Local zoning · San Carlos

San Carlos — Signage

Q: What is the maximum sign area for a retail tenant on San Carlos Avenue?

For a retail tenant the ordinance calculates area at 1.6 sq ft per lineal foot of primary business frontage , but the total permitted for a tenant is capped at 100 sq ft ; secondary frontages are allowed 0.8 sq ft/ft up to 50 sq ft . Expect design review for new multitenant sign programs. § 18.22.090 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

San Carlos regulates signs in Title 18, Chapter 18.22 (the City sign ordinance). The ordinance sets a citywide framework (what counts as a sign, prohibited signs, permit-exempt signs), then allocates different allowances and design-review expectations for residential, commercial, mixed‑use, public/semi‑public, and historic contexts. Key programmatic controls are numeric (square footage per linear foot, maximums, heights) and procedural (design review, sign permits, building permits where a sign is a “structure”). § 18.22.010 through § 18.22.140 are the controlling sign rules.

Note: where the sign rules interact with setbacks, building height, or lot form, consult the City’s San Carlos Development Standards and the commercial district development tables (e.g., Table 18.06.030) for parcel-specific dimensional limits.

How the ordinance is organized (quick map)

Purpose and scope — § 18.22.010 (defines intent, free-speech protections, and scope).
Definitions and examples — § 18.22.030–040 (what constitutes a billboard, monument, awning, digital display, etc.).
Permit rules, general regs, exemptions — § 18.22.050–070.
Permanent signs on nonresidential properties — § 18.22.080.
Maximum number/size calculations — § 18.22.090 (primary vs. secondary frontage rules; tenant vs. center totals).
Temporary signs (banners, inflatables, open‑house) — § 18.22.100.
Prohibited signs (digital displays, animated, roof signs, A‑frames except where Title 12 allows) — § 18.22.110.
Historic signs exceptions & permit — § 18.22.120.
Residential signage rules — § 18.22.130.

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the San Carlos sign rules as they apply to the primary district types referenced in the sign chapter and related zoning chapters. For parcel-specific dimensional requirements (setbacks, heights), cross‑check the City’s commercial, public, MU and residential development tables. See the City’s San Carlos Zoning and San Carlos Development Standards pages for district maps and lot standards.

Residential districts (R, incl. R-1/R-2/R-3)

Purpose/typical uses: single‑family and multifamily dwelling units. See base district rules in Article II.
Sign rules (what matters): each legal dwelling unit may display up to 3 sq ft of sign face without being treated as a commercial sign, and this allowance may be increased to 100 sq ft during the election period. Flags and nameplates do not count toward the 3 sq ft total. Permits are only required when the sign qualifies as a structure under the Building Code. These rules are in § 18.22.130.
Multi‑unit properties: a single master identification sign is allowed; maximum area is 10 sq ft if the lot is less than 100 ft wide or 20 sq ft if the lot is ≥100 ft wide; it is subject to design review. § 18.22.130.
Where it applies: all parcels regulated in the residential zoning map; if a property is mixed‑use, the sign rules for the actual use type apply (see Mixed‑Use). § 18.22.020(P).

Commercial districts (examples: NR, GCI, LC)

Purpose/typical uses: retail, services, offices, allowed per the specific commercial district table (Table 18.06.020).
Key sign rules:
- Permanent sign types (awning, marquee, monument, wall) are regulated in § 18.22.080 (monument signs: max height 8 ft; set‑backs and clearances apply; square footage counts against site allowance).
- Tenant sign area is calculated as 1.6 sq ft per lineal foot of primary business frontage, capped at 100 sq ft; secondary frontage gets 0.8 sq ft per lineal foot up to 50 sq ft. Maximum number and the way to distribute area are in § 18.22.090.
- Wall and projecting signs must meet placement and clearance rules (e.g., top edge no higher than adjoining parapet/roof; projecting signs at least 8 ft clearance if over walkways). See § 18.22.060 and § 18.22.080.
Where it applies: commercial zones mapped in Article II and subject to the commercial development standards and setbacks in Table 18.06.030. See San Carlos Development Standards.

Mixed‑Use districts (MU) and mixed parcels

How signs are treated: when both residential and nonresidential uses are allowed, the sign rules apply according to the type of use on the parcel — residential signs treated as in § 18.22.130; nonresidential signs treated as in the nonresidential sections. This split rule is explicit in § 18.22.020(P).
Design review: sign programs for new multitenant or mixed‑use buildings typically require design review. See San Carlos Design Review.

Public and semi‑public districts (P, PK, OS)

Typical rule: generally one sign per street frontage; area is calculated in the same manner as for other establishments. Monument, directory, and site identification signs follow the same size/height constraints in § 18.22.090(C) and § 18.22.080.

