Local zoning · Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita — Signage

Q: Can I get larger or taller signs than the table allows?

Possibly — the code provides for enhanced signage and sign review flexibility (and an administrative sign variance path), but these are discretionary and require findings showing the larger sign won’t harm safety or aesthetics and that no reasonable alternative exists. Check sign-review procedures and administrative sign variance standards. § 17.23.190; § 17.24.110

Signage under the Santa Clarita local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Santa Clarita's zoning code requires for signs on private property (Title 17). It synthesizes the City's rules on permits, measurement, allowed sign types, dimensional limits, sign review/master sign plans, and temporary signs — with the controlling local code citations and file-source previews. For related development topics see the city's guidance on development standards, design review, overlay districts, parking, zoning, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code. Important: always verify with the Planning Division for parcel-specific application of discretionary provisions. (§ 17.51.080)

How the code is organized (short)

Sign rules live in the Santa Clarita development/zoning code under the sign regulations (referenced as § 17.51.080) and related sign-review and administrative variance procedures (§ 17.23.190; § 17.24.110).
The code separates sign types (wall, monument, pylon, under-canopy, temporary freestanding, subdivision signs, etc.) and assigns per-type limits, permit pathways, and zone applicability in a Sign Regulations Matrix. (§ 17.51.080(T) and Sign Regulations Matrix)

District-by-district breakdown

Note: below, district names and numeric limits are drawn from the sign matrix and narrative provisions; each bullet shows the controlling local code citation where the rule appears.

Commercial (C)

Purpose for signage in practice: allow business identification and wayfinding while limiting size and number to the building/lot scale. See the general sign purposes. (§ 17.51.080(A))
Typical permitted sign types: Primary wall signs, secondary wall signs, under-canopy signs, monument signs (where allowed), pylon signs (subject to lot frontage/acreage), temporary banners (special-event or grand-opening with permit). (§ 17.51.080(T); Sign Matrix)
Key dimensional standards (examples):
- Primary wall sign: up to 1.5 sf per linear foot of tenant frontage; one primary sign per ground-floor entrance; secondary walls half of primary area (§ 17.51.080(T)).
- Under-canopy: 4.5 sf; one per business; up to 1.5 ft projection (§ 17.51.080 Sign Matrix).
- Pylon signs: generally 40 sf (base) up to 160 sf with enhanced-signage approval; heights 15 ft (up to 20 ft with enhanced signing) and minimum lot/frontage thresholds apply (§ 17.51.080 Sign Matrix).

Mixed-Use (MX)

Permitted signage mirrors Commercial (C) rules for wall, pylon, under-canopy, and banner signs; enhanced or additional signage for larger centers requires sign review/master sign plan. (§ 17.51.080(T); master sign plan rules)

Industrial (I) and Public/Institutional (PI)

Allow commercial-type signs for industrial and institutional uses with similar per-type area/height limits as commercial zones; many wall and freestanding sign entries list I and PI as applicable. Pylon and monument signs allowed with lot size/frontage thresholds. (§ 17.51.080 Sign Matrix)

Open Space (OS)

Signs are tightly limited; some wall signs are allowed for commercial uses in OS and building ID signs have small area allowances (e.g., 1 sf for some OS/residential building ID uses). Temporary noncommercial freestanding signs may be allowed subject to the temporary-sign caps. (§ 17.51.080(T))

Residential (R)

Permanent commercial signage is generally not the norm; limited wall/building ID signs and construction or subdivision sales/event signage are specifically regulated. Temporary freestanding signs in the R zone are limited to noncommercial messages with a per-sign area cap of 32 sf and an aggregate cap of 100 sf on a parcel. (§ 17.51.080(T); Temporary Freestanding)

CR zone / Special districts and Overlays (examples)

Some sign types are restricted to special zones: e.g., projecting signs are specifically allowed in the CR zone with limits (one per ground-floor business, 12 sf, not over public right-of-way). The code also references the VDS overlay and other special overlay conditions for certain sign types (automotive-oriented pylon signs, etc.). For overlay-specific allowances, consult the overlay rules and sign-review findings. (§ 17.51.080 Sign Matrix; overlay references)

