Local zoning · San Fernando

San Fernando — Signage

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

San Fernando regulates signs in the San Fernando Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 106) and in Division 9, Article III (the "Signs" division). The code sets city‑wide sign categories (exemptions, prohibited signs, temporary signs, business‑type standards, freestanding signs and special permits) and then defers specific dimensional and procedural controls to the zoning district tables and to the planning review process. For how signs interact with other development rules see the city's San Fernando Zoning page and the San Fernando Development Standards guidance; for building-safety requirements see the California Building Standards Code. (This page only covers what the San Fernando zoning/planning ordinance says about signage; building permit and Title 24 construction details are separate.) See § 106-1 for the ordinance title and scope.

Controlling text and where to read it

  • The San Fernando Zoning Ordinance is codified in Chapter 106 and the sign rules sit in Division 9, Article III (look for §§ 106-416 through 106-425 and related definitions).
  • Definitions of sign types are in the Definitions article (Article VI).

How the sign rules apply district‑by‑district

The ordinance identifies base zones and overlays in § 106-5; the base zones are R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1, C-2, SC, M-1, M-2, and SP-5, and the overlays include RPD, PD1, and MUO. Where a specific plan (for example SP-5) or overlay applies, its rules may control signage in that area; verify specific plan text for exceptions.

Note: the signs division is city‑wide; many rules in Division 9 apply across zones, and several special rules or exceptions are identified for particular uses (auto dealers, gas stations, hospitals) or zones. The paragraphs below synthesize how the sign rules play out in each important district.

Residential zones — R-1, R-2, R-3

  • Purpose and typical uses: single‑family to multi‑family housing (see § 106-5).
  • Signage summary:
    • Small residential identification/name plates allowed up to 2 sq ft (§ 106-416).
    • One unlighted construction sign per job site in residential zones limited to 6 sq ft (§ 106-416).
    • Streamers, banners, pennants and similar moving displays are generally prohibited in residential zones except as specifically allowed in § 106-418 (seasonal/special event allowances).
  • Where it applies: all parcels in the residential districts listed in § 106-5; development standards (setbacks, height) are in the residential tables and apply independently of sign rules. See San Fernando Development Standards.

Commercial zones — C-1, C-2, SC

  • Purpose and typical uses: retail, service, office, mixed commercial activity (§ 106-5).
  • Signage summary:
    • Temporary window advertising in C zones may cover up to 40% of window area (with 60% visibility) (§ 106-416).
    • Wall signs: limitations on vertical extension (a wall sign may not extend more than 3 ft above roofline/parapet) and projection rules are in Division 9 (see projection table in § 106-418).
    • Freestanding signs other than monument signs require a special sign permit and planning commission review in commercial zones (§ 106-424).
    • Electronic message center signs are permitted subject to separation and approvals (at least 100 ft from a residential zone, 500 ft from another EMC, and require city traffic commission clearance) (§ 106-418).
    • Streamers/banners/pennants allowed on limited temporary bases: a 21‑day period up to 5 times per year (not to exceed 105 days) with a permit; special‑event banners authorized by the city may be exempt from that limit (§ 106-421).
  • Where it applies: commercial corridors and downtown, including areas covered by the Corridors Specific Plan (SP-5), but if SP‑5 has its own sign rules those control over the general ordinance (§ 106-136). For design compatibility you will often need planning review or design review; see San Fernando Design Review.

Industrial zones — M-1, M-2

  • Purpose and typical uses: limited/light industrial, manufacturing, warehouses (§ 106-5).
  • Signage summary:
    • The ordinance allows outdoor advertising signs in certain industrial contexts but with strict controls: no outdoor advertising sign within 300 ft of a residential zone; max sign face 100 sq ft, max height 24 ft, and minimum separation 500 ft between such signs (see table/limitations) (§ 106-103 and associated text).
    • Automobile‑sales displays may use temporary fabric/vinyl displays typical of dealerships with maximum size 48 sq ft for those temporary devices and a minimum 8 ft clearance from right‑of‑way; those uses additionally require a landscape plan and may be subject to conditional use/site review (§ 106-423).
    • Freestanding signs in industrial zones are subject to special sign permit and planning commission review (§ 106-424).

San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan — SP-5

  • Purpose: downtown and corridor revitalization; SP rules and mandatory development standards may control signage inside SP‑5 (§ 106-133 through 106-135). Where SP‑5 is silent, the general sign division applies—if SP‑5 has specific sign language, it takes precedence (§ 106-136).

