Local zoning · San Leandro

San Leandro — Signage

Q: Are billboards permitted in San Leandro?

No — off‑site advertising signs (billboards) are expressly not permitted anywhere in the City. Existing nonconforming off‑site signs can only be relocated or reconstructed under a relocation agreement consistent with state law (§ 4.12.116) .

Q: When is a Master Sign Program required?

A Master Sign Program is required when a development has three or more nonresidential occupants or occupies two acres or more and requires Site Plan Approval; the Master Sign Program must be approved before any sign permits are issued (§ 4.12.120) .

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the San Leandro Zoning Code requires for signs (on-site, temporary, and off-site), how review works, and the district-specific limits you must follow. Primary controls live in Chapter 4.12 (Signs) of the San Leandro Code; administrative review and Master Sign Program rules determine exceptions and aesthetic findings. Key procedural controls include permit requirements, Master Sign Programs/sign exceptions, and limits on illumination, movement, and off-site advertising (§ 4.12.100 et seq.) .

Note: where the sign rules touch building safety (structural connections, bracing) the code refers applicants to building-permit requirements under the Uniform Sign Code and the California Building Standards Code; see § 4.12.128 and § 4.12.132. Verify structural/building-permit details with the Building Division and the California Building Standards Code .

District-by-district Signage Rules

Below are the districts that the sign chapter explicitly treats. Each subsection gives the local purpose (as used by the ordinance), typical permitted use-types for that zone, the sign-size/height rules that matter most, and where those rules apply. All district maxima and rules are controlled by § 4.12.112 (Regulations for On‑Premises Signs) unless otherwise noted; other controlling rules cited after each description. Where the code lists identical standards across multiple districts those same citations apply.

Important: the Community Development Director or designee (Zoning Enforcement Official) reviews and approves signs under § 4.12.104; Master Sign Programs and Sign Exceptions are required for multi-tenant and large developments per § 4.12.120 .

RD (Residential Duplex)

Purpose/uses: duplex residential lots.
Key sign rules: max total sign area for permitted nonresidential uses 24 sq ft (subject to Zoning Enforcement Official approval); freestanding sign for multi-family/nonresidential uses up to 5 ft height; window signs limited to 25% of window area (§ 4.12.112) .

RO (Residential Outer)

Purpose/uses: outer residential; small-scale services where allowed.
Key sign rules: same as RD — 24 sq ft max for permitted nonresidential uses; construction and real‑estate sign limits differ for RD/RO/RS (construction signs 8 sq ft in RD/RO/RS) (§ 4.12.112) .

RS (Residential Single-Family)

Purpose/uses: single-family residential.
Key sign rules: nonresidential sign allowance 24 sq ft where a nonresidential use is permitted; construction sign max 8 sq ft; single identifying freestanding sign for multifamily/nonresidential uses 5 ft height (§ 4.12.112) .

RM (Residential Multi-Family)

Purpose/uses: apartment and multi-family residential.
Key sign rules: residential uses — 8 sq ft per frontage; with sites >2 acres a use permit may allow up to 32 sq ft; permitted nonresidential uses 12 sq ft (subject to Zoning Enforcement Official) (§ 4.12.112) .

B‑TOD (Bay Fair Transit-Oriented Development)

Purpose/uses: transit-oriented commercial/mixed use.
Key sign rules: per-frontage wall sign standard — 2 sq ft per lineal foot of frontage up to 55 ft; freestanding sign height max 6 ft; total sign area computed only on developed frontage (§ 4.12.112) .

CC (Community Commercial)

Purpose/uses: community‑serving retail and services.
Key sign rules: wall sign allocation: 2 sq ft per lineal foot of frontage up to 55 ft (or the square‑root formula for longer frontages); freestanding signs: 8 ft (in CC and many DA/NA/SA districts) unless a Master Sign Plan allows otherwise (§ 4.12.112) .

CN (Community Neighborhood)

Purpose/uses: neighborhood retail and services.
Key sign rules: same frontage-based wall sign formula (2 sq ft per ft up to 55 ft, then 15 × sqrt(frontage)); freestanding sign height 8 ft standard; specific illumination/lighting controls apply in several residential‑adjacent districts (§ 4.12.112; illumination § 4.12.112.J) .

CS (Community Services)

Purpose/uses: institutional and public services.
Key sign rules: frontage formula for wall signs; freestanding sign height 8 ft in many community districts; OS/PD/PS handled by use permit (§ 4.12.112) .

