Local zoning · Westmorland

Westmorland — Signage

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page distills what the City of Westmorland’s Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 13‑01) says about signs: what’s allowed in residential, commercial, and industrial districts, plus one overlay-specific rule. Use this as a quick reference alongside the city’s broader zoning & planning overview, Zoning, and Development Standards. For approvals that go beyond the baseline rules (e.g., freestanding signs in commercial areas), expect to engage Design Review and Conditional Use Permit procedures.

Key rule in commercial areas: total sign area is capped at 2 square feet per linear foot of building frontage and must be wall-mounted unless a Conditional Use Permit authorizes otherwise (§ 4.08(b)(i) ).

What the ordinance regulates

The ordinance organizes sign rules by zone family: Residential, Commercial, and Industrial (§ 4.08 ).
Multiple districts (e.g., R-2, R-4, C, I) expressly defer to the citywide sign rules in § 4.08 (“Signs: see Section 4.8”) (e.g., § 3.03(d)(xii), § 3.05(d)(xii), § 3.06(d)(ix), § 3.02(d)(xii) ).
A special overlay (-RV) includes an added restriction on visibility of certain on-site commercial activity signs (§ 3.04(c)(iii) ).

Citywide sign standards at a glance

Zone family	Allowed sign types/limits	Special conditions	Code Reference
Residential zones (all “R”)	- Name plates at single-family units up to 2 sq ft. - Development name/info signs in apartments: 1 sq ft per unit. - Up to two “For Rent/For Sale” signs, each up to 6 sq ft.	Home occupations may only reveal themselves by a name plate; no broader external display (§ 4.09(c)).	§ 4.08(a)(i)–(iii); § 4.09(c)
Commercial (C)	Business signs for the occupant’s name/nature; total sign area ≤ 2 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage facing a street; signs must be affixed to the building surface unless a CUP allows otherwise.	Illumination cannot create a nuisance to adjoining residential zones.	§ 4.08(b)(i)–(ii)
Industrial (I)	Business/occupant identification with total sign area ≤ 3 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage facing a street.	No sign within 50 ft of any residential zone; illumination cannot create a nuisance to adjoining zones.	§ 4.08(c)(i)–(iii)
-RV Overlay	Any commercial activity necessary to the park’s operation may not be advertised by signs visible from a public street.	Overlay standards apply in addition to the base zone; the stricter rule governs.	§ 3.04(c)(iii)

Note: Several base zones reiterate “Signs: see Section 4.8,” confirming § 4.08’s control across Westmorland’s districts (e.g., R-2, R-4, C, I) (§ 3.02(d)(xii); § 3.03(d)(xii); § 3.05(d)(xii); § 3.06(d)(ix) ).

District-by-district details

R-1 Single-Family Residential

Purpose, typical permitted uses, and where it applies: Not found in retrieved materials.
Signage: The Residential rules apply citywide: 2 sq ft name plate for single-family units; up to two “For Sale/For Rent” signs at 6 sq ft each; apartment/development identification at 1 sq ft per dwelling unit (§ 4.08(a)(i)–(iii) ).
Home occupations: Only a name plate may reveal a home occupation; no other external indication (§ 4.09(c) ).

R-2 Low/Medium Densities Multifamily

Purpose/uses: Two- and three-family dwellings and related uses; also carries over R‑1 uses (§ 3.02(b)–(c) ).
Key dimensional standards: Listed in § 3.02(d) (e.g., 20 ft front yard, etc.). Signs are governed by § 4.08 (§ 3.02(d)(xii) ).
Signage: Same as Residential family-wide limits in § 4.08(a) (see R‑1 above) .
Where it applies: As mapped; verify with the city’s official zoning map (Not found in retrieved materials).

R-4 High Density Multifamily

Purpose/uses: Higher-density residential with listed permits and CUPs (§ 3.03(a)–(c) ).
Key dimensional standards: See § 3.03(d); sign rules point to § 4.08 (§ 3.03(d)(xii) ).
Signage: Same Residential rules in § 4.08(a) .

C Commercial

Purpose/uses: Retail/services, offices, hotels/motels; CUP for heavier commercial activities (§ 3.05(a)–(c) ; § 3.05(b)–(c) ).
Key dimensional standards: See § 3.05(d) (e.g., 10 ft front yard; 80% lot coverage); signs defer to § 4.08 (§ 3.05(d)(xii) ).
Signage: Up to 2 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage; must be wall-mounted unless a CUP allows otherwise; illumination must not create nuisance to adjoining residential (§ 4.08(b)(i)–(ii) ). CUPs are processed under § 5.02 (referenced across zone sections; see also Design Review) (e.g., § 3.05(c) referencing § 5.02 ).

