Local zoning · Imperial County

Imperial County — Signage

Q: Are digital LED signs allowed in unincorporated Imperial County?

Yes, but any “changeable electronic variable message sign” requires a Conditional Use Permit, and conditions can regulate brightness, hours, and transitions. This comes from the special provisions in § 90401.15(F) .

Q: How big can a business’s monument sign be?

A freestanding monument sign can be up to 48 sq ft per side and 6 ft tall, with specific setbacks from property lines and the public right-of-way. See § 90401.01 for exact placement and lighting limits .

Q: Can I put a billboard on my commercial parcel?

Possibly. Off-site advertising signs are allowed only in certain commercial districts by CUP and must meet spacing, height, and highway-agency restrictions. Start with § 90512.11/§ 90513.11/§ 90514.11 for district permissions and § 90401.04 for the countywide billboard standards .

Q: Are feather flags permitted for my shop?

Yes in C-1, C-2, C-3 and M-1, M-2, M-3 (also R-3 and R-4 residential), but not in R-1 or R-2. They have strict size/height limits and must be ground-mounted per § 90401.16(G) .

Q: What temporary signs can I use during construction?

Up to three non-illuminated construction signs per project, each up to 32 sq ft and 8 ft tall if freestanding, with removal required within 10 days of final inspection (§ 90401.08) .

Q: How long can campaign signs stay up?

Campaign signs can go up for up to 60 days and must be removed within 15 days after Election Day. In residential zones they’re capped at 20 sq ft and 6 ft in height, with fines if they remain after 20 days (§ 90401.09) .

Q: Do agricultural properties have special sign rules?

Yes. On-site agricultural signs are small and unlit (16–24 sq ft; ≤8 ft tall), while agricultural industry ID signs can be up to 48 sq ft and 20 ft tall, unlit and stationary (§§ 90401.10–.11) .

Q: What happens to my old sign if the rules change?

Most nonconforming signs can continue for 5 years after they become nonconforming, then must be removed or brought into compliance. See § 90105.06 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Imperial County regulates signs in unincorporated areas through Title 9 (Land Use Code), Division 4, Chapter 1, which sets countywide design and development standards for sign types and limits what each zoning district allows by district. These rules operate alongside the county’s broader zoning framework and other development standards. Most permanent and temporary signs must meet the Chapter 1 standards, and then also be a type allowed in the site’s zoning district.

Key rule in plain English: signs must be on the same property they advertise unless the code specifically allows otherwise (§ 90401.00) . The Chapter 1 standards apply across unincorporated areas.

Countywide sign standards (what every sign must meet)

