Local zoning · Los Altos

Los Altos — Signage

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Los Altos Zoning Code (Title 14) requires for signs on private property — who needs a sign permit, how sign area and height are calculated, and the different rules that apply by district. It focuses only on the local sign rules in Chapter 14.68 (Signs on Private Property) and related sign provisions in Title 14; verify parcel‑specific questions with the city. See the city's general planning landing page for context on zoning and procedures: Los Altos zoning & planning overview.

How to read this page

  • All quoted code requirements below are taken from the Los Altos Zoning Code (Title 14). Citations to ordinance sections are shown inline (for example § 14.68.050).
  • I explain the rule in plain English and point you to the controlling code paragraph(s).
  • Links: when the sign rules interact with other review areas I link the first natural mention of that topic (development standards, design review, parking, overlays, ADUs, and the state building code).

Basic citywide rules (what applies everywhere)

  • Sign permit required for any sign that is not explicitly exempt; permit authority and rules are in § 14.68.050.
  • The City regulates noncommunicative aspects (size, location, height, illumination) but must remain content‑neutral for protected speech (message neutrality / message substitution rules) — see § 14.68.030 and related policy paragraphs.
  • Sign area is computed by the smallest geometric shape enclosing the sign face; on multi‑faced signs only the face visible from one direction is counted; letter‑only wall signs have a special measurement rule when letters cover >50% of the background — see § 14.68.080(A).
  • When a sign is a “structure” under the building code it also requires a building permit and inspections under the California Building Standards Code; safety codes must be met even for exempt signs — see § 14.68.050(C) and § 14.68.040(P). Link to the state code: California Building Standards Code.

District-by-district breakdown

Notes on district names used below: Los Altos uses several commercial and residential district abbreviations. The ordinance groups the downtown/neighborhood commercial districts together (for example CD, CD/R3, CN, CRS, CRS/OAD), treats the thoroughfare CT district separately, and has office districts and multiple residential districts including R1‑10, R1H, R3 variants and CD‑R3. The code’s definitions list the district names and how they are treated for signage; see § 14.68.040.

CT — commercial thoroughfare

  • Purpose / typical uses: auto‑oriented and larger commercial parcels along primary streets; signage rules reflect frontage and visibility.
  • Key standards:
    • Freestanding sign area: 1 sq ft per foot of lot frontage up to 100 sq ft (double‑sided measured one side only). Attached signs: 0.75 sq ft per foot of building frontage, max 100 sq ft. § 14.68.110(A).
    • Height: freestanding signs ≤ 30 ft for shopping centers; otherwise ≤ 10 ft. Building‑attached signs cannot project above the building roofline; roof signs limited by district height. § 14.68.110(C).
    • Projection and clearance rules: signs generally may not project into the public right‑of‑way unless separately authorized; projection/clearance minimums (sidewalk 8 ft; driveway/street 14 ft) apply. § 14.68.110(D–E) and § 14.68.090/F.

Downtown / neighborhood commercial — CN, CD, CD/R3, CRS, CRS/OAD (grouped)

  • Purpose / typical uses: smaller storefronts, mixed retail/office/residential downtown and neighborhood centers.
  • Key standards:
    • Single‑occupant parcels: if primary frontage ≤ 25 ft then max sign area 25 sq ft; if frontage >25 ft then 0.75 sq ft per foot of primary lot frontage (minimum 25, maximum 100 sq ft). § 14.68.100(A).
    • Multiple‑tenant (non‑shopping center): parcel with primary frontage ≤50 ft → total 50 sq ft allowed, individual establishment max 25 sq ft; when frontage >50 ft the per‑tenant allowance is 0.75 sq ft/ft of building frontage with min 15 sq ft per tenant and total cap 100 sq ft. § 14.68.100(B).
    • Shopping centers (master sign program required): freestanding primary frontage sign up to 150 sq ft; secondary frontage sign up to 75 sq ft; attached signs per tenant generally 1 sq ft per foot of tenant frontage with min 15 / max 30 sq ft. § 14.68.100(C) and § 14.68.130 (master sign program).
    • Window signage: temporary and permanent window signs combined may not exceed 40% of glazing area; temporary commercial window signs normally 15% (up to 25% for very large buildings). § 14.68.100(C)(4) and § 14.68.140(A).
    • Digital/window displays allowed only in downtown commercial districts (the code explicitly lists CRS, CRS/OAD, CD and CD/R3) and must stay within the window signage limits described above. § 14.68.080 (digital displays allowance).

