Local zoning · Dinuba

Dinuba — Signage

Q: How much sign area can my storefront have in Dinuba?

The ordinance caps aggregate allowable site sign area at 1.5 sq ft per front foot of structure frontage (with separate calculations allowed for front, side and rear public entrances) under § 17.72.150(B) ; also check district‑specific caps (for example, C‑1 businesses have a 60 sq ft aggregate cap for a single occupant) and other limits in the applicable district section. file

Q: Can I put an A‑frame (sidewalk) sign outside my downtown business?

Possibly in the C‑2 downtown district, but only with a sign permit and if the sign meets the C‑2 portable sign standards (max 60 in height, 30 in width, setback 2.5 ft from curb, displayed only during business hours and limited content) under § 17.72.130(G) . Confirm pedestrian clearance and ADA access with staff.

Q: Are electronic/changeable‑copy signs allowed?

Animated or flashing signs are generally prohibited ( § 17.72.050(H) ). Exceptions exist (time/temperature displays, barber poles) and electronic displays may be allowed by conditional use in some cases, but they are counted against the site’s total sign area and require close coordination with the city. Verify whether a conditional use or director approval is needed.

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Dinuba controls signs in Chapter 17.72 Development Standards – Signs of its zoning ordinance; a permit is required for most new, moved or altered signs and the rules address size, height, illumination, design and special‑use exceptions. The sign chapter sits inside the city’s broader Dinuba Zoning framework and works with the city’s Dinuba Development Standards and Dinuba Parking rules where setbacks, frontage and circulation affect sign placement. The sign code’s purpose is explicitly to protect public safety and aesthetic coherence while allowing limited, district‑sensitive identification and temporary messaging (see § 17.72.010).

Chapter structure and key procedural rules

Sign chapter index and scope: § 17.72.010–17.72.020 (purpose; permit required).
Definitions and exemptions: § 17.72.030 and § 17.72.040 (real‑estate, street numbers, small nameplates, limited construction signs and other exemptions). file
Prohibited signs and restrictions: § 17.72.050 (off‑premises billboards, snipe signs, flashing/animated signs with limited exceptions).
Permit content, installation and administrative rules (including structural calcs, posting of permit, electrical permits): § 17.72.190 and administrative sub‑provisions. file

District-by-district breakdown

Note: Each district subsection below summarizes what the sign ordinance allows in that zoning district. Always confirm parcel‑specific requirements and frontage measurements (the ordinance defines “street frontage of a lot”) before design. Verify with the jurisdiction for site‑specific interpretations.

RCO (Retail/Commercial Office) — § 17.72.070

Purpose / where it applies: Applies to properties zoned RCO; sign rules for this mixed commercial/office zone are modest and intended to preserve residential scale.
Typical permitted signs: Exempt signs (see § 17.72.040) plus nameplates or signs not directly lighted up to 20 sq ft aggregate for permitted uses.
Key dimensional/placement standards: Aggregate area ≤ 20 sq ft for permitted uses; conditional uses may follow § 17.72.110 (PO rules).

AN (Annexation / Agricultural‑Neighborhood) — § 17.72.080

Purpose / where it applies: Applies to the AN district; limited signage to preserve rural/large‑lot character.
Typical permitted signs: Exempt signs plus nameplates ≤ 20 sq ft; identification signs for conditional uses up to 60 sq ft allowed by conditional use rules.

R districts (RA, R, RM — Residential) — § 17.72.090

Purpose / where it applies: Residential neighborhoods (RA, R, RM).
Typical permitted signs: Very limited — subdivision advertising signs during construction (size/height table), one monument sign for multi‑family developments at 1 sq ft per 10 ft frontage (min 12 sq ft, max 24 sq ft), wall‑mounted signs flush with building face for multi‑family, and small occupant/address signs. file
Key placement rules: Freestanding multi‑family signs must be ≥ 5 ft inside the property line and ≥ 100 ft from another freestanding sign on same parcel; building signs are flush‑mounted (no projection).

P (Parking) — § 17.72.100

Purpose / where it applies: Parking facilities and lots.
Typical permitted signs: One sign per entrance sized at 1 sq ft per lineal foot of street frontage (but no single sign > 100 sq ft); exit signs up to 6 sq ft.

