Local zoning · Dixon

Dixon — Signage

Q: What are the maximum heights for freestanding signs in Dixon?

Typical freestanding signs are limited to 8 feet in height per § 18.18.090.B.1 . Freeway‑oriented additional freestanding structures in the CR District can be approved taller via CUP but not over 85 feet (sightline study required).

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Dixon Zoning Code (Title 18) requires for signs: who may place which kinds of signs, key dimensional and illumination limits, the district-level allowances, and the review/permit paths. The rules are in Chapter 18.18 (Signs) of the Dixon Zoning Code; they are content‑neutral, contain exemptions and temporary-sign rules, and tie some larger deviations to a Comprehensive Sign Program or Conditional Use Permit. See the City’s zoning map and district definitions in the Zoning Code when you start a project.

Note: this page stays focused on the Dixon sign rules in Title 18 (zoning). For structural/installation code requirements see the California Building Standards Code.

What the code covers (short list of authoritative provisions)

Purpose and applicability: § 18.18.010 and § 18.18.020 (content neutrality; applies to all signs constructed or altered after the Code’s effective date).
Exemptions (address signs, certain directional signs, flags): § 18.18.030.
General provisions (clearance, illumination rules, materials, projection rules): § 18.18.060.
Allowed sign types by district and aggregate sign area rules: § 18.18.070 and Table 18.18.070.A / 18.18.070.B.
Standards for specific sign types (awning, freestanding, projecting, wall, window, electronic message centers): § 18.18.090 and § 18.18.100 (freeway-oriented).
Temporary signs, portable/mobile rules: § 18.18.110.
Permit & review (sign permit, Comprehensive Sign Program, modifications): § 18.18.130, § 18.18.140, § 18.18.120.

District-by-district breakdown

Each subsection below pulls the District name and purpose from Table 18.03.010 and the district chapters; the sign allowances that apply to each district come from Chapter 18.18 (Signs) including Tables 18.18.070.A and 18.18.070.B and the specific‑type limits in § 18.18.090. Always verify the parcel’s base district on the Official Zoning Map (the Director resolves boundary uncertainty).

Note: for many design and visual issues the sign review is coordinated with the City’s design review program; check Dixon Design Review when signage affects building façades or a multi‑tenant center.

Residential — RL and RM

Purpose & where used: RL (Residential Low Density) and RM (Residential Medium Density) provide low/medium density housing; see Chapter 18.04 for district purpose and development standards (lot size, setbacks, height).
Typical permitted uses affecting signage: primary residential uses; non‑residential uses allowed only where specifically listed.
Key sign rules that apply: signs in Residential Districts follow the special allowances in § 18.18.080 (aggregate allowances for residential developments and for non‑residential uses in residential zones). Residential developments of 4+ units may have freestanding and wall signs up to 1 sq ft per dwelling unit (max 40 sq ft per sign; max two entrance signs). Internally‑illuminated signs are prohibited in residential contexts (external illumination only) where stated.
Key dimensional/illumination: see § 18.18.080 and the type limits (awning/window/wall/freestanding) in § 18.18.090.

Downtown Mixed Use — DMX

Purpose & where used: downtown core; active ground‑floor uses and pedestrian orientation; design standards target façade activation.
Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, offices, residential above, civic uses (see Table 18.05.020 for use matrix).
Signage specifics: DMX allows wall, freestanding (limited), awning/canopy and projecting/shingle signs per Table 18.18.070.A; projections into the right‑of‑way are specifically allowed with encroachment permit in the DMX District (but must meet clearance rules). See § 18.18.060.D and Table 18.18.070.A. Also portable signs have a downtown exception (allowed in the downtown commercial district subject to encroachment rules).

Corridor Mixed Use — CMX and Campus Mixed Use — CAMX

Purpose & where used: higher‑intensity corridors (CMX) and larger campus/mixed employment nodes (CAMX); CMX requires mixed uses on larger sites. Development standards are in Table 18.05.030.
Typical permitted sign types: wall, freestanding, awning/canopy, projecting signs per Table 18.18.070.A. Aggregate allowances differ for CAMX/CMX (see Table 18.18.070.B).

Neighborhood Commercial — CN; Regional Commercial — CR; Service Commercial — CS

Purpose & where used: small neighborhood shopping (CN), freeway/regional‑oriented centers (CR), and service/auto/wholesale uses (CS). Sign policy distinguishes CR because freeway‑oriented and multi‑tenant freeway signs are allowed with more flexibility (subject to a CUP and freeway‑specific rules).
Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, larger shopping centers in CN/CR; service and repair in CS. See Table 18.05.020 for specifics.
Signage highlights:
- Aggregate sign area formula: CAMX, CR and CS sites have higher allowance (2 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage or 30 sq ft per tenant, whichever is greater); CMX, DMX, CN are 1 sq ft/linear foot or 20 sq ft per tenant. See Table 18.18.070.B.
- Freeway‑oriented / multi‑tenant signs: allowed only in CR along I‑80, require a sightline study and CUP; maximum height through CUP but never above 85 feet; lease spaces and spacing standards apply; electronic message rules also apply. See § 18.18.100 and § 18.18.090.B.3.