DA‑1, DA‑2, DA‑3, DA‑4, DA‑6 (Downtown Area districts)

Purpose/uses: downtown mixed-use/transit-oriented development.
Key sign rules: same frontage‑based total sign area; all signs in the DA districts must comply with the Downtown San Leandro Design Guidelines; Downtown freestanding heights follow DA group standard 8 ft unless Master Sign Program says otherwise (§ 4.12.112; Master Sign Programs § 4.12.120) . If you are in downtown, expect design review under the San Leandro Design Review path.

NA‑1, NA‑2 (North Area)

Purpose/uses: neighborhood/commercial nodes in north planning area.
Key sign rules: frontage formula for wall signs; freestanding sign heights 8 ft; development in NA districts may be subject to NA-specific design guidance (§ 4.12.112; § 2.08.xx) .

SA‑1, SA‑2, SA‑3 (South Area)

Purpose/uses: East 14th Street South area — commercial/mixed uses.
Key sign rules: frontage formula applies; freestanding sign height 8 ft in SA districts; design must be consistent with East 14th Street South Area Development Strategy and sign aesthetics may be limited by Zoning Enforcement Official (§ 4.12.112; related development standards § 2.08.300) .

IL, IG, IP, IT (Industrial/Light Industrial)

Purpose/uses: industrial and research/manufacturing park uses.
Key sign rules: frontage formula for wall signs and for sites over 55 ft the square-root formula applies; freestanding sign height 12 ft in other C and I districts (higher than community districts) unless Master Sign Program modifies it (§ 4.12.112; freestanding sign heights § 4.12.112.D.3) .

CR (Community Recreation)

Purpose/uses: recreation and park support uses.
Key sign rules: sign area and number are generally by use permit; flashing signs prohibited; illumination restrictions apply (§ 4.12.112; illumination § 4.12.112.J) .

OS (Open Space)

Purpose/uses: parks/open space.
Key sign rules: sign size/number usually set by use permit; illumination limited to white/amber indirect lighting if lighted; flashing signs prohibited (§ 4.12.112.J) .

PD (Planned Development) and PS (Public/Quasi‑Public Service)

Purpose/uses: site‑specific planned projects and public facilities.
Key sign rules: size/number set by use permit; freestanding/window rules may be superseded by site plan and Master Sign Program (§ 4.12.112; § 4.12.120) .

P (Professional)

Purpose/uses: medical/professional office.
Key sign rules: 40 sq ft per frontage maximum total sign area in P districts; freestanding heights and wall sign placement must still meet projection/clearance rules (§ 4.12.112) .

Key Standards Table — Decision‑Relevant at a Glance

Topic	Typical Limit / Standard (San Leandro)	Code Reference
Max total sign area — RD/RO/RS nonresidential uses	24 sq ft per tenant occupancy (ZEO approval required)	§ 4.12.112
Max total sign area — RM residential	8 sq ft per frontage (residential); 12 sq ft for permitted nonres uses	§ 4.12.112 cite
Frontage-based wall sign formula — B‑TOD/CC/CN/DA/NA/SA	2 sq ft per lineal foot of frontage, or if >55 ft use 15 × sqrt(frontage)	§ 4.12.112
Freestanding sign max area (many C/I districts)	64 sq ft per frontage; height 6–12 ft depending on district (6 ft B‑TOD, 8 ft CC/DA/NA/SA, 12 ft other C/I)	§ 4.12.112; freestanding rules § 4.12.112.D.3
Window signs	Max 25% of window area; max two window signs per ground‑floor establishment	§ 4.12.112.C
Projecting signs (clearances)	Min 10 ft above surface; 15 ft above vehicular passage; projection not > 5 ft into public R.O.W.	Projection rules § 4.12.112 (proj. sign illustrations)
Marquees/canopies and theater exceptions	Cinemas/theaters may get exceptions via use permit/site plan approval	§ 4.12.112.K.2
Off‑site advertising (billboards)	Prohibited — off‑site advertising signs are not permitted	§ 4.12.116
Exempt signs	Lists of exempt signs (addresses, gov’t signs, on‑premise directional, certain flags, construction/real‑estate with limits)	§ 4.12.108
Permits required	Sign Permit or Temporary Sign Permit required for regulated signs	§ 4.12.124
Master Sign Program required	For developments with ≥3 nonresidential occupants or ≥2 acres and site plan approval	§ 4.12.120
Illumination & movement	White/amber indirect lighting in many districts; no moving or apparent movement; lights visible from R districts dark between 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. unless business open	§ 4.12.112.J
Maintenance & fire safety	Signs must be maintained; cannot block fire operations/access	§§ 4.12.140, 4.12.136

