Local zoning · San Bernardino

San Bernardino — Signage

Q: How big can a wall sign be for a storefront in a commercial zone?

Wall sign area is typically calculated as 2 sf per linear foot of primary building frontage (with lower ratios for secondary frontage) and must not extend above the eave line. See § 19.22.070(B)(8) and the Commercial table (Table 22.04 ).

Q: Are A‑frame (sandwich board) signs allowed?

A‑frame or portable signs are generally prohibited , except where explicitly allowed in Table 22.01 or within the Main Street Overlay Zone under specific rules. Always check Table 22.01 and overlay provisions. See § 19.22.040 and Table 22.01 .

Q: Who decides my sign permit — Director or Planning Commission?

Table 22.02 in § 19.22.060 lists the responsible review authority: many standard Permanent or Temporary Sign permits are Director decisions with Planning Commission as the appeal body; Creative, Iconic, or certain Billboard modifications are routed to the Planning Commission. Check Table 22.02 for your permit type.

Q: Where are the per‑zone sign tables I must follow?

The per‑zone sign tables are in § 19.22.070 (Tables 22.03 Residential, 22.04 Commercial, 22.05 Industrial, 22.06 Public/Quasi‑Public, and 22.07 for Temporary signs). Always use the table for your zone as the first source for allowed sign type, area, number and height.

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of San Bernardino’s Development Code (Sign Regulations, Chapter 19.22) requires about signs: who needs a sign permit, what sign types are allowed or prohibited, dimensional limits by zone, temporary sign rules, and special programs (Iconic/Creative/Sign Programs). The rules prioritize content-neutral regulation, pedestrian/traffic safety, and aesthetics. See the City’s sign chapter at § 19.22.010–§ 19.22.130 for full text.

Note: where the rules point to zone-specific allowances, the code refers to tables (Table 22.03–22.06) inside § 19.22.070 that set per‑zone sign counts, sizes and heights.

Important internal links (first natural mention only):

City planning overview: San Bernardino zoning & planning overview
The zoning context for signs: San Bernardino Zoning
Development standards that work with sign rules: San Bernardino Development Standards
Design review for discretionary signage: San Bernardino Design Review
Encroachments and signs projecting into ROW: San Bernardino Overlay Districts
Vehicle/parking-related directional sign placement: San Bernardino Parking
When building or electrical work is needed, check Title 24: California Building Standards Code

Controlling rules — quick map

Permit + permit authority: Sign Permit required for most signs; Director or Planning Commission decides depending on permit type (see Table 22.02). § 19.22.060.
General rules (content neutrality, maintenance, safety): § 19.22.030.
Prohibited signs (e.g., pole signs, portable signs except where allowed): § 19.22.040.
Permanent signs by zone and sign-type standards: § 19.22.070 and Tables 22.03–22.06.
Temporary signs and limits: § 19.22.080 and Table 22.07.
Billboards / general advertising signs (special rules and spacing): § 19.22.090.
Nonconforming and Iconic signs: § 19.22.100 and § 19.22.060(E).
Signs on public property / encroachments: § 19.22.120.

District‑by‑district breakdown (where signage rules differ)

This code groups signage rules into four trackable district categories (the tables are the operative, zone‑specific guidance — see the cited table inside § 19.22.070). For each district below I summarize the Chapter’s purpose, typical permitted sign types, and the key dimensional limits pulled from the applicable table(s).

Note: Always verify a parcel’s exact zone from the City’s zoning map; San Bernardino uses zones like RE, RL, RS, RU (residential), CO, CG‑1/2/3, CR‑1/2/3/4, CH, CCS‑1/2 (commercial subzones), and IL, IH (industrial) among others; overlay zones (for example the Main Street Overlay Zone and Freeway Corridor Overlay) may add or alter sign rules. See the Development Code and the zone maps.

Residential zones (examples: RE, RL, RS, RU; Table 22.03)

Purpose: permit small identification signs for dwellings, multi‑unit projects, and neighborhood entries while avoiding commercial clutter. § 19.22.070 (Table 22.03).
Typical permitted uses (sign types): Wall signs for multi‑unit buildings, small monument signs at project entrances, limited window signs for home‑based information, and project/for‑sale signs at neighborhood entries. § 19.22.070 (Table 22.03).
Key dimensional standards (typical): Monument signs at residential project entrances: 30 sf max area, 6 ft max height; single‑unit deliveries/wall signs limited to 24 sf or smaller and must be below the eave line. Digital signs are generally not permitted in residential zones. See Table 22.03 and § 19.22.070(B)(4).