Overlays — RPD, PD1, MUO

  • Overlay rule: projects in overlays follow base‑zone sign rules unless the overlay or a specific plan sets different sign standards; RPD projects are told that "for signs, the provisions of the zone in which the project is located shall apply" (§ 106-165). Always verify overlay text for departures. See San Fernando Overlay Districts.

Key numeric standards and permitted uses (decision‑relevant table)

What Limit / rule Code reference
Real estate advertising sign area (on‑site) 30 sq ft maximum; height 4 ft for certain types § 106-418
Unlighted construction sign (residential) 6 sq ft, one per job site § 106-416
Temporary project sign (non‑residential) Project sign 32 sq ft; contractor signs 6 sq ft each § 106-416
Window sign coverage Permanent window copy ≤10% of window area; temp/painted window copy ≤40% of total window area § 106-418
Electronic message center separation ≥100 ft from residential zones; ≥500 ft from other EMCs; traffic commission approval required § 106-418
Freestanding signs (commercial & industrial) Require planning commission review and a special sign permit; size/height/location set by commission § 106-424
Prohibited signs (citywide) Frame/sandwich‑board, flashing/scintillating, painted signs, roof signs, signs on vehicles (with limited exceptions), etc. § 106-417
Materials / structural standards Signs and supports must conform to standards in chapter 62 of the 1991 LA Uniform Building Code referenced by San Fernando § 106-425
Streamers / banners (C and M zones) Allowed for 21 days per event, up to 5 times/year (max 105 days); permit required for each 21‑day period § 106-421
Outdoor advertising (billboards) Max face 100 sq ft, max height 24 ft, not within 300 ft of residential zone; 500 ft separation between such signs § 106-103 and related language

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

  • If the sign meets all Division 9 numeric and locational standards and is not a freestanding sign requiring a special sign permit, the application may be processed administratively; however freestanding signs (except monument signs) in commercial/industrial zones trigger planning commission review and a special sign permit per § 106-424.
  • Electronic message center proposals must secure traffic commission sign‑safety clearance before installation is approved (§ 106-418).
  • If property lies inside SP‑5 or another specific plan/overlay, check that plan first—its standards control where they conflict with the general sign rules (§ 106-136).
  • Structural and material safety is governed by the referenced building standards (the ordinance points developers to an adopted edition of the LA UBC for sign construction) — coordinate with building permits and the California Building Standards Code. § 106-425 and § 106-857.

Checklist

  • Confirm the zoning of the parcel (one of R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1, C-2, SC, M-1, M-2, SP-5) and whether overlays (RPD, PD1, MUO) or SP rules apply (§ 106-5).
  • Determine sign type (wall, canopy, freestanding, electronic message center, window, temporary banner, real estate, construction); use definitions in Article VI.
  • Check numeric limits appropriate to type (area/height/projection/clearance) — e.g., window, real estate, construction, EMC distances (§ 106-416, 106-418, 106-421).
  • If proposing a freestanding sign (except monument) in a commercial/industrial zone, prepare for a special sign permit and Planning Commission hearing, including notice to adjacent owners (§ 106-424).
  • If proposing an electronic message center, obtain traffic commission approval and confirm separation distances (§ 106-418).
  • Confirm materials/structural compliance per § 106-425 and coordinate building permits; consult the California Building Standards Code.
  • For temporary banners/streamers in C/M zones, secure the required temporary permit(s) and prepare any landscaping documentation required for auto sales promotions (§ 106-421, § 106-423).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
SP or specific plan overrides SP‑5 or other specific plans can supersede the general sign rules (§ 106-136) Check SP‑5 and any applicable specific plan language for sign design/size rules and which text controls.
Freestanding sign discretion Planning commission has broad discretion on size/height/location for freestanding signs (§ 106-424) Expect variable outcomes; obtain pre‑application feedback and be prepared for public notice/hearing.
Historic resources Historic district/property exterior features include signs; alterations may need Historic Preservation review Verify with the City's Historic Preservation rules/certificate of appropriateness; code defines exterior features to include signs.
Vehicle signs vs. vehicle advertising Vehicle‑mounted advertising is generally prohibited, but markings on regularly used service vehicles may be allowed (§ 106-417) Confirm whether the vehicle is primarily a business vehicle vs an advertising device and check vehicle code rules as noted in the ordinance.
Electric/structural code references Sign structural/material rules point to an adopted UBC chapter (1991 LA UBC chapter 62) rather than a modern Title 24 reference (§ 106-425) Verify with building department which current structural standards are enforced (the ordinance references an adopted book); coordinate building permit reviewer and California Building Standards Code.

