Local zoning · San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County — Signage

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page explains how San Bernardino County’s Development Code regulates signs in unincorporated areas. The County’s sign rules live in Title 8 of the Development Code and are organized under Chapter 83.13 (Sign Regulations) . The Development Code applies only in the County’s unincorporated areas; incorporated cities have their own ordinances . Use this page alongside the County’s broader zoning, land use, and development standards guides.

Key rule: The maximum height for an on-site freestanding sign is 25 ft, unless a more restrictive standard applies in the specific land use district or an overlay. Signs must also be at least 1 ft behind the ultimate right-of-way. See § 83.13.080(d)(2) and § 83.13.080(c)(3) .

Countywide applicability and permit basics

The County’s sign regulations apply to all land use zoning districts in unincorporated areas; only signs authorized by Chapter 83.13 are allowed unless expressly stated otherwise by the chapter itself. See § 83.13.020 .
Most signs require a County sign permit and must follow any applicable specific plan. The County also uses “sign location plans” for subdivisions and may use them for commercial sign programs; see § 83.13.030(a)–(b) and § 85.13 (Sign Location Plans) .
Exempt signs include government notices, holiday displays (≤60 days), interior signs not conspicuously visible from the street, certain utility identification signs, and memorial/historic markers. See § 83.13.030(c) .
The County can declare certain unlawful or unsafe signs a public nuisance and remove them, with costs chargeable to responsible parties; see § 83.13.110 and enforcement Chapter 86.09 .

What’s prohibited, countywide

Prohibitions include animated/moving signs (including messages changing more than once every 5 seconds), portable trailer/vehicle signs used as unauthorized sign area, sound-producing signs, traffic-signal imitators, obscene content, tethered balloons or inflatables used for attention, flashing-neon elements or neon on supports, unshielded glare, and beacons/searchlights (except emergencies). See § 83.13.040 .

General standards for all signs (apply in every district)

Maintenance: Signs must be kept in good repair; the County may require correction within 30 days after notice. See § 83.13.080(a) .
Sign area and design: The Code specifies how to calculate irregular shapes; allows a time/temperature area bonus of up to 30% (max 50 sq ft) limited to that component; and counts associated figures/objects toward area. See § 83.13.080(b) and § 83.13.080(c)(1)–(2) .
Illumination: Only steady, stationary, shielded light, internal illumination, or direct neon is allowed; glare must not exceed one-half footcandle. Lighting must also meet the Mountain/Desert glare standards in § 83.07.040. See § 83.13.080(c)(1) .
Height measurement: Measured along the leading edge from finished grade (or adjacent roadbed if greater) to top; on-site freestanding signs have a 25 ft maximum unless a district/overlay sets a lower cap; see § 83.13.080(d) .
Location and visibility: Keep at least 1 ft behind the ultimate right-of-way; do not interfere with driver/pedestrian sight lines; comply with the County’s clear sight triangle rules in § 83.02.030 (e.g., no monument signs inside triangles; no more than two posts, each ≤12 in diameter, within a triangle). See § 83.13.080(e) and § 83.02.030 .

Standards for specific sign types

The Code provides detailed controls by type; these apply in addition to district rules below:

Freestanding signs (general): Typically one per parcel per frontage; Building Permit required if area ≥18 sq ft or height ≥6 ft; minimum 10 ft spacing from an existing sign; ≥1 ft from both ROW and interior property lines; if within a front or street-side setback, the sign must provide an 8 ft clear space below the face and use no more than two posts (each ≤12 in diameter). See § 83.13.090(c) and related clear-sight standards in § 83.02.030 .
Monument signs: May substitute for a freestanding sign; height in setbacks is tied to allowed wall/fence height and must maintain driver visibility and 1 ft ROW setback. See § 83.13.090(d) .
Projecting signs: Cannot exceed building height, cannot project more than 5 ft from wall, and must maintain ≥8 ft clearance above grade/walkways. See § 83.13.090(e) .
Roof signs: Allowed only when wall signs are infeasible; must be parallel to the ridge/top of parapet, not above ridge/parapet, not beyond wall edge; avoid pole-mounted roof signs. See § 83.13.090(f) .
Wall signs: Must be flat to wall; ≤18 in projection; not above roof line nor over public sidewalk/ROW. See § 83.13.090(g) .
Window display signs: Limited to 25% of the window area. See § 83.13.090(h) .

