Local zoning · Susanville

Susanville — Signage

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the City of Susanville zoning ordinance requires for signs: what types are allowed, size/height limits by district, permit and exemption rules, temporary sign rules, and review/appeal paths. The controlling rules live in Chapter 17.128 of the Susanville Zoning Code; the chapter title, purpose, and the district-specific standards are summarized below. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel-specific interpretations. § 17.128.010–.020 .

Important related topics (link on first natural mention): Susanville Zoning, Susanville Land Use, Susanville Development Standards, Susanville Parking, Susanville Design Review, Susanville Overlay Districts, Susanville ADUs and the California Building Standards Code.

What the code covers (high level)

  • The ordinance is titled the "sign ordinance of the city of Susanville" and states purpose, objectives, and applicability in § 17.128.010 and § 17.128.020; it is intended to regulate size, number, location, illumination and aesthetics of signs to protect public safety and visual character. § 17.128.010–.020 .
  • Chapter-wide general rules (prohibitions on roof signs, clearance requirements, illumination limits, encroachment-permit requirement for signs in the right-of-way, exceptions via use permits) are located under the general provisions of the chapter. § 17.128.030 and related subsections.
  • Permit, fee, temporary sign, nonconforming, appeal and enforcement procedures are in § 17.128.140–.190.

District-by-district standards (purpose, typical permitted sign types, key dimensional rules, where it applies)

Each district summary below is Susanville-specific and cites the exact controlling code section. For any parcel-specific or ambiguous measurement (for example, how to compute “street frontage” or “normal grade”), Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-1, R-2, R-3 — Residential districts

  • Purpose / typical uses: single-family and multi-family residential uses; regulated to minimize commercial visual intrusion. (Applies to lots in the R-1, R-2, R-3 districts.)
  • Permitted sign types: signs identifying residences are generally not permitted for single-family residences and home-occupations; limited real-estate and temporary signs allowed per general exemptions. § 17.128.050 .
  • Dimensional standards when a use is allowed by use permit: one on-site ground sign per zone lot up to 50 sq ft (or 25 sq ft per face if double-faced) and 42 inches in height; where set back sufficiently from a driveway or curb return the allowed height may be 6 ft. § 17.128.050 .
  • Where it applies: residential neighborhoods; note additional limits if adjacent to overlay or historic districts—see design review if in a review district. Not found in retrieved materials: any separate R‑4 or specialized residential sign provisions (Verify with the jurisdiction). § 17.128.050 .

C-1 — Retail Commercial district

  • Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood retail and service businesses in C-1 areas.
  • Building sign allowance: building signs shall not exceed 1 sq ft of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage. § 17.128.060 .
  • Freestanding/ground sign rules: C-1 generally follows the general on-site standards (see Chapter-wide rules and § 17.128.130 for under-canopy, window-sign exemptions, etc.). § 17.128.060; § 17.128.130 .
  • Where it applies: commercial corridors, storefronts; design review may apply to awnings and pedestrian signage (see Susanville Design Review).

C-2, C-3, M — General Commercial / Commercial-Light Manufacturing / General Industrial

  • Purpose / typical uses: larger commercial and industrial uses with increased frontage and visibility. (C-2, C-3, M.)
  • Building signs: allowed up to 1.5 sq ft per lineal foot of building frontage. § 17.128.070 .
  • Freestanding sign (primary rules depend on street frontage):
    • If the lot has 100 lineal feet or more of street frontage: one freestanding sign per zone lot up to 150 sq ft (double-faced each face up to 75 sq ft), max height 15 ft, setback 12 ft from front/street-side property line and must sit within a landscaped island equal to at least one-half the total sign area. An extra identically-sized freestanding sign allowed for each additional 300 ft of frontage. § 17.128.070 .
    • If the lot has less than 100 lineal feet: one ground sign up to 50 sq ft and 42 inches in height (or 6 ft height allowed when 35 ft or more from driveway/curb return). § 17.128.070 .
  • Projecting sign alternative: if no freestanding/ground sign is used, one projecting sign (per zone lot) up to 30 sq ft (15 sq ft per face) may be used; projects no more than 5 ft from wall and must have 8 ft clearance over sidewalk. § 17.128.070 .
  • Where it applies: highway-facing properties, shopping centers, industrial lots; landscaping and parking rules (Susanville Parking, Development Standards) interact with freestanding sign landscaping setbacks.