How review and exceptions work (practical)

Most non‑exempt signs require an application to the Planning Division and approval by the Zoning Enforcement Official (or Planning Commission if deferred) under § 4.12.104 and § 4.12.120. The decision-maker must make aesthetic and compatibility findings (e.g., copy limited to essential business ID; compatible colors/materials) before approval .
If your development qualifies (three or more nonresidential tenants or two acres+), you must submit a Master Sign Program; individual tenants will then follow that program unless a Sign Exception is approved (§ 4.12.120) .
The Zoning Enforcement Official can limit signage more strictly during zoning permit reviews (for example for fast‑food near residential) — signage can be a conditioned element of operational approvals (§ 2.08.272) .

Also consider related disciplines and approvals early: signs are located in relationship to setbacks and driveways (which may implicate the city’s San Leandro Parking and San Leandro Development Standards); downtown signs must follow San Leandro Design Review and Downtown Design Guidelines; historic signs may qualify for special treatment under San Leandro Historic Preservation rules. Use permits, nonconforming sign handling, and sign exceptions/variances are coordinated with the San Leandro Nonconforming Uses and San Leandro Variances and Exceptions procedures.

Checklist — What an applicant must submit / satisfy

Determine whether sign is exempt under § 4.12.108; if not, prepare permit application (Sign Permit or Temporary Sign Permit) (§ 4.12.124) .
Verify zoning district and applicable frontage; compute maximum allowable sign area per tenant under § 4.12.112 (district table) .
If project has ≥ 3 nonresidential tenants or ≥ 2 acres, prepare a Master Sign Program per § 4.12.120 before any individual sign permits are issued .
Prepare drawings: site plan showing sign locations, elevations showing sign dimensions, letter height, materials, and color scheme (required by § 4.12.120 application checklist) .
Confirm projection clearances (projecting signs min 10 ft overhead, 15 ft over vehicular passage, projection ≤ 5 ft into R.O.W.) and setback/clearance rules (§ 4.12.112 projection rules) .
Address illumination (if any): ensure white/amber indirect lighting where required and nighttime dark periods within 100 ft of R districts (10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.) (§ 4.12.112.J) .
If structural work is required, coordinate building permits under the Uniform Sign Code and the California Building Standards Code per § 4.12.128 and § 4.12.132 .
For downtown or design-sensitive areas, add documentation required by design review and ensure compliance with the Downtown Guidelines and any Overlay District standards (San Leandro Overlay Districts) .
Pay attention to temporary sign limits: two 15‑day periods per calendar year by tenant, extensions possible, and temporary area capped at 150% of permanent allowed area (§ 4.12.112.K) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Frontage calculation for multi‑building sites	Total permitted area uses "frontage developed or to be developed" — understating frontage can reduce allowable signage	Verify which frontage the City will count for your site (vacant/reserved frontage normally excluded) — see § 4.12.112 and confirm with Zoning Enforcement Official
Downtown (DA) design guideline conformity	DA districts require consistency with Downtown guidelines; a technically‑legal sign can still be denied for style/compatibility	Confirm Downtown Design Guidelines interpretations during pre‑application meeting and see Master Sign Program rules (§ 4.12.120)
Illumination limits near residences	Signs visible from and within 100 ft of an R district are restricted between 10 p.m.–7 a.m. — business hours may permit exceptions	Verify measurement of the 100‑ft buffer and whether your business hours qualify for illumination exceptions (§ 4.12.112.J)
Historic / legacy signage	Older signs "valued by the community" may be exempt from standards — ambiguous how the City decides	Historic exemption language exists but process not fully described in the sign chapter — contact Historic Preservation staff and confirm under § 4.12.108 and San Leandro Historic Preservation
Nonconforming off‑site signs	Off‑site advertising is prohibited; existing nonconforming billboards need a relocation agreement	If a sign is pre‑existing off‑site advertising, reconstruction/relocation only via relocation agreement — check § 4.12.116 and consult Legal/Planning
Fire/emergency access conflicts	Overhanging signs or supports can impede firefighting operations	Structural/clearance checks required under §§ 4.12.132 and 4.12.136 — Verify with Fire and Building staff

Plain-English Summary

San Leandro’s sign rules (Chapter 4.12) set district-based limits on how big and tall on‑site signs can be, ban billboards, restrict flashing or moving signs, and require a sign permit (or a Master Sign Program for larger/multi‑tenant projects). Most decisions are made administratively by the Zoning Enforcement Official, but larger exceptions or aesthetic issues can require a Planning Commission review — always check frontage, illumination buffers near housing, and design guidelines for downtown or historic areas (§ 4.12.100–§ 4.12.140) .