Industrial — IL and IG

Purpose & where used: light and general industrial uses; development standards in Chapter 18.06.
Signage specifics: industrial districts are allowed the standard sign types shown in Table 18.18.070.A and compute aggregate area using the IL/IG formula in Table 18.18.070.B. Standard type limits (awning, wall, freestanding) and the general provisions apply.

Public & Semi‑Public — PF and PR

Purpose & where used: public facilities (PF) and parks/recreation (PR); see Chapter 18.07.
Signage specifics: these districts may display wall, freestanding, awning and window signs per Table 18.18.070.A; temporary signs and event signage have their own allowances in § 18.18.110 (noncommercial event signs, time limits, sizes).

Overlay districts (GW, -PD, -SP)

Overlay district rules may alter or add sign standards; PD or Specific Plan documents can set sign standards unique to a project. If your site is in a PD or SP overlay, the overlay’s rules govern where they conflict with Title 18. See § 18.09 (PD) and § 18.10 (SP) and the overlay index. Also consult Dixon Overlay Districts.

Key numeric standards (decision‑relevant)

Topic	Standard (Dixon rule)	Code Reference
Maximum freestanding sign height (typical)	8 ft (standard freestanding sign)	§ 18.18.090.B.1
Additional freeway‑oriented freestanding sign height (CR)	Established by CUP/sightline study, but ≤ 85 ft	§ 18.18.090.B.3.b and § 18.18.100.B
Wall sign area	Copy shall not exceed 25% of the wall area	§ 18.18.090.D.1
Window sign area	20% of window area (window sign limit)	§ 18.18.090.E.1
Awning/canopy sign area	10 sq ft or 25% of awning area, whichever is less	§ 18.18.090.A.1
Sign clearance above walkway / parking	8 ft above walkways; 14 ft above parking / drive aisles	§ 18.18.060.B
Aggregate sign area (commercial)	CMX/DMX/CN: 1 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage or 20 sq ft per tenant; CAMX/CR/CS: 2 sq ft per linear ft or 30 sq ft per tenant	Table 18.18.070.B (aggregate)
Sign permit trigger	Any sign intended to remain >120 days requires a sign permit	§ 18.18.130.A
Temporary banner size	Temporary banners individually ≤ 60 sq ft, collectively ≤ 120 sq ft; no more than 3 at a time	§ 18.18.110 (temporary banners)
Portable sign size (on‑site)	≤ 10 sq ft per side, height ≤ 4'6"; one portable sign per business	§ 18.18.110.F.2–3
Electronic message center	Location >500 ft from Residential OR turned off 11:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. if within 500 ft; message change no more frequent than 6 seconds; max EMC area 675 sq ft	§ 18.18.090.B.j and § 18.18.100.G

Practical guidance / how Dixon applies the rules

Determine the parcel’s base district on the Official Zoning Map first (the City uses district symbols like RL, RM, DMX, CMX, CAMX, CN, CR, CS, IL, IG, PF, PR). Use § 18.03.010 as the authoritative district list.
Calculate aggregate allowable sign area using Table 18.18.070.B and exclude exempted sign areas listed in § 18.18.070.B.1 (temporary signs, some specific allowances).
Pick the sign type (wall, freestanding, awning, projecting, window, portable, electronic) and verify its type‑specific limits in § 18.18.090 (area, height, projection, number).
Mind clearance and sight‑distance rules (minimum vertical clearances § 18.18.060.B, projection rules and downtown encroachment specifics § 18.18.060.D). If sign projects over public right‑of‑way in DMX, an encroachment permit from Public Works is needed. Link signage location checks to your parking layout and driveway visibility requirements; see Dixon Parking and Dixon Development Standards.
If your proposal seeks larger height/area than allowed, you may request a Modification (up to 20%) per § 18.18.120 or pursue a Comprehensive Sign Program (larger deviations) under § 18.18.140; Comprehensive Sign Programs that deviate materially are reviewed by the Planning Commission and must meet the findings in § 18.18.140.D.
Freeway/self‑oriented multi‑tenant signs in CR along I‑80 are special: need CUP, sightline study, spacing/lease‑space controls, and must comply with State Outdoor Advertising Act; max sign height cannot exceed 85 ft. See § 18.18.090.B and § 18.18.100.
Design Review: when signage is part of a project otherwise subject to design review or alters the building façade, signage is reviewed under Design Review (size, location, color, lighting and integration): § 18.23.050 includes “size, location, design, color, lighting, and materials of all signs” as a design review consideration. See Dixon Design Review.