I — Institutional district

  • Purpose / typical uses: schools, hospitals, government facilities. (I)
  • Building signs: building signs limited to 1 sq ft per lineal foot of building frontage. § 17.128.120 .
  • Freestanding signs: if 100 lineal feet or more of frontage, 100 sq ft max (50 sq ft per face), 15 ft max height, 12 ft setback, and landscaped island equal to at least one-half the total sign area; if under 100 ft frontage a ground sign up to 50 sq ft and 42 in (or 6 ft with driveway setback) is allowed. § 17.128.120 .
  • Projecting sign rules and restrictions on freestanding signs when projecting signs present also apply. § 17.128.120; § 17.128.070 .

A — Agricultural district

  • Purpose / typical uses: agricultural operations and related uses (A).
  • On-site sign: one sign not over 20 sq ft pertaining to the principal use; if freestanding the maximum height is 12 ft. An additional identical sign allowed when there is over 500 ft of street frontage. § 17.128.080 .

OS — Open Space district

  • Purpose / typical uses: parks, open lands (OS).
  • On-site sign: one sign not over 20 sq ft; freestanding sign max height 12 ft. § 17.128.100 .

PD — Planned Development

  • Purpose / typical uses: master-planned developments.
  • Signs: the PD is governed by what is specified in the development plan; otherwise signs permitted are the same quantity/size/type as for the use’s base district. § 17.128.110 .

U — Unclassified

  • Signs in the U district follow the sign quantities, sizes and types that are permitted in the zone district consistent with the General Plan unless otherwise specified by a use permit. § 17.128.090 .

Key general standards and exemptions (quick list)

  • Roof signs are prohibited in all zones. § 17.128.030.D.1 .
  • Projecting signs that extend into the public right-of-way require an encroachment permit from Public Works and must maintain a minimum 8 ft vertical clearance. § 17.128.070.C; § 17.128.130.A.3 .
  • Illumination controls: no blinking/flashing/animated/excessive color-change signs; lighting must minimize glare to streets and adjacent properties and cannot be confused with traffic signals. § 17.128.030.C .
  • No lighted freestanding sign within 50 ft of a residential district. § 17.128.030.E.1 .
  • Exempt signs (no sign permit required): window signs (inside the building), works of art without commercial message (mural rules referenced to Chapter 12.28), holiday decorations, address markers, certain sandwich boards, real-estate signs (residential: up to 2 signs per zone lot, 6 sq ft each, max 6 ft high; special rules when 5+ lots), contractor/construction signs and future-tenant signs with specific area/height/location limits. § 17.128.130.B .
  • Temporary noncommercial signs on private property: permission of property owner required; size limits reference California Business & Professions Code 5405.3 (max 32 sq ft); signs on the right-of-way have stricter limits. Removal timelines and enforcement also specified. § 17.128.160 .
  • Sign permit required for most non-exempt permanent or modifying actions; applications require detailed drawings and expire after 180 days unless extended. Permit fee established by council resolution. § 17.128.140–.150 .

Decision-relevant quick reference table

Topic / Use Key limit or rule Code Reference
R-1/R-2/R-3 residential on-site sign (when allowed by use permit) 50 sq ft, 42 in height (or 6 ft if ≥35 ft from driveway/curb return) § 17.128.050
C-1 building sign area 1 sq ft per lineal foot of building frontage § 17.128.060
C-2 / C-3 / M building sign area 1.5 sq ft per lineal foot of building frontage § 17.128.070
C-2 / C-3 / M freestanding sign (≥100 ft frontage) 150 sq ft max, 15 ft max height, 12 ft setback, landscaped island = ½ sign area § 17.128.070
I (Institutional) freestanding (≥100 ft) 100 sq ft max, 15 ft max height, 12 ft setback, landscaped island min ½ sign area § 17.128.120
Projecting sign (commercial) 30 sq ft max (15 sq ft per face), ≤ 5 ft projection, 8 ft clearance § 17.128.070.C
Temporary noncommercial sign (private property) Max 32 sq ft (per CA B&P Code §5405.3), removed ≤ 90 days § 17.128.160
Prohibited elements Roof signs; blinking/animated/excessive-light-change exterior signs § 17.128.030.D.1; .C.1