Purpose and application. The sign chapter governs the construction, placement, and display of signs and discourages hazardous or nuisance signage (§ 90401.00) .
Monument signs. Max area 48 sq ft per side, max height 6 ft; keep ≥10 ft from shared property lines, ≥5 ft from ROW; limit glare (§ 90401.01) .
Pole signs. Max area 200 sq ft per side; no encroachment into existing or proposed ROW; keep ≥10 ft from side property lines, ≥3 ft back from ROW, ≥40 ft on-center; lighting must avoid glare; must be engineered for wind and meet state building code (§ 90401.02) .
Wall/building-attached signs. Flush-mounted; may project up to 18 in with specific soffit/clearance rules; primary sign area ≤100 sq ft/side, secondary sides ≤60 sq ft/side; lighting must avoid glare (§ 90401.03) .
Off-site advertising (billboards). Max 700 sq ft/side and 50 ft length; spacing ≥500 ft from another off-site sign on same side of roadway; must be ≥1,320 ft from the business advertised; ≥25 ft from any other sign; ≥10 ft from ROW; height ≤30 ft; lighting must avoid glare; only where allowed by district and other agencies; installation per California Sign Code (§ 90401.04) . See also the California Building Standards Code.
Temporary real estate signs. One per lot; not illuminated; ≥10 ft from ROW; free-standing ≤8 ft tall; attached signs may not project above the roof/parapet; note that district-specific size caps (e.g., 10–20 sq ft) also apply (§ 90401.05) .
Temporary subdivision signs. Directional: ≤5 ft tall and ≤24 sq ft, not lit, ≥3 ft back from ROW; on-site: at primary entrance/model homes, ≤6 ft tall, ≤32 sq ft (§ 90401.06) .
Permanent subdivision identification. ≤4 ft tall, ≤32 sq ft, in landscaped area; only low, non-glare lighting; subject to Director approval (§ 90401.07) .
Temporary construction signs. Max 3 per project; ≤32 sq ft each; not illuminated; free-standing ≤8 ft tall; remove within 10 days of final inspection (§ 90401.08) .
Campaign signs. Display up to 60 days; remove within 15 days after Election Day; in residential areas ≤20 sq ft and ≤6 ft tall; violations after 20 days may be fined (§ 90401.09) .
Agricultural on-site signs. One per lot (or one along each highway frontage); parcels <10 ac: ≤16 sq ft; others: ≤24 sq ft; ≤8 ft tall; ≥10 ft from ROW; not illuminated; stationary; on-site only (§ 90401.10) .
Agricultural industry signs. Up to two per lot; ≤48 sq ft; ≤20 ft tall; ≥10 ft from ROW; not illuminated; stationary; on-site only (§ 90401.11) .
Institutional identification signs. Up to 2 per street frontage (and ≤6 total per lot); ≤48 sq ft each; free-standing ≤8 ft tall; attached may not exceed above roof/parapet; indirect non-flashing light only; stationary (§ 90401.12) .
Exempt signs. Includes highway/governmental, railroad signals, trespass/hunting notices, utility hazard ID, window display signs, certain vehicle and kiosk signs, and more (§ 90401.13) .
Prohibited signs. Includes moving/rotating, obscene, confusing traffic-imitating content, roof signs (unless expressly allowed), projecting signs (unless expressly allowed), wind-activated, and unauthorized vehicle-mounted advertising (§ 90401.14) .
Special provisions. Time/temperature signs allowed as part of approved on-site signs; on-site directional signs ≤6 ft and no advertising; drive-through instruction signs allowed; all digital/changeable electronic signs require a CUP; any deviation from the sign code requires a CUP (§ 90401.15) .
Feather flags. Temporary only; business-related messages; area ≤25 sq ft (fabric width ≤30 in), height ≤10 ft; ground-mounted only; permit a permanent sign first; allowed only in R-3, R-4, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, M-3 (§ 90401.16) .

Quick matrix of decision-critical standards

Sign type	Max area / height	Placement/lighting highlights	Code Reference
Monument	48 sq ft/side; 6 ft tall	≥10 ft from shared line; ≥5 ft from ROW; limit glare	§ 90401.01
Pole (freestanding)	200 sq ft/side	≥10 ft side setback; ≥3 ft from ROW; ≥40 ft O.C.; wind/CBC	§ 90401.02
Wall/attached	100 sq ft primary; 60 sq ft secondary	Flush; 18 in max projection; 8 ft min clearance; no glare	§ 90401.03
Off-site billboard	700 sq ft/side; 30 ft tall	≥500 ft spacing; ≥1,320 ft from business; ≥10 ft from ROW; no glare	§ 90401.04
Temp real estate	District caps (10–20 sq ft); 8 ft tall (freestanding)	One per lot; not lit; ≥10 ft from ROW	§ 90401.05 + districts
Temp construction	32 sq ft each (max 3); 8 ft tall	Not lit; remove 10 days after final inspection	§ 90401.08
Campaign	20 sq ft in residential; 6 ft tall	60-day window; remove 15 days post-election; fines after 20 days	§ 90401.09
Subdivision (temp)	24 sq ft directional; 32 sq ft on-site	Dir. signs: ≤5 ft; On-site: ≤6 ft; not lit	§ 90401.06
Subdivision (perm)	32 sq ft; 4 ft tall	In landscaped area; low, non-glare lighting	§ 90401.07
Agricultural (on-site)	16–24 sq ft; 8 ft tall	One per lot (or per highway frontage); not lit; ≥10 ft from ROW	§ 90401.10
Ag industry	48 sq ft; 20 ft tall	Max 2 per lot; not lit; ≥10 ft from ROW	§ 90401.11
Institutional	48 sq ft; 8 ft free-standing	≤2 per frontage (≤6/lot); indirect light only	§ 90401.12
Feather flags	25 sq ft; 10 ft tall	Ground-mounted; only in R-3, R-4, C-1–C-3, M-1–M-3	§ 90401.16(G)

