Local zoning · Monterey County

Monterey County — Signage

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

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page explains how signs are regulated in unincorporated areas of Monterey County under the County’s zoning ordinance, with a focus on district-by-district rules and countywide limits. Most of the standards below come from the Coastal Zoning Ordinance’s Chapter 20.60 (Regulations for Signs). Where a site sits in a coastal zoning district, these rules govern in addition to other land use controls such as Monterey County Zoning, Monterey County Development Standards, and Monterey County Design Review. For unincorporated inland areas, comparable sign rules may exist in the Inland Zoning Ordinance, but they were not included in the retrieved materials.

Bottom line: In unincorporated areas, sign allowances depend on your zoning district and whether you are in the Coastal Zone. Signs that flash, move, are mounted on roofs, or extend above a roofline are broadly prohibited, while small identification and certain informational signs are often allowed by right (§ 20.60.090; § 20.60.100 ).

Where Monterey County’s sign rules live and apply

  • Purpose and applicability. Chapter 20.60 states the County’s purpose to prevent indiscriminate proliferation of signs while allowing adequate identification, and it applies in the unincorporated areas, across the zoning districts listed in the chapter (§ 20.60.010; § 20.60.020 ).
  • How sign area is measured. The ordinance gives specific rules for computing area (single face, double-face back-to-back, multiple faces, and individual letters) (§ 20.60.110 ).
  • Exempt vs. prohibited signs. A long list of small-scale identification, safety, utility, vehicle, and transit-related signs are exempt, while banners, pennants, flashing/animated signs, roof signs, and wind-activated signs are prohibited (§ 20.60.090; § 20.60.100 ).
  • Enforcement. Signs installed contrary to the ordinance are violations and public nuisances, subject to enforcement by the County (§ 20.90.020–.040 ).

Countywide rules you’ll encounter in almost any district

  • Keep out of the road right-of-way. Many allowed and temporary sign types must not be located within any road right‑of‑way (e.g., residential and commercial/industrial temporary construction signs, and off-site advertising) (§ 20.60.030(A)(3)(g); § 20.60.050(A)(3)(f); § 20.60.060(A)(3), (B)(3) ).
  • Limit lighting and height. Freestanding temporary construction and many identification signs top out at about six feet in height and are often non-illuminated; attached signs must not extend above the roof line or parapet (§ 20.60.030(A)(3)(d)–(e); § 20.60.040(A)(3)(d)–(e); § 20.60.050(A)(3)(d)–(e) ).
  • No signs above roofs; no glare. Attached signs cannot project above the roof peak; lighting must avoid visible light sources and glare on nearby properties or streets (§ 20.60.100(F); also general lighting control for attached signs in § 20.60.050(E) and similar language repeated; see § 20.60.100; § 20.60.050(E) ).
  • How much sign area in commercial/industrial. As a rule of thumb, on commercial/industrial frontages a site may use up to one square foot of sign per foot of structure frontage, with a minimum of 50 sq ft per business and a maximum of 300 sq ft, divisible among up to six faces (§ 20.60.050(A)(4) ).

District-by-district signage standards (Coastal Zone, unincorporated areas)

Below, each district shows typical on-site allowances and when higher thresholds require permits. Many districts also defer to a project’s General Development Plan and to broader Monterey County Land Use controls where applicable.

Residential — HDR (CZ)

  • Purpose/uses: High-density residential living.
  • Core allowances: Small nameplate/address signs up to an aggregate 4 sq ft and ≤6 ft tall; on-site real estate signs up to 7 sq ft and ≤6 ft tall; temporary construction identification (max two signs; up to 24 sq ft aggregate; non-illuminated; ≤6 ft tall; no ROW) (§ 20.60.030(A)(1)–(3) ).
  • Clustered housing ID: For apartments/condos/mobile home parks, up to two stationary signs totaling 35 sq ft; attached signs not above roof/parapet; freestanding ≤6 ft; not in ROW (§ 20.60.030(A)(4) ).
  • Permit triggers: Up to 20 sq ft aggregate appurtenant signs may be allowed with a Coastal Administrative Permit; larger appurtenant or subdivision sale signs require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) (§ 20.60.030(B)–(C), (D) ).

Residential — MDR (CZ)

  • Same rules as HDR for on-site identification, real estate, and construction signs; same clustered project sign option and permit thresholds (§ 20.60.030(A)–(D) ).

Residential — LDR (CZ)

  • Same allowances and thresholds as HDR/MDR for on-site residential signs (§ 20.60.030(A)–(D) ).

Residential — RDR (CZ)

  • Same allowances and thresholds as other residential districts; rural setting does not change the § 20.60.030 framework (§ 20.60.030(A)–(D) ).