Practical guidance / interpretation tips

  • Compute allowed freestanding sign type by measuring street frontage first: whether a lot has ≥100 lineal feet often changes allowances significantly (e.g., 150 sq ft vs. 50 sq ft). The ordinance defines “street frontage” for this purpose; use that definition to verify eligibility. Sign area/height rules hinge on that measurement. § 17.128.030 (definitions) .
  • If you propose a projecting sign that extends over a sidewalk or public right-of-way, secure an encroachment permit in addition to the sign permit; projecting signs that extend into public space are explicitly regulated. § 17.128.070.C; § 17.128.130.A.3 .
  • For signs in or near historic areas or properties subject to design review, expect extra review: awning/pedestrian signs and other façade treatments require design-review committee approval and materials/color submittals. See the City Design Guidelines and the sign-review procedures. § 17.128.130; Design review cross-references .
  • Illumination restrictions are strict where signs could interfere with traffic signals or residential properties—avoid colors/animation that resemble traffic-control devices. § 17.128.030.C .

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

  • Confirm zoning of the parcel and applicable overlay/historic review status (Susanville Zoning; Susanville Overlay Districts)
  • Measure street frontage and building frontage to determine allowed sign type and area (definition in sign chapter). § 17.128.030
  • Prepare sign permit application with scaled drawings, color renderings, materials, location on building/site, lighting method, and structural detail (per § 17.128.140). § 17.128.140
  • Check exemptions first (window signs, certain sandwich boards, small real-estate signs, temporary political signs) so you don’t over-apply for permits. § 17.128.130.B
  • If sign projects into the public right-of-way, obtain Public Works encroachment permit. § 17.128.070.C; § 17.128.130.A.3
  • If in a design-review or historic area, submit samples and obtain design committee approval for awnings or façade-mounted signs. § 17.128 & design guidelines
  • Pay applicable fees and track permit expiration (180-day default). § 17.128.140–.150

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
How to compute street frontage (affects whether a 150 sq ft freestanding sign is allowed) Sign type and maximum area hinge on the frontage threshold (100 lineal feet, or 300 ft for additional signs). Mis-measurement can invalidate permit. Confirm measurement method per the sign ordinance definition of street frontage and ask Planning if lot lines or shared access change the calculation. § 17.128 (definitions)
Signs over public right-of-way / projecting signs Requires an encroachment permit and strict clearance; public safety and liability concerns. Obtain encroachment permit from Public Works and confirm clearance/insurance needs. § 17.128.070.C; § 17.128.130.A.3
Historic district / Design Review overlay rules The design-review committee can require changes beyond numeric sign limits (materials, lettering style). Verify whether the property is in a historic or design-review area and follow the design submittal checklist in the code. Design review cross-references (sign review)
Nonconforming signs and repairs Repairs exceeding 50% of replacement value trigger full compliance — can require redesign or removal. If altering existing signs, get a value estimate from the building official before work; full replacement may require compliance with today's standards. § 17.128.170
Temporary sign size limits that reference state law The code defers to California Business & Professions Code for temporary sign max size (e.g., 32 sq ft). Verify the current text of CA B&P Code §5405.3 and how it is applied locally for private vs. ROW signs. § 17.128.160

Plain-English Summary

Susanville’s sign rules (Chapter 17.128) set district-specific size and height limits: small residential signs (generally not allowed for homes), storefront signs sized by building frontage in commercial zones, and larger freestanding signs where lots have long street frontage — all subject to lighting, projection, and public-right-of-way rules; most permanent signs require a sign permit and design review when in special areas. Verify with Planning for parcel-specific frontage counts and historic/design-review overlay effects. § 17.128.050–.140

