Local zoning · McFarland

McFarland — Signage

Q: Are signs allowed in R‑1‑5?

No. Signs are not permitted in the R‑1‑5 zone (§ 17.16.170) .

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

McFarland regulates signs through Title 17 of its zoning ordinance, with the controlling chapter being the 2023-updated “Signs” chapter, § 17.142. The rules set citywide size, height, placement, lighting, and content-neutral limits, and then layer in district-specific provisions (for example, in C-2 and R-1-5), plus special allowances for freeway-oriented signs near State Route 99. Most zones also defer to Chapter § 17.142 for sign standards even when the base district chapter mentions signs. See the broader McFarland Zoning and McFarland Development Standards pages for context.

Key takeaway: Every business in the C‑O, C‑1, C‑2, M‑1, M‑2 and M‑3 zones must have an identifying sign that complies with Chapter § 17.142.040(H)(1) .

What the Sign Chapter Covers (Citywide)

Purpose and intent to prevent clutter and safety hazards while supporting business visibility and McFarland’s small‑town character (§ 17.142.010) .
Definitions of key terms, including “sign,” “off-site advertising sign,” and “nonconforming sign” (§ 17.142.020) .
Permanent sign standards by sign type, including wall, monument, projecting, window, pylon, institutional/church, and service‑station signs (§ 17.142.030) .
General provisions (murals, illumination limits near residences, maintenance, UL labeling, LED-only illumination, removal on vacancy) (§ 17.142.040) .
Nonconforming signs: continuation, alteration limits, and mandatory abatement on damage beyond 50% or dilapidation (§ 17.142.050) .
Temporary signs (event windows, time caps, durability, non‑illumination, limited off-site temporary signs) (§ 17.142.060) .
Prohibited signs (roof, vehicle‑borne, flashing, inflatable without permit, most freeway‑facing off-site ads, illuminated temporary, home‑occupation signs, etc.) (§ 17.142.070) .
Exemptions (e.g., certain interior, election, and limited banner/community message signs) with size/time constraints (§ 17.142.080) .
Construction and structural maintenance (wind load 20 psf; seismic; materials; site cleanliness) (§ 17.142.090) .
Permitting process, review, timing, and appeals (§ 17.142.100) .

For site planning, coordinate sign placement with on-site circulation and parking needs; some districts also require design review or apply overlay districts where sign size, type, or placement may be conditioned.

Decision-Useful Standards (selected)

Sign Type / Situation	Core Dimensional Standard	Where/Notes	Lighting	Code Reference
Wall signs	Max area = 1 sq ft per lineal ft of primary tenant frontage + 0.5 sq ft/ft secondary frontage; must be below eave/fascia/parapet	1 per street or parking frontage (+1 on secondary frontage); flat against wall	Allowed	§ 17.142.030 (Table 1)
Monument (freestanding)	Max area 32 sq ft; Max height 6 ft	1 per street frontage; 5 ft min setback from ROW	Allowed	§ 17.142.030 (Table 1)
Projecting signs	Max area 6 sq ft; Bottom at least 8 ft above sidewalk	1st floor only; up to 3 ft over sidewalk	Not allowed	§ 17.142.030 (Table 1)
Permanent window	Max 25% of each window/glass door	1 per ground-floor window/door	Not allowed	§ 17.142.030 (Table 1)
Pylon/pole	Shared for multi-tenant; siting ≥5 ft from ROW	Often shared centers; freeway‑oriented allowances noted	Allowed	§ 17.142.030 (Table 1)
Institutional/Church	Max area 32 sq ft; Monument 6 ft high	1 per property	Allowed	§ 17.142.030 (Table 1)
Service station monument	Max area 100 sq ft (fuel prices excluded); Max height 20 ft	1 per street frontage	Allowed	§ 17.142.030 (Table 1)
Murals	Only on side/rear walls; no moving/illuminated parts	Prior city review; content/scale fit location	Not allowed	§ 17.142.040(C)
Temporary event (window)	Max 25% per ground-floor elevation; up to 45 days/yr, max 5 events, each ≤ 15 days	Durable materials; remove at permit end; no illumination	Not allowed	§ 17.142.060(A)–(E)
Election signs	Residential: ≤12 sq ft area, ≤6 ft high; Comm/Ind/Agr: ≤24 sq ft, ≤8 ft high; timing window	Consent of owner; off public property/ROW	N/A	§ 17.142.080(A)(1)