PO (Professional Office) — § 17.72.110

Purpose / where it applies: Office parks and professional office complexes.
Typical permitted signs: Single freestanding sign up to 8 ft tall or 50 sq ft listing center name/address; may split face area by street frontage but must maintain a minimum distance from corner; low‑profile tenant freestanding signs for multi‑tenant buildings are allowed with dimensional caps (e.g., ≤ 4 ft height, ≤ 8 ft length, ≤ 2 ft width per business, total face area ≤ 100 sq ft for the cluster).

C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) — § 17.72.120

Purpose / where it applies: Neighborhood‑scale commercial frontage.
Typical permitted signs: Exempt signs plus wall/face signs identifying occupant/use; all signs for one business ≤ 60 sq ft aggregate; other signage governed by the R‑district rules in § 17.72.090 as applicable.

Other C districts (C-2, C-3, C-4 — General/Regional Commercial) — § 17.72.130

Purpose / where it applies: Downtown and larger commercial corridors (C-2 downtown, C-3, C-4).
Typical permitted signs:
- All signs allowed in C-1, plus awning, barber poles, face, fin, freestanding, marquee, monument, projecting and roof signs as regulated.
- Portable (A‑board) signs allowed in C‑2 downtown with a sign permit: max height 60 in, max width 30 in, setback 2.5 ft from curb, displayed only during business hours and limited to business ID/menu/specials.
- Real‑estate signs on single‑owned acreage may be up to 32 sq ft, vertical dimension ≤ 8 ft, height ≤ 12 ft.

M districts (M‑1, M‑2 — Industrial) — § 17.72.140

Purpose / where it applies: Industrial/manufacturing areas.
Typical permitted signs: Exempt signs, any signs allowed in C districts; additional directional or freestanding signs may be allowed by conditional use permit.

Special‑use sign rules (examples)

Movie theaters: Sign area rule of 1 sq ft per front foot up to 100 sq ft per frontage, plus a freestanding sign per screen up to 35 sq ft (max 200 sq ft total) and max height 18 ft; changeable copy allowed for listings. § 17.72.160 (special uses).
Gas/service stations: Special allowances for portable merchandising signs, pump island signage and gasoline price signs; gasoline price signage generally ≤ 20 sq ft and ≤ 5 ft height unless attached to allowed freestanding sign. file

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant numeric standards

Rule / use	Key standard (Dinuba)	Code Reference
Sign permit requirement	Permit required for erection/alteration of most signs	§ 17.72.020.
Exempt real‑estate signs	≤ 6 sq ft, vertical ≤ 4 ft; 1 per lot (or per 60 ft frontage on larger parcels)	§ 17.72.040(A).
Aggregate sign area (site)	1.5 sq ft per front foot of structure frontage (aggregate limit)	§ 17.72.150(B).
Portable/A‑board in downtown C‑2	Max 60 in height, 30 in width, 2.5 ft from curb; business hours display only	§ 17.72.130(G).
PO freestanding sign	Max 8 ft height or 50 sq ft face	§ 17.72.110(B).
Multi‑family monument sign	1 sq ft per 10 ft frontage (min 12 sq ft, max 24 sq ft)	§ 17.72.090(D)(1).
Prohibition: billboards/off‑premises	Off‑premises signs, billboards and outdoor advertising structures prohibited	§ 17.72.050(A).
Animated/flashing signs	Generally prohibited; limited exceptions (time/temp, barber poles, conditional electronic signs)	§ 17.72.050(H).