District-by-district: what signs each zone allows

Notes:

All districts apply only in unincorporated areas. Each district list works together with countywide standards in § 90401. When you see “CUP,” that means a conditional use permit; CUPs are discretionary and may involve design review and findings.

A-1 (General Agriculture)

Allowed: temporary real estate (≤20 sq ft), temporary construction, temporary political/religious/civic (≤3 months), CUP-approved signs, and temporary agricultural on-site signs per § 90401.10 (§ 90507.09) .
Practical: On-farm product signs follow the agricultural standards above.

A-2 (Intensive Agriculture)

Allowed: Same as A-1; includes temporary agricultural signs per § 90401.10 (≤ Section limits) (§ 90508.10) .

A-3 (Rural Residential Agricultural)

Allowed: temp real estate (≤20 sq ft), temp construction, temp campaign (≤3 months), on-site agricultural product signs, and institutional identification when tied to a CUP (§ 90509.11) .

R-1 (Single-Family Residential)

Allowed: temp real estate (≤10 sq ft), temp construction, temp campaign (≤3 months), institutional identification, CUP-approved signs (§ 90502.10) .
Note: Feather flags are not listed for R-1 (feather flags are allowed beginning in R-3; § 90401.16(G)) .

R-2 (Medium Density Residential)

Allowed: Same as R-1 (with ≤10 sq ft temp real estate) (§ 90503.11) .

R-3 (High Density Residential)

Allowed: Same as R-1 (with ≤10 sq ft temp real estate) (§ 90504.11) .
Note: Feather flags permitted in R-3 subject to § 90401.16 standards (§ 90401.16(G)) .

R-4 (Mobilehome Park)

Allowed: Same as R-1 (with ≤10 sq ft temp real estate) (§ 90505.10) .
Note: Feather flags permitted in R-4 per § 90401.16(G) .

C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial)

Allowed: temp real estate (≤20 sq ft), temp construction, temp political (≤3 months), institutional, building-attached, monument, pole (on-site ID only), and off-site advertising with a CUP (§ 90512.11) .
Note: Feather flags permitted (§ 90401.16(G)) .

C-2 (General Commercial)

Allowed: Same set as C-1, including off-site advertising by CUP (§ 90513.11) .
Note: Feather flags permitted (§ 90401.16(G)) .

C-3 (Heavy Commercial)

Allowed: Same set as C-1, including off-site advertising by CUP (§ 90514.11) .
Note: Feather flags permitted (§ 90401.16(G)) .

M-1 (Light Industrial)

Allowed: temp real estate (≤20 sq ft), temp construction, temp political/religious/civic (≤3 months), and CUP-approved signs (§ 90515.10) .
Note: Feather flags permitted (§ 90401.16(G)) .

M-2 (Medium Industrial)

Allowed: institutional identification, monument (≤100 sq ft), pole, building-attached, temp construction, temp political (≤3 months) (§ 90516.10) .
Note: Feather flags permitted (§ 90401.16(G)) .

M-3 (Heavy Industrial)

Allowed: institutional identification, monument (≤100 sq ft), pole, building-attached, temp construction, temp political (≤3 months), temp real estate (≤20 sq ft), temp subdivision (§ 90517.10) .
Note: Feather flags permitted (§ 90401.16(G)) .

S-1 (Open Space/Recreational)

Allowed: temp real estate (≤20 sq ft), temp construction, temp political/religious/civic (≤3 months), institutional, building-attached, monument, pole (on-site ID only), and CUP-approved signs (§ 90518.10) .

S-2 (Open Space/Preservation)

Allowed: Same as S-1 (§ 90519.10) .