Residential — WSC (CZ)

  • Watershed/Scenic Conservation areas follow the same residential sign allowances but can be subject to other scenic controls; verify any scenic policies or overlay constraints applicable to the parcel (§ 20.60.030(A)–(D) ).

Agricultural/Resource — CAP (CZ)

  • Purpose/uses: Agricultural preserve in the Coastal Zone.
  • Core allowances: Nameplate/address up to 4 sq ft and ≤6 ft tall; real estate (on-site) up to 7 sq ft and ≤6 ft; temporary construction identification (two max; 24 sq ft aggregate; non-illuminated; attached not above roof/parapet; freestanding ≤6 ft; no ROW) (§ 20.60.040(A)(1)–(3) ).
  • Appurtenant signs: Up to 20 sq ft aggregate appurtenant signs allowed by right (§ 20.60.040(A)(4) ).
  • Permit triggers: Larger appurtenant signs (20–75 sq ft) and larger on-site sale signs (up to 100 sq ft; two max) need a CDP; any sign in RC (CZ) is capped at 20 sq ft and needs a CDP (§ 20.60.040(B)–(C) ).

Agricultural/Resource — AC (CZ)

  • Same allowances and CDP thresholds as CAP (CZ) (§ 20.60.040(A)–(C) ).

Open Space Recreation — OR (CZ)

  • Treated with agricultural/resource group in § 20.60.040; same allowances and thresholds (§ 20.60.040(A)–(C) ).

Resource Conservation — RC (CZ)

  • Same baseline as § 20.60.040, but all signs in RC (CZ) are limited to 20 sq ft and require a CDP (§ 20.60.040(B)(3) ).

Public/Quasi-Public — PQP (CZ)

  • Covered by the agricultural/resource group in § 20.60.040; same allowances and thresholds (§ 20.60.040(A)–(C) ).

Visitor Serving Commercial — VSC (CZ)

  • Core allowances: Nameplate/address up to 4 sq ft and ≤6 ft tall; on-site real estate up to 7 sq ft and ≤6 ft; construction identification per standard limits; primary allocation of sign area based on frontage (1 sq ft per 1 linear foot; min 50 sq ft; max 300 sq ft; up to six faces; per street frontage) (§ 20.60.050(A) ).
  • Permit triggers: Off-site real estate 7–20 sq ft needs a Coastal Administrative Permit; subdivision sale signs and some larger appurtenant signs require a CDP (§ 20.60.050(B)–(C) ).
  • General Development Plan. Signs in commercial/industrial districts are also subject to General Development Plan provisions if one is required for the site (§ 20.60.050(F) ).

Institutional Commercial — IC (CZ)

  • Same as VSC for frontage-based allocation, temporary and real estate signs, and permit thresholds (§ 20.60.050(A)–(C) ).

Coastal General Commercial — CGC (CZ)

  • Same as VSC for frontage-based allocation and thresholds (§ 20.60.050(A)–(C) ).

Moss Landing Commercial — MLC (CZ)

  • Same commercial/industrial rules, plus material/illumination design constraints: signs must use natural materials (wood/stone), lettering-only paint, not internally illuminated; external lighting limited to the sign face, and designs may be further regulated per Moss Landing Design Guidelines (§ 20.60.050(A)–(C), plus MLC-specific rule at § 20.60.050(I) ).

Agricultural Industrial — AI (CZ)

  • Same commercial/industrial allowances and thresholds (§ 20.60.050(A)–(C) ).

Light Industrial — LI (CZ)

  • Same commercial/industrial allowances and thresholds (§ 20.60.050(A)–(C) ).

Heavy Industrial — HI (CZ)

  • Same commercial/industrial allowances and thresholds (§ 20.60.050(A)–(C) ).

Overlays and special cases

Design Control (D) combining district

Off-site advertising signs (countywide)

  • Limited allowances for off-site real estate “open house” and sale signs (generally ≤7 sq ft; ≤4 ft tall; not in ROW; removal timing); some off-site signs and nonprofit event signs require a Coastal Administrative Permit, with strict size/duration rules (§ 20.60.060(A)–(C) ).

Political signs (countywide)

  • Time limits (60 days before through 10 days after an election), placement/safety constraints, permission from owners for posting, statement of responsibility, and 10-day removal rule after election (§ 20.60.080(B)–(C)–(D) ).

Bed and breakfast facilities (signs)

  • If a bed and breakfast is allowed on a residential site, one attached sign up to 4 sq ft is permitted; no internal illumination (§ 20.64.100(C)(5) ).

Nonconforming signs

  • Signs rendered nonconforming are governed by the County’s nonconformity chapter; relocation requires conformity, and nonconforming outdoor advertising structures were subject to phase-out rules, with timelines tied to rezoning (§ 20.60.130; § 20.68.070(A)–(B) ). See also Monterey County Nonconforming Uses.