Office districts (including OA‑1)

  • Purpose / typical uses: professional office parks and smaller office properties.
  • Key standards:
    • Permanent sign area: generally 40 sq ft per parcel; OA‑1 (Altos Oaks Drive) limited to 25 sq ft per parcel. § 14.68.120(A).
    • Heights: generally ≤ 10 ft, OA‑1 limited to 8 ft. No roof signs; attached signs cannot project above the highest building elevation. § 14.68.120(B–C).
    • Information / traffic directional signs: small area caps (e.g., ≤ 4 sq ft cumulative for information signs; directional signs ≤ 4 sq ft, and ≤ 3 ft tall if within 10 ft of public right‑of‑way). § 14.68.120(E–F).

Residential districts (R1‑10, R1H, R1‑20, R1‑40, R3 variants, CD‑R3, PC, PUD) and Public/Community Facilities (PCF)

  • Purpose / typical uses: signs for single‑family and multi‑family residences and public uses.
  • Key standards:
    • Individual dwelling unit allowance: 12 sq ft display area per unit (this does not count address/nameplates or flags). § 14.68.150(A).
    • Freestanding residential sign structures may not exceed 6 ft in height; real estate signs: ≤ 4 sq ft area and ≤ 6 ft height (1 per lot). § 14.68.150(A)(1–2).
    • Multifamily master unit/office sign: office/master unit in R3 allowed 15 sq ft and 6 ft height (requires sign permit). § 14.68.150(C).
    • Public/quasi‑public uses: one sign up to 20 sq ft and 6 ft height; illumination allowed. § 14.68.150(D).

Shopping centers and master sign programs

  • A master sign program is required for every shopping center and for multi‑tenant nonresidential projects; the program can allocate total allowed area differently from the baseline chapter rules but must follow the procedures in § 14.68.130. Master sign programs are reviewed by the Director and must include common graphic elements. § 14.68.130.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

District / Situation Max sign area (typical single occupant) Max freestanding height Special limits / notes Code Reference
CT (thoroughfare) 1 sq ft per ft frontage, up to 100 sq ft 30 ft (shopping center) / 10 ft other Double‑sided measured one side only; attached signs capped at 0.75 sq ft/ft up to 100 sq ft § 14.68.110
CN / CD / CD/R3 / CRS / CRS/OAD ≤25 sq ft (frontage ≤25 ft) OR 0.75 sq ft/ft (>25 ft), min 25 / max 100 sq ft Attached signs cannot project above building roofline Shopping center rules differ (master sign program required); window max 40% glazing § 14.68.100(A–C)
Office districts (general) 40 sq ft per parcel (OA‑1 = 25 sq ft) 10 ft (OA‑1 = 8 ft) Info signs and traffic directional signs have separate small caps § 14.68.120
Residential (individual dwelling) 12 sq ft display area per dwelling Freestanding signs ≤ 6 ft Real‑estate 4 sq ft / 6 ft height; many residential signs exempt from permit § 14.68.150(A)
Downtown window/digital displays Window signage limit 40% total glazing; temporary commercial window signs normally 15% (25% for very large buildings); digital displays allowed only in downtown commercial districts and count toward temporary signage N/A Digital/window displays count toward temporary signage limit; special illumination rules apply § 14.68.140 and § 14.68.080 (digital allowance)

Procedural & design controls (practical guidance)

  • Sign permit processing, appeal, and review timelines are set out in § 14.68.050; the Director enforces and issues permits, and variances are handled by the Board of Adjustments under Title 14 variance rules. If you propose a sign that requires discretion (variance, master sign program, or part of a wider development), graphic design review of "noncommunicative" aspects (scale, materials, placement) is allowed, and design review findings require signage to complement the building architecture. See § 14.68.050, § 14.68.130, and design‑review findings in § 14.77.070. Link to the city’s design review page: Los Altos Design Review.

  • If your sign projects over public property or the public right‑of‑way you also need an encroachment or outdoor display authorization (Chapter 9.26 / Downtown Outdoor Display Permit Guidelines). Projection and clearance rules appear in multiple place in Chapter 14.68 (awing, blade sign, wall projection rules). When a sign project will encroach over ROW also verify with Public Works and see guidelines for downtown displays. Link to development standards where you check setbacks and related limits: Los Altos Development Standards.

