Local zoning · San Marino

San Marino — Signage

Q: Do residential homeowners in San Marino ever get to put up signs?

Yes, but very narrowly. In the R-1 zone homeowners may display one on‑premises real‑estate sign while the property is actively for sale, lease or rent (maximum 3.3 sq ft , length ≤ 28" , top ≤ 36" above grade, ≥ 10 ft from a side lot line, and no illumination ) or an initial subdivision sign in limited circumstances; otherwise signs are prohibited (§ 23.12.02) .

Q: When is a Master Sign Plan required in the C‑1 zone?

A Master Sign Plan is required for new C‑1 buildings whenever there are two or more separate commercial tenant spaces on the parcel or whenever two or more signs are proposed for a building; the plan is reviewed by the DRC/Planning Commission and must include a plot plan, sign area computations, elevations and illumination plans (§ 23.12.04) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

San Marino regulates signs through its Zoning Code (Article 23.12 and related design-review provisions). The code tightly limits signage in residential areas, establishes a master-sign-plan route for multi-tenant commercial properties, and lists explicit prohibitions and construction/illumination standards that apply citywide (§ 23.12; § 23.12.02; § 23.12.03; § 23.12.04) . For drawings and submission requirements you must follow the city's design-review documentation rules (including signage submittals) under the Design Review article (§ 23.15.13) . See also the city's pages on San Marino Zoning, San Marino Development Standards, San Marino Design Review, and San Marino Parking for related permit and site constraints.

How the ordinance applies — district-by-district

Note: every rule below is taken from the City’s zoning/sign provisions. Where the code refers to “this article” it means the City’s signs article, cited below as § 23.12.

R-1 (Single-Family Residential) — § 23.12.02

Purpose & context: The R-1 zone is treated as essentially sign-free; the ordinance forbids signs except for a short list of narrowly‑defined exceptions (§ 23.12.02) .
Typical permitted sign types (very limited):
- On‑premises real estate “for sale/lease/rent” sign — one sign only while the property is actively for sale/lease; maximum area 3.3 sq ft, length limit 28", must be located at least 10 ft from a side lot line, top no more than 36" above grade, and no illumination (§ 23.12.02.B.1) .
- Residential subdivision sign (temporary, initial sales) — one per up to 5 acres; dimension limit 10' x 12' and must be at least 150 ft from adjacent residences (§ 23.12.02.B.2) .
Where it applies: all single‑family lots mapped R-1 on the City’s zoning map. Check San Marino Zoning for parcel designation.

P&R (Parks & Recreation) — § 23.12.03

Purpose & key rule: The P&R zone authorizes no signs of any nature — all signs are prohibited in that zone (§ 23.12.03) .
Practical effect: event signage or sponsorship banners on park property will require specific city authorization or fall under other chapters (verify with the City).

C-1 (Commercial) — master sign plan and standard commercial signage

Purpose & context: The C-1 commercial zone allows signage but requires design quality and, for multi‑tenant or multiple-sign situations, a Master Sign Plan (§ 23.12.04) .
Master Sign Plan triggers and authority:
- Required where two or more tenant spaces exist on the same parcel or when two or more signs are proposed for a building; it is reviewed/approved by the Planning/Design Review authority and must be approved before building permits (§ 23.12.04.B–D) .
- A master plan may modify number/area/height/location of signs (but may be more restrictive) and must include a plot plan, sign area tables, elevations, materials, and illumination plans (§ 23.12.04.E–F) .
Commercial sign rules (general): the code requires compatibility with building architecture, limits some illumination features, restricts off‑premises advertising, and sets construction/illumination performance standards (see table below and § 23.12) .

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Topic	Key limit / rule	Code Reference
Real estate sign (R-1)	Max 3.3 sq ft; max length 28"; top ≤ 36" above grade; ≥ 10 ft from side line; no illumination	§ 23.12.02.B.1
Residential subdivision sign	≤ 10' x 12'; ≥ 150 ft from adjacent residence	§ 23.12.02.B.2
P&R zone signs	All signs prohibited	§ 23.12.03
Blade (projecting) signs	Min clearance 7' above sidewalk; no higher than first-floor plate line; max 2 per retail with two street facades	§ 23.12 (blade rules)
Illumination limits	No undue glare; illuminated sign not to exceed 10 candlepower at 10 ft; internally illuminated signs limited to 430 milliamps (ballast + lamps)	§ 23.12 (construction/illumination)
Prohibited features	Off-premises advertising (new), roof signs, freestanding pole signs, flashing/neon/revolving/moving signs, signs emitting sound/particles, etc.	§ 23.12 (prohibitions)
Design review submittal for signage	Eight (8) sets of plot plan and detailed sign elevations/materials/colors/illumination when signage is part of design-review application (§ 23.15.13.D)	§ 23.15.13.D

(Where the table cites “§ 23.12” without more digits, those rules live in the City’s signs article; consult the ordinance text for the paragraph letters and the Master Sign Plan section for full submission requirements.)