I Industrial

Purpose/uses: Wholesale, manufacturing, truck/tractor-related uses, etc. (§ 3.06(a)–(c) ).
Key dimensional standards: See § 3.06(d); signs defer to § 4.08 (§ 3.06(d)(ix) ).
Signage: Up to 3 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage; no sign within 50 ft of any residential zone; illumination must not be a nuisance to adjoining zones (§ 4.08(c)(i)–(iii) ).

OS Open Space

Purpose/uses: Resource preservation, outdoor recreation, certain public facilities (§ 3.07(a)–(c) ).
Signage: Not found in retrieved materials. If signage is proposed, confirm applicability of § 4.08 or project-specific conditions. Verify with the jurisdiction.

-RV Recreational Vehicle Park Overlay

Purpose: Adds RV-park-specific rules in addition to the underlying base zone (§ 3.04(a)–(d) ).
Signage: Commercial activity necessary to the park may not be advertised with signs visible from a public street (§ 3.04(c)(iii) ).
Where it applies: Only where the “‑RV” suffix overlays a base district; the more stringent rule controls (§ 3.04(a) ). See Overlay Districts.

Practical interpretation and tips

“Building frontage facing a street” is the dimension that drives maximum area in C and I. For multi-tenant buildings with multiple street frontages, calculate per occupied frontage wall that faces a street; if uncertain, Verify with the jurisdiction (standard not defined in retrieved materials) (§ 4.08(b)–(c) ).
In C, freestanding or projecting signs generally need a Conditional Use Permit because § 4.08(b)(i) requires signs be “affixed to the building surface” unless a CUP allows otherwise (§ 4.08(b)(i) ; see also § 5.02 references across zones ).
In I, respect the 50 ft separation from any “R” zone line and manage lighting to avoid nuisance; both are explicit triggers for redesign if a layout is tight (§ 4.08(c)(ii)–(iii) ).
Home-based business? A name plate is the only allowed exterior expression of a home occupation in residential areas (§ 4.09(c) ).
Structural/electrical aspects of a sign (not the land-use rules) are governed under the California Building Standards Code. This page does not cover those requirements.

Checklist

Confirm the parcel’s base zoning and any overlays on the city’s map; then pick the correct rule family: Residential, Commercial, Industrial (see Zoning).
For C and I, measure the tenant’s street-facing building frontage to compute maximum total sign area (§ 4.08(b)–(c) ).
If proposing a freestanding or projecting sign in C, prepare a CUP package; wall-mounted is the default (§ 4.08(b)(i) and § 5.02 reference ).
For I, confirm the sign’s location is at least 50 ft from any residentially zoned property (§ 4.08(c)(ii) ).
Design lighting to avoid “nuisance” impacts near residences, especially at C/R edges (§ 4.08(b)(ii), (c)(iii) ).
In -RV areas, ensure any operational-commercial signage is not visible from public streets (§ 3.04(c)(iii) ).
If your plan requires relief, consider a request under Variances and Exceptions (general process; sign-specific deviation standards not found in retrieved materials).
Confirm that site circulation and sightlines remain clear; where signage interacts with drive aisles, review Parking standards for conflicts (Not found in retrieved materials).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
How to measure “building frontage facing a street”	Drives the allowed square footage in C and I (§ 4.08(b)–(c))	Whether frontage is tenant’s leased frontage or entire building; multi-frontage tenants; corner conditions (Not defined; Verify with the jurisdiction)
“Affixed to the building surface” in C	Determines if a CUP is needed for non-wall signs (§ 4.08(b)(i))	Whether blade/projecting signs count as “affixed”; city’s practice on awning/canopy signs (Verify with the jurisdiction)
“Illumination shall not create a nuisance”	Could trigger redesign or conditions (§ 4.08(b)(ii), (c)(iii))	City metrics for glare, brightness, hours of operation (Not found; Verify with the jurisdiction)
Industrial 50-ft buffer to “Residential Zone”	Siting and scale in I near R (§ 4.08(c)(ii))	Whether measured to property line, building line, or nearest residential district boundary (Verify with the jurisdiction)
Signage in OS district	Lack of explicit rule	Whether § 4.08 applies or a case-by-case condition is used (Not found; Verify with the jurisdiction)
Nonconforming signs	Treatment of existing signs not meeting current rules	Whether § 5.03 (Nonconforming Uses) is applied to signs (Not found in retrieved materials)

Plain-English Summary

In Westmorland, homes get tiny identification signs; apartments get small project ID signs; and “For Sale/For Rent” signs are limited. Commercial tenants get wall-mounted business signs sized by street-facing frontage (2 sq ft per foot) unless a CUP allows a different format. Industrial users get more area (3 sq ft per foot) but must stay 50 feet from any residential zone and keep lighting neighbor-friendly. The -RV overlay adds a visibility rule for certain on-site commercial activity signs. Everything else follows § 4.08’s citywide sign controls.