  • Master sign programs are mandatory for multi‑tenant nonresidential projects; they allow redistribution of total allowed area but cannot be used to restrict protected noncommercial speech. § 14.68.130.

  • Building permits and inspections apply when a sign qualifies as a structure (foundation, electrical work, wind load, etc.). See safety code cross‑reference in § 14.68.050(C) and the state building code requirements for signs. California Building Standards Code.

  • If parking wayfinding or traffic direction signs are used, check the small area caps and coordinate with site parking plans. Link for parking: Los Altos Parking. § 14.68.120(F) and related passages.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

  • Confirm the zoning district of the parcel and which sign standard table applies (CT / CN / CD / CRS / office / residential). Verify with the zoning map in Title 14.
  • Determine if the sign is exempt from permits under § 14.68.060 (address signs, small information signs, temporary real estate signs, etc.).
  • Prepare sign drawings that compute sign area per § 14.68.080(A) and show heights, clearance, mounting, materials and illumination.
  • If sign is a structure or has electrical work, include building permit plans and structural calculations per the California Building Standards Code and local building department requirements. California Building Standards Code.
  • If the project is multi‑tenant or a shopping center, prepare a Master Sign Program submittal (see § 14.68.130) and show consistency across tenant signage.
  • If sign projects over public property or will encroach on the right‑of‑way, obtain encroachment permit or Downtown Outdoor Display authorization. § 14.68.050(C).
  • If discretionary review (variance or design review) is required, prepare to address the noncommunicative compatibility criteria (scale, materials, impact on views, driver safety). § 14.68.050(K) and § 14.77.070(G).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Mixed‑use parcels (residential + commercial) Code applies the residential rules to residential uses and the commercial rules to commercial uses; you can’t assume one blanket rule. § 14.68.050(O). Confirm the permitted use on the parcel and which signage rules attach to each use. Verify with the Development Services Director.
Digital signage allowances downtown Digital displays are explicitly allowed only in certain downtown commercial districts and count toward temporary/window limits; misuse can trigger abatement. § 14.68.080 (digital allowance) and § 14.68.140. Confirm district (CRS, CRS/OAD, CD, CD/R3) and compute digital area as part of total window/temporary signage.
Master sign program vs. individual permit Master sign programs can redistribute total area but once approved all new signs must conform; changing the program requires an amendment. § 14.68.130. If multi‑tenant, expect to prepare a master sign program; determine whether existing signage triggers program requirement.
Off‑site commercial (billboards) Billboards are completely prohibited; converting on‑site signs to off‑site advertising is barred. The city’s billboard policy is explicit and enforceable. § 14.68.080 (billboard policy paragraph). Verify message content and that the sign is accessory to the onsite use. Offsite commercial messages are generally prohibited.
Projection into public right‑of‑way Projection rules (blade signs, awnings) have specific projection and clearance numbers; unauthorized encroachment can stop installation or require removal. § 14.68.090(E) and § 14.68.110(E). If planning an awning/blade sign, confirm sidewalk width, clearance (8 ft) and obtain encroachment permit if required.

Plain-English Summary

Los Altos regulates signs by zoning district: small residential signs get a 12 sq ft per‑unit allowance and low height limits; downtown and neighborhood commercial parcels follow a frontag‑based formula (typically 0.75 sq ft per foot up to caps), downtown window and digital displays have special window‑area limits, and shopping centers require a master sign program. Most non‑exempt signs need a sign permit; if the sign is a structure you’ll also need building permits and possibly an encroachment permit. Key code sections to use when preparing submittals include § 14.68.050, § 14.68.080, § 14.68.100, § 14.68.110, § 14.68.120, and § 14.68.150.