Where it applies: single family lots and multi‑unit residential parcels; specific allowances differ between single‑family subdivision entries and multi‑unit residential buildings. § 19.22.070.

Commercial zones (examples: CO, CG‑1/2/3, CR‑1..4, CH, CCS‑1/2; Table 22.04)

Purpose: allow business identification and wayfinding, subject to scale and design controls to protect pedestrian character and avoid freeway clutter. § 19.22.010 and § 19.22.070.
Typical permitted uses (sign types): Wall signs (primary method), awning/canopy signs, projecting signs, monument signs, pylon signs, suspended signs, and driveway/directional signs. § 19.22.070 (Table 22.04).
Key dimensional standards (typical):
- Wall signs: 2 sf per linear foot of primary building frontage (1–1.5 sf per lf on secondary frontage), must remain below eave line. § 19.22.070(B)(8).
- Monument signs: Single‑tenant up to 75 sf per face (multi‑tenant up to 125 sf per face); height typically 8 ft (Main Street Overlay Zone reduces to 5 ft). § 19.22.070(B)(4) and Table 22.04.
- Pylon signs: single‑tenant and multi‑tenant sizes and heights vary — up to 25 ft–35 ft height depending on tenancy; see Table 22.04. § 19.22.070(B)(6).

Where it applies: commercial corridors, centers, and downtown subzones; overlay zones (e.g., Main Street Overlay) can impose lower heights or additional design controls — check the overlay rules.

Industrial zones (examples: IL, IH; Table 22.05)

Purpose: allow larger wayfinding and identification signage appropriate to larger sites while managing freeway and roadway visual impacts. § 19.22.010 and Table 22.05.
Typical permitted uses: large wall signs, pylon/pole or monument signs (pole signs otherwise broadly prohibited), driveway/directional signs, and project identification. § 19.22.070 (Table 22.05).
Key dimensional standards (typical): Monument/pylon allowances are larger than commercial in many cases (Table 22.05 gives per‑frontage formulas such as 1 sf of sign area per linear foot of frontage up to a cap); digital sign spacing and maximum heights are set (see General Advertising and Digital Sign subsections). § 19.22.070(B)(4)–(6).

Where it applies: established industrial districts and auto mall/regional center areas adjacent to I‑10, I‑215, SR‑210 rights‑of‑way where billboard replacement rules may apply. § 19.22.090(F).

Public & Quasi‑Public zones (Table 22.06)

Purpose: permit identification and directional signage for civic facilities and institutions while controlling size and placement. § 19.22.070 (Table 22.06).
Typical permitted uses: wall signs (e.g., building identification), monument signs at entrances. § 19.22.070 (Table 22.06).
Key dimensional standards: Wall signs up to 30 sf per frontage, monument signs up to 30 sf and 7 ft height (setback at least 1 ft from property line). § 19.22.070(B)(4),(8).

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Topic / sign type	Typical limit or rule (decision‑relevant)	Code Reference
Sign permit required for erection/alteration	Every sign requires a Sign Permit unless exempt in Table 22.01	§ 19.22.060
Wall sign (commercial primary frontage)	2 sf per lineal foot of primary building frontage; must remain below eave line	§ 19.22.070(B)(8)
Monument sign (commercial single‑tenant)	Up to 75 sf per face; height 8 ft (Main Street Overlay 5 ft)	§ 19.22.070(B)(4) and Table 22.04
Monument sign (residential projects)	30 sf, 6 ft height; allowed at major neighborhood entrances	Table 22.03 / § 19.22.070
Pylon sign (commercial)	Varies by frontage; heights commonly 25–35 ft; consult Table 22.04	§ 19.22.070(B)(6)
Temporary signs (non‑residential)	Temporary sign permit required; no illumination; limits in Table 22.07; max 3 temp signs per business (excl. window)	§ 19.22.080 and Table 22.07
Prohibited sign types	Pole signs, most portable/A‑frame signs (except where Table 22.01 allows or Main Street Overlay allows), roof signs (with limited exceptions)	§ 19.22.040
General Advertising Signs (Billboards)	Strictly regulated — replacement, spacing, height, brightness; replacement allowed only under removal/relocation rules	§ 19.22.090
Signs on public property / ROW encroachment	Private signs generally prohibited on public property unless permitted by encroachment/lease and sign permit	§ 19.22.120

