Local zoning · Davis

Davis — Signage

Q: My property is C‑N (neighborhood commercial). Can I build a freestanding monument sign with tenant names?

Freestanding signs are generally prohibited in C‑N , R‑T , and R‑H‑D districts; neighborhood centers may have one low-profile center identification (which cannot list tenant names) in addition to Table 1 allowances — check the C‑N rules § 40.26.020(e) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Davis zoning/planning ordinance requires for signs (permanent and temporary), who reviews and approves them, and the district-by-district limits that most often matter for property owners and applicants. It is grounded in the City of Davis Zoning Code (not the State building code) and references the controlling sign chapters and subsections. For procedural context see the city's guidance on design review and the Davis Zoning overview.

Big picture — what the code requires

Signs in Davis are regulated primarily by the sign provisions of the zoning code (see § 40.14.110 and the outdoor advertising rules in § 40.26.020) and by zone-specific sign allowances in each district; all new or modified downtown signs must comply with Article 40.14 sign-type standards and cannot be installed until any required sign and/or building permit is obtained § 40.14.080 .
The director (Community Development & Sustainability) reviews and approves most signs; downtown-specific sign rules emphasize pictorial sign types and pedestrian scale, and the director may apply design guidelines and administrative review per the downtown code § 40.14.110(a)(5) and the downtown code processing rules § 40.13.030 .
The code lists prohibited sign types (for example, moving/flashing/animated signs, inflatable signs, portable signs except allowed sidewalk signs, cabinet signs and outdoor image projections) and contains specific illumination rules (indirect illumination generally required) § 40.14.110(c), (f) .

Note: verify parcel-specific permit triggers and building permits with the city; this page interprets the zoning ordinance text only.

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the most decision-relevant zoning districts and the signage rules that the code explicitly ties to them. Each subsection lists the district purpose/character, typical uses (as they relate to sign needs), the key sign dimensional/quantity limits or prohibitions, and where that district applies or is mapped.

Downtown zones (core Downtown Davis: N‑M, N‑L, MS‑M, MS‑L, downtown overlays)

Purpose / character: Walkable, pedestrian-scaled retail and mixed uses governed by the Downtown Code (Articles 40.13 and 40.14) that emphasize pedestrian signage, limited massing, and design review § 40.13.040 — § 40.13.070 .
Typical permitted sign types: yard/porch, projecting, awning/canopy, wall, window, sidewalk, directory, changeable copy, marquee, roof (subject to limits and director review) as summarized in Table 40.14.110.A and the sign-type subsections § 40.14.110.A–K .
Key dimensional/quantity rules (downtown): pedestrian-scale limits for each type (for example, projecting signs max 6 sf per side, sidewalk signs 6 sf per side and only while business is open, window signs limited to 25% of window area, wall murals allowed on secondary facades with story-based area caps) — see the specific type subsections § 40.14.110.A–I (table and individual diagrams) .
Where it applies: the Downtown Code zones mapped in the Downtown Davis Specific Plan area; downtown signs are explicitly regulated under Article 40.14 and require sign permits per the downtown rules § 40.13.060, § 40.14.110, § 40.14.080 .

Mixed Use (MU‑D) / Mixed‑use district

Purpose / character: Ground-floor retail/active uses with upper-floor housing; the code requires relatively small, under-roofline signs to preserve facade lines § 40.14.110 (mixed‑use subsection) .
Typical permitted sign types: wall signs under roofline, small low-profile signs; freestanding signs are prohibited in many mixed‑use contexts.
Key standards: “No sign shall exceed fifteen square feet in area” in the mixed‑use district; signs on buildings must be located under the roofline; freestanding signs are prohibited; low profile signs up to 6 ft high may be allowed (see the mixed-use subsection and Table 40.14.110.A) § 40.14.110 (mixed‑use rules) .
Where it applies: properties mapped as Mixed Use in the zoning map; downtown mixed‑use sites are also subject to the Downtown Code sign rules § 40.13.060 .