Practical guidance / interpretation (plain-English synthesis)

Residential properties in R-1: effectively no signs except a tiny non‑illuminated real‑estate sign while actively on market — think stake‑sign, very low and inconspicuous (§ 23.12.02) .
Commercial properties along Huntington, Mission and other commercial frontages must either follow the standard rules or, for multi‑tenant buildings / multiple signs, prepare a Master Sign Plan showing total sign area, individual sign sizing and materials; the DRC enforces design quality and may approve trade‑offs (e.g., larger sign area in exchange for design quality) (§ 23.12.04) .
City emphasis: compatibility, no glare, no traffic‑confusing signs, and preservation of the City’s visual character — so even permitted signs must meet compatibility and construction standards (§ 23.12) .
Submitting: follow the design‑review documentation checklist (including the eight‑set requirement for signage when design review applies) (§ 23.15.13) .
For structural/attachment/fireproofing matters that overlap the building code, follow the California Building Standards Code and submit required building permits; but the zoning code controls permitted size, location, content, and illumination (§ 23.12; design submittal rules § 23.15.13) .
Verify encroachment requirements before projecting signs over public right-of-way (blade signs exception, otherwise an encroachment permit is required) — confirm with Public Works/Engineering and the Community Development Director (§ 23.12; blade sign clearance rules) .
If illumination is proposed, demonstrate glare control and measurement compliance and coordinate with adjacent residential uses (§ 23.12 illumination limits) .
For any uncertainty about permitted content, off‑premises advertising, or safety/traffic concerns, verify with the City (the code prohibits off‑premises advertising and signs jeopardizing traffic safety) (§ 23.12 prohibitions) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Master Sign Plan scope (which deviations the DRC will allow)	The DRC can approve deviations but may also require more restrictive rules; unclear applicant expectations raise design risk	Confirm scope and likely findings at pre‑application meeting with Planning staff and cite § 23.12.04 (Master Sign Plan)
Exact application of illumination metrics (10 candlepower @10' / 430 mA)	Designers need numeric limits for light engineering and fixture selection; measurement method can affect compliance	Confirm measurement method and whether modern LED metrics (lumens/CCT) are accepted; cite § 23.12 (illumination limits) and verify with the Planning & Building Director
Which signs require building permits vs design review	Some signs trigger building/mfg structural review and some are design discretionary items	Follow design‑review submittal rules (§ 23.15.13) and check building-permit triggers with Building Division; see California Building Standards Code and § 23.15.13.D for required documentation
Nonconforming sign continuation rules	Existing nonconforming signs may be allowed to continue but cannot be enlarged or relocated; replacement may trigger master plan	Confirm whether a nonconforming sign is legal nonconforming under the code and whether a master sign plan or removal is required (§ 23.12 nonconforming rules)
Public right‑of‑way encroachment (projecting signs)	Many projecting signs are prohibited unless a blade‑sign exception applies or an encroachment permit is issued; neighbors/Engineering may object	Verify whether blade sign exceptions apply (min 7' clearance) and if an encroachment permit from Public Works is required (§ 23.12 blade sign and encroachment rules)

Plain-English Summary

San Marino’s sign rules are strict: almost no signs are allowed in the R-1 single‑family zone (only small, nonilluminated real‑estate or temporary subdivision signs), parks allow none, and commercial properties must either follow the standard limits or prepare a Master Sign Plan reviewed by the City; all signs must meet compatibility, construction and illumination limits and are subject to design review and the City’s permit procedures (see § 23.12; § 23.12.02; § 23.12.03; § 23.12.04; § 23.15.13) .

Source References

San Marino Zoning Code — Signs article (general prohibitions, prohibited sign features, blade signs, illumination and construction standards): § 23.12 (see related subsections) .
San Marino Zoning Code — § 23.12.02: Signs in R-1 Zone (real estate sign / subdivision sign rules) .
San Marino Zoning Code — § 23.12.03: Signs in P&R Zone (no signs authorized) .
San Marino Zoning Code — § 23.12.04: Master Sign Plan (when required, application contents, DRC review) .
San Marino Zoning Code — Provisions on construction, illumination, and compatibility (lighting limits, fireproof materials, wind resistance, etc.) — sign performance and compatibility requirements (§ 23.12) .
San Marino Zoning Code — Design Review documentation and submittal requirements for signage: § 23.15.13 (eight‑set drawings, elevations, materials, etc.) .
California Building Standards reference for structural/attachment and electrical/illumination considerations (for building‑permit stage): California Building Standards Code and Appendix H (Signs) for construction/structural guidance .