Checklist

Confirm the parcel’s exact zone and any overlays (e.g., Main Street Overlay, Freeway Corridor Overlay) — signage allowances differ by zone and overlay. § 19.22.070.
Determine which sign type: Wall, Monument, Pylon, Projecting, Awning, Canopy, Suspended, Temporary, Digital, Iconic/Creative. See definitions in § 19.22.130.
Check the correct Table (22.03–22.06) for number, area, and height limits applicable to your zone. § 19.22.070.
Prepare sign permit application and drawings; verify whether the Community and Economic Development Director can decide or a Planning Commission action is required (Table 22.02). § 19.22.060.
If sign projects into the right‑of‑way, obtain an encroachment permit and city authorization (signs on public property require lease/encroachment + sign permit). § 19.22.120.
For temporary signs, request a Temporary Sign Permit and follow Table 22.07 limits; note illumination is prohibited for temporary signs. § 19.22.080.
If sign is nonconforming, consult § 19.22.100 for Nonconforming Sign Permit/relocation or Iconic Sign Permit options.
Expect plan‑level review for creative/iconic signs; prepare cultural/heritage documentation if seeking an Iconic Sign Permit. § 19.22.060(E).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Digital signage brightness, dwell time, and spacing	The code imposes brightness and spacing limits (including 1,000 ft spacing for digital general advertising signs) — noncompliance can trigger removal or denial. § 19.22.090(F)(4).	Confirm applicable brightness specs and spacing rules for digital signs for your parcel and neighboring digital signs; check whether highway‑adjacent exceptions apply.
Overlay districts (Main Street, Freeway Corridor)	Overlays may reduce allowable heights or prohibit certain sign types (e.g., Main Street reduces monument height to 5 ft). Tables and overlay chapters interact; the more restrictive rule controls. § 19.22.070; FC overlay chapter.	Verify overlay applicability at the parcel, and read the overlay chapter for any sign design/height reductions.
Nonconforming / Iconic signs	Historic/iconic signs may be allowed to remain or be restored with special permits; a nonconforming sign undergoing façade work may be required to come into conformance. § 19.22.100.	If sign is older than code allows, check whether it’s eligible for Iconic Sign status or requires a Nonconforming Sign Permit; gather historic documentation early.
Right‑of‑way / public property signs	Posting on public property without authorization is a trespass and removable; encroachment/lease + sign permit required for allowed cases. § 19.22.120.	Verify property ownership, encroachment needs, and whether the City has an encroachment/lease program for bus‑shelter or street banners.
Determination of “primary/secondary frontage” impacting area	Sign area calculations reference primary vs secondary frontage; incorrect classification changes allowed area. § 19.22.070 and Figures (calculation guidance).	Confirm which building façade is “primary” per Figure 22.05 rules in the code or with the project planner.
Portable and A‑frame sign allowance	Generally prohibited except where Table 22.01 or an overlay (Main Street) allows them; enforcement varies. § 19.22.040 and Table 22.01.	Check Table 22.01 and Main Street Overlay rules before assuming you can place an A‑frame sign; verify Director’s interpretation if unclear.

Plain‑English summary

San Bernardino’s sign rules (Chapter 19.22) let businesses and neighborhoods put up identification and directional signs but tightly control size, height, location, illumination, and temporary sign duration by zone (residential, commercial, industrial, public). You normally need a sign permit; tables in § 19.22.070 show the allowed area and height for each sign type in each zone, and overlays or the Director/Planning Commission can change how permits are reviewed.