Checklist

Verify parcel base zoning (e.g., RL, RM, DMX, CR) on the Official Zoning Map and note any overlays (‑PD, ‑SP, GW). § 18.03.010.
Identify sign type(s) (wall, freestanding, awning, projecting, window, portable, electronic). § 18.18.090.
Calculate aggregate sign area (Table 18.18.070.B) and per‑sign limits (§ 18.18.090).
Check clearance, projection, and illumination rules; confirm distance to Residential uses for illumination / EMC rules. § 18.18.060, § 18.18.090.j.
If sign projects into public right‑of‑way (DMX downtown), get an encroachment permit from Public Works; ensure minimum clearances (8 ft / 14 ft). § 18.18.060.D–B.
Prepare sign permit application (site plan, existing signs, proposed sign dimensions & materials) — a sign permit is required for signs remaining >120 days. § 18.18.130.
If the proposal needs deviations: prepare either a Modification (≤20% relief) under § 18.18.120 or a Comprehensive Sign Program under § 18.18.140 (Planning Commission review for larger deviations).
If the project is in a PD or SP overlay, confirm any project‑specific sign standards (PD or Specific Plan controls). § 18.09–18.10.
Coordinate with design review if the project triggers it; include sign materials, colors, lighting in design packets. § 18.23.050.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Aggregate sign area on multi‑tenant centers	Calculation includes all on‑site signs except listed exclusions; exceeding aggregate invalidates permits	Verify which sign areas are excluded (temporary, certain CR freeway additions) and compute per Table 18.18.070.B (verify with the Community Development Director for complex centers). § 18.18.070.B.
Freeway‑oriented sign eligibility	Freeway signs have strict proximity, tenant/location and state law constraints; wrong assumptions cause CUP denial or Caltrans conflicts	Confirm site is in CR adjacent to I‑80, prepare sightline study, verify compliance with State Outdoor Advertising Act and CUP findings. § 18.18.100, § 18.18.090.B.3.
Electronic Message Centers (EMC) near housing	EMCs have time and luminosity restrictions when near Residential Districts	Measure distance to nearest Residential district; if within 500 ft, EMCs are time‑limited (11 p.m.–6 a.m.), max area, and change‑rate limited. § 18.18.090.B.j.
Downtown right‑of‑way projections	Downtown exceptions allow projecting signs — but require encroachment permits and minimum clearances	If proposing projection into the ROW in DMX, confirm encroachment permit requirements and meet § 18.18.060 clearance minima; verify sidewalk widths and ADA clearance. § 18.18.060.D–B.
Design review overlap	Sign design may be subject to design review; overlooking this extends the timeline	Check if project triggers Design Review (signage integrated with façade / new construction). § 18.23.050.

If any of these points cannot be resolved from Title 18 excerpts for your parcel, verify with the Community Development Department. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific interpretations.

Plain‑English summary

Dixon’s sign rules live in Title 18, Chapter 18.18: each zoning district (e.g., RL, RM, DMX, CR, CMX, CN, CS, IL, IG) has allowed sign types and an aggregate area formula; type limits (height/area/clearance/illumination) are in § 18.18.090, temporary signs are in § 18.18.110, and larger deviations require a Modification or Comprehensive Sign Program (or a CUP for freeway signs). Most signs intended to remain more than 120 days require a sign permit, and downtown projections, electronic message centers, and freeway‑oriented signs have extra rules. Always calculate allowed area from Table 18.18.070.B and confirm any overlay or PD rules that may override Title 18.

Source References

Dixon Zoning Code — Chapter 18.18 (Signs): § 18.18.010–§ 18.18.170 (purpose, applicability, exemptions, measurement, general provisions, allowances by district, specific sign‑type standards, freeway signs, temporary signs, modifications, review, comprehensive sign programs, nonconforming signs, maintenance, enforcement).
Table 18.18.070.A (Allowed Signs by Zoning District) and Table 18.18.070.B (Maximum Allowable Aggregate Sign Area) — signage allowances and aggregate computation. § 18.18.070.
Standards for specific sign types and freestanding/freeway sign rules: § 18.18.090 and § 18.18.100 (electronic message center controls, CUP and sightline study for CR freeway signs).
General provisions and sign clearance/illumination: § 18.18.060.
Sign permit and review procedures, modifications and Comprehensive Sign Program: § 18.18.120–§ 18.18.140 and § 18.18.130.
District list and district names (base and overlay districts): Table 18.03.010 and Chapter 18.03.
Residential district purpose and development tables (RL, RM): Chapter 18.04 and Table 18.04.030.
Commercial / Mixed‑Use district purposes and development standards (DMX, CMX, CAMX, CN, CR, CS): Chapter 18.05 (Table 18.05.020 / 18.05.030).

