Local zoning · Farmersville

Farmersville — Signage

Q: What size wall sign am I allowed for my storefront in a commercial zone?

Primary wall sign area is calculated at 1 sq ft per linear foot of occupancy frontage , subject to a minimum of 25 sq ft and a maximum of 150 sq ft , with secondary wall signs limited to half the primary area — see § 17.84.040(B)(1)(b) for the method and limits .

Q: What can I put up in a residential zone?

In R‑1 / R‑M and similar residential zones you are limited to small nameplates ( max 2 sq ft ), limited "for sale/for rent" signs, and one entrance sign for subdivisions or complexes (entrance signs up to 35 sq ft , 4 ft high) — see § 17.84.040(A) .

Q: How big can a freestanding (monument) sign be and how many are allowed?

Freestanding sign rules depend on frontage: generally one freestanding sign per parcel per 1,000 ft of street frontage (or fraction thereof); freestanding signs must be monument style (pole signs prohibited), set back at least 5 ft from interior side property lines and be landscaped at the base (see § 17.84.040(B) ) .

Q: Can I put up a banner or sandwich board sign?

Yes, with restrictions: Banners — one per business, max 50 sq ft , limited to 30 days/year and must be dated; Sandwich board (A‑frame) — max 3 ft x 4 ft , 12 sq ft , one per business, may be on sidewalk with an approved encroachment permit but must leave at least 4 ft of pedestrian passage (see § 17.84.050(5) and § 17.84.050(5)(b) ) (, ).

Q: My property fronts State Highway 198 — are there special rules?

Yes. There are special freeway‑oriented freestanding sign rules limited to parcels adjacent to State Highway 198 or a frontage road that abuts it: max height 20 ft , 100 sq ft per sign face , and one such sign is permitted per qualifying parcel (see § 17.84.040(B)(10) ) .

Q: What happens to a sign that was legal under an old code but no longer conforms?

A lawfully existing sign may continue as a nonconforming sign , but it cannot be structurally altered, moved, or reconstructed (except face changes) without bringing it into compliance; if the sign is destroyed >50% of its value it must comply with current code to be rebuilt ( § 17.84.100(A–B) ) .

Q: Can I get a small extra amount of sign area if the standard would make my sign unreadable?

The city allows a minor deviation of up to 10% of permitted sign area if the zoning administrator makes required findings that the deviation won't harm the public welfare — see § 17.84.120 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of Farmersville regulates signs under the Farmersville Zoning Ordinance (Title 17). It distills the sign types, dimensional limits, permitting steps and special rules that apply by zone (residential, commercial, industrial, and overlays), and points applicants should verify with the planning staff. The rules below are drawn directly from the Farmersville Municipal Code; key controlling provisions are cited for each rule. See the city's zoning overview for broader context on zones and mapping. Farmersville Zoning

How the sign rules are organized (short)

The sign regulations live in Chapter 17.84 — SIGNS and apply citywide; applicability and definitions are in § 17.84.010–§ 17.84.030 (, ).
The code then separates standards by zone in § 17.84.040 and provides type-by-type numeric limits and design criteria in § 17.84.050–§ 17.84.060 (, , ).
Administration, permit submittal requirements and minor deviations are in § 17.84.110 and § 17.84.120 (, ).

Below is a district-by-district breakdown (purpose, typical uses, where sign rules differ, and key numeric sign controls that matter for decision-making). When the sign chapter points to other zone-specific standards (setbacks, parking, etc.), you should check the zone article (examples linked inline): Farmersville Development Standards and Farmersville Parking.

U-R (Urban Reserve)

Purpose: Preserve land for future development and allow limited open or agricultural-type uses until utilities/streets are available (see § 17.16.010). U-R uses are controlled via the residential table and P-D rules for special projects (, ).
Typical permitted uses: limited residential/agricultural uses identified in Table 1 (Chapter 17.40) .
Sign rules that apply: Treated with the residential sign rules in § 17.84.040(A) — essentially non-commercial identity/nameplates and modest temporary/sale signs (see details below) .
Key numeric sign points: Name plates: max 2 sq ft; residential temporary signs: total combined temporary sign area ≤ 32 sq ft for noncommercial temporary signs (see § 17.84.040(A) and § 17.84.080(F)) (, ).