Citywide Prohibitions and Sensitive Siting

No roof signs; no flashing/blinking; no vehicle‑mounted or conspicuously parked vehicle signs; no illuminated temporary signs; no home‑occupation signs (§ 17.142.070(A)(2)–(7), (13), (16)–(17)) .
No freeway‑facing off‑site ads adjacent to a freeway (unless allowed elsewhere in the chapter); “freeway‑facing” defined by display surface angle ≤90° to the freeway centerline (§ 17.142.070(A)(14)) .
Lighting near residences: externally lit sources must be shielded; no exposed tubes >15 watts; internally lit signs visible from residential districts must be off 11 p.m.–6 a.m. unless the establishment is open (§ 17.142.040(D)) .

Freeway-Oriented Signs near SR‑99

The Planning Commission may approve freeway‑oriented signs for food, lodging, and vehicle‑service businesses directly dependent on freeway traffic within C‑1, C‑2, PCD, M‑1, M‑2, M‑3, located in close proximity to a State 99 off‑ramp, and within 500 ft of the on/off ramp; illumination only if it does not adversely affect neighbors/streets (§ 17.142.080(13)) .

Permit Process (Signs)

Most signs require a sign permit; exempt categories are listed in § 17.142.080 (e.g., many interior signs, time‑limited banners, election signs) (§ 17.142.100(A)(1)) .
Application is reviewed by city planner, then acted on by the Planning Commission within 120 days; denials/revocations appealable to City Council (§ 17.142.100(A)(3)–(6)) .
Electrified signs need separate electrical permits; all permitted signs must meet construction standards in § 17.142.090 and applicable building codes (§ 17.142.100(A)(7)–(8)) . For structural topics, see also the California Building Standards Code.

District-by-District Guidance

Below are McFarland-specific districts/overlays with sign provisions that add to or modify Chapter § 17.142. Use this with the McFarland Land Use map.

R-1-5 (One-Family Residential, 5,000 sf lots)

Purpose/typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key sign rule: Signs are not permitted in R‑1‑5 (§ 17.16.170) .
Where it applies: Verify on the official zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Residential districts generally (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, R‑S, E series)

Purpose/typical uses: Residential; Not found in retrieved materials.
Allowed examples:
- Real‑estate signs (see Table 1) (§ 17.142.030) .
- Election signs subject to residential size/height caps and timing (§ 17.142.080(A)(1)) .
Prohibitions/limits:
- No signs for home occupations (§ 17.142.070(A)(17)) .
- Illumination visible from residential districts restricted 11 p.m.–6 a.m. (§ 17.142.040(D)(3)) .
Where it applies: Citywide residential zones. Verify with the jurisdiction.

C‑O (Professional Office)

Purpose/typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Standards: Follows commercial/office standards in Table 1 (wall/monument/window/projecting) (§ 17.142.030) ; business ID sign required (§ 17.142.040(H)(1)) .
Where it applies: Office-zoned areas. Verify with the jurisdiction.

C‑1 (Neighborhood Commercial)

Purpose/typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Standards: Uses Table 1 commercial standards; business ID sign required (§§ 17.142.030, 17.142.040(H)(1)) .
Freeway‑oriented signs: Potentially eligible if near 99 ramps (§ 17.142.080(13)) .

C‑2 (Commercial)

Purpose/typical uses: See C‑2 chapter; signs must also comply with Chapter 17.142.
Base standards: Table 1 (commercial/office) applies (§ 17.142.030) .
C‑2‑specific rule: Exterior signs must pertain to on‑premise uses, be attached flat against a wall fronting the principal street/parking area/corner frontage, and never project above the roofline (§ 17.72.030) .
Business ID sign required (§ 17.142.040(H)(1)) .
Freeway‑oriented signs: Potentially eligible (§ 17.142.080(13)) .

CH (Highway Commercial)

Purpose/typical uses: Highway‑oriented retail/services; signs must comply with Chapter § 17.142 (§ 17.82.100) .
Freeway‑oriented signs: Potentially eligible (§ 17.142.080(13)) .