Temporary signs

Temporary sign rules are consolidated under § 83.13.070 (referenced throughout the Code) and include specific categories:

Political signs: Among other limits, they cannot be placed within a street intersection or clear sight triangle, on trees/fence posts/utility poles, or within public ROW, parkway, or public land. See temporary sign provisions cited in Chapter 83.13 (political signs) .
Off-site residential directional signs: Allowed with a Sign Location Plan; strict size/panel format, 300 ft spacing (unless the Director allows closer), no illumination, and maintenance/placement conditions. See § 83.13.070 cross-referenced standards (off-site residential directional signs) .
Weekend signs: Small temporary weekend signs may be placed only during specified hours/days and materials; see weekend sign standards under § 83.13.070 (Temporary Weekend Signs) .

Tip: Temporary sign approvals and related events often interface with design review and overlay districts if a site carries special designations.

On-site residential signs

Residential districts share countywide on-site sign limits:

Individual dwellings: ≤6 sq ft total and ≤6 ft height. Multifamily: ≤20 sq ft identification sign. Residential development identification: up to two permanent signs per principal entrance (total ≤100 sq ft per development), with height limits of 6 ft (outside front setback) or 4 ft (inside front setback); no sales advertising on these identification signs. See § 83.13.050(a) .

District-by-district on-site commercial/industrial sign standards

Below are decision-relevant excerpts by district. These are on-site sign limits; all must also meet countywide rules above (e.g., clear sight triangles, illumination, ROW setbacks).

CO — Office Commercial

Allowed types and limits (selected): Pole/Pylon up to 25 ft/100 sq ft; Monument 4 ft/36 sq ft; Projecting 25 ft/100 sq ft (≥8 ft clearance); Roof and Wall typically at 1:2 building-frontage-to-area ratio with 50 sq ft caps. See Table 83-21 .
Typical context: Professional/office corridors in unincorporated areas; signage emphasizes low-profile monument and modest attached signs. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel-specific constraints.

CR — Rural Commercial

Allowed types and limits (selected): Pole/Pylon 25 ft/100 sq ft; Monument 4 ft/36 sq ft; Projecting 25 ft/50 sq ft (≥8 ft clearance); Roof/Wall often at 1:2 ratio, 50 sq ft caps; total site area examples 150/100/50 sq ft (individual/complex/occupant). See Table 83-23 .
Where it applies: Rural nodes and crossroads commercial uses in unincorporated areas; signage scaled to rural character.

CH — Highway Commercial

Allowed types and limits (selected): Pole/Pylon 25 ft/200 sq ft; Monument 4 ft/50 sq ft; Projecting 35 ft/200 sq ft (≥8 ft clearance); Roof 1:3 ratio/50 sq ft; Wall 1:3 ratio/200 sq ft; total site area examples 300/200/100 sq ft. See Table 83-24 .
Where it applies: Highway-oriented corridors; larger freestanding and projecting allowances reflect auto visibility needs.

CG — General Commercial

Allowed types and limits (selected): Pole/Pylon 25 ft/200 sq ft; Monument 4 ft/50 sq ft; Projecting 35 ft/200 sq ft (≥8 ft clearance); Roof 1:3 ratio/50 sq ft; Wall 1:3 ratio/50 sq ft; totals 300/200/50 sq ft. See Table 83-25 .
Practical note: CG allows substantial freestanding and some projecting signage, but attached sign area is more constrained than CH.

IR — Regional Industrial

Allowed types and limits (selected): Pole/Pylon 25 ft/200 sq ft; Monument 6 ft/100 sq ft; Projecting 25 ft/200 sq ft (≥8 ft clearance); Roof 1:4 ratio/200 sq ft (individual) and 1:1/50 sq ft (occupant); Wall 1:4 ratio/200 sq ft (individual) and 1:2/150 sq ft (occupant). See Table 83-28 .
Where it applies: Regional employment/industrial areas; taller monument height and larger wall/roof allowances support visibility on wide roadways.