Commercial Neighborhood (C‑N) and Residential Transitional (R‑T, R‑H‑D)

Purpose / character: small neighborhood-serving commercial and transitional corridors where sign scale is limited to protect nearby residences § 40.26.020 & district‑specific rules .
Typical permitted sign types: wall/window signs, one low profile sign for neighborhood centers, and center identification; freestanding signs are generally prohibited in C‑N, R‑T and R‑H‑D zones § 40.26.020 (district rules) .
Key standards: window sign and wall area limits reference Table 1 methods of computing sign area; illumination only when premises open; low profile monument signs allowed for neighborhood centers but tenant names excluded from center identification § 40.26.020 .

Automobile Center (A‑C) (auto dealerships)

Purpose / character: auto sales/service sites with special freeway- and entry-oriented identification needs § 40.16.070 .
Typical permitted sign types: freestanding dealership identification, wall-mounted showroom signs, secondary wall signs for departments, site directional signage, and freeway-oriented auto center identification signs § 40.16.070 .
Key standards: total sign area cap (example: maximum total signage of 200 sf per dealership under § 40.16.070 for dealerships), freestanding sign height up to forty feet (with landscaping setback), internal illumination allowed, and director-approved comprehensive sign program required § 40.16.070(a)–(f) .
Where it applies: properties zoned A‑C and subject to the auto‑center special‑use rules § 40.16.070 .

Central Commercial (C‑C) and CMU / Commercial Mixed‑Use

Purpose / character: higher-intensity commercial districts—often allow larger or multiple wall signs but subject to area computations and design guidelines § 40.26.020 and downtown code cross-references .
Typical permitted sign types: wall, awning/canopy, directory, limited freestanding or low‑profile signs depending on subarea; some zones encourage low-profile monument signs for centers § 40.26.020 & Table 40.14.110.A .
Key standards: sign area calculations per Table 1 and district-specific paragraphs; low-profile signage encouraged in CMU; freestanding rules vary—consult zone text § 40.26.020 .

Residential single‑family / R‑1 and low‑density districts

Purpose / character: primarily residential where noncommercial signage is tightly limited. The code allows house numbers, “No Trespassing,” development identification boards, limited apartment development identification, and one noncommercial advertising sign per lot up to 6 sf § 40.14.110 (exempt & residential provisions) .
Key standards: small identification/bulletin signs for institutional uses (e.g., churches, schools) up to 20 sf with set‑backs; apartment complexes allowed one or more identification signs (20 sf each) set back from the right‑of‑way § 40.14.110 (exempt and residential paragraphs) .
Where it applies: R‑1 and related residential zoning districts (confirm exact parcel zoning on the official zoning map) § 40.13.070 .

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

What the applicant needs to know	High‑level standard or limit	Code Reference
Prohibition on moving/flashing/animated signs	Prohibited (moving, flashing, animated, searchlights, streamers, spinners)	§ 40.14.110(c)
Sidewalk/portable signs	Sidewalk signs allowed (max 6 sf per side; only during business hours; must not block accessible path; min sidewalk width 8 ft)	§ 40.14.110.G
Projecting signs (downtown)	Max 6 sf per side (12 sf total), 8' clear height, projection ≤4'	§ 40.14.110.B
Window signs	Max 25% of shopfront window area; clear background; height limits apply	§ 40.14.110.F
Mixed‑use district sign cap	No sign may exceed 15 sq ft; freestanding signs prohibited; signs under roofline	mixed‑use subsection § 40.14.110
Auto dealership total signage	Example cap: 200 sq ft total per dealership; freestanding up to 40 ft allowed with landscaping setback; director-approved signage program required	§ 40.16.070
Downtown sign permit requirement	New/modified downtown signs require sign and/or building permit before installation	§ 40.14.080(9)
Nonconforming signs	Nonconforming signs must be removed if ≥60% destroyed, business vacates, or vacancy ≥1 year	§ 40.14.110(j)

(For full dimensional tables and illustrations see Table 40.14.110.A and subsections A–K in the code) .