R-1 (Single-Family Residential) and R-M (Medium/Density Residential)

Purpose: R-1 is low-density single-family housing; R-M permits medium-density residential forms (see Ch. 17.24 and Chapter 17.40). Use tables identify permitted accessory uses and ADUs; signage for ADUs follows residential restrictions (see Farmersville ADUs) (, ).
Typical permitted uses: houses, accessory dwelling units, small home occupations (per Table 1) .
Sign rules that apply: § 17.84.040(A) limits signs in residential districts to unlighted nameplates, limited for-sale/for-rent signs and one entrance sign for multi-family/subdivision developments .
Key numeric sign points: Name plates: 2 sq ft, For Sale/For Rent signs in residential: up to 6 sq ft total, max two signs, Subdivision/complex entrance signs: max 35 sq ft and 4 ft high (see § 17.84.040(A)) .

O-S (Open Space) and P-QP (Public / Quasi-Public)

Purpose: Parks, public institutions and open space uses; often treated like residential for sign allowances (see § 17.84.040(A) and corresponding zone chapters) .
Typical permitted uses: government buildings, parks, churches, schools (per Tables 1/2).
Sign rules that apply: Nameplates, limited entrance/identification signs; murals are allowed on building sides in commercial/industrial/public-quasi-public zones but require review (see § 17.84.090 for murals) .
Key numeric sign points: follow the residential rules in § 17.84.040(A); murals are allowed in public/quasi-public zones but require planning commission review .

C-G (General Commercial), C-C (Central Commercial), C-H (Highway Commercial), C-S (Service Commercial)

Purpose: These commercial districts serve different commercial functions — C-G for citywide commerce, C-C for downtown/central commercial, C-H for highway/frontage locations, C-S for service-oriented commercial (see Chs. 17.44, 17.42, 17.46, 17.48) (, , ).
Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, offices, service businesses as listed in Table 2 (Chapter 17.56) .
Sign rules that apply: Commercial/industrial districts use the detailed commercial sign standards in § 17.84.040(B) and the type-by-type numeric limits in § 17.84.050–§ 17.84.060. Multi-tenant centers must provide a coordinated sign program (, ).
Key numeric sign points (decision‑relevant):
- Primary wall sign area: 1 sq ft per linear foot of occupancy frontage, up to 150 sq ft maximum; minimum 25 sq ft (see § 17.84.040(B)(1)(b)(i)) .
- Secondary wall signs: up to half the primary sign area .
- Freestanding (monument) signs: one per parcel per 1,000 ft of street frontage; setbacks min 5 ft; must have a base/monument design and landscaping twice the area of one side of sign (see § 17.84.040(B) — freestanding sign standards) .
- Freeway‑oriented freestanding signs (only parcels adjacent to State Highway 198): max height 20 ft; max 100 sq ft per face; one per commercial parcel that fronts onto freeway/frontage road (see § 17.84.040(B)(10)) .
- Pedestrian signs: max 5 sq ft; hang no lower than 8 ft above grade; one per side of building with public entrance (see § 17.84.040(B)(12)) .
- Projecting signs: max 20 sq ft; bottom at least 8 ft above ground; one per business and only where a wall sign is not used on the same wall (see § 17.84.050(6)) .
- Window signs: up to 25% of each individual window; no permit required (see § 17.84.050(8)) .
- Temporary banners for businesses: max 50 sq ft; one banner per business; limited to 30 days per calendar year and must display date (see § 17.84.050(5)(a)) .

Note: design compatibility, lighting intensity and prohibition of pole signs are specified in design criteria — see § 17.84.060 .