Source References

  • Chapter 17.128, City of Susanville — Signs: § 17.128.010–.030 (title, purpose, general rules)
  • District sign provisions: § 17.128.050 (R-1/R-2/R-3) ; § 17.128.060 (C-1) ; § 17.128.070 (C-2/C-3/M) ; § 17.128.080 (A) ; § 17.128.100 (OS) ; § 17.128.110 (PD) ; § 17.128.120 (I) ; § 17.128.090 (U) .
  • General on-site standards, exemptions and lighting rules: § 17.128.130 and § 17.128.030.C–E .
  • Sign permits and fees: § 17.128.140–.150 .
  • Temporary signs: § 17.128.160 (references CA B&P Code §5405.3) .
  • Nonconforming signs and appeals/enforcement: § 17.128.170–.190 .
  • Design review details and awning sign requirements cross-referenced in development/design guidelines: Susanville design guidelines and code cross-references (see § 17.128 and related development-review sections).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Susanville Zoning Code (§ 16.6.1) High relevance
  • Susanville Zoning Code (§ 16.5.5) High relevance
  • CBC § 16.7 (§ 16.7) High relevance
  • Susanville Zoning Code (§ 16.5) High relevance
  • Susanville Zoning Code (§ 16.5.6) High relevance
  • Susanville Zoning Code High relevance
  • Susanville Zoning Code (§ 14.4) High relevance
  • Susanville Zoning Code (§ 16.7) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What sign types are allowed in single-family residential zones in Susanville?

Single-family residences and home-occupations generally may not have commercial signs; where a permitted use requires signage (e.g., a use allowed by use permit), one on-site ground sign up to 50 sq ft and 42 in height (or 6 ft if set back ≥35 ft from driveway/curb return) is allowed. § 17.128.050

How large can a freestanding sign be on a commercial lot in Susanville?

It depends on frontage and the district: in C-2/C-3/M districts with ≥100 ft frontage, one freestanding sign up to 150 sq ft and 15 ft tall is allowed (75 sq ft per face if double-faced); in I district similar allowances but with 100 sq ft cap where specified. If frontage is less than 100 ft, ground signs are limited to 50 sq ft and 42 in (or 6 ft under certain driveway setbacks). § 17.128.070; § 17.128.120

Do I need a permit to change sign copy or move a sign in Susanville?

Most sign changes, constructions, and modifications require a sign permit; however, some signs (window signs inside the building, certain temporary signs, address markers, small real-estate signs) are exempt from sign-permit requirements. The permit application must include drawings, dimensions, materials and lighting plans. § 17.128.130; § 17.128.140

What is the rule for temporary signs and political signs?

Temporary noncommercial signs on private property are allowed without a sign permit but must follow size and time limitations (private-property temporary signs are limited to the state Business & Professions Code limits, e.g., 32 sq ft, and must be removed no later than 90 days or 10 days after the event). Signs in the public right-of-way have stricter size/height limits. § 17.128.160

Are illuminated or electronic message signs allowed in Susanville?

Illuminated signs are allowed but must avoid blinking/flashing/animated features and be installed to minimize glare; signs that could be confused with traffic signals are prohibited. The code also restricts lighted freestanding signs within 50 ft of residential districts. § 17.128.030.C; .E

What if I want a projecting sign that hangs over a sidewalk?

Projecting signs are allowed under limits (up to 30 sq ft, projects no more than 5 ft, and must provide 8 ft clearance). If the sign projects into the public right-of-way you must obtain an encroachment permit from Public Works before installation. § 17.128.070.C; § 17.128.130.A.3

How are nonconforming signs handled if I repair or replace one?

Nonconforming signs existing before the ordinance may remain, but if repairs or modifications exceed 50% of the sign’s replacement value (other than change of copy), the sign must be brought into compliance with the current chapter. Verify replacement-value determination with the building official. § 17.128.170

Do awning signs count toward the total allowed sign area?

Yes. Awning signs on the ground floor may have up to 20% of the awning area covered by sign copy, and that area is included when calculating total sign area for the property; awning signs also require design-review approval and submittal of color/material samples. Design review/awning provisions (§ 17.128 cross-references)

If my property is adjacent to residential zoning, are there special limits?

Yes. There shall be no lighted freestanding sign within 50 feet of a residential district, and yard/height considerations apply when commercial districts abut residential uses. Verify setbacks and lighting plans with Planning. § 17.128.030.E.1

Can the Planning Commission make exceptions to the sign standards?

Yes. Exceptions to size, height, location, and numbers of signs may be made through a use permit approved by the Planning Commission; the applicant bears the burden of showing practical difficulties and suitability of the exception. § 17.128.030.F

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