Source References

San Bernardino Development Code — Chapter 19.22 (Sign Regulations), including Purpose, Applicability, General Requirements, Design Principles, Sign Permit rules, Permanent Signs (Tables 22.03–22.06), Temporary Signs (Table 22.07), General Advertising Signs, Nonconforming Signs, Signs on Public Property, and Definitions: § 19.22.010 – § 19.22.130.
Table and technical sign standards (per‑zone tables and sign type standards) are in § 19.22.070 (Tables 22.03, 22.04, 22.05, 22.06) and the associated subsections.
Sign permit review authority and procedures (Table 22.02 and § 19.22.060).
Temporary sign rules and Table 22.07: § 19.22.080.
Prohibited signs and general restrictions: § 19.22.040.
General Advertising / Billboard rules and spacing/relocation requirements: § 19.22.090.
Nonconforming and Iconic Sign provisions: § 19.22.100 and Iconic Sign Permit standards.

Sources

Retrieved passages

CBC § 2020 (Chapter is) High relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Chapter shall) High relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Section 19.22.030) High relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Section 23) High relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Chapter 19.22) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Chapter and) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Chapter provides) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Section 19.22.070) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Chapter 19.52.) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Section 19.22.070) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Section 19.22.070) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Section 19.22.070) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Section 19.22.070) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Section 19.22.080) Medium relevance
San Bernardino Zoning Code (Chapter and) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official San Bernardino code library

Frequently asked questions

What sign types are allowed on a single‑family lot in San Bernardino?

Single‑family lots are limited by the Residential table (Table 22.03) — small identification or address signs, and limited monument signs at major subdivision entrances (typically 30 sf and 6 ft for neighborhood entrance monuments). Most commercial types (pylon, pole, large pylon) and digital signs are not allowed in single‑family residential zones. See § 19.22.070 and Table 22.03.

Do I need a permit to change the copy on my business sign?

Changing sign copy (message substitution) on a conforming sign generally does not require a new sign permit as long as the physical size, location, illumination, and structure are unchanged; this content neutrality rule is in § 19.22.030(A). However, if you alter the sign structure, area, or type, you must apply for a Sign Permit under § 19.22.060.

How big can a wall sign be for a storefront in a commercial zone?

Wall sign area is typically calculated as 2 sf per linear foot of primary building frontage (with lower ratios for secondary frontage) and must not extend above the eave line. See § 19.22.070(B)(8) and the Commercial table (Table 22.04).

Are A‑frame (sandwich board) signs allowed?

A‑frame or portable signs are generally prohibited, except where explicitly allowed in Table 22.01 or within the Main Street Overlay Zone under specific rules. Always check Table 22.01 and overlay provisions. See § 19.22.040 and Table 22.01.

Can I install a digital display or electronic message center?

Digital signs are regulated (spacing, brightness, and other technical limits apply). Digital General Advertising Signs have minimum spacing rules (for example, 1,000 ft spacing on the same side of a freeway/street) and may be limited in height and brightness; consult § 19.22.090 and the Digital Sign standards.

What happens to an older sign that no longer meets the code?

Older signs that were legally installed but now don’t conform are treated as Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming Sign Permits, restoration rules, and Iconic Sign protections (for historically significant signs) are in § 19.22.100. Restoration after damage, requirements during façade remodeling, and possible removal upon building demolition are all covered there.

Who decides my sign permit — Director or Planning Commission?

Table 22.02 in § 19.22.060 lists the responsible review authority: many standard Permanent or Temporary Sign permits are Director decisions with Planning Commission as the appeal body; Creative, Iconic, or certain Billboard modifications are routed to the Planning Commission. Check Table 22.02 for your permit type.

Can I put signs on City property (e.g., bus shelters or light poles)?

Private signage on public property is generally banned unless specifically authorized by lease/encroachment and a Sign Permit; unauthorized signs are subject to summary removal. The City may permit signs on public property through an approved lease/licence and an encroachment permit. See § 19.22.120.

Are temporary banners allowed for a retail sale?

Temporary signs (including banners) are allowed with a Temporary Sign Permit and are not included in the calculation of permanent sign area, but they must follow the material, size, duration, and non‑illumination rules in § 19.22.080 and Table 22.07. Up to three temporary signs (excluding window signs) are allowed per business in non‑residential zones unless otherwise specified.

Where are the per‑zone sign tables I must follow?

The per‑zone sign tables are in § 19.22.070 (Tables 22.03 Residential, 22.04 Commercial, 22.05 Industrial, 22.06 Public/Quasi‑Public, and 22.07 for Temporary signs). Always use the table for your zone as the first source for allowed sign type, area, number and height.

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