I (Industrial) and I-L (Light Industrial)

Purpose: Serve heavier industrial functions (I) and lighter industrial/commercial mixes (I-L) (Chs. 17.60 and 17.64) .
Typical permitted uses: manufacturing, warehousing, intensive commercial/light industrial uses (Table 3 and I-L permitted tables) .
Sign rules that apply: Industrial zones are grouped with commercial zones for most sign rules; certain illuminated/time‑temperature and bulletin board signs may be permitted in commercial/industrial zones if compliant (see § 17.84.070(G)) .
Key numeric sign points: follow the commercial standards above (wall, freestanding, directional), plus allowances for additional sign area for open-air vehicle or large equipment sales: +10 sq ft per 5,000 sq ft of site area (see § 17.84.040(B)(15)(a)) .

P-D (Planned Development overlay)

Purpose and effect: The P‑D overlay allows project-specific deviations including signage if the planned development provides improved design and coordination (see § 17.36.040–17.36.060). Sign programs and sign plans are typically part of P‑D submissions; confirm with design review (see Farmersville Overlay Districts and Farmersville Design Review) .

Quick Decision-Making Table (most-used numeric controls)

Sign type	Key limits (decision-relevant)	Code Reference
Residential name plate	Max 2 sq ft, affixed flush to building	§ 17.84.040(A)
Temporary signs (non-commercial, residential)	Total combined temporary signs ≤ 32 sq ft; no artificial lighting; not on trees/utility poles	§ 17.84.080(F)
Primary wall sign (commercial)	1 sq ft per linear ft occupancy frontage, min 25 sq ft, max 150 sq ft	§ 17.84.040(B)(1)(b)
Freestanding (monument) sign	One per 1,000 ft street frontage; min 5 ft setback; landscaped base (≥2× one side area)	§ 17.84.040(B)
Projecting sign	Max 20 sq ft, bottom ≥ 8 ft above ground, projects ≤ 2/3 sidewalk width	§ 17.84.050(6)
Pedestrian sign	Max 5 sq ft; hang no lower than 8 ft above grade; one per building side	§ 17.84.040(B)(12)
Freeway-oriented sign	Max height 20 ft; 100 sq ft copy/face; limited to parcels fronting State Highway 198	§ 17.84.040(B)(10)
Window signs	Up to 25% of each window; no permit required	§ 17.84.050(8)
Prohibited / restricted signs	Animated/flashing signs generally prohibited (exceptions for barber poles, time & temperature); off‑site billboards prohibited	§ 17.84.070

Practical guidance / plain-English synthesis

For any non‑residential sign you plan (wall, monument, projecting, banner, pedestrian sign), expect to submit a full sign permit application to the zoning administrator including site plan, elevations, dimensions, structural details and sign valuation as listed in § 17.84.110(A) (three sets of plans are required and engineered footings may be required) .
The code aims to balance identification vs. visual clutter: numeric limits (sq ft and heights) are maximums; the planning/zoning staff may require smaller or conditioned signage for design compatibility or traffic safety (see § 17.84.060 and the zoning administrator review authority in § 17.84.110(B)) (, ).
If you need slightly more sign area, the city allows a minor deviation up to +10% under § 17.84.120 if findings are met . For larger departures, you will need a formal variance/conditional review — check Farmersville Variances and Exceptions.
Design details matter: the code prefers monument (not pole) freestanding signs, landscaping at the base, and compatibility of materials/colors with the building (see § 17.84.060 design criteria) .

Linking in related topics you will commonly need: when planning signs near parking or lots consult Farmersville Parking; when sign location touches setbacks or frontages, check Farmersville Development Standards; if your project is within an overlay or P‑D you must follow overlay rules and submit coordinated sign programs per Farmersville Overlay Districts and Farmersville Design Review. If sign structures require building/electrical work, confirm those permits and referenced standards in the California Building Standards Code.