Gateway Overlay (G Overlay)

Purpose: encourage gateway features, including linear signage elements and large‑scale dimensional letters/icons at designated gateways. Development standards and signage as gateway features are in Chapter 18.11 (see § 18.11.010 and § 18.11.030). Design review may waive or reduce certain requirements to meet gateway goals.

Historic districts / historic sites

Historic signs that do not conform may be allowed to remain or be restored under a historical sign permit issued by the Planning and Transportation Commission; approval depends on age, structural soundness, historic character, absence of clutter, and maintenance requirements. See § 18.22.120.

Billboards and digital displays

New private billboards are prohibited citywide except where the City itself authorizes new billboards on City property under Chapter 12.28. Digital signs and digital displays are generally prohibited except for limited allowances (e.g., gasoline price signs) and new billboards on City property under Chapter 12.28. See § 18.22.110 and the policy on billboards.

Decision-relevant standards (quick reference table)

Sign type / measure	Allowed / limit (decision-relevant)	Permit / process	Code Reference
Tenant sign area (primary frontage)	1.6 sq ft per lineal ft, up to 100 sq ft total	Administrative + design review for multitenant sign programs	§ 18.22.090
Secondary frontage allowance	0.8 sq ft per lineal ft, up to 50 sq ft	Same as above	§ 18.22.090
Monument sign height	8 ft max above finished grade (includes planter height)	Design review	§ 18.22.080.C
Wall sign placement	No more than 12 in from wall surface; no higher than top of parapet/roof	Permit + design review as applicable	§ 18.22.060.K / § 18.22.080
Window sign coverage	Permanent ≤ 20% window area; combined permanent + temporary ≤ 40%	Administrative	§ 18.22.060.L
Temporary banners	Max fixed 30 continuous days, 60 days/year; cannot exceed permanent allotment	Administrative review	§ 18.22.100.A
Inflatable signs	Max display 30 days/yr; max height 25 ft; max size 1,000 sq ft	Administrative	§ 18.22.100.B
Residential signs (single unit)	3 sq ft (non‑election); 100 sq ft during election period	Permit only if sign qualifies as a structure	§ 18.22.130
Prohibited: digital signs	Digital/LED displays prohibited except gasoline price signs and new City billboards	Prohibited unless expressly authorized	§ 18.22.110.I

Plain-English synthesis and practical guidance

The San Carlos sign code balances readability, traffic safety, and neighborhood character by giving nonresidential tenants measurable sign area (1.6/0.8 sq ft per linear foot, with caps) while keeping residential signs very small by default (3 sq ft). For any commercial project expect a sign area calculation, and for multitenant or gateway projects expect design-review scrutiny; monument signs, wall signs and window limits are called out specifically. See § 18.22.090, § 18.22.080, § 18.22.130 for the direct rules.

Checklist

Confirm whether the property is in a residential, commercial, mixed‑use, or overlay district and note frontage lengths (affects sign area). Verify with Zoning Map. § 18.22.020(P).
Calculate tenant sign allotment (primary/secondary frontage) and total cumulative cap (1.6 / 0.8 sq ft; cap 100 sq ft / 50 sq ft). § 18.22.090.
Determine sign type and dimensional compliance (monument height 8 ft, window coverages, projecting sign clearances, etc.). § 18.22.080, § 18.22.060.
Check whether your sign is exempt (directional, nameplate, info signs) under § 18.22.070.
Confirm whether design review is required (new multitenant sign programs, new cabinet changes, gateway sites). § 18.22.090(B) and design review chapters.
Obtain any building or electrical permits required (if sign meets Building Code “structure” definition) and ensure compliance with the California Building Standards Code. § 18.22.060(F).
Get owner’s written consent for sign placement on private property. § 18.22.020(M).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Digital displays & animated signs	Generally prohibited; exceptions exist for gasoline price signs and City-authorized billboards — enforcement is strict. § 18.22.110(I)	Confirm whether your sign counts as a “digital display” or qualifies for the narrow exceptions. Verify with Planning staff.
Sign area calculation (primary vs secondary frontage)	The formula changes how much signage a tenant can have; miscalculation leads to violation. § 18.22.090	Measure primary frontage accurately; clarify what the City considers primary vs secondary frontage.
Historic signs	Historic exceptions require an historical sign permit and Commission findings; approval is discretionary. § 18.22.120	If the sign is >30 years old or on an historic site, verify eligibility and prepare for structural documentation.
Mixed‑use parcels	Residential and commercial uses on one parcel are regulated differently. § 18.22.020(P)	Confirm which use is the subject of the sign (residential vs commercial) before applying.
Billboards on City property	New private billboards are prohibited; City may authorize billboards on City property under Chapter 12.28 — a special exception. § 18.22.110(O)	If your proposal involves a billboard or off‑site advertising, verify Chapter 12.28 procedures and current City policy.

