Local zoning · Loma Linda

Loma Linda — Signage

Q: Are window signs counted toward my allowable sign area?

Yes. Permanent window signs are generally limited to 25% of the window glazing on a designated primary or secondary frontage and count toward sign area totals; they are allowed on ground and second‑story windows only (§ 17.18.090 and the window sign rules within the chapter) .

Q: Can a home‑based business put up a business sign?

No. The code explicitly states no signs are permitted for home occupations (§ 17.18.120.B ) — other residential nameplates or address signs should be verified against the zone table in § 17.18.090 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Loma Linda Land Use Development Code (Title 17) regulates about signage. The city's sign rules live in Chapter 17.18 (Signs): purpose and applicability (§ 17.18.010, § 17.18.020), general standards and content-neutral policy (§ 17.18.030), permit procedures (§ 17.18.040), comprehensive sign programs (§ 17.18.050), zone-specific permanent sign tables (see § 17.18.090) and special-use rules such as wayfinding (§ 17.18.110) and use-specific signs (§ 17.18.120) .

Read this page alongside the city's overarching Loma Linda Zoning and Loma Linda Development Standards pages because sign location and what the code allows are tied to the property's zone and development standards (setbacks, frontage, etc.) . Also expect building/electrical code requirements to apply (see California Building Standards Code) as noted in the Loma Linda sign chapter (§ 17.18.020.B.2) . Where a design review or site plan approval is relevant, consult Loma Linda Design Review and Loma Linda Parking rules as appropriate.

What the code controls (quick)

The sign chapter regulates signs on private property, in the public right-of-way, and on public-agency property under city zoning authority (§ 17.18.020) .
The city treats sign regulation as content-neutral and regulates by time, place, and manner (size/area, number, location, lighting) (§ 17.18.030.D) .
Many zone-specific numeric limits (areas, heights, counts) are in the zone tables under § 17.18.090 (Permanent signs by zone—locations & design requirements) and in the PF-specific Table 17.18-4 examples; consult § 17.18.090 for the table applicable to your zone .
Comprehensive sign programs are required for larger projects or special circumstances and are reviewed by the planning commission (§ 17.18.050) .
Wayfinding signs in the public right-of-way are allowed only for institutional users by development agreement and encroachment permit (§ 17.18.110) .
Certain use-specific rules (drive-throughs, home occupations, multi-tenant directories, theaters, etc.) are in § 17.18.120; notably, home occupations may not have signs (§ 17.18.120.B) .

District-by-district breakdown

The Loma Linda code ties sign allowances to the property's zone. The code uses district names such as B‑P, CO, C‑1, C‑2, CM, BP, and PF in its development standards and the sign tables. The development-character descriptions for the commercial/industrial categories are summarized in § 17.40.040 (Table 2‑6) and the sign chapter cross-references zone-specific tables in § 17.18.090. Below are Loma Linda–specific summaries and the most decision-relevant sign rules for each district drawn from the municipal code.

Note: the chapter places the numeric sign limits in the zone sign tables (see § 17.18.090). Where the chapter gives a special rule it is cited below.

PF — Public Facilities

Purpose / typical uses: public and institutional facilities (schools, hospitals, major campuses). See the PF table in § 17.18.090 and related references to institutional wayfinding (§ 17.18.110) .
Key sign standards (Table 17.18‑4 excerpts): Blade/Bracket signs allowed (typically 6 sf; mounted with minimum 7 ft. clearance); Monument/Pylon signs: 1 sign per use for 0–300 ft. frontage, area generally calculated at 1 sf per 1 lineal ft. of street frontage; Monument height 8 ft, Pylon height 25 ft; Window signs limited to 25% of window area (§ 17.18.090) .
Where it applies: properties zoned PF citywide; large PF parcels (≥2 gross acres) can trigger a comprehensive sign program (§ 17.18.050.B.3) .

C‑1 — Neighborhood Commercial

Purpose / typical uses: smaller retail and neighborhood-serving businesses (see § 17.40.040 Table 2‑6 for district labels) .
Key sign controls: Sign allowances and numeric limits are provided in the C‑1 column of the permanent sign tables under § 17.18.090; exceptions and freestanding freeway-facing allowances carry special criteria (see I‑10 criteria below) .
Where it applies: parcels zoned C‑1; if frontage faces I‑10, extra criteria apply for freeway-oriented freestanding signs (see § 17.18.090.C / freeway criteria) .

C‑2 — General Commercial

Purpose / typical uses: larger commercial uses and general retail; sign allowances are generally more permissive than C‑1 but follow the same table structure (§ 17.18.090) .
Where it applies: parcels zoned C‑2; see same zone table in § 17.18.090 for counts, areas, heights.

CM — Commercial‑Manufacturing

Purpose / typical uses: mixed commercial/manufacturing; sign allowances tied to § 17.18.090; freestanding freeway sign rules reference C‑1 / C‑2 / CM / BP zones for eligibility near I‑10 (§ 17.18.090.C) .
Where it applies: properties zoned CM.