SD — Special Development

Allowed types and limits (selected): Pole/Pylon 25 ft/100 sq ft; Monument 4 ft/36 sq ft; Projecting 25 ft/100 sq ft (≥8 ft clearance); Roof/Wall 1:2 ratio/50 sq ft; totals 150/100/50 sq ft. See Table 83-30 .
Practical note: SD emphasizes cohesive, modest signage within master-planned projects.

Crest Forest Community Plan (CF) — Commercial districts

Comprehensive, area-specific program; examples include Pole/Pylon 25 ft height but only 50 sq ft area, with other on-site standards tailored to this mountain community’s character. See § 83.13.035 and Table 83-31 .
Tip: Projects in Crest Forest may also propose project-level commercial sign programs consistent with the community plan and Table 83-31 .

SC — Sign Control Overlay

Purpose: Regulates freestanding signs to ensure compatibility with neighborhood character; applied via the Land Use Policy Map. See § 82.21.010. Numeric standards beyond purpose were not in retrieved materials; Verify with the jurisdiction .
Overlay interaction: SC can further limit freestanding signs on top of district rules. Always confirm overlay presence during design review.

Special use sign categories

Service stations: Detailed allowances include 1 monument sign per frontage (≤36 sq ft, ≤4 ft tall in a landscaped planter at least 2× the sign area), wall sign area up to 2 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage, canopy signs (two per canopy, ≤8 sq ft each), service-island signs (≤4 sq ft each), window signs (≤25% of window), and one product price sign per frontage (≤24 sq ft). See § 83.13.100(a) .
Drive-in/drive-thru menu boards: Up to two per site, each ≤50 sq ft. See § 83.13.100(b) .
Garage sale signs: Must comply with Chapter 84.10; see § 83.13.100(c) .

Selected district limits at a glance

District	Freestanding (Pole/Pylon)	Monument	Projecting	Wall / Roof (ratio + max)	Total site area (example)	Code Reference
CO	25 ft / 100 sq ft	4 ft / 36 sq ft	25 ft / 100 sq ft; 8 ft min clearance	1:2; 50 sq ft caps typical	150/100/50 sq ft	Table 83-21; § 83.13.050–.090
CR	25 ft / 100 sq ft	4 ft / 36 sq ft	25 ft / 50 sq ft; 8 ft min clearance	1:2; 50 sq ft caps typical	150/100/50 sq ft	Table 83-23; § 83.13.050–.090
CH	25 ft / 200 sq ft	4 ft / 50 sq ft	35 ft / 200 sq ft; 8 ft min clearance	Wall: 1:3; 200 sq ft; Roof: 1:3; 50 sq ft	300/200/100 sq ft	Table 83-24; § 83.13.050–.090
CG	25 ft / 200 sq ft	4 ft / 50 sq ft	35 ft / 200 sq ft; 8 ft min clearance	Wall: 1:3; 50 sq ft; Roof: 1:3; 50 sq ft	300/200/50 sq ft	Table 83-25; § 83.13.050–.090
IR	25 ft / 200 sq ft	6 ft / 100 sq ft	25 ft / 200 sq ft; 8 ft min clearance	Wall: 1:4; 200 sq ft; Roof: 1:4; 200 sq ft (individual)	Noted per occupant/category	Table 83-28; § 83.13.050–.090
SD	25 ft / 100 sq ft	4 ft / 36 sq ft	25 ft / 100 sq ft; 8 ft min clearance	Wall/Roof: 1:2; 50 sq ft	150/100/50 sq ft	Table 83-30; § 83.13.050–.090
Crest Forest (CF) commercial)	25 ft / 50 sq ft (pylon)	4 ft (area varies)	Area-specific	Area-specific per community plan	Program-specific	§ 83.13.035; Table 83-31

Note: All signs must also respect clear sight triangles and not encroach into public right-of-way without authorization; see § 83.02.030 and § 83.13.080(e). Monument signs are not allowed within the clear sight triangle; freestanding signs in setbacks must have the face ≥8 ft above grade with no more than two support posts. See § 83.13.080(e)(3) and § 83.02.030 .

