Local zoning · Reedley

Reedley — Signage

Q: How large can a wall sign be for an office building in Reedley?

In PO/CO districts a wall sign may be up to 150 sq ft per wall (subject to building height limits and not extending above the vertical wall surface). § 10.40.060

Q: Are feather flags or pole signs allowed?

No. Feather flags and pole signs are specifically prohibited by the sign chapter unless another section explicitly allows them. § 10.40.050

Q: Do I need a Master Sign Program for a shopping center?

A Master Sign Program (MSP) is the mechanism for coordinated, multi‑tenant signage and to request certain deviations. The code contains an MSP section; check § 10.40.100 and coordinate with Community Development for submittal requirements. § 10.40.100 Not found in retrieved materials.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Reedley Zoning Code (Title 10) actually requires for signs: what types are allowed or prohibited, how size/height/number are controlled by zoning district, important design rules, and how nonconforming signs are handled. All rules below are drawn from the Reedley sign chapter and related parts of Title 10; verify parcel-specific details with the Community Development Department. § 10.40.010–10.40.110

Before you act, check on parking, setbacks and other development standards, and whether design review or an overlay affects your site: see the City pages for Reedley Parking, Reedley Development Standards, Reedley Design Review, Reedley Overlay Districts, and Reedley ADUs. Structural/egress signage requirements remain in the California Building Standards Code.

Core rules (quick legal anchor)

Purpose and applicability: the sign chapter regulates all signs on public and private property unless otherwise stated; the Chapter sets type, size, location and construction standards by zone. § 10.40.010
The Chapter includes definitions, permit/exempt rules, prohibited signs, zone-by-zone allowed signs, development/design standards, nonconforming sign rules, and a Master Sign Program option. §§ 10.40.020–10.40.100

District-by-district breakdown

Note: all zone-specific allowances and limits are collected in § 10.40.060; the design/illumination/measurement rules sit in § 10.40.070. Where specifics are summarized below, the controlling section is shown. § 10.40.060 and § 10.40.070

Residential (all residential zones)

Purpose / typical uses: residential signs only—address markers, nameplates, limited temporary signs associated with residences. § 10.40.060 (Residential Zone Districts)
Key limits: address numbers and nameplates limited to 2 sq ft (or as required by the California Building Code). § 10.40.060
Where it applies: every lot in the City’s residential zone districts. Check Reedley Development Standards for setbacks that may affect sign placement.

Professional Office (PO) and Commercial Office (CO)

Purpose / typical uses: office building identification signs, awnings, canopy signage, and one freestanding monument sign per property. § 10.40.060 (PO & CO)
Key dimensional standards (typical):
- Wall signs: up to 150 sq ft per wall; may not extend above vertical wall top; cannot extend beyond roof ridgeline on pitched roofs. § 10.40.060
- Awning/canopy signs: awning sign area limited to 25% of that awning surface; one per canopy unless otherwise allowed. § 10.40.060
- Freestanding (monument) signs: max 8 ft height, max 35 sq ft per face, one per property; monument base must cover at least 50% of sign width unless waived by the Community Development Director. § 10.40.060

Neighborhood Commercial (CN), Central & Community Commercial (CC), Commercial Service (CS), Industrial (I)

Purpose / typical uses: commercial storefront identification, multi-tenant center signage, industrial site ID signs. Allowed sign types and limits are set in § 10.40.060; many commercial/industrial standards follow the same structure as PO/CO but may allow larger or additional freestanding signs (see master table below). § 10.40.060
Multi-tenant centers: tenant signs must be coordinated (size, location, materials, illumination) under the unified center provisions in design standards. § 10.40.070

Urban Reserve (UR) and Resource Conservation Open Space (RCO)

Purpose / typical uses: limited identification signage for public/quasi-public uses; airports/heliports excluded from some numeric limits. § 10.40.060 (UR & RCO)
Key limits: wall signs up to 150 sq ft; one freestanding sign up to 20 ft tall and up to 64 sq ft. § 10.40.060

Gateway signs and special public signs

Gateway signs are a defined allowed special sign (location-limited to listed intersections). Requirements include max 20 ft height, architectural monument style, city message space, electronic changeable portion ≤ 150 sq ft if included, message static/min display timing, and content restrictions (no political, adult, tobacco, casino ads, etc.). Applications processed via Site Plan Review and require a city maintenance agreement approved by City Council. § 10.40.060

Key development & design standards (general)