Plain‑English summary

The San Fernando Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 106) contains a city‑wide sign code (Division 9) that allows ordinary business signs and limited temporary signs, forbids certain attention‑getting devices (like sandwich boards and flashing signs), treats freestanding/pole/billboard signs as discretionary and subject to planning commission permits, and requires special clearance for electronic message centers and auto‑dealer promotion displays; many numeric limits and exceptions are in §§ 106-416 through 106-425.

Source References

  • San Fernando Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 106), Title: "San Fernando Zoning Ordinance" — see § 106-1 (ordinance title and authority).
  • Zones and map (district names R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1, C-2, SC, M-1, M-2, SP-5, RPD, PD1, MUO) — see § 106-5.
  • Sign exemptions — see § 106-416 (temporary signs, construction signs, real estate, public notices, etc.).
  • Prohibited signs list (sandwich boards, flashing, painted, roof signs, vehicle signs, outdoor advertising limits) — see § 106-417.
  • Real estate, canopy, window, EMC, projection and related business sign rules — see § 106-418.
  • Streamers, banners, pennants and temporary banner rules — see § 106-421.
  • Specific business sign standards (automobile sales, service stations) — see § 106-423.
  • Freestanding signs, special sign permit and procedures — see § 106-424.
  • Materials & construction reference for signs — see § 106-425.
  • Site plan review exceptions (where sign permits avoid site plan review) and when site plan review is required — see § 106-857 and related sections.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • San Fernando Zoning Code (section 106-417) High relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (section 106-417) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (chapter is) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (section 106-417) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (Article V) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (chapter is) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (article III) Medium relevance
  • San Fernando Zoning Code (chapter derives) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a sandwich board in front of my San Fernando shop?

No. The San Fernando sign code specifically lists frame or sandwich‑board signs as prohibited in all zones; that prohibition is in § 106-417.

How large can a real‑estate sign be in San Fernando?

On‑site real estate advertising signs are limited to 30 square feet total area and certain real‑estate sign types have a 4‑foot height limit; see § 106-418 for the specific real‑estate sign rules.

Do freestanding (pole) signs require a public hearing in San Fernando?

Yes — in all commercial and industrial zones, freestanding signs (other than monument signs) require planning commission review and a special sign permit, which includes public notice to adjacent owners and a public hearing per § 106-424.

Are electronic message signs allowed near residences?

Electronic message centers are permitted only with restrictions: they must be at least 100 feet from a residential zone and 500 feet from another EMC, and they also require traffic commission approval to ensure no traffic safety hazard (§ 106-418).

Can I paint a mural with a business logo on my storefront wall?

"Painted signs" are explicitly listed among the prohibited sign types in § 106-417; however the ordinance differentiates supergraphics (large painted designs) from signs in the definitions—if the mural is purely decorative with no commercial identification it may be treated as an architectural embellishment, but if it advertises or names a business it may be a prohibited painted sign; verify via definitions and the planning director (§ 106-417, definitions in Article VI).

What temporary signage is allowed for a commercial store opening?

In C and M zones temporary streamers, banners and similar displays are permitted for up to 21 days per event, not more than 5 times per year (max 105 days) with a permit; city‑authorized special‑event banners may be exempted if removed at the event end (§ 106-421).

If my property is inside the SP‑5 corridor, which sign rules apply?

If your parcel is within the SP‑5 San Fernando Corridors Specific Plan area, the specific plan's development standards and design guidelines apply and control over duplicative/conflicting general zoning rules (§ 106-136, § 106-133–135); when SP‑5 is silent, the general sign ordinance applies. Verify the SP‑5 document for any specific sign standards.

Are painted window advertisements allowed?

Permanent window sign copy may occupy up to 10% of a window; painted or temporary advertising copy may not exceed 40% of the total window area in the C and M zones (§ 106-418).

What must I do if my proposed sign is taller or bigger than the code limit?

If your proposal exceeds the numeric limits or is a freestanding sign in a commercial/industrial zone, you will need a discretionary approval (special sign permit/conditional use/variance) and the planning commission will evaluate compatibility and necessity; the freestanding sign procedure and required findings are in § 106-424.

Where does the city reference structural requirements for signs?

The ordinance requires signs and sign supports to conform to the materials/structural rules referenced in the adopted building code material (cites chapter 62 of the 1991 LA UBC as adopted) and you must coordinate with building permits and the building department; see § 106-425.

More in San Fernando code

Ask about any San Fernando property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on San Fernando zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More San Fernando zoning topics

San Fernando Zoning

San Fernando Land Use

San Fernando Development Standards

San Fernando Parking

San Fernando Design Review

San Fernando Overlay Districts

San Fernando Historic Preservation

San Fernando Nonconforming Uses

San Fernando Variances and Exceptions

San Fernando Landscaping and Screening

San Fernando overview