Quick standards table (common scenarios)

Scenario (unincorporated, Coastal Zone) What’s allowed by right Height/lighting notes When a permit is needed Code Reference
Residential ID/nameplate Up to 4 sq ft aggregate per site ≤6 ft tall Larger appurtenant signs (≤20 sq ft) via Coastal Administrative Permit; bigger via CDP § 20.60.030(A)(1), (B)–(C), (D)
Residential for-sale sign (on-site) Up to 7 sq ft; remove after close of escrow ≤6 ft; stationary; no ROW Subdivision sale signs up to 100 sq ft (limit two) via CDP § 20.60.030(A)(2), (C)(1)
Residential temporary construction Max two; 24 sq ft aggregate; non-illuminated Freestanding ≤6 ft; attached not above roof/parapet; no ROW N/A (by-right within limits) § 20.60.030(A)(3)
Apartment/condo project ID Max two signs; 35 sq ft aggregate Freestanding ≤6 ft; attached not above roof/parapet; stationary; no ROW N/A (by-right within limits) § 20.60.030(A)(4)
Ag/resource on-site appurtenant Up to 20 sq ft aggregate Typical temp sign limits apply 20–75 sq ft appurtenant via CDP; RC (CZ) signs always CDP; sale signs up to 100 sq ft via CDP § 20.60.040(A)(4), (B)–(C)
Commercial/industrial total sign area 1 sq ft per linear ft of structure frontage; min 50 sq ft; max 300 sq ft; up to six faces Signs must meet general height/lighting rules; check General Development Plan Off-site RE 7–20 sq ft via Coastal Administrative Permit; subdivision sale signs via CDP § 20.60.050(A)(4), (B)–(C), (F)
Moss Landing Commercial (materials/lighting) Same as commercial baseline Natural materials; no internal illumination; external lighting limited to sign face As per baseline permits; design may be regulated by area guidelines § 20.60.050(I)
Design Control (D) overlay cap N/A 35 sq ft aggregate cap across all frontages N/A § 20.60.070
Off-site “open house” ≤7 sq ft; ≤4 ft tall; 10am–dusk only; remove daily; no banners/balloons/lights Not in ROW 7–20 sq ft off-site via Coastal Administrative Permit § 20.60.060(A), (C)(1)–(2)

Information Gaps

  • Inland Zoning Ordinance (Title 21) signage rules for unincorporated inland areas: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Any additional community- or plan-area-specific sign design guidelines outside Moss Landing: Not found in retrieved materials.

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel is in unincorporated Monterey County and whether it lies in the Coastal Zone; then identify its base district and any overlays via Monterey County Zoning.
  • Classify the sign: on-site/appurtenant, off-site advertising, political, exempt, or temporary.
  • Size your proposal using the district rules (e.g., residential 4–7 sq ft basics; commercial/industrial 1 sq ft/ft frontage) and compute sign area per § 20.60.110 .
  • Check height and placement: keep out of ROW; attached signs below roof/parapet; temporary construction ≤6 ft (§ 20.60.030; § 20.60.050 ).
  • Check lighting: avoid visible light sources/glare; no flashing/animated illumination (§ 20.60.100(B) and lighting notes in § 20.60.050(E) ).
  • Verify if a Coastal Administrative Permit or CDP is required (e.g., larger residential/appurtenant, subdivision sale signs, RC (CZ), off-site signs) (§ 20.60.030–.060 ).
  • If in a Design Control (D) area or MLC, apply stricter aggregate/materials/illumination limits (§ 20.60.070; § 20.60.050(I) ).
  • If proposing special use signage (e.g., bed and breakfast), check use-specific limits (§ 20.64.100(C)(5) ).
  • If replacing or relocating an existing nonconforming sign, review nonconforming rules (§ 20.60.130; § 20.68.070 ).
  • Coordinate any project-level sign design during Monterey County Design Review and ensure consistency with broader Monterey County Development Standards. Structural/electrical safety is regulated separately under the California Building Standards Code.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Coastal vs. inland applicability Chapter 20.60 applies in unincorporated Coastal Zone; inland rules may differ Whether your parcel is coastal; Title 21 signage standards (Not found in retrieved materials)
Multiple street frontages Sign area in commercial/industrial is per frontage and can be divided among up to six signs Correct frontage calculations and aggregate limits (§ 20.60.050(A)(4) )
ROW encroachments Many sign types are prohibited in ROWs Precise ROW boundary and setbacks on survey/plat (§ 20.60.030(A)(3)(g); § 20.60.060(A)(3) )
Illumination and glare Flashing/moving light is prohibited; external lighting must be controlled Fixture type, shielding, and whether internal illumination is allowed (e.g., MLC prohibits) (§ 20.60.100(B); § 20.60.050(I) )
Design Control (D) overlay Caps total sign area to 35 sq ft aggregate Whether D applies; total area across all frontages (§ 20.60.070 )
RC (CZ) district All signs are limited to 20 sq ft and require a CDP District mapping and permit path (§ 20.60.040(B)(3) )
Nonconforming signs Some signs require removal or must conform upon relocation Nonconforming status and timelines (§ 20.60.130; § 20.68.070 )