Design compatibility: signs must be compatible with building and context; freestanding signs should use materials compatible with on-site structures. § 10.40.070
Size and scale: all listed sign dimensions are maximums; the sign must be proportionate to the parcel/building — smaller sizes may be required for design reasons. § 10.40.070
Illumination: light intensity must be reasonable; shield lights to prevent glare and spillage; fully internally illuminated sign faces are discouraged (corporate logos allowed). § 10.40.070
EMI / electronic message centers (EMC): gateway signs and some changeable displays have explicit timing/brightness/animation rules (static time minimums, no scrolling/animation, automatic brightness adjustment). For gateway signs: message display must be at least 8 seconds static, message transition ≤ 2 seconds, no scrolling/flash/animation. § 10.40.060
Measurement rules: non-rectangular or sculptural signs are measured by the area of the smallest enclosing rectangle when viewed from the largest-view point. § 10.40.060 / 10.40.070 measurement details

Prohibited signs and locations

A long list of prohibited sign types/locations: vehicle signs parked to advertise, signs that obstruct egress, signs in City ROW (except under-canopy/projecting signs), pole signs, feather flags, blinking/flashing/moving signs, off-site billboards, emitting signs, signs on trees, signs using the City logo without permission, and others. § 10.40.050

Nonconforming signs

A lawful pre-existing sign that does not comply may be continued, but if abandoned or the advertised use ceases for 12 months it must be brought into compliance. Structural alteration, relocation, or reconstruction of a nonconforming sign is prohibited unless it removes the nonconformity; routine maintenance and face changes are allowed. The Community Development Director may order removal of signs that are in ROW or immediately perilous. § 10.40.080

Master Sign Program (MSP) and flexibility

The Code provides a Master Sign Program pathway for multi-tenant centers or coordinated sign programs; MSP content and processing are in § 10.40.100. Use MSPs to request coordinated variations; the Director and Site Plan / Design Review procedures may apply. § 10.40.100 Not found in retrieved materials for full text.

Decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

District / Sign Type	What you can usually do	Typical limits (height/area/number)	Code Reference
Residential	Address numbers, nameplates, limited resident signs	2 sq ft max for address/nameplate (or CBC)	§ 10.40.060
PO / CO	Wall, awning/canopy, one freestanding monument	Wall: 150 sq ft max per wall; Freestanding: 8 ft height, 35 sq ft per face, 1 per site	§ 10.40.060
CN / CC / CS / I	Storefront/wall signs, coordinated tenant signage; freestanding subject to district rules	See zone table in code; multi‑tenant coordination required	§ 10.40.060; § 10.40.070
UR / RCO	One freestanding or one flush-mounted sign	Wall signs up to 150 sq ft; freestanding up to 20 ft tall and 64 sq ft	§ 10.40.060
Gateway (city)	Monument gateway with optional electronic area	Max 20 ft tall; EMC/display ≤ 150 sq ft; static message min 8 sec; no scrolling/animation	§ 10.40.060
Drive-through menu boards	Up to 2 boards per drive lane; each ≤ 64 sq ft and ≤ 6 ft tall	Special-use standard	§ 10.40.060 (Special Use Standards)

Checklist

Verify the parcel's zoning district (City zoning map / permit counter). § 10.40.060
Confirm the sign type you plan is allowed in that zone (wall, freestanding, awning, EMC, temporary). § 10.40.060
Prepare sign drawings showing dimensions/area, height above adjacent grade, materials, illumination details, and mounting method. Measurement rules apply. § 10.40.070
Confirm the sign is not a prohibited type (feather flag, pole sign, off‑site billboard, flashing/moving sign). § 10.40.050
If multi‑tenant, coordinate a Master Sign Program or unified sign package (MSP) if appropriate. § 10.40.100 Not found in retrieved materials.
Check design review/site plan review triggers (gateway signs require Site Plan Review). See Reedley Design Review. § 10.40.060
Apply for any required sign permit (the Code establishes permit requirements; specific permit submittal items are in the sign-permit section). § 10.40.030 Not found in retrieved materials.
For illuminated/electronic signs, include brightness control and timing specs (automatic brightness adjustment for EMCs is required in some applications). § 10.40.060; § 10.40.070

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
EMC / brightness & timing expectations	EMCs can be limited by timing, brightness, and content rules — noncompliance triggers citations	For your sign type, confirm EMC rules (timing, static display, brightness control). Gateway EMC rules are explicit; general EMC rules may be elsewhere in the Chapter. § 10.40.060
Master Sign Program (MSP) specifics	MSP gives flexibility but requires findings/processing; text for exact submittal standards not in snippets	Confirm MSP submittal requirements and which deviations it can authorize. § 10.40.100 Not found in retrieved materials.
Sign permit submittal details	The code requires permits but the exact checklist (fees, engineering) is not visible in retrieved extracts	Verify required permit forms, structural calcs, and fees with the Community Development Department; see § 10.40.030. Not found in retrieved materials.
ROW / projecting signs exception	The code allows under‑canopy or projecting signs in the ROW but otherwise prohibits signs in ROW — exact clearance rules may be elsewhere	Verify clearances for projecting/under‑canopy signs and corner visibility constraints. § 10.40.050
Nonconforming sign reconstruction	Nonconforming signs may not be structurally altered unless the nonconformity is removed; ambiguity arises when repair vs. reconstruction is borderline	If you plan changes, confirm whether the work constitutes allowed maintenance or prohibited reconstruction. § 10.40.080