Quick reference table — most decision-relevant sign types

Type	Permit required	Typical zones	Max area (typical)	Max height (typical)	Setback / other limits	Code reference
Primary Wall Sign	Sign Approval / Sign Review	C, MX, PI, I (and commercial in R/OS)	1.5 sf per linear ft of tenant frontage	N/A (must not extend above parapet/eave)	One per main elevation; max width 75% frontage for many tenants	§ 17.51.080(T)
Under-Canopy Sign	Sign Approval	C, I, MX	4.5 sf	Projection 1.5 ft	One per business; 3 ft width limit in matrix	§ 17.51.080 Sign Matrix
Monument Sign	Sign Approval	OS, commercial uses in R	54 sf (including base)	6 ft (up to 8 ft with enhanced signing)	5 ft from property line; must be within planter and outside clear sight line; min 25 ft setback to adjacent R zone	§ 17.51.080 Sign Matrix
Pylon Sign	Sign Approval / Sign Review	C, I, MX, PI	40 sf (up to 160 sf w/ enhanced signing)	15 ft (up to 20 ft w/ enhanced signing)	Min frontage/acre requirements; corner lots may combine frontage	§ 17.51.080 Sign Matrix
Temporary Freestanding (noncommercial)	No permit (subject to limits)	C, I, MX, PI, OS (commercial signs not allowed); R (noncommercial only)	32 sf per sign; aggregate 200 sf per parcel (100 sf in R)	—	Must not be in public right-of-way; unlighted; removed within 10 days after event	§ 17.51.080(S)
Subdivision/Sales Signs	Sign Approval / Sign Review	All zones (when for new subdivision)	64–180 sf depending on lot count; sales signs smaller for R/OS	8–16 ft depending on area	Located on subdivision; time-limited (commonly 3 years)	§ 17.51.080 (Subdivision rules)

(See the Sign Regulations Matrix in the code for many more specific types such as preview boards, building ID, automotive placards, changeable-copy signs.)

Permit pathways, master sign plans, and sign review

Most permanent signs require a sign approval or sign review; the Director has discretion to require sign review for signage to ensure compliance with policy and design guidelines. (§ 17.51.080(C); § 17.23.190)
Shopping centers with five (5) or more tenants must prepare a Master Sign Plan to unify the center’s signage; master plans are reviewed under enhanced signage/sign review standards. (§ 17.51.080(D) — Master Sign Plans)
Sign review findings require the applicant to show compatibility with design guidelines, no interference with pedestrian/vehicular safety, non-detrimental impacts on adjacent properties or historic resources, and avoidance of sign proliferation. (§ 17.23.190(D))

How sign area, height and measurement are done

Sign area is computed from the smallest enclosing rectangles, circles or triangles around message elements; logos and graphics count; some small non-message ornamentation (≤ 5% of surface) may be exempt. (§ 17.51.080(E)(3))
Sign height for freestanding signs is measured from the base grade or the curb elevation (if within 10 ft of the street property line) to the highest point of the sign. (§ 17.51.080(E)(2))

Design, construction, illumination, maintenance

Permanently approved signs must use durable materials compatible with the building/site, have controlled/shielded illumination to avoid glare, and be maintained in good repair. The exposed back of signs must be covered; removed signs require restoration of the wall/grounds within 30 days. (§ 17.51.080(F))
Construction must comply with state and local building/electrical codes (refer to the California Building Standards Code). (§ 17.51.080(F)(6))

Administrative variances and historic sign designation

The code provides an administrative sign variance and a historic sign designation (Class III) when strict standards produce practical difficulties; however, these cannot authorize prohibited sign types and require specific findings (creative image, historical character, etc.). (§ 17.24.110)

Checklist — what an applicant must submit (minimum)

Scaled drawing of the sign showing dimensions, colors, materials, attachment method, illumination, and relation to building/structure. (§ 17.51.080(D)(2)(a))
Site plan showing sign location relative to property lines, rights-of-way, sidewalks, access, buildings, and parking. (§ 17.51.080(D)(2)(b))
Inventory of existing signs on the same building/site (number, size, type, location). (§ 17.51.080(D)(2)(c))
Master Sign Plan for centers with 5+ tenants or when required by sign-review. (§ 17.51.080(D)(4))
Fees and application forms per the Planning Division and any required Class II/III application materials for sign review or variance. (§ 17.23.190; § 17.24.110)
For temporary signs: plan showing dates/time limits, proof signs will not be in public right-of-way, and that copy complies with noncommercial/commercial limitations. (§ 17.51.080(S))

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Enhanced signage / Director discretion	The Director may allow larger signs, extra height, or additional signage subject to sign review or master plan; this is discretionary. Projects relying on "enhanced" allowances can fail if findings not met.	Confirm whether your project qualifies for enhanced signage and the exact findings/conditions with Planning staff (Sign Review authority per § 17.23.190).
Measurement methodology (area/height)	Sign area and height calculations affect compliance; errors cause denials or enforcement.	Verify measurement points (curb vs. base), inclusion of logos and frames, and three-dimensional shape rules. See § 17.51.080(E)(2–3).
Temporary sign content limits	Temporary signs often restrict commercial information (especially subdivision and temporary freestanding signs). Mislabeling will make a sign noncompliant and subject to removal.	Confirm whether your content is deemed commercial or noncommercial and follow time/area limits in § 17.51.080(S) and subdivision rules.
Clear sight-line / right-of-way setbacks	Setback and sight-line requirements protect traffic safety; noncompliance risks removal and fines.	Confirm required planter placement, setback from property line, and clear sight-line areas cited in the matrix and E(1)(a). (§ 17.51.080(E))
Historic signs and counting toward allowable area	A historic designation may exempt a sign from standard size/height but the sign area still counts toward the site's sign area totals unless otherwise stated.	If proposing historic designation, follow § 17.24.110 findings and note how the sign counts toward totals.
Overlay or zone-specific rules (e.g., VDS, CR)	Some overlays or zones permit special sign types (automotive pylon in VDS, projecting signs in CR).	Check overlay-specific code language and sign-review requirements for the property’s overlay zones. (§ 17.51.080 Sign Matrix; overlay references)