Plain-English Summary

In unincorporated Monterey County’s Coastal Zone, small identification and for-sale signs are allowed on homes and farms, while businesses generally size signs to one square foot per foot of frontage (with a 50–300 sq ft range). Many temporary construction signs are limited to six feet in height and can’t sit in the right-of-way. Flashing, animated, roof-mounted, or wind-activated signs are prohibited, and some areas like Moss Landing and Design Control overlays apply stricter design and size caps. Larger, off-site, or special-location signs may need coastal permits.

Source References

  • § 20.60.010–.020 (Purpose; Applicability)
  • § 20.60.030 (Residential zoning district sign regulations)
  • § 20.60.040 (Agricultural zoning district sign regulations: CAP (CZ), AC (CZ), OR (CZ), RC (CZ), PQP (CZ))
  • § 20.60.050 (Commercial/Industrial sign regulations: VSC, IC, CGC, MLC, AI, LI, HI)
  • § 20.60.060 (Off-site advertising signs)
  • § 20.60.070 (Design Control (D) sign regulations)
  • § 20.60.080 (Political sign regulations)
  • § 20.60.090–.100 (Exempt and Prohibited signs)
  • § 20.60.110 (Computation of sign area; special provisions)
  • § 20.60.130; § 20.68.070 (Nonconforming signs and outdoor advertising structures)
  • § 20.64.100(C)(5) (Bed and breakfast sign allowance)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Section 20.20.070.H) High relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.70) High relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.76) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.76) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Section 20.60.040) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.76) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Section 7.120.040.H.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a small identification sign at my house in unincorporated Monterey County?

Usually no. Residential nameplate/address signs up to an aggregate 4 sq ft and 6 ft high are allowed by right in the Coastal Zone’s residential districts (§ 20.60.030(A)(1) ). Larger appurtenant residential signs may require a Coastal Administrative Permit or CDP depending on size (§ 20.60.030(B)–(C) ).

How much sign area can my coastal business have on an unincorporated lot?

The baseline is 1 sq ft of sign per linear foot of structure frontage, with a minimum 50 sq ft and a maximum 300 sq ft, divisible into up to six signs per frontage (§ 20.60.050(A)(4) ). Some projects are also governed by a General Development Plan (§ 20.60.050(F) ).

Are flashing or roof-mounted signs allowed in unincorporated areas?

No. Flashing/moving/animated illumination and roof signs or signs extending above roofs are prohibited across all zoning districts (§ 20.60.100(B), (F) ).

Can I place an off-site “open house” sign on weekends?

Limited off-site “open house” signs are allowed if they meet size, height, timing, and placement limits (e.g., ≤7 sq ft; ≤4 ft; not in the right-of-way; allowed 10am–dusk and removed daily) (§ 20.60.060(A) ). Larger off-site real estate signs may require a Coastal Administrative Permit (§ 20.60.060(C)(1) ).

What if my site is in a Design Control (D) overlay?

If combined with any base district, total sign area is capped at 35 sq ft in the aggregate across all frontages, even if the base district would otherwise allow more (§ 20.60.070 ).

Are there special sign rules in Moss Landing’s commercial district?

Yes. Signs must use natural materials (wood/stone), be lettered with paint, not be internally illuminated, and any external lighting must be limited to the sign face. Additional design controls may apply (§ 20.60.050(I) ).

Do apartment or condo complexes have separate identification sign limits?

Yes. Up to two stationary signs totaling 35 sq ft are allowed, with height and placement limits (attached below roof/parapet; freestanding ≤6 ft; not in ROW) (§ 20.60.030(A)(4) ).

How are political signs regulated?

They’re allowed during the “election period” with placement/safety rules, permission from owners, and must be removed within 10 days after the election (§ 20.60.080(B)–(C) ).

Can I relocate my old nonconforming sign?

Not without bringing it into full conformity. Moving a legal nonconforming sign requires it to meet current standards (§ 20.68.050–.070; see § 20.60.130 cross-reference ).

Are there inland (non-coastal) sign rules too?

Yes, but those are in the Inland Zoning Ordinance (Title 21). They were not included in the retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

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