Internal pages you may want while preparing plans: Dixon Zoning, Dixon Development Standards, Dixon Parking, Dixon Design Review, Dixon Overlay Districts, Dixon ADUs; structural compliance should reference the California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Dixon Zoning Code (Section establishes) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 18.24) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 18.26) High relevance
CBC § 020 (Chapter apply) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Section establishes) High relevance
CBC § 18.18.060 (Section establishes) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter other) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Section establishes) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter pursuant) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 18.23) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Section 18.18.080) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 18.18) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 18.01Purpose) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 18.01Purpose) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Section 18.05.020.A) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (CHAPTER 18.34) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 1.07) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter as) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (CHAPTER 18.11) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (CHAPTER 18.11) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (CHAPTER 18.13) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 18.04Residential) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (section headings) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Dixon code library

Frequently asked questions

What counts toward the aggregate sign area for my shopping center in Dixon?

Aggregate sign area follows Table 18.18.070.B: most onsite signs count toward the site total except items explicitly excluded (some temporary signs, certain CR additional freestanding allowances, freeway‑oriented signs where listed). Compute per the district formula (e.g., CMX/DMX/CN = 1 sq ft per linear foot or 20 sq ft per tenant; CAMX/CR/CS = 2 sq ft/linear foot or 30 sq ft per tenant). Verify exclusions in § 18.18.070.B.

Do residential properties in Dixon need a permit for a small yard sign?

Small noncommercial signs and certain exempt signs are listed in § 18.18.030. However, a sign permit is required for any sign intended to remain more than 120 days under § 18.18.130.A. If the sign is temporary and complies with the temporary sign rules in § 18.18.110, it may be exempt from the sign permit; otherwise apply for a permit.

Can I put an electronic message board on my CR‑zoned lot near I‑80?

Electronic message centers (EMCs) are permitted in limited circumstances but are tightly controlled: EMCs within 500 ft of a Residential District cannot be used between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., must not change messages more frequently than every 6 seconds, and have area limits (see § 18.18.090.B.j and § 18.18.100.G). Freeway‑oriented signs require a Conditional Use Permit and other findings.

Are freestanding freeway‑oriented signs allowed anywhere in Dixon?

No — multi‑tenant freeway‑oriented sign structures are limited to the CR District along Interstate 80 and require a Conditional Use Permit, a sightline study, spacing/lease‑space rules, and compliance with State law and Caltrans standards; maximum height is set through CUP but may not exceed 85 ft. See § 18.18.100 and § 18.18.090.B.3.

What are the maximum heights for freestanding signs in Dixon?

Typical freestanding signs are limited to 8 feet in height per § 18.18.090.B.1. Freeway‑oriented additional freestanding structures in the CR District can be approved taller via CUP but not over 85 feet (sightline study required).

When does my sign need design review in Dixon?

If signage is part of a project subject to Design Review or affects building façades, color, materials or lighting, signage will be reviewed under § 18.23.050, which specifically includes the size, location, design, color, lighting, and materials of all signs as a Design Review consideration. Confirm whether your project triggers design review and include sign details in your design packet.

Are portable or A‑frame signs allowed in the downtown area?

Portable signs are allowed under limitations: typically one portable sign per business on private property, non‑illuminated, ≤ 10 sq ft per side, height ≤ 4'6", and must be professionally manufactured and displayed only between sunrise and sunset. There is a downtown exception for display in the right‑of‑way subject to encroachment rules — see § 18.18.110.F and § 18.18.060.D for DMX specifics.

If my existing sign is nonconforming, can I repair it?

Nonconforming signs may be maintained and repaired so long as you do not expand the nonconformity; an abandoned nonconforming sign must be removed after 90 days of abandonment. Restoration after damage is allowed if damage is ≤50% of total sign area and repairs begin within 60 days, or if the Building Official determines the sign is unsafe. See § 18.18.150.

Where do I find the district names and symbols used by the sign chapter?

The base zoning districts and their symbols (for example RL, RM, DMX, CMX, CAMX, CN, CR, CS, IL, IG, PF, PR) are established in Table 18.03.010 and Chapter 18.03 of the Zoning Code. Confirm your parcel’s exact district on the Official Zoning Map.

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