Overlays and area plans that affect signage

The Sign Control (SC) Overlay fine-tunes freestanding sign compatibility. Purpose is stated in § 82.21.010; confirm any location-specific standards during entitlement. Not found in retrieved materials: Numeric SC[p] overlay limits; Verify with the jurisdiction .
The Crest Forest community has its own comprehensive sign program and a process for project-level programs; see § 83.13.035 and Table 83-31 . Projects elsewhere may rely on a sign location plan under § 85.13 .

Cross-cutting coordination

Visibility and circulation: Mind clear sight triangles and driveway/roadway safety standards in § 83.02.030, which are often checked alongside parking and site layout reviews .
Lighting: Compliance with § 83.13.080(c) and the Mountain/Desert glare standards in § 83.07.040 is required; coordinate with your project’s landscaping/screening to control glare and spillover .
Process: Sign permits are typically issued by the Director (see Table 85-1); some projects also require design review. See § 85.13 and Table 85-1 (Review Authority) .
Existing, noncompliant signs: The sign chapter states a policy preference to eliminate noncomplying signs over time; for legacy conditions, see § 83.13.010 and consult nonconforming uses procedures as applicable .
Structural/electrical safety: Outside the zoning code’s scope, sign structures and wiring must meet the California Building Standards Code. Not found in retrieved materials: Local structural/electrical criteria for sign permits; Verify with the jurisdiction.

Checklist

Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated San Bernardino County and identify its base district and any overlays (e.g., SC). See zoning and § 82.21.010 for overlays .
Select sign type(s) allowed in your district and verify max height/area and totals (see district tables above and § 83.13.050–.090) .
Site the sign outside the clear sight triangle and ≥1 ft from the ultimate ROW; meet any 8 ft clearance where in a street-facing setback. See § 83.13.080(e) and § 83.02.030 .
Ensure illumination is steady/shielded and glare ≤0.5 footcandle; confirm Mountain/Desert glare rules if applicable. See § 83.13.080(c) .
Avoid prohibited sign types (e.g., flashing neon, inflatables). See § 83.13.040 .
If temporary signs (political, weekend, off-site residential wayfinding) are proposed, follow the § 83.13.070 specifications and spacing/format rules .
If required, file a Sign Location Plan or project sign program (e.g., Crest Forest). See § 85.13 and § 83.13.035 .
Obtain County sign permit approval before installation per § 83.13.030(a); coordinate any building/electrical permit separately with Building & Safety .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
SC Overlay present?	SC can further limit freestanding sign form/scale	Confirm overlay mapping and any site-specific conditions under § 82.21.010; consider overlay districts
Clear sight triangle conflict	Noncompliance can force redesign/removal	Field-measure in accordance with § 83.02.030; check support post count/diameter limits inside triangles
ROW encroachment	Signs too close to ROW can be removed as a public nuisance	Maintain ≥1 ft setback from ROW per § 83.13.080(e)(3); seek encroachment authorization if ever needed
Illumination/glare	Excess glare violates code and triggers complaints	Photometric check against § 83.13.080(c)(1) and Mountain/Desert glare rules in § 83.07.040
Temporary sign particulars	Political/wayfinding rules are format- and timing-specific	Panel sizes, spacing (300 ft), hours, and non-illumination per § 83.13.070 temporary standards
Multi-tenant center standards	Complex/occupant limits differ from single-tenant	Use the right column from your district’s table (e.g., CG, IR, SD) and totals; see Tables 83-21, 83-23, 83-24, 83-25, 83-28, 83-30
Service station signage	Has unique allowances (e.g., price signs, canopy signs)	Apply § 83.13.100(a) in addition to district limits; landscape planters sized at ≥2× sign area for monuments

Plain-English Summary

If you’re in unincorporated San Bernardino County, your sign must match both the countywide rules (safety, lighting, setbacks) and the specific size/height limits of your zoning district. Most businesses get one freestanding sign per frontage plus a set of attached signs, all within strict area caps; temporary political and wayfinding signs have very specific formatting and timing rules.