Practical guidance / synthesis (plain‑English actions)

Start by identifying the zoning district on the city zoning map and read the district-specific sign rules; downtown properties must follow Article 40.14 sign types and the director’s design guidelines § 40.13.060, § 40.14.110 .
Match your proposed sign to the sign‑type subsection (projecting, awning, wall, window, sidewalk, directory, changeable copy, etc.) and use the numeric size/height limits there — these are the primary limits reviewers will check § 40.14.110.A–I .
Avoid prohibited features (animated lights, inflatables, portable signs except permitted sidewalk sign) and comply with illumination rules (indirect lighting preferred) § 40.14.110(c),(f) .
If your building/site is in an overlay (for example downtown/traditional overlay or historic area), expect additional review under the overlay or historic rules — see overlay districts and historic preservation and cross‑citations in the code § 40.13.060; Article 40.23 .
Because the director has review authority and some allowances (e.g., creative thicker signs or extra area for auto centers), prepare a clear signage program with drawings and material/lighting details and confirm whether your proposal can be considered a “minor improvement” or must go to administrative site plan/architectural review § 40.14.110; § 40.31.040(p) .

Include the city’s parking/site design requirements where your sign sits (for example freestanding monument signs typically require a landscaped setback and must not obstruct required parking circulation) — check Davis Parking and the Davis Development Standards in parallel when planning site-mounted signage.

Checklist

Confirm parcel zoning and any overlays (Downtown, DTRN, Historic) and check district-specific sign rules § 40.13.060; § 40.14.110
Determine sign type (projecting, awning, wall, window, sidewalk, directory, freestanding, mural, changeable copy) and apply the numeric limits in the matching subsection § 40.14.110.A–K
Verify prohibited features (no moving/flashing/animated, no inflatables, portable signs limited, cabinet signs prohibited) § 40.14.110(c)
Check illumination rules (indirect illumination required where allowed) § 40.14.110(f)
For sidewalk signs ensure minimum accessible sidewalk width (8 ft), furniture‑zone placement and business‑hours display § 40.14.110.G
For auto dealerships or special commercial uses, prepare an overall sign program and total‑area calculations § 40.16.070
Obtain director approval and any sign permits before installing; check whether design review or administrative review is required § 40.14.110(a)(5); § 40.13.030
If existing signs are nonconforming, verify replacement/removal triggers and options § 40.14.110(j)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Director discretion/design guidelines	The director can approve creative exceptions (thickness, extra area) or require removal/changes — this affects approval likelihood	Ask the planner whether the proposed sign is eligible as a minor improvement or requires administrative design review § 40.14.110(a)(5)
Conflicting standards between downtown code and other Chapter 40 rules	Downtown code may supersede or be more restrictive; which standard controls matters for permitted size/location	Confirm which Article controls for the parcel (Article 40.13/40.14 vs. Chapter 40) § 40.13.060; § 40.14.080
Sign area calculation for multi‑frontage sites	Total allowed area and how it’s distributed between frontages affects the number/size of permitted wall signs	Verify how Table 1 / district method of calculation applies to your frontage(s) § 40.26.020(a)(14)
Nonconforming sign treatment	Replacement triggers (damage %, vacancy) may force removal or expensive compliance	Confirm whether existing sign is “nonconforming” and whether proposed changes trigger removal § 40.14.110(j)
Sidewalk/Right‑of‑Way placement	Sidewalk signs and projecting signs may encroach into the public right‑of‑way and create ADA or public works issues	Verify permitted placement in the furniture zone and whether a revocable encroachment permit is required § 40.14.110.G

Plain‑English summary

Davis’s zoning code tightly regulates signs by type and by zone: downtown and mixed‑use areas favor pedestrian‑scaled signs (small projecting, wall, awning, window and sidewalk signs) and prohibit flashy or inflatable displays, while auto‑dealerships and some commercial zones have special area and height allowances — all new or changed signs need director review and any required sign permits § 40.14.110; § 40.16.070 .