BP / B‑P — Business Park / Business Park (alternate label)

Purpose / typical uses: business park/office campuses; district label appears in Table 2‑6 and is used in sign tables; freestanding freeway-frontage allowances and comprehensive sign program thresholds may apply (§ 17.18.050, § 17.18.090) .
Sign rules: consult the BP column in § 17.18.090 tables for allowed sign types and maximums.

CO — Office‑Commercial

Purpose / typical uses: office, professional uses; signage is governed by the CO column of § 17.18.090; building-mounted placement rules (middle 50% of frontage, first story limitations) and projection limits appear in the wall‑sign standards inside the chapter (§ 17.18.040, wall sign design guidance) .

R‑1 (single‑family residential) and residential zones

Purpose / typical uses: primarily residential; the sign chapter treats certain residential-related signs explicitly: home occupations shall have no signs (§ 17.18.120.B) and other residential allowances are controlled by the general tables in § 17.18.090 when applicable. For many residential parcels the code provides only limited on‑site identification and nameplate allowances (not fully enumerated in the retrieved excerpts) — Verify with the jurisdiction (§ 17.18.090, § 17.18.120) .
Where it applies: parcels zoned R‑1 or other residential designations in the zoning map; special overlays and design review rules may also limit sign appearance (see Loma Linda Overlay Districts and Loma Linda Design Review).

Quick reference table — common sign types and controlling code cites

Sign type	Typical limit (Loma Linda)	Illumination / special notes	Code reference
Blade / Bracket sign (tenant)	6 sf; one per tenant space; min. 7 ft clearance	May extend over ROW if encroachment permit	§ 17.18.090
Monument / Pylon	1 sign per use (0–300 ft frontage); area often 1 sf per 1 lineal ft of street frontage; monument 8 ft, pylon 25 ft	Separation and setback rules apply; sign permit required	§ 17.18.090
Window signs (permanent)	Up to 25% of window glazing area	Counted toward sign area; ground and second floor only	§ 17.18.090 (window rules)
On‑site directional	6 sf per face; 3 ft height	Exempt from sign permit	§ 17.18.090 (table example)
Drive‑through freestanding	50 sf & 7 ft height (one facing lane)	Sign permit or comprehensive program	§ 17.18.120.A.1
Comprehensive sign program	Required when thresholds met (e.g., >1 sign on I‑10 frontage; ≥5 non‑exempt signs for single‑tenant; ≥3 monument/pylon along street, PF parcels ≥2 acres, etc.)	Planning Commission review; allows flexibility if findings met	§ 17.18.050
Wayfinding in ROW	Allowed only for institutional users by development agreement; requires encroachment permit	Requires uniform design and public safety review	§ 17.18.110

(These numeric examples and permit triggers are pulled from the sign‑chapter tables and use‑specific sections; see § 17.18.090, § 17.18.050, § 17.18.110, § 17.18.120 for full context) .

Checklist

Confirm the property's zone on the city zoning map and the applicable zone column in § 17.18.090 (permanent sign tables) .
Determine whether a comprehensive sign program is required (see thresholds in § 17.18.050) .
Prepare sign drawings (area, materials, mounting, electrical) consistent with wall‑sign placement rules (middle 50% of frontage, projection max 12 in, story limits) and submit per § 17.18.040 (procedures) .
If sign will encroach into public right‑of‑way or over sidewalk, confirm and obtain an encroachment permit (city cross‑reference in § 17.18.020 and § 17.18.110) and any required development agreement for wayfinding .
Check for special prohibitions (e.g., no signs for home occupations under § 17.18.120.B) .
Confirm building and electrical permits and compliance with the California Building Standards Code as noted in § 17.18.020.B.2 .
If in a Downtown or specific plan area, check Loma Linda Design Review rules and any specific-plan sign rules (specific plans may override chapter rules per § 17.18.020.D) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Eligibility for freeway‑facing freestanding signs	The code allows such signs only if strict frontage/size/lot conditions are met (I‑10 criteria) — getting this wrong wastes design and application time	Verify parcel meets the I‑10 frontage criteria listed in § 17.18.090.C and consult planning staff
Whether a comprehensive sign program is required	A program triggers Planning Commission hearing and different review standards; failure to file when required can delay project	Check triggers in § 17.18.050.B (number of signs, acreage, multiple monuments, Interstate frontage, etc.)
Wayfinding in public ROW	Wayfinding for institutions is allowed only via development agreement plus encroachment permit (§ 17.18.110) — complicated, high‑level approval	If proposing ROW wayfinding, plan for a development agreement, comprehensive sign program, and public works review (§ 17.18.110)
Awning signage in storefront zones	Some design chapters prohibit signage on awnings (storefront treatment rules) and may conflict with sign chapter	Verify storefront/precise‑design rules in § 17.115.070A where "Signage of any type is prohibited on the exterior surface of the awning"
Residential / home occupation signs	The code explicitly bans signs for home occupations but other residential sign allowances are not fully enumerated in the retrieved excerpts	Home occupation: see § 17.18.120.B; for other residential sign allowances verify zone table in § 17.18.090 and ask planning staff
Nonconforming signs	Existing signs may be legally nonconforming; replacement/repair rules differ	Consult § 17.18.020.C and § 17.18.160 for nonconforming sign rules; verify whether your sign is “legally established”

Plain‑English Summary

Loma Linda’s sign regulations (Chapter 17.18 of Title 17) control what types of signs you can have, how big they can be, where they can go, and when special review is required — the numeric limits depend on your zoning district (see § 17.18.090 tables) and some special uses (drive‑throughs, institutional wayfinding, home occupations) have their own rules (§ 17.18.120, § 17.18.110) . If your project is larger (multiple signs, freeway frontage, big campus), expect to prepare a comprehensive sign program and go before the planning commission (§ 17.18.050) .