M‑1 (Limited Manufacturing), M‑2 (Light Manufacturing), M‑3 (General Manufacturing)

Purpose/typical uses: Industrial; Not found in retrieved materials.
Standards: Follow “Commercial, Office, and Industrial Signs” in Table 1 (§ 17.142.030) .
Business ID sign required (§ 17.142.040(H)(1)) .
Freeway‑oriented signs: Potentially eligible (§ 17.142.080(13)) .

B (Buffer) Zone (combining)

Purpose/typical uses: Used in combination with another zone (§ 17.116.010) .
Signs: No outdoor advertising signs/structures except on‑premises advertising for the same business; total outdoor ad area capped at 1 sq ft per 1 ft of occupied frontage (driveways included) (§ 17.116.020(A)(1)) .

M‑P (Mobile Home Park)

Purpose/typical uses: Mobile home parks.
Signs: Allowed subject to city planner approval of design/size/location/height; content limited to owner/park name/address; max height 10 ft; no sign over ROW; if combined with a travel trailer park, 1 entrance sign at major highway up to 50 sq ft and 24 ft high, illuminated except neon (§ 17.128.140(A)–(E)) .

PCD (Planned Commercial Development)

Signs: Explicitly eligible for freeway‑oriented sign consideration when near SR‑99 off‑ramps (§ 17.142.080(13)) .
Other PCD‑specific sign standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

D Architectural Design Zone (overlay)

Purpose: Ensure buildings, structures, signs, and landscaping are harmonious with surroundings (§ 17.108.020) .
Signs: Size/type/location and lighting are subject to design approval within this overlay (§ 17.108.020, § 17.108.030) .
Use this with McFarland Design Review.

Checklist

Confirm the parcel’s base zoning and any overlays using McFarland Zoning.
Pick a sign type allowed in § 17.142.030 and size it correctly (area/height/clearance/setback) .
If near residences, meet illumination limits in § 17.142.040(D); turn off internal illumination 11 p.m.–6 a.m. unless open .
Confirm no citywide bans apply (roof, vehicle, flashing, illuminated temporary, home‑occupation signs) under § 17.142.070 .
For temporary/event signs, track days and coverage and use rigid materials; no illumination (§ 17.142.060) .
If along SR‑99, confirm freeway‑oriented eligibility and 500‑ft proximity to ramp (§ 17.142.080(13)) .
In R‑1‑5, confirm signs are prohibited (§ 17.16.170) ; in C‑2, ensure wall‑mounted/flush and not above roof (§ 17.72.030) .
In the B zone, apply the frontage‑based cap for outdoor ad structures (§ 17.116.020(A)(1)) .
Submit for sign permit unless exempt (§ 17.142.100, § 17.142.080) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
C‑2 chapter vs. citywide sign chapter	§ 17.72.030 requires flush, on‑premise wall signs not above roof; Chapter § 17.142 also governs type/size	Which standard controls if in tension. The code generally points districts to Chapter § 17.142; confirm with Planning.
Freeway‑oriented sign “close proximity”	Approval hinges on proximity to SR‑99 off‑ramp and Commission discretion	Document exact distance and sight lines; confirm 500‑ft rule and lighting conditions (§ 17.142.080(13))
“C‑0” vs “C‑O” spelling	The chapter uses both strings when requiring business ID signs	Treat as the Professional Office zone; confirm current map label with the City (§ 17.142.040(H)(1))
Temporary off‑site ads (3 per year)	Rare allowance; overuse risks violation	Track count and ensure each is City‑approved and non‑illuminated (§ 17.142.060(F), (E))
Overlay/design conditions	D overlay can condition size/type/location/lighting	Check if parcel is in the D zone; plan for design approval (§ 17.108.020)

Plain-English Summary

McFarland’s sign rules give stores, offices, and industrial uses standard options (wall, monument, window, projecting), plus special service‑station and institutional sign formats. They set clear size/height limits, require shielding and curfews near homes, and ban roof, vehicle, and flashing signs. Temporary and election signs are allowed with strict size/timing rules. Some districts add stricter rules (e.g., no signs in R‑1‑5, flush wall‑only in C‑2), and a discretionary path exists for freeway‑oriented signs near SR‑99.