Source References

Title and applicability of the Development Code: § 81.01.010, § 81.01.050
Sign Regulations chapter purpose, applicability, permits, exemptions, prohibited signs: § 83.13.010, § 83.13.020, § 83.13.030, § 83.13.040
Standards for all/specific sign types and measurement/illumination/ROW: § 83.13.080, § 83.13.090
On-site signs (residential): § 83.13.050(a)
Temporary signs (political, off-site residential, weekend): § 83.13.070 (referenced), with retrieved details
District on-site sign tables: Table 83-21 (CO), Table 83-23 (CR), Table 83-24 (CH), Table 83-25 (CG), Table 83-28 (IR), Table 83-30 (SD), Table 83-31 (Crest Forest CF)
Clear sight triangles: § 83.02.030
Sign Control (SC) Overlay: § 82.21.010
Review authority, Sign Permits and Sign Location Plans: § 85.13; Table 85-1 (Review Authority)
Special use signage (service stations, menu boards, garage sale): § 83.13.100

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Bernardino County Zoning Code (CHAPTER 83.13) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.13.100) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Chapter 85.13) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.12.020) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (section lines) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.02.040) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 82.20.040) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.13.100) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.02.030) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.13.090) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.02.030) High relevance

Cited sections

Official San Bernardino County code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum height for a business’s freestanding sign in unincorporated San Bernardino County?

The countywide cap for an on-site freestanding sign is 25 ft, unless your land use district or an overlay imposes a lower limit. Height is measured from grade (or the adjacent roadbed if higher) per § 83.13.080(d) .

How close to the street can I place a monument or pole sign?

Keep at least 1 ft behind the ultimate right-of-way, and outside any clear sight triangle. Monument signs are not allowed within clear sight triangles, and freestanding signs in setbacks must maintain an 8 ft clearance under the face, with no more than two support posts (≤12 in diameter). See § 83.13.080(e) and § 83.02.030 .

Are flashing, animated, or inflatable attention-getting devices allowed?

No. Animated/moving signs, flashing-neon elements, and tethered balloons/inflatables used to draw attention are prohibited in all districts by § 83.13.040 .

How big can my window signs be?

Window display signs are limited to 25% of the window area on which they are placed, per § 83.13.090(h) .

Can I install a roof sign?

Only if you can show the building design doesn’t allow adequate wall signage. Roof signs cannot project above the ridge/parapet or beyond the wall edge, and pole-mounted roof signs aren’t allowed. See § 83.13.090(f) .

What are the rules for temporary political signs?

They cannot go in the public right-of-way, on public land, on trees/fence posts/utility poles, or within a clear sight triangle. See temporary sign standards (political signs) under § 83.13.070 (as reflected in retrieved provisions) .

I’m in General Commercial (CG). What freestanding sign can I have?

In CG, a pole/pylon sign up to 25 ft tall and 200 sq ft is allowed, and a monument up to 4 ft/50 sq ft. Projecting signs can be 35 ft/200 sq ft with 8 ft clearance. Attached wall/roof signs have separate 1:3 ratios and low area caps. See Table 83-25 .

Do gas stations have special sign rules?

Yes. Examples include one monument sign per frontage (≤36 sq ft and ≤4 ft tall) in a landscaped planter at least twice the sign area, and specific caps for canopy, wall, window, price, and service-island signs. See § 83.13.100(a) .

Who approves sign permits, and do I need a sign program?

The Director typically issues sign permits, and sign location plans/programs are processed under § 85.13. Multi-tenant centers and subdivisions commonly use these programs. See Table 85-1 and § 85.13 .

Does the Crest Forest area have different sign rules?

Yes. Crest Forest commercial areas follow a comprehensive, community-specific program with different sizes and formats; project-level programs can also be approved if consistent. See § 83.13.035 and Table 83-31 .

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