Source References

Land Use Development Code, Title 17 — Chapter 17.18 (SIGNS): purpose and applicability (§ 17.18.010, § 17.18.020)
Chapter 17.18 — General provisions and content neutrality (§ 17.18.030)
§ 17.18.040 — Procedures for sign permits, exemptions, and revocations (wall‑sign placement, design details)
§ 17.18.050 — Comprehensive sign program: thresholds and review procedure (planning commission)
§ 17.18.090 — Permanent signs by zone (zone tables, maximum areas, counts, heights) — see Table 17.18‑4 (PF example)
§ 17.18.110 — Wayfinding signs in public right‑of‑way (development agreement + encroachment permit)
§ 17.18.120 — Signs for specific uses (drive‑throughs, home occupations, theaters, multi‑tenant directory signs)
§ 17.40.040 / Table 2‑6 — Commercial and industrial area standards (zoning district descriptions: B‑P, CO, C‑1, C‑2, CM)
Storefront/awning rule: § 17.115.070A (no signage on exterior of awnings in that design chapter)
Note on building/electrical code applicability: sign permits and construction must comply with Municipal Code Title 15 and the California Building Standards Code as referenced in § 17.18.020.B.2

Sources

Retrieved passages

CEC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
Loma Linda Zoning Code High relevance
Loma Linda Zoning Code High relevance
Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
CBC § 1 (section apply) High relevance
Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Loma Linda Zoning Code High relevance
Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Loma Linda code library

Frequently asked questions

What does Loma Linda's sign chapter require before I install a new storefront sign?

You must meet the zone‑specific sign limits in the permanent sign tables (see § 17.18.090 for area, height, number and location), obtain any required sign permit under § 17.18.040, and ensure the sign complies with wall‑sign design rules (projection, placement within middle 50% of frontage, story limits) in the chapter .

Do I need a comprehensive sign program?

A comprehensive sign program is required in specific cases listed in § 17.18.050 (examples: more than one sign on an I‑10 frontage, five or more non‑exempt signs for a single‑tenant development, three or more monument/pylon signs along a street, PF parcels ≥2 acres). If required, the planning commission reviews the program .

Can an institutional campus put wayfinding signs in the public street or sidewalk?

Yes, but only through a development agreement plus encroachment permit and a comprehensive sign program; the city requires coordinated design and public‑safety review (§ 17.18.110) .

Are there special rules for drive‑through signs?

Drive‑through facilities are allowed a freestanding lane sign (up to 50 sf and 7 ft high), a wall/menu board up to 15 sf, and incidental signs — all subject to a sign permit or inclusion in a comprehensive program (§ 17.18.120.A.1–3) .

Can I place a sign that projects over the public right‑of‑way?

Some projecting or blade/bracket signs may extend over the public right‑of‑way, but they require the appropriate encroachment permit and must meet clearance and mounting requirements (see blade/bracket limits in the zone tables and the encroachment reference in § 17.18.020) .

What if an existing sign doesn't meet today's rules?

An existing legally established sign that doesn't conform is treated as a nonconforming sign and is subject to the nonconforming sign rules referenced in the chapter (see § 17.18.020.C and § 17.18.160). Repairs, replacement and amortization rules differ from new sign rules — verify status with planning staff .

Are window signs counted toward my allowable sign area?

Yes. Permanent window signs are generally limited to 25% of the window glazing on a designated primary or secondary frontage and count toward sign area totals; they are allowed on ground and second‑story windows only (§ 17.18.090 and the window sign rules within the chapter) .

Can a home‑based business put up a business sign?

No. The code explicitly states no signs are permitted for home occupations (§ 17.18.120.B) — other residential nameplates or address signs should be verified against the zone table in § 17.18.090 .

If my property fronts I‑10, can I install a large freestanding sign?

Possibly, but there are strict eligibility criteria in the sign chapter for I‑10‑facing freestanding signs (parcel frontage, parcel size, or total building square feet). See the I‑10 criteria in § 17.18.090.C and consult planning staff before designing a sign program .

Does the sign chapter allow digital or changeable electronic message signs?

Changeable copy (electronic) signs are defined and regulated in the chapter (see the definitions and the changeable copy sign figure). The zone tables and use‑specific sections control whether and how they are allowed; check § 17.18.090 and the chapter definitions for any limits or special conditions .

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