Checklist (what an applicant must supply / satisfy)

Confirm zoning district and whether parcel fronts State Highway 198 (freeway sign rules apply) — verify on the zoning map. (See § 17.84.040(B)(10))
Completed sign permit application and fee payable to Planning (three sets of sign plans) (see § 17.84.110(A)(1–9))
Site plan showing sign location, property lines, setbacks, walkways, adjacent driveways (sightline safety) (see § 17.84.110(A)(4))
Elevation drawings showing sign dimensions, materials, mounting, and clearance (bottom-of-sign) (see § 17.84.110(A)(5–7))
Structural details; engineered footing/foundation calculations if freestanding sign (may require licensed engineer) (see § 17.84.110(A)(7–9))
Demonstrate compliance with numeric limits (sq ft, heights, number per frontage) in § 17.84.040–§ 17.84.060 or request a minor deviation with findings under § 17.84.120 if asking for ≤10% increase (, )
If sign encroaches on public sidewalk/right‑of‑way, obtain an encroachment permit (see § 17.84.080(F)(5))
If within a multi‑tenant center, submit a coordinated sign program for review (see § 17.84.040(B))

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Sign vs. building-code structural requirements	Signs that are externally mounted or freestanding often need engineered foundations or electrical work; building official may require stamped plans	Confirm building permit triggers and electrical requirements with Building Official; see § 17.84.110(A)(7–8) and consult the California Building Standards Code
Sidewalk encroachment / pedestrian clearance	Projecting/pedestrian signs may encroach into the public right‑of‑way and require encroachment permits	Verify if you need a city encroachment permit (see § 17.84.050(6)(e) and § 17.84.080(F)(5)) (, )
Measuring wall sign “occupancy frontage”	Calculation changes area allowed; measuring error can lead to over‑sized signs	Confirm how the zoning administrator will measure occupancy frontage (definition in 17.84.020 and examples in Exhibit 4)
Animated / electronic signs	Most animated/flashing signs are prohibited; exceptions are limited and interpreted narrowly	Confirm whether a proposed changeable/LED sign qualifies under exceptions and design standards (§ 17.84.070(G))
Nonconforming existing signs	Replacement or relocation triggers conformity requirements and may force retrofit	If existing sign is nonconforming, structural change or >50% destruction triggers compliance (§ 17.84.100(A–B)) — Verify on file with Planning

Plain-English Summary

Farmersville's sign rules (Chapter 17.84) separate modest residential name/sale signs from more detailed commercial/industrial standards: commercial signs get defined square‑foot and height limits (wall area tied to frontage, monument signs limited by street frontage, special freeway rules for State Highway 198), temporary signs are tightly limited, and most animated or off‑site billboards are prohibited. Get a sign permit from the zoning administrator and submit full plans (site plan, elevations, structural details) — or talk to planning first if you need a minor deviation (see § 17.84.110 and § 17.84.120) (, ).

Information Gaps

Exact numeric conversion for multi-tenant sign allocation in complex corner cases (how cumulative occupancy frontage is allocated per tenant in irregular layouts): Verify with the planning department; guidance is in § 17.84.040(B) and Exhibit 4 but parcel‑specific measurement is required .
City fees, permit processing timelines, and required application forms were not included in the retrieved text: Verify with the Planning counter (Not found in retrieved materials).
Any updated amendments to Chapter 17 after the provided code extract (confirm there is no later ordinance that changed sign rules): Verify with the city clerk or Municode online (Not found in retrieved materials).