Additional countywide rules you’ll actually use

Nonconforming signs amortization. Legal nonconforming signs can continue for 5 years after the code or an amendment makes them nonconforming; after that they’re illegal and must be abated (§ 90105.06) .
Lighting and glare control. Every sign type with lighting provisions requires arranging fixtures to avoid glare onto adjacent properties and public streets (e.g., monument, pole, wall signs) (§§ 90401.01–.04) .
Digital signs. All “changeable electronic variable message signs” require a CUP (§ 90401.15(F)) .
Off-site signs on highways. Off-site advertising is barred along any state/federal/county highway that disallows such signs or is under another regulator (§ 90401.04(F)) .
Feather flags. Only in the zones listed; must be ground-mounted, small, and secondary to a permitted permanent sign (§ 90401.16) .

For parcel-specific overlays or historic contexts, additional reviews may apply; see Overlay Districts and Historic Preservation. If you need relief, explore Variances and Exceptions. Legacy installations should be evaluated under Nonconforming Uses.

Checklist

Confirm your parcel is in the unincorporated county and identify the zoning district on the Imperial County zoning overview.
Pick a sign type that is allowed in your district (see district list above) and that meets the countywide dimensional rules in § 90401.
Site it correctly: meet required setbacks from property lines and ROW, spacing from other signs, and any height limits in the applicable section.
Verify lighting method avoids glare and flashing; use only the light types the section allows.
If proposing an off-site sign, a digital sign, or any deviation, prepare for a Conditional Use Permit per § 90401.04 and § 90401.15(F),(G).
For temporary signs, calendar removal deadlines (e.g., construction/campaign signs) to avoid fines (§§ 90401.08–.09).
Coordinate with other applicable standards like parking sight-distance, landscaping around monument signs, and any design review triggers.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Off-site billboard eligibility	Allowed only in some commercial districts and subject to spacing, height, and other-agency controls	District allowance by CUP and the detailed limits in § 90401.04; check highway restrictions with Caltrans
Digital signs (LED)	All require a CUP; conditions may constrain brightness/timing	CUP requirement in § 90401.15(F); discuss dimming and auto-off times with Planning
Feather flags in residential	Only R-3/R-4 (not R-1/R-2)	Zone eligibility in § 90401.16(G)
Real estate sign sizes	Chapter 1 sets placement/height, while districts cap area (10–20 sq ft)	Combine § 90401.05 with your district’s “Signs” section
Nonconforming signs	5-year amortization; later become illegal	§ 90105.06; confirm install date and any prior approvals
Pole sign structure	Wind and structural standards apply	§ 90401.02(G) points to state building code; coordinate with your engineer and the California Building Standards Code

Plain-English Summary

In unincorporated Imperial County, pick a sign type allowed in your zoning district, then size and place it to match the countywide rules. Some signs (like billboards and all digital displays) need a conditional use permit and tighter spacing, height, and lighting controls. Most temporary signs have short time limits and small sizes, and agricultural and institutional signs have their own special rules.

Source References

Imperial County Land Use Code Title 9, Division 4, Chapter 1 (Signs): §§ 90401.00–.16 (monument, pole, wall, off-site, temporary, agricultural, institutional, exempt, prohibited, special, feather signs) .
Zone-specific sign allowances: A-1 (§ 90507.09) ; A-2 (§ 90508.10) ; A-3 (§ 90509.11) ; R-1 (§ 90502.10) ; R-2 (§ 90503.11) ; R-3 (§ 90504.11) ; R-4 (§ 90505.10) ; C-1 (§ 90512.11) ; C-2 (§ 90513.11) ; C-3 (§ 90514.11) ; M-1 (§ 90515.10) ; M-2 (§ 90516.10) ; M-3 (§ 90517.10) ; S-1 (§ 90518.10) ; S-2 (§ 90519.10) .
Nonconforming signs: § 90105.06 (5-year amortization) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CFC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (Section 90402.01) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (Section 90401.00) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (Section 90501.16.) Medium relevance
CBC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (Chapter 1.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Imperial County code library

Frequently asked questions

Are digital LED signs allowed in unincorporated Imperial County?