Local zoning · Del Norte County

Del Norte County — Signage

Signage under the Del Norte County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how signage is regulated in the unincorporated areas of Del Norte County under the County’s zoning ordinances: inland areas governed by Title 20 (Zoning) and coastal areas governed by Title 21 (Local Coastal Program Zoning). In several places, both titles point to a separate countywide sign title for technical rules: “Signs shall be permitted as set forth by Title 18 (Signs).” Where the retrieved materials reference Title 18 but do not include its text, this page flags the gap and advises verification. All references below apply only to unincorporated Del Norte County; incorporated cities within the county have their own codes.

The most universal baseline rules the County states in code are small allowances for “for sale/lease” signs, small nameplates in residential zones (coastal), and appurtenant business signage with frontage-based area limits in inland commercial/manufacturing/residential-high zones; larger or taller signs often require a use permit and, in the coastal zone, must also align with the Local Coastal Program and any scenic-overlay guidance.

Linking context for broader permits and site planning: see the County’s overview of zoning, countywide development standards, potential design review, overlay districts, parking, and case-specific variances and exceptions. Structural/installation safety is governed separately by the California Building Standards Code.

Key Definitions (Coastal Title 21)

“Outdoor advertising sign” and “outdoor advertising structure” are broadly defined to include any sign/structure placed for outdoor advertising purposes (how “placed” is defined is also detailed). These definitions guide what qualifies as signage within the coastal zoning ordinance (§ 21.04.620; § 21.04.630 ).

Countywide Baselines You Can Rely On

For-sale/lease signs: Up to 6 sq ft may be displayed on any parcel or building for sale/lease. This appears in both inland and coastal general provisions (§ 20.48.40(1) ; § 21.46.40(1) ).
Coastal residential nameplates: Nameplates and numbers up to 2 sq ft are allowed in any coastal R district (§ 21.46.40(2) ).
Inland appurtenant business signage (RH, C, M): In any RH, C, or M district, up to three appurtenant signs are allowed, with total sign area limited to “not more than two square feet of area per foot of frontage to a maximum of two hundred square feet of aggregate area.” Frontage for area calculations is the frontage with the main entrance; if a parking lot is adjacent, only the business frontage counts (§ 20.48.40(2) ).
Larger/taller signs via use permit: Both titles allow “signs not otherwise prohibited” that are placed above the permitted height of buildings only with a use permit; they also allow up to 20 sq ft subdivision-sale signs with a use permit (§ 20.48.20(4)–(5) ; § 21.46.20(4)–(5) ).
Illumination/glare (coastal): Lighting, “including any permitted illuminated sign,” must be arranged so it does not cause “annoying glare” toward residences or residential districts (§ 21.46.50 ).

Coastal Visual Resource Overlay Influence

In coastal “highly scenic visual resource areas,” the County may adopt design guidelines and use an architectural review committee; duties include addressing “outdoor advertising signs,” so signage may be further shaped by adopted scenic guidelines in these overlays (§ 21.35.50(C)(2)–(3) ). Coordinate early with any applicable overlay; see Overlay Districts and potential design review.

Quick-Reference Signage Limits and Triggers (Unincorporated Areas)

Situation	Inland (Title 20)	Coastal (Title 21)	Notes	Code Reference
Real estate for sale/lease sign	Up to 6 sq ft allowed	Up to 6 sq ft allowed	Parcel/building advertised	§ 20.48.40(1) ; § 21.46.40(1)
Residential nameplate	Not found in retrieved materials	Up to 2 sq ft in any R district	Address/name numbers	§ 21.46.40(2)
Appurtenant business signs (by frontage)	RH, C, M: ≤3 signs; ≤2 sq ft/lf frontage; ≤200 sq ft aggregate	Not found in retrieved materials (Title 18 governs)	Count only business frontage (entrance side)	§ 20.48.40(2)
Subdivision sale sign (temporary)	≤20 sq ft via use permit	≤20 sq ft via use permit	Temporary marketing	§ 20.48.20(4) ; § 21.46.20(4)
Signs above building height	Allowed only with use permit	Allowed only with use permit	Height exception	§ 20.48.20(5) ; § 21.46.20(5)
Illumination / glare control	Not found in retrieved materials	No annoying glare toward residences	Applies to any illuminated sign	§ 21.46.50
C‑R District, appurtenant signs	Nonflashing signs ≤40 sq ft aggregate (principal permitted use)	Nonflashing signs ≤40 sq ft aggregate (principal permitted use)	Larger via use permit; Title 18 applies	§ 20.23.20(14), § 20.23.30(2) ; § 21.28.20(5), § 21.28.30(8)

District-by-District Guidance

20.23 C‑R Commercial Recreational (Inland)

Purpose and setting: Visitor‑serving commercial recreation on private lands; should “act as a visual invitation to the tourist traveler” (§ 20.23.10 ).
Typical permitted uses: Resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, motor inns, restaurants; a single‑family dwelling for owner/operator; related support uses (§ 20.23.20 ).
Appurtenant signage: Nonflashing signs appurtenant to any permitted use up to 40 sq ft aggregate are principal permitted; larger signs require a use permit and are “subject to Title 18 (Signs)” (§ 20.23.20(14), § 20.23.30(2) ).
Where it applies: Unincorporated inland areas designated and zoned C‑R under Title 20.