Checklist

Obtain a sign permit before erecting, moving or altering a sign (§ 17.72.020).
Provide sign drawings, dimensions, structural calculations and stress diagrams when required by the building official; show dead load and wind load compliance (§ 17.72.190).
Demonstrate legal right to install the sign (owner authorization) and show compliance with lot’s applicable zoning district standards (§ 17.72.190; check underlying zone rules).
Include electrical permit application for illuminated signage and meet California electrical and building code rules (verify with the California Building Standards Code).
Verify aggregate site sign area and number of freestanding signs (use 1.5 sq ft per front foot aggregate rule and one freestanding sign per business limits) (§ 17.72.150).
For temporary banners, political or special event signs, follow time limits, permit and insurance/cleanup requirements (§ 17.72.170).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Electronic / changeable‑copy signs	Animated/flashing signs are generally banned; electronic displays may be allowed only by exception/conditional permit and count toward site area	Verify whether a conditional use permit (or director approval) is required and how the city applies § 17.72.050(H).
Right‑of‑way / public property signage	Signs on public property and in rights‑of‑way are prohibited without explicit city approval and often require insurance/deposit	Confirm whether a permit, deposit and insurance are required for any sign in the ROW per § 17.72.050(B) and § 17.72.170. file
Frontage and aggregate area calculation	Total allowed area and number of freestanding signs depend on how “street frontage of a lot” is measured	Confirm frontage measurement and whether separate calculations apply to multiple public entrances; see the ordinance definition and § 17.72.150(B). file
Portable/downtown sign placement	Downtown C‑2 portable signs have tight location/setback rules to protect sidewalks and ADA access	Verify required setback (2.5 ft from curb) and local pedestrian clearance; examine § 17.72.130(G) and coordinate with the city’s sidewalk/public‑realm rules.
Nonconforming / amortization schedule	Older signs may be nonconforming and subject to removal or amortization timelines	Check whether the sign is nonconforming and applicable amortization timeline (see § 17.72.180).

Plain‑English Summary

Dinuba’s sign rules (Chapter 17.72) require a permit for most signs, limit sizes by district (residential signs are small; commercial/office/industrial districts allow larger or more varied signs), ban off‑premises billboards and flashing/animated signs (with narrow exceptions), and set specific rules for temporary, portable and special‑use signs; structural and electrical permits and posting of the sign permit on site are required for many installations (§ 17.72.010–.020, § 17.72.040–.050, § 17.72.150). filefile

Source References

Dinuba Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.72 Development Standards – Signs (table of contents and purpose/permit requirement): § 17.72.010–.020.
Definitions and exempt signs: § 17.72.030 and § 17.72.040. file
Prohibited signs and animated signage restrictions: § 17.72.050.
District sign tables and specific district rules: § 17.72.070 (RCO), § 17.72.080 (AN), § 17.72.090 (R districts), § 17.72.100 (P), § 17.72.110 (PO), § 17.72.120 (C‑1), § 17.72.130 (C‑2/C‑3/C‑4), § 17.72.140 (M‑districts). filefilefilefile
General provisions on number and aggregate area of signs, and freestanding sign counts/spacing: § 17.72.150.
Special‑purpose sign standards (movie theaters, gas stations, time/temperature, A‑boards): § 17.72.160 and related subsections. file
Temporary uses, political signs, banners: § 17.72.170.
Sign permit submittal, structural calculations, posting and enforcement: administrative provisions and enforcement, including nonconforming sign amortization § 17.72.180–.190 and § 17.72.200 (murals/public art). file

Sources

Retrieved passages

Dinuba Zoning Code (Section 17.72.040) High relevance
Dinuba Zoning Code (Section 17.72.040) High relevance
Dinuba Zoning Code (Section 17.72.090) High relevance
Dinuba Zoning Code (Section 17.72.040) High relevance
Dinuba Zoning Code High relevance
Dinuba Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
Dinuba Zoning Code High relevance
Dinuba Zoning Code (Section 17.72.040) High relevance

