiate enforcement under Chapter 17.50. See the temporary sign removal and deposit rules in § 17.32.130 and related subsections.

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