Source References

  • § 14.68.010 Title, authority, scope — Los Altos Municipal Code, Chapter 14.68.
  • § 14.68.020 Purpose.
  • § 14.68.030 Basic principles (message neutrality, substitution).
  • § 14.68.040 Definitions (district names, sign definitions).
  • § 14.68.050 Sign permits; other sign‑related decisions; appeals (permit required; encroachment/ROW rules; variances).
  • § 14.68.060 Signs exempt from sign permit requirement.
  • § 14.68.080 General provisions; sign area calculation; digital sign allowances (downtown).
  • § 14.68.090 Permanent signs in commercial and office districts (multiple frontages, illumination rules).
  • § 14.68.100 Permanent signs in CN, CD, CD/R3, CRS, CRS/OAD (area formulas and shopping center rules).
  • § 14.68.110 Permanent signs in CT (area, height, projection).
  • § 14.68.120 Permanent signs in office districts (OA‑1 exception).
  • § 14.68.130 Master sign programs (requirements and effect).
  • § 14.68.140 Temporary signs in commercial and office districts (window/temporary limits).
  • § 14.68.150 Residential and public/community facilities sign rules (dwelling unit and public signs).
  • Design review signage standard / findings: § 14.77.070(G) (signage must complement architecture).
  • Cross‑reference to state building code and appendix on signs: California Building Standards Code (see Appendix H on signs for construction/permit/structural guidance). California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Los Altos Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • CBC § 2 (chapter attach) Medium relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (Section 14.68.130) Medium relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (Chapter 9.26) Medium relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (section apply) High relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
  • Los Altos Zoning Code (Chapter 9.26) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What sign permit do I need for a storefront in downtown Los Altos?

Most storefront commercial signs in downtown districts (for example CD, CD/R3, CRS) require a sign permit and must comply with the district area formulas (typically 0.75 sq ft per foot of frontage, min 15–25 sq ft, max 100 sq ft depending on parcel). Window signage is limited so that combined permanent + temporary window signs do not exceed 40% of glazing; check § 14.68.100 and § 14.68.140.

How large can a freestanding sign be in the CT district?

In the CT district a freestanding sign is allowed 1 sq ft per foot of lot frontage up to 100 sq ft; for shopping centers different (higher) caps apply and master sign programs govern them. See § 14.68.110(A–B).

Are blade/awning signs allowed to project over the sidewalk and how much clearance is required?

Blade and awning signs may project over a public sidewalk only when authorized (for example under Chapter 9.26 or the Downtown Outdoor Display Guidelines); awnings may project up to 4 ft with a minimum clearance of 8 ft; blade signs have specific area and projection limits (max 240 sq in, max projection 36 in), and projected signs over walkways must generally keep 8 ft clearance (14 ft over driveways/streets). See § 14.68.090(E) and related projection/clearance passages.

Can I convert an existing on‑site sign to show third‑party advertising?

No. The code prohibits billboards and converting on‑site signs to off‑site advertising for hire; the billboard policy in Chapter 14.68 is explicit — off‑site commercial messages are generally prohibited. See the billboard policy language in § 14.68.080 (billboard policy paragraph).

Do I need a building permit for a sign?

If the sign qualifies as a “structure” under the building code (foundation, structural supports, electrical) it requires a building permit in addition to a sign permit. The sign chapter cross‑references safety codes and building permit requirements; see § 14.68.050(C) and the state building code provisions on signs. California Building Standards Code.

Are digital or animated signs allowed in Los Altos?

Digital signs are not universally allowed. The code permits digital displays only in certain downtown commercial districts (explicitly listing CRS, CRS/OAD, CD, and CD/R3) and limits the total digital/window display area as part of the temporary/window signage caps (they count against temporary signage). Animated signs and noncommunicative motion are otherwise restricted; check § 14.68.080 and § 14.68.140.

If my development is multi‑tenant, do I need a master sign program?

Yes. A master sign program is required for every shopping center and all multiple‑tenant nonresidential projects; once approved all signs on the property must conform to it. See § 14.68.130.

How are signs measured for area calculations?

Sign area is computed as the smallest geometric shape which fully encloses the sign face; multi‑faced signs use only the face visible from any single direction; wall signs comprised of letters have a special rule when letters cover more than 50% of the background. See § 14.68.080(A) for measurement rules.

What special limits apply to signs on residential properties?

Each dwelling unit is allowed 12 sq ft display area (not counting address/nameplates or flags); freestanding residential sign structures may not exceed 6 ft in height; real estate signs have their own smaller caps. See § 14.68.150(A).

Can the city evaluate the content of my sign (commercial vs. noncommercial)?

No — the city’s review of discretionary sign permits must be limited to the noncommunicative aspects (location, scale, materials, illumination). Message neutrality is an explicit policy in the chapter; only noncommunicative aspects may be evaluated outside of a master sign program. See § 14.68.030 and § 14.68.050(K). ---

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