Plain‑English Summary

Reedley’s sign rules (Title 10, Chapter 10.40) let homeowners and businesses have modest address/nameplate signs in residential zones and set distinct caps for walls, awnings, and freestanding monument signs in office, commercial, and industrial zones. The Code forbids pole signs, feather flags, most flashing or off‑site billboards, and requires signs to be compatible with building design; gateway and electronic displays have extra rules (timing, brightness). Always confirm the parcel’s zone and get a permit where required. §§ 10.40.010–10.40.080

Source References

Reedley Zoning Code — Title 10, CHAPTER 10.40 (Sign Regulations): full chapter listing and headings, including §§ 10.40.010–10.40.110. § 10.40.010–10.40.110
Prohibited signs and list of allowed signs by zone. § 10.40.050; § 10.40.060
PO / CO sign standards (wall, canopy, freestanding detailed limits). § 10.40.060
Gateway sign rules and special-use standards (timing, height, Council agreement). § 10.40.060
Design criteria, illumination, unified center signs, maintenance. § 10.40.070
Nonconforming signs (continuation, abandonment, reconstruction limits). § 10.40.080

If you need a printed copy of the specific Code language for the parcel of interest (the full text of § 10.40.030 sign permit procedures, § 10.40.100 MSP process, or application forms), request that from the Community Development Department or I can pull those sections if you upload them. Verify parcel-specific restrictions or Downtown-area exceptions with the City.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Reedley Zoning Code High relevance
Reedley Zoning Code (Chapter are) High relevance
Reedley Zoning Code (Section 10.30.060) High relevance
Reedley Zoning Code (Chapter are) High relevance
CBC § 2024 (section of) Medium relevance
Reedley Zoning Code (Chapter 10.96) Medium relevance
Reedley Zoning Code (Article 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 2024 (Section shall) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Reedley code library

Frequently asked questions

What signs are allowed on a single‑family lot in Reedley?

Single‑family lots may display address numbers and nameplates up to 2 sq ft (or as required by the California Building Standards Code). Other residential signs are tightly limited; temporary open‑house or real‑estate sign exemptions are handled specially. Consult § 10.40.060 for residential allowances and § 10.40.050 for prohibited types. § 10.40.060; § 10.40.050

Can a business in Reedley install an electronic message center (EMC) on a monument sign?

Some EMCs are allowed (for example, as part of gateway signs) but they are subject to explicit area, brightness, and animation/timing controls (e.g., gateway EMC display area ≤ 150 sq ft, auto‑brightness, no scrolling, static display min 8 sec). For non‑gateway EMCs check the Chapter’s EMC rules and the Community Development Director’s interpretation. § 10.40.060

How large can a wall sign be for an office building in Reedley?

In PO/CO districts a wall sign may be up to 150 sq ft per wall (subject to building height limits and not extending above the vertical wall surface). § 10.40.060

Are feather flags or pole signs allowed?

No. Feather flags and pole signs are specifically prohibited by the sign chapter unless another section explicitly allows them. § 10.40.050

What happens to a sign that was legal under the old code but doesn't meet the new rules?

A lawfully existing sign as of the adoption date may continue as a nonconforming sign, but if it is abandoned or the advertised use ceases for 12 months, it must be brought into compliance. Structural alteration, moving, or reconstruction generally requires bringing the sign into conformity. § 10.40.080

Do I need a Master Sign Program for a shopping center?

A Master Sign Program (MSP) is the mechanism for coordinated, multi‑tenant signage and to request certain deviations. The code contains an MSP section; check § 10.40.100 and coordinate with Community Development for submittal requirements. § 10.40.100 Not found in retrieved materials.

Are signs allowed in the public right‑of‑way?

Generally no — signs that encroach into City right‑of‑way/easements are prohibited except for permitted under‑canopy or projecting signs; verify corner cutoff and visibility restrictions before installation. § 10.40.050

If I repair or repaint an old sign, do I need to bring it into compliance?

Routine maintenance, painting, or face-copy change is allowed for nonconforming signs; structural alteration, relocation, or reconstruction is not permitted unless it eliminates the nonconformity. § 10.40.080

Where do I find the technical measurement rules for irregular or sculptural signs?

Measurement rules (e.g., measuring the smallest enclosing rectangle for three‑dimensional signs) and other measurement guidance are in the sign chapter’s measurement provisions. See the measurement subsection within § 10.40.060 / § 10.40.070. § 10.40.060; § 10.40.070

Are internally illuminated sign faces allowed?

Internally illuminated faces where the entire face is illuminated are discouraged as inconsistent with the City’s desired character; corporate logos may be exempted from that discouragement. Full technical illumination limits and shielding requirements are in the design standards. § 10.40.070

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