Information Gaps

Detailed method for measuring “building frontage facing a street” — Not found in retrieved materials.
Sign height, projection, clearance, and setback standards — Not found in retrieved materials.
Definitions for sign types (e.g., wall/blade/freestanding) — Not found in retrieved materials.
OS district-specific signage standards — Not found in retrieved materials.
Nonconforming sign treatment and amortization — Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

City of Westmorland Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 13‑01), Table of Contents (confirms § 4.08 Signs is the controlling section) (§ 4.08)
Citywide Sign Regulations: Residential, Commercial, Industrial (§ 4.08(a)–(c))
Home Occupation name plate limitation (§ 4.09(c))
Cross-references to § 4.08 within district standards (e.g., § 3.02(d)(xii), § 3.03(d)(xii), § 3.05(d)(xii), § 3.06(d)(ix))
-RV Overlay signage visibility restriction (§ 3.04(c)(iii))

Sources

Retrieved passages

Westmorland Zoning Code (SECTION 4.07) High relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (SECTION 4.08) Medium relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (ARTICLE I.) Medium relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (Section 4.5) Medium relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (Section 4.5) Medium relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (SECTION 5.02) Medium relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (SECTION 4.01) Medium relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (Chapter 5) Medium relevance

Cited sections

City of Westmorland Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 13‑01), Table of Contents (confirms § 4.08 Signs is the controlling section) (§ 4.08) (§ 4.08)
Citywide Sign Regulations: Residential, Commercial, Industrial (§ 4.08(a)–(c)) (§ 4.08)
Home Occupation name plate limitation (§ 4.09(c)) (§ 4.09)
Cross-references to § 4.08 within district standards (e.g., § 3.02(d)(xii), § 3.03(d)(xii), § 3.05(d)(xii), § 3.06(d)(ix)) (§ 4.08)
-RV Overlay signage visibility restriction (§ 3.04(c)(iii)) (§ 3.04)
Westmorland_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What are the basic sign rules for homes in Westmorland?

Single-family homes can have a name plate up to 2 sq ft. Apartments can have development identification signs at 1 sq ft per dwelling unit. For sale/for rent signs are limited to two signs, each up to 6 sq ft (§ 4.08(a)(i)–(iii) ).

How big can my store’s sign be in the Commercial (C) zone?

Your total sign area is capped at 2 sq ft per linear foot of your building’s street-facing frontage. Signs must be affixed to the building unless a Conditional Use Permit authorizes another format (§ 4.08(b)(i) ).

Can I install a monument or pole sign for a commercial tenant?

Only if the City approves it through a Conditional Use Permit. The default rule is wall-mounted signs; other formats require CUP approval (§ 4.08(b)(i) and § 5.02 reference ).

What are the industrial sign limits and setbacks?

Industrial users may have up to 3 sq ft of sign area per linear foot of street-facing building frontage, but no sign can be within 50 ft of any residential zone. Lighting must not be a nuisance to adjoining zones (§ 4.08(c)(i)–(iii) ).

Are there special sign rules in RV park overlay areas?

Yes. Any commercial activity necessary for the park’s operation cannot be advertised with signs visible from a public street within the -RV overlay (§ 3.04(c)(iii) ).

Do I need design review for signs in Westmorland?

The ordinance ties non-wall commercial signs to a Conditional Use Permit; those applications typically involve discretionary review. Specific “design review” triggers for signs are not detailed in the retrieved sections—Verify with the jurisdiction (§ 4.08(b)(i); § 5.02 reference ).

Are illuminated signs allowed next to homes?

Yes, but illumination cannot create a nuisance to adjoining residential zones in commercial districts, and must not be a nuisance to adjoining zones in industrial districts (§ 4.08(b)(ii), (c)(iii) ).

How are nonconforming signs treated?

The retrieved materials do not specify sign-specific nonconforming provisions. The code has a Nonconforming Uses article, but sign treatment was not found—Verify with the jurisdiction (Not found in retrieved materials; § 5.03 listed in TOC ).

Can a home business put up extra signage?

No. Home occupations must not be apparent from outside the site except for a name plate (§ 4.09(c) ).

Are there sign rules for the Open Space (OS) zone?

No sign standards unique to OS were found in the retrieved materials. Confirm whether § 4.08 applies case-by-case—Verify with the jurisdiction (Not found in retrieved materials; § 3.07 ).

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