Source References

§ 40.14.110 (Specific to sign types; sign‑type illustrations, prohibitions, illumination, temporary sign rules) .
§ 40.14.110.A–K (Detailed sign type limits and the Table 40.14.110.A overview of sign types) .
§ 40.14.110.G (Sidewalk sign standards: size, placement, accessible path, hours) .
§ 40.14.110(j) (Nonconforming signs — removal triggers) .
§ 40.26.020 (Outdoor advertising, billboards and signs — general district rules and prohibitions; C‑N/R‑T references) .
§ 40.16.070 / § 40.16.080 (Standards for automobile dealership signage and special conditions) .
§ 40.14.080 (New/modified signs require sign and/or building permit; sign types cross-referenced) .
§ 40.13.030 (Quick Code Guides — processing diagrams including new/modified signage) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Davis Zoning Code (section identifies) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (§ 24.2) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (§ 40.14.110.) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (section identifies) Medium relevance
Davis Zoning Code (§ 40.13.130.) Medium relevance
Davis Zoning Code (§ 40.13.030.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Davis code library

Frequently asked questions

What permits do I need to put up a new sign in Davis?

Most new or modified signs in Davis require director review and a sign and/or building permit before installation; downtown signs are explicitly subject to the Downtown Code sign rules and cannot be erected until required permits are obtained § 40.14.110(a)(5); § 40.14.080 .

Are neon, flashing or animated signs allowed in Davis?

No — moving, flashing, or animated signs (including searchlights, streamers and spinners) are specifically prohibited by the sign provisions § 40.14.110(c) .

Can I put a sandwich board (A‑frame) on the sidewalk outside my shop?

Sidewalk signs are allowed under restrictions: max 6 sf per side, must be within the furniture zone, must not block the accessible path, require a minimum 8 ft sidewalk width, and may be displayed only during business hours § 40.14.110.G .

How large can a wall sign be on a downtown shopfront?

Downtown wall and shopfront signs are governed by the sign‑type subsections and Table 40.14.110.A (pedestrian‑scale limits). Refer to the wall sign subsection for numeric area limits and placement (signs generally go under the roofline or on the sign band) § 40.14.110.D; Table 40.14.110.A .

My property is C‑N (neighborhood commercial). Can I build a freestanding monument sign with tenant names?

Freestanding signs are generally prohibited in C‑N, R‑T, and R‑H‑D districts; neighborhood centers may have one low-profile center identification (which cannot list tenant names) in addition to Table 1 allowances — check the C‑N rules § 40.26.020(e) .

What happens to an existing nonconforming sign if the business leaves or the sign is damaged?

Nonconforming signs must be removed if they are 60% or more destroyed, if the business vacates and a new type of business occupies the premises, or if the business remains vacant for one year — see the nonconforming sign removal triggers § 40.14.110(j) .

Are wall murals treated the same as billboards?

No. Wall mural signs are a defined sign type with area and location limits (story-based area caps and placement on secondary facades); billboards are not considered wall mural signs and are prohibited § 40.14.110.E .

I operate an auto dealership — are there special rules for me?

Yes. Auto dealerships have a distinct sign program: a director‑approved signage program, counting toward a total signage cap (example: 200 sq ft total), allowance for freestanding identification signs (height up to 40 ft in some cases), internal illumination allowances, and time limits on temporary promotional signs § 40.16.070 .

If a proposed sign doesn't fit the numeric limits, can the City grant an exception?

Variances or exceptions are possible through the code’s review processes, but many downtown changes are handled administratively under adopted guidelines; verify whether your proposal is eligible for a minor improvement, an administrative site plan/architectural review, or requires a formal variance § 40.14.110; § 40.31.040(p) .

Do window signs count toward overall sign area?

Yes — window signs are defined as sign area (with specific limits, e.g., 25% of window area for shopfronts) and are regulated alongside wall and other sign types § 40.14.110.F .

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