21.28 C‑R Commercial Recreational (Coastal)

Purpose and setting: Visitor‑serving coastal recreation uses; same “visual invitation” intent as inland (§ 21.28.10 ).
Typical permitted uses: Hotels, motels, outdoor recreation, boat ramps/docks, restaurants/service stations (§ 21.28.20 ).
Appurtenant signage: Nonflashing signs up to 40 sq ft aggregate are principal permitted; exceeding 40 sq ft requires a use permit and is “subject to Title 18 (Signs)” (§ 21.28.20(5), § 21.28.30(8) ).
Where it applies: Unincorporated coastal areas zoned C‑R under Title 21; signage must also respect any scenic overlays (§ 21.35.50 ).

20.48 General Provisions Affecting Signs (All Inland Districts)

“For sale/lease” signs: 6 sq ft (§ 20.48.40(1) ).
Appurtenant business signs (in RH, C, M districts): Up to three signs; area limited to 2 sq ft per linear foot of business frontage; 200 sq ft aggregate max; count only the frontage with the main entrance (§ 20.48.40(2) ).
Above-building-height signs: Only with a use permit (§ 20.48.20(5) ).
Temporary subdivision‑sale signs: ≤20 sq ft with a use permit (§ 20.48.20(4) ).

21.46 General Provisions Affecting Signs (All Coastal Districts)

“For sale/lease” signs: 6 sq ft (§ 21.46.40(1) ).
Residential nameplates: ≤2 sq ft in any R district (§ 21.46.40(2) ).
Above-building-height signs: Only with a use permit (§ 21.46.20(5) ).
Temporary subdivision‑sale signs: ≤20 sq ft with a use permit (§ 21.46.20(4) ).
Illumination/glare control: Avoid “annoying glare” toward residences (§ 21.46.50 ).
Cross‑reference to Title 18: “Signs shall be permitted as set forth by Title 18 (Signs).” Specific coastal sign types/dimensions beyond the above are in Title 18 (Not found in retrieved materials) (§ 21.46.40(3) ).

Practical Notes

Coastal appealability: Some coastal development decisions are appealable to the Coastal Commission, including those “not designated as the principal permitted use” under Title 21 (§ 21.52.20(A)(3) ). Large or unusual signs in the coastal zone can trigger added scrutiny; verify early.
Temporary real‑estate sales offices: If approved, associated temporary signage must still comply with Title 18 and specified removal timing; Title 20 and Title 21 both reiterate this in their general provisions for temporary sales offices (§ 20.48.20(8)(6)–(8) ; § 21.46.20(6)–(8) ).

Checklist

Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Del Norte County and whether it is inland (Title 20) or in the coastal zone (Title 21) via zoning.
Identify the base district and any overlays (e.g., scenic) using overlay districts.
If coastal, check whether your sign is a principal permitted sign in the district (e.g., C‑R up to 40 sq ft) (§ 21.28.20(5) ) or if a use permit is required (§ 21.28.30(8) ).
If inland in RH, C, or M, compute allowable area: ≤2 sq ft per linear foot of business frontage, max 200 sq ft aggregate; max three signs (§ 20.48.40(2) ).
For any sign above permitted building height, plan for a use permit (§ 20.48.20(5) ; § 21.46.20(5) ).
For any illuminated sign in the coastal zone, design to avoid glare toward residences (§ 21.46.50 ).
Verify all technical sign specifications in Title 18 (Signs) (Not found in retrieved materials).
Coordinate with design review if your site is within a coastal scenic overlay (§ 21.35.50 ).
Ensure any structural/electrical aspects are addressed under the California Building Standards Code.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Title 18 details not retrieved	Most specific sign types, materials, mounting, and district-specific coastal dimensions defer to Title 18	Obtain current Title 18; confirm size, height, location, and any prohibited sign types (§ 21.46.40(3) ).
Scenic overlays in coastal areas	Scenic guidelines can restrict placement, scale, or design of “outdoor advertising signs”	Whether parcel is within a highly scenic area; whether guidelines or committee review apply (§ 21.35.50 ).
Measuring frontage for area (inland)	Area limit ties to “frontage where the main entrance is located”	Which frontage counts and whether a parking-lot edge can be included (§ 20.48.40(2) ).
Taller signs	Above-building-height signs require a use permit	Whether your proposal exceeds as-of-right height; need for a use permit (§ 20.48.20(5) ; § 21.46.20(5) ).
Illuminated signs (coastal)	Glare toward residences is prohibited	Photometrics/fixtures to avoid glare (§ 21.46.50 ).
Nonconforming signage	Existing signs may predate current standards	Whether changes trigger loss of status; see Nonconforming Uses.