Source References

San Leandro Municipal Code, Chapter 4.12 (Signs) — § 4.12.100, § 4.12.104, § 4.12.108, § 4.12.112, § 4.12.116, § 4.12.120, § 4.12.124, § 4.12.128, § 4.12.132, § 4.12.136, § 4.12.140.
Zoning permit review references that allow additional signage conditions — § 2.08.272 (zoning permit considerations for restaurants/fast‑food near residential) .
Projection, clearance and projecting‑sign specifics and diagrams — see the illustrations and criteria in § 4.12.112 (projecting signs) .
Construction and real‑estate temporary sign specifics appear within § 4.12.112 (Construction Signs; Real Estate Signs) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Leandro Zoning Code (Section 4.12.104) High relevance
San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 4.12.112) High relevance
San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 4.12.112) High relevance
San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.08.272) High relevance
San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
San Leandro Zoning Code (Section 4.12.120) High relevance
San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 4.12.120) High relevance
San Leandro Zoning Code (chapter are) High relevance

Cited sections

Official San Leandro code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum sign area I can have for a storefront in San Leandro?

Most commercial/mixed districts use a frontage-based formula: 2 sq ft per lineal foot of frontage up to 55 ft, and a square‑root formula for longer frontage; in some residential districts limits are fixed (for example 24 sq ft for permitted nonresidential in RD/RO/RS) — see § 4.12.112 for the district table and computation rules .

Do I need a permit to change the face or copy on my existing sign?

If a sign is regulated by Chapter 4.12, you need a sign permit or a temporary sign permit as required by § 4.12.124. Note the code also says some signs are exempt from the chapter but the Building Division may still require a permit for changes to the sign face; confirm with Planning and Building staff (§ 4.12.108; § 4.12.124) .

Are billboards permitted in San Leandro?

No — off‑site advertising signs (billboards) are expressly not permitted anywhere in the City. Existing nonconforming off‑site signs can only be relocated or reconstructed under a relocation agreement consistent with state law (§ 4.12.116) .

Can my sign be illuminated or animated?

Illumination is allowed with limits: signs visible from and within 100 ft of a residential district must be dark between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the business is open; flashing or moving signs are broadly prohibited (with limited exceptions for theater canopies/time/temp displays). Also many districts require white/amber indirect lighting if lighted (§ 4.12.112.J) .

When is a Master Sign Program required?

A Master Sign Program is required when a development has three or more nonresidential occupants or occupies two acres or more and requires Site Plan Approval; the Master Sign Program must be approved before any sign permits are issued (§ 4.12.120) .

How much freestanding sign area/height can I put on my lot?

It depends on district: many C/I districts allow a freestanding sign up to 64 sq ft per frontage with heights varying by district (for example 6 ft in B‑TOD, 8 ft in CC/DA/NA/SA, and 12 ft in other C/I districts). Freestanding signs have spacing and setback rules (e.g., not closer than one‑half its height to a property line) — see § 4.12.112.D for the full grid and criteria .

What are the rules for temporary banners and tenant promotional signage?

Temporary signs/banners are limited: a tenant may place temporary signs for up to two 15‑day periods per calendar year (extensions possible), and total temporary plus permanent sign area cannot exceed 150% of the permitted permanent area. The Zoning Enforcement Official may restrict number, duration, and type (§ 4.12.112.K) .

Are neon signs or exposed bulbs allowed?

Neon signs are allowed when they conform to Administrative Review of Signs; exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs over 15 watts are not permitted except as approved in a Master Sign Plan or a use permit (e.g., cinema/theater) (§ 4.12.112.J and § 4.12.104) .

Who decides sign design compatibility and what findings must be made?

The Community Development Director (or designee) through administrative review must find that the sign copy is limited to essential identification, the sign is attractive and uses compatible colors/materials, and the sign is architecturally compatible with the site — these findings are required under § 4.12.104 for approval .

Can an existing sign be treated as “historic” and exempt from current rules?

The ordinance allows older signs valued by the community to be considered exempt, but the code does not set a full procedure in the sign chapter — you should verify with Historic Preservation staff; the statutory reference is § 4.12.108 (exempt signs) and related historic‑preservation procedures may apply . ---

Ask about any San Leandro property

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

Start Free Trial