Source References

Farmersville Municipal Code, Title 17 — Chapter 17.84 (SIGNS), including § 17.84.010 – § 17.84.120 (purpose, definitions, applicability, standards by zone, miscellaneous signs, administration, minor deviations) — see relevant subsections cited above.
Farmersville Zoning chapters cited for district purposes and where sign rules reference zone articles: Chapter 17.24 (R‑1), Chapter 17.40 (Residential Land Use Table), Chapter 17.42 (C‑C Central Commercial), Chapter 17.44 (C‑G), Chapter 17.46 (C‑H), Chapter 17.48 (C‑S), Chapter 17.60 (I), Chapter 17.64 (I‑L), and Chapter 17.36 (P‑D overlay) — see table and chapter citations in the uploaded code.
Municode hosting / municipal code online (source repository for Farmersville municipal code excerpts used here). Not a replacement for staff verification: check the city's codified ordinances or contact Planning for the latest amendments. (Municipal code source noted in uploaded files as library.municode.com.) (Not a precise URL in retrieved materials; verify with City.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Farmersville Zoning Code (Section 17.84.110) High relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (section provide) High relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (Section 17.84.080) High relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (chapter or) High relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (chapter or) Medium relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (title shall) Medium relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (Chapter 17.04) Medium relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
California Residential Code Medium relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (chapter if) Medium relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (Chapter 17.56.) Medium relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (Chapter 17.104.) Medium relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (chapter if) Medium relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (Section 17.84.110) High relevance
CEC § 1 (chapter are) High relevance
Farmersville Zoning Code (Section 17.84.110) High relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Farmersville code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to install a sign in Farmersville?

Yes. Except for painted signs, window signs, and certain temporary signs explicitly exempted, the code requires written approval in the form of a sign permit from the zoning administrator prior to installation; building permits may also be required for sign erection (see § 17.84.110) .

What size wall sign am I allowed for my storefront in a commercial zone?

Primary wall sign area is calculated at 1 sq ft per linear foot of occupancy frontage, subject to a minimum of 25 sq ft and a maximum of 150 sq ft, with secondary wall signs limited to half the primary area — see § 17.84.040(B)(1)(b) for the method and limits .

Are illuminated or electronic signs allowed in Farmersville?

Animated, flashing, color‑changing or moving signs are generally prohibited, with narrow exceptions (for example standard barber poles, time/temperature signs, and approved bulletin boards in commercial/industrial zones) — see § 17.84.070(G) . Verify any LED/changeable message proposal with the zoning administrator.

What can I put up in a residential zone?

In R‑1/R‑M and similar residential zones you are limited to small nameplates (max 2 sq ft), limited "for sale/for rent" signs, and one entrance sign for subdivisions or complexes (entrance signs up to 35 sq ft, 4 ft high) — see § 17.84.040(A) .

How big can a freestanding (monument) sign be and how many are allowed?

Freestanding sign rules depend on frontage: generally one freestanding sign per parcel per 1,000 ft of street frontage (or fraction thereof); freestanding signs must be monument style (pole signs prohibited), set back at least 5 ft from interior side property lines and be landscaped at the base (see § 17.84.040(B)) .

Can I put up a banner or sandwich board sign?

Yes, with restrictions: Banners — one per business, max 50 sq ft, limited to 30 days/year and must be dated; Sandwich board (A‑frame) — max 3 ft x 4 ft, 12 sq ft, one per business, may be on sidewalk with an approved encroachment permit but must leave at least 4 ft of pedestrian passage (see § 17.84.050(5) and § 17.84.050(5)(b)) (, ).

My property fronts State Highway 198 — are there special rules?

Yes. There are special freeway‑oriented freestanding sign rules limited to parcels adjacent to State Highway 198 or a frontage road that abuts it: max height 20 ft, 100 sq ft per sign face, and one such sign is permitted per qualifying parcel (see § 17.84.040(B)(10)) .

What happens to a sign that was legal under an old code but no longer conforms?

A lawfully existing sign may continue as a nonconforming sign, but it cannot be structurally altered, moved, or reconstructed (except face changes) without bringing it into compliance; if the sign is destroyed >50% of its value it must comply with current code to be rebuilt (§ 17.84.100(A–B)) .

Can I get a small extra amount of sign area if the standard would make my sign unreadable?

The city allows a minor deviation of up to 10% of permitted sign area if the zoning administrator makes required findings that the deviation won't harm the public welfare — see § 17.84.120 .

Do murals count as signs?

Murals are treated separately: murals are permitted on building sides in commercial, industrial or public/quasi‑public zones but must avoid advertising an existing business/product and require planning commission review under the mural provisions (§ 17.84.090) .

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