Plain-English Summary

In unincorporated Del Norte County, you can always post a small 6 sq ft “for sale/lease” sign, and coastal homes can use small (2 sq ft) nameplates. Inland business districts let you have up to three on‑premise signs sized by your street frontage, capped at 200 sq ft total. Bigger or taller signs usually need a use permit, and coastal locations must also meet Local Coastal Program and scenic‑overlay expectations. Many details live in a separate county sign title (Title 18); get it early and confirm the exact rules for your site.

Source References

§ 20.48.20(4)–(5) (Use-permit signs; subdivision sales; signs above building height)
§ 20.48.40(1)–(2) (General inland sign allowances: for sale/lease; RH/C/M appurtenant signs; frontage method)
§ 20.23.10, § 20.23.20(14), § 20.23.30(2) (C‑R inland; nonflashing signs up to 40 sq ft; larger via use permit subject to Title 18)
§ 21.28.10, § 21.28.20(5), § 21.28.30(8) (C‑R coastal; nonflashing signs up to 40 sq ft; larger via use permit subject to Title 18)
§ 21.46.20(4)–(5), § 21.46.40(1)–(3), § 21.46.50 (Coastal general provisions; for sale/lease; nameplates; Title 18 cross‑reference; glare)
§ 21.04.620, § 21.04.630 (Coastal definitions: outdoor advertising sign/structure)
§ 21.35.50 (Highly scenic areas; architectural review, outdoor advertising signs)
§ 21.52.20 (Coastal appealability criteria)
Title 18 (Signs) — Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the jurisdiction.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Del Norte County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (Section 18033) Medium relevance
CBC § 2009 (section which) Medium relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (Title 18) Medium relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (Chapter 21.44) Medium relevance
CBC § H103 (SECTION H103) Medium relevance
CBC § 5.0100 (title of) Medium relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (section to) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Del Norte County code library

Frequently asked questions

How big can my business sign be in an inland commercial zone in unincorporated Del Norte County?

Inland, appurtenant signs in RH, C, and M districts can total up to 2 sq ft per linear foot of your business frontage, capped at 200 sq ft aggregate, with a maximum of three signs. Frontage is the side with the main entrance; if there’s a parking lot next door, only the business frontage counts (§ 20.48.40(2) ).

What’s allowed for signs in the coastal C‑R Commercial Recreational district?

Nonflashing appurtenant signs up to 40 sq ft aggregate are allowed by right; anything larger requires a use permit and is subject to Title 18 (Signs). Scenic-overlay guidelines may also shape design and placement (§ 21.28.20(5), § 21.28.30(8) ; § 21.35.50 ).

Can I install a sign taller than my building?

Yes, but only with a use permit in both inland and coastal areas. The code specifically allows signs “placed above the permitted height of buildings” by use permit (§ 20.48.20(5) ; § 21.46.20(5) ).

Are illuminated signs allowed in the coastal zone?

Illuminated signs are allowed, but the lighting must be arranged to avoid “annoying glare” toward residences or residential districts (§ 21.46.50 ). Additional specifics (e.g., shielding, color temperature) would be in Title 18 (Not found in retrieved materials).

Can I post a “For Sale” sign on my property?

Yes. The County allows a for-sale/lease sign up to 6 sq ft on any parcel or building, both inland and coastal (§ 20.48.40(1) ; § 21.46.40(1) ).

Do coastal signs ever go to the Coastal Commission on appeal?

Potentially. In the coastal zone, developments “not designated as the principal permitted use” are among those that can be appealed to the Coastal Commission (§ 21.52.20(A)(3) ). Large or unusual sign proposals should be scoped early.

What are the rules for small residential nameplates?

In coastal R districts, nameplates and address numbers up to 2 sq ft are allowed (§ 21.46.40(2) ). The inland counterpart was not found in the retrieved materials.

Can I get a bigger sign for a subdivision sale?

Yes—up to 20 sq ft for subdivision-sale signs is possible with a use permit in both inland and coastal areas (§ 20.48.20(4) ; § 21.46.20(4) ).

Are billboards (outdoor advertising signs) allowed?

The coastal code defines “outdoor advertising sign” and “outdoor advertising structure,” but detailed permissions, sizes, and locations are controlled by Title 18 (Signs), which was not part of the retrieved materials. Verify allowed types and any scenic-overlay limits (§ 21.04.620–.630 ; § 21.35.50 ).

Will I need design review for my sign?

If you’re in a coastal scenic area, the County may have adopted guidelines and use an architectural review committee that specifically addresses outdoor advertising signs (§ 21.35.50(C) ). Outside those areas, check with County planning; see design review.

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