Plain-English Summary

Santa Clarita's zoning code limits sign size, number, placement and illumination by sign type and zone: wall signs are sized to tenant frontage, freestanding types (monument/pylon) have area, height and lot-frontage thresholds, temporary signs are tightly time/area-limited and mostly limited to noncommercial messages, and shopping centers with five or more tenants need a master sign plan; most new signs require sign approval or sign review and must meet design, measurement, and safety rules (see § 17.51.080; sign review § 17.23.190).

Source References

Santa Clarita Municipal/Zoning Code — Sign Regulations: § 17.51.080 (Sign Regulations (Private Property))
Sign Review (procedures and findings): § 17.23.190 (Sign Review)
Administrative Sign Variance & Historic Sign Designation: § 17.24.110
Sign Regulations Matrix and type-by-type entries (wall, pylon, monument, temporary): Sign Matrix entries and tabular summaries within § 17.51.080 (see matrix excerpts)
Permit application requirements and master sign plan rules: administrative requirements in the sign section (application contents, master sign plan for 5+ tenants) § 17.51.080(D)

Also consult the city's planning pages for process context: Santa Clarita Zoning and Santa Clarita Development Standards. Verify construction/electrical compliance with the California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Santa Clarita Zoning Code (title and) High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code High relevance
California Electrical Code (section regulates) High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (section and) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Santa Clarita code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a sign permit to install a new sign in Santa Clarita?

You generally need a sign approval or sign review before placing, erecting, or making structural/electrical changes to a sign; certain signs (construction signs, incidental business signs, real estate signs, some temporary freestanding signs, and window signs) are listed as not requiring a sign approval but must still meet the code’s standards. § 17.51.080(C)

How is wall-sign area calculated and what is allowed for a storefront?

Wall-sign area is computed from the smallest enclosing geometric shapes around letters/logos/graphics; ground-floor tenant storefronts are typically allowed 1.5 square feet of wall sign per linear foot of tenant frontage, with one primary wall sign per main entrance. § 17.51.080(E)(3); § 17.51.080(T)

What are the rules for temporary freestanding signs?

Temporary freestanding or mounted signs are allowed but limited. In C, MX, PI, I, OS zones only noncommercial temporary freestanding signs are permitted (max 32 sf each; aggregate 200 sf per parcel). In R zones noncommercial signs are allowed with a 32 sf per sign cap and 100 sf aggregate. Signs cannot be in the public right-of-way, must be unlighted, and be removed promptly after the event. § 17.51.080(S)

When is a Master Sign Plan required?

A master sign plan is required for shopping centers containing five (5) or more tenants to create a unified signage theme; the plan is reviewed as part of enhanced signage/sign review and all future signs in the center must conform to the approved master plan. § 17.51.080(D)(4)

Can I get larger or taller signs than the table allows?

Possibly — the code provides for enhanced signage and sign review flexibility (and an administrative sign variance path), but these are discretionary and require findings showing the larger sign won’t harm safety or aesthetics and that no reasonable alternative exists. Check sign-review procedures and administrative sign variance standards. § 17.23.190; § 17.24.110

Do historic signs get special treatment?

Yes — a historic sign designation can exempt a sign from standard size/height/type limits, but the designation has its own findings (age, historical significance, etc.) and the sign area still generally counts toward the site's allowable sign area unless the code or approval states otherwise. § 17.24.110

Where are setbacks and sight-line constraints for freestanding signs?

Setbacks and clear sight-line requirements are specified in the Sign Matrix and general location standards; freestanding signs must typically be within planter areas, outside clear sight-line setbacks, and set back from property lines (examples: 5 ft from PL for monuments, minimum 25 ft to adjacent R zone). See the matrix and § 17.51.080(E).

What are the illumination rules for signs?

Illumination must be shaded/ shielded/directed to minimize light spill and glare; externally illuminated signs must use screened or hidden light sources. Signs shall not cause excessive glare that could be a traffic hazard. § 17.51.080(F)(5)

If my project needs a sign review, what findings must I meet?

Sign review findings require compliance with design guidelines, no interference with pedestrian/vehicular safety, protection of historic or architecturally significant structures, no negative impact on adjacent property visibility or aesthetics, avoidance of sign over-proliferation, and overall visual harmony (see § 17.23.190(D)). § 17.23.190(D)

Can noncommercial speech be treated differently from commercial speech on signs?

Noncommercial signs are allowed where commercial signage is permitted and generally are subject to the same numeric limits; noncommercial messages are treated as "on-site" regardless of physical location but permanent noncommercial signs still require approval in some cases unless a permanent commercial sign is already approved. § 17.51.080(C)(3)

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