Plain-English Summary

San Carlos’ sign code (Title 18, Chapter 18.22) gives small, clear allowances for residential signs and measurable formulas for commercial tenant signs (primary 1.6 sq ft/ft, secondary 0.8 sq ft/ft, caps at 100/50 sq ft), bans digital/animated billboards generally, and routes larger or multi‑tenant sign programs through design review; historical signs have a special permit pathway. § 18.22.090, § 18.22.110, § 18.22.120, § 18.22.130.

Source References

San Carlos Municipal Code, Chapter 18.22 (Signs): § 18.22.010–140 (Title, definitions, exemptions, general regs, permanent & temporary signs, prohibited signs, historic & residential signs).
Sign size & tenant rules: § 18.22.090 (Tenant and multitenant sign area calculations).
Permanent sign types and monument rules: § 18.22.080 (monument, marquee, canopy, marquee rules).
Temporary signage: § 18.22.100 (banners, inflatables, real estate/directional).
Prohibited signs and digital sign policy: § 18.22.110.
Historic signs & historical sign permit process: § 18.22.120.
Residential sign allowances and master sign rules: § 18.22.130.
Zoning district development standards and commercial district tables (used to confirm where sign placements may conflict with setbacks/heights): Table 18.06.030 and Table 18.06.020 in Chapter 18.06; see § 18.06.030 and associated tables.
Gateway Overlay and signage as gateway amenity: Chapter 18.11 (Gateway Overlay, purpose and development standards).
Permit, procedural and design review references: Chapters 18.27 (Common Procedures), 18.29/18.11 design criteria references where design review can modify sign deployment.

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Carlos Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
CFC § 1 (chapter or) High relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (Chapter 12.28) High relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (Title 12.) High relevance
CBC § 1 (section states) High relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (Chapter 12.28) Medium relevance
CBC § 3 (Section 18.22.130.) Medium relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (Section 18.14A.020) Medium relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (section may) Medium relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (title for) Medium relevance
San Carlos Zoning Code (Article I) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official San Carlos code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum sign area for a retail tenant on San Carlos Avenue?

For a retail tenant the ordinance calculates area at 1.6 sq ft per lineal foot of primary business frontage, but the total permitted for a tenant is capped at 100 sq ft; secondary frontages are allowed 0.8 sq ft/ft up to 50 sq ft. Expect design review for new multitenant sign programs. § 18.22.090.

Do I need a permit to change the sign panel on an existing cabinet sign?

Yes — changing sign panels for a new establishment requires design review to confirm the cabinet and structure are legal; routine repainting to like colors or replacement of faded faces is exempt only if there is no structural change and the sign otherwise complies. See § 18.22.060(F–I).

Can I put a digital LED readerboard in my storefront sign?

No. Digital/LED type readerboards and digital displays are generally prohibited in San Carlos, except limited allowances (e.g., gasoline price signs and new billboards authorized by Chapter 12.28 on City property). § 18.22.110(I).

What temporary signage is allowed for a business promotion?

Temporary banners are allowed but must stay within your permanent sign allotment, be fixed no more than 30 continuous days (and no more than 60 days per calendar year) and meet attachment/clearance rules; inflatable signs are limited to 30 days/yr, 25 ft height, and 1,000 sq ft. § 18.22.100.

Are A‑frame sidewalk signs allowed in downtown San Carlos?

A‑frame and I‑frame signs are prohibited under the sign chapter, except where Title 12 authorizes them (for example through separate street furniture/encroachment rules). Confirm with Title 12 and Planning staff. § 18.22.110(C).

How does the ordinance treat signs on mixed‑use properties?

Mixed‑use parcels are split by use: residential portions follow the residential sign rules (e.g., 3 sq ft per dwelling unit), while nonresidential portions follow the nonresidential formulas and design-review expectations. Always identify which use the sign is intended to serve. § 18.22.020(P).

Can a historical vintage sign stay even if it doesn’t meet current rules?

Potentially yes — an historical sign permit from the Planning and Transportation Commission can allow nonconforming historic signs to remain, if findings are met (age, structural soundness, historic character, no visual clutter, maintenance). A structural report may be required. § 18.22.120.

Are new billboards allowed anywhere in San Carlos?

The City has a general prohibition on new billboards; exceptions are limited to billboards the City authorizes on City property under Chapter 12.28. Private new billboards are not permitted. § 18.22.110(O).

How are monument signs treated relative to setbacks and driveways?

Monument signs may be located within required yards but must be at least 6 ft from any public or private driveway, and in sidewalk areas they must be at least 12 ft from the roadway; monument area counts against your site’s permitted sign area and both sides are included if readable from multiple directions. § 18.22.080.C.

If my sign will be attached above a public walkway how high must it be?

Projecting signs that overhang access or public right‑of‑way must have a minimum 8 ft clearance to the lowest edge of the sign above the walking surface. § 18.22.060.

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