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Marino Zoning Code (section or) High relevance
CBC § 1258 Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (Section are) Medium relevance
CEC § H101 (chapter as) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (article are) Medium relevance
CBC § 0479 Medium relevance
CBC § 1138A.4 (Section 1138A.4) Medium relevance
CMC § 126 Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (section may) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (chapter to) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (section or) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
CBC § H101 (SECTION H101) Medium relevance
CWUIC § 4290 (Section 4290) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (section 311) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (chapter to) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (§ 65913.4) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (Section 65583.2) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (Section are) Medium relevance
CBC § 23.02.10 (section 23.02.10) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (ARTICLE 16) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (chapter VIII) Medium relevance
San Marino Zoning Code (Section 23.10.03) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official San Marino code library

Frequently asked questions

Do residential homeowners in San Marino ever get to put up signs?

Yes, but very narrowly. In the R-1 zone homeowners may display one on‑premises real‑estate sign while the property is actively for sale, lease or rent (maximum 3.3 sq ft, length ≤ 28", top ≤ 36" above grade, ≥ 10 ft from a side lot line, and no illumination) or an initial subdivision sign in limited circumstances; otherwise signs are prohibited (§ 23.12.02) .

What size/illumination limits apply to commercial signs?

San Marino caps illumination (no undue glare), sets an upper practical brightness cap (the ordinance specifies 10 candlepower at 10' and an internal current limit 430 mA for internally illuminated signs), and requires compatibility with building architecture; consult the signs article (§ 23.12) and include illumination details in your submittal (§ 23.15.13) .

When is a Master Sign Plan required in the C‑1 zone?

A Master Sign Plan is required for new C‑1 buildings whenever there are two or more separate commercial tenant spaces on the parcel or whenever two or more signs are proposed for a building; the plan is reviewed by the DRC/Planning Commission and must include a plot plan, sign area computations, elevations and illumination plans (§ 23.12.04) .

Are blade/projecting signs allowed over the sidewalk?

Yes — but only under the blade‑sign rules: a blade sign that projects over the public right‑of‑way must have a minimum clearance of 7 feet above any sidewalk and not exceed the first‑floor plate line; most other projecting or encroaching signs are prohibited without an encroachment permit (§ 23.12 — blade sign rules) .

Does the City allow temporary window signs or holiday displays?

Yes — the code allows temporary window signs for limited promotions and holiday displays with specific time and area caps: e.g., temporary sale/promotion window signs limited to 15 consecutive days per event (with limits per year), temporary holiday display allowance (Thanksgiving–Jan 2), and window coverage caps (no more than 25% of window area) — see the sign article for the detailed schedule and limits (§ 23.12 temporary window sign rules) .

Are off‑premises advertising signs permitted?

New off‑premises signs and advertising displays are prohibited as of the ordinance update; directional off‑premises real‑estate signs are also prohibited (§ 23.12 — prohibited signs) .

What happens if an existing sign is “nonconforming” under the new rules?

Existing legally installed signs that became nonconforming when the ordinance changed may be maintained but generally cannot be relocated, replaced, increased in size, or modified in advertising copy; nonconforming signs remain subject to maintenance and abatement rules and may be addressed via a Master Sign Plan for multi‑tenant buildings (§ 23.12 nonconforming provisions and § 23.12.04 master plan continuation) .

Do I need design review for a sign on a commercial building?

If signage is part of a project subject to design review (or if you are pursuing a Master Sign Plan), the design‑review documentation standards apply — signage plans, elevations, materials and illumination details (eight sets) must be submitted under § 23.15.13.D; some small sign permits may be ministerial but check with the Planning Department (§ 23.15.13) .

Are roof signs or freestanding pole signs allowed?

No. The code expressly prohibits roof signs and freestanding pole signs in the City; illuminated nonconforming roof or pole signs face additional restrictions (no illumination after 10:00 P.M. if causing glare on adjacent residences) (§ 23.12 — prohibited signs) .

Who enforces illumination and safety limits and what is the penalty for violations?

The Community Development/Planning and Building Director enforces zoning provisions; violations are abatable and may be prosecuted per the City code (penalty/remedy provisions in Chapter XXIII and enforcement chapters). Confirm enforcement steps with the City; see § 23.17 (penalties/remedies) and the signs article for prohibited conditions (§ 23.12; enforcement/penalty provisions) .

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