Source References

McFarland Municipal Code — Signs: § 17.142.010 (purpose), § 17.142.020 (definitions), § 17.142.030 (permanent sign standards, Table 1), § 17.142.040 (general provisions incl. murals/illumination), § 17.142.050 (nonconforming), § 17.142.060 (temporary), § 17.142.070 (prohibited), § 17.142.080 (exemptions), § 17.142.090 (construction/maintenance), § 17.142.100 (permits and process) .
District/overlay rules affecting signs: § 17.72.030 (C‑2 signs), § 17.82.100 (CH points to § 17.142), § 17.108.020–.030 (D overlay design factors), § 17.116.020(A)(1) (B zone outdoor advertising), § 17.16.170 (R‑1‑5 no signs), § 17.128.140 (M‑P mobile home park signs) .
Editor’s note on 2023 sign code update (for historical context): Chapter 17.142 editor’s note (Ord. No. 0009‑2023) .
Related topics: McFarland zoning & planning overview, McFarland Parking, McFarland Design Review, McFarland Overlay Districts, McFarland Nonconforming Uses, California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

CEC § 2 (§ 2) High relevance
CEC § 2 (§ 2) High relevance
McFarland Zoning Code High relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (Section 17.142.080) High relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (Section 17.142.080) Medium relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (Chapter 17.146) Medium relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (chapter that) High relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (chapter within) Medium relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (Section 17.140.040) Medium relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (Chapter 17.142) Medium relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CFC § 18.01 (§ 18.01) Medium relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (Section 19.08.090) Medium relevance
McFarland Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official McFarland code library

Frequently asked questions

Are pole or pylon signs allowed in McFarland?

Yes, as a category in Table 1; they require at least a 5 ft setback from the right‑of‑way, are typically shared for multi‑tenant centers, and may list freeway‑essential goods/services near ramps. Lighting is allowed; size/height specifics are conditioned by site and use (§ 17.142.030, Table 1) .

How big can my storefront wall sign be?

For commercial/office/industrial tenants, you get up to 1 sq ft per lineal foot of primary frontage plus 0.5 sq ft per lineal foot of secondary frontage; the sign must sit below the eave/fascia/parapet and be flat against the wall (§ 17.142.030, Table 1) .

Can I use a digital or flashing sign?

No to flashing/blinking/moving signs, and electronic message boards are generally prohibited except for time/temperature displays (§ 17.142.070(A)(2), (4)) .

How long can I hang a banner or event sign?

Banners up to 50 sq ft can run for a single period not exceeding 30 days, with a yearly total limit of 60 days unless permitted; special event window signs are capped at 25% of ground‑floor window area and a total of 45 days per calendar year (max 5 events, each ≤15 days). Temporary signs may not be illuminated (§ 17.142.080(11); § 17.142.060(A), (E)) .

Are political signs allowed in neighborhoods?

Yes, with limits: in residential districts they’re capped at 12 sq ft area and 6 ft height, may go up no sooner than 60 days before the election, and must come down within 30 days after (§ 17.142.080(A)(1)) .

Can I advertise on my parked vehicle?

No. Vehicle‑mounted or conspicuously parked vehicles used as signs are prohibited, except for standard painted business identification on working commercial vehicles not parked to advertise the site (§ 17.142.070(A)(13)) .

Are signs allowed in R‑1‑5?

No. Signs are not permitted in the R‑1‑5 zone (§ 17.16.170) .

I’m in C‑2. Do I have to mount the sign on the wall?

Yes—C‑2’s chapter requires exterior signs to be attached flat to a wall fronting the main street/parking/corner frontage and not above the roofline, in addition to the citywide Chapter 17.142 standards (§ 17.72.030; § 17.142.030) .

What if my old sign doesn’t meet the new rules?

It may be a legal nonconforming sign and can continue with maintenance, but if damaged >50% or allowed to dilapidate it must be removed or brought into conformance within 30 days. Certain ownership or permit events can also trigger compliance (§ 17.142.050) .

Can I get a freeway‑oriented sign by SR‑99?

Possibly. The Planning Commission can approve such signs within C‑1, C‑2, PCD, and M‑1/M‑2/M‑3 near off‑ramps and within 500 ft of the ramp, with lighting only if it doesn’t adversely affect neighbors or streets (§ 17.142.080(13)) .

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