Cited sections

Dinuba Zoning Ordinance, Chapter **17.72 Development Standards – Signs** (table of contents and purpose/permit requirement): **§ 17.72.010–.020**. (§ 17.72.010)
Definitions and exempt signs: **§ 17.72.030** and **§ 17.72.040**. file (§ 17.72.030)
Prohibited signs and animated signage restrictions: **§ 17.72.050**. (§ 17.72.050)
District sign tables and specific district rules: **§ 17.72.070** (RCO), **§ 17.72.080** (AN), **§ 17.72.090** (R districts), **§ 17.72.100** (P), **§ 17.72.110** (PO), **§ 17.72.120** (C‑1), **§ 17.72.130** (C‑2/C‑3/C‑4), **§ 17.72.140** (M‑districts). filefilefilefile (§ 17.72.070)
General provisions on number and aggregate area of signs, and freestanding sign counts/spacing: **§ 17.72.150**. (§ 17.72.150)
Special‑purpose sign standards (movie theaters, gas stations, time/temperature, A‑boards): **§ 17.72.160** and related subsections. file (§ 17.72.160)
Temporary uses, political signs, banners: **§ 17.72.170**. (§ 17.72.170)
Sign permit submittal, structural calculations, posting and enforcement: administrative provisions and enforcement, including nonconforming sign amortization **§ 17.72.180–.190** and **§ 17.72.200** (murals/public art). file (§ 17.72.180)
Dinuba_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a sign permit in Dinuba?

Yes. Dinuba requires a sign permit before you erect, move, alter or attach most signs; this is set out in § 17.72.020 of the sign chapter. Small exempt signs (street numbers, some real‑estate signs under 6 sq ft, bulletin boards, etc.) may not require a permit — see § 17.72.040 for the full exemption list. file

How much sign area can my storefront have in Dinuba?

The ordinance caps aggregate allowable site sign area at 1.5 sq ft per front foot of structure frontage (with separate calculations allowed for front, side and rear public entrances) under § 17.72.150(B); also check district‑specific caps (for example, C‑1 businesses have a 60 sq ft aggregate cap for a single occupant) and other limits in the applicable district section. file

Are billboards allowed in Dinuba?

No. Off‑premises signs, billboards and outdoor advertising structures are expressly prohibited by § 17.72.050(A).

Can I put an A‑frame (sidewalk) sign outside my downtown business?

Possibly in the C‑2 downtown district, but only with a sign permit and if the sign meets the C‑2 portable sign standards (max 60 in height, 30 in width, setback 2.5 ft from curb, displayed only during business hours and limited content) under § 17.72.130(G). Confirm pedestrian clearance and ADA access with staff.

Are electronic/changeable‑copy signs allowed?

Animated or flashing signs are generally prohibited (§ 17.72.050(H)). Exceptions exist (time/temperature displays, barber poles) and electronic displays may be allowed by conditional use in some cases, but they are counted against the site’s total sign area and require close coordination with the city. Verify whether a conditional use or director approval is needed.

What are the rules for gas station price signage?

Gasoline price signs have special rules: one permanently mounted freestanding price sign per street frontage is allowed ≤ 20 sq ft and typically ≤ 5 ft in height unless incorporated into an authorized freestanding sign or pump island supports; other combinations and on‑building/pump‑island placements are described in the gas/service station subsection. See the gasoline price sign rules and special‑use notes. file

What temporary sign rules apply for political or event banners?

Political signs in rights‑of‑way require a permit, liability insurance and a deposit; political signs may not be erected more than 45 days before the election and must be removed within 6 days after polls close. Temporary banners and promotional displays have display‑period limits (e.g., up to 21 days for temporary banners with limits on frequency). See § 17.72.170 for details.

How are nonconforming (existing) signs handled?

Nonconforming signs are treated as nuisances if unsafe or illegal; amortization/removal schedules apply — signs generally must be removed or brought into conformance within 10 years, with some shorter timelines for signs that became nonconforming after annexation. See § 17.72.180 and enforcement provisions.

Do I need an electrical or building permit for illuminated signs?

Yes. The ordinance requires an electrical permit for any wiring or lighting used with a sign. Structural information, stress diagrams and calculations may also be required by the building official before approval (§ 17.72.190). Also coordinate with the California Building Standards Code for building/electrical code compliance. file

If my property is in a special overlay (historic, downtown, etc.), how does that affect signage?

Overlay district rules can add design, material or placement requirements beyond the basic sign chapter. Check the city’s Dinuba Overlay Districts guidance and coordinate with Dinuba Design Review if your parcel lies within an overlay — overlay or design review conditions may limit sign type, color and placement even when the sign chapter permits it. Verify with planning staff for parcel‑specific application. Not found in the retrieved sign chapter text (overlay specifics).

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