Local zoning · Woodside

Woodside — Signage

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Town of Woodside's zoning ordinance (Title 153) requires for signs: what types are allowed in which districts, size/placement/illumination limits, temporary sign rules, and when permits and design review are required. It is focused only on the local zoning/sign provisions (sign rules live in § 153.501–153.507, § 153.911–153.918, and related definitions) and explains how those rules apply across the major zoning districts. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific questions.

Important cross‑topics (linked where first mentioned): design review, parking, development standards, overlay districts, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

Key Local Standards (summary table)

Topic Local standard / limit Code Reference
Signs expressly permitted in all districts (nameplates, bulletin boards for institutions, warning signs, flags, etc.) Lists of limited exceptions and size caps (e.g., personal nameplates ≤ 1.5 sq ft). § 153.502
Temporary signs (max size & height) Max 24 sq ft per printed side; freestanding temp signs max 8 ft height; temporary commercial signs generally ONLY in CC or PCCD. § 153.503(B)
Sale/lease signs Max 6 sq ft per lot; multi‑lot aggregate 50 sq ft; no individual sign > 12 sq ft; renewable permit (6 months + one 6‑month extension). § 153.503(C)
Permanent ID signs in Community Commercial (CC) Up to 2 permanent ID signs per site; either 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage (max 32 sq ft) OR 13% of front building elevation (max 32 sq ft). § 153.505
Freestanding facility ID signs outside CC Max 12 sq ft and no more than two such signs for open space, institutional or quasi‑public uses. § 153.506(I)
Attachment/projection and height above grade Signs (except certain small items) must be attached to a building, suspended from eaves/soffit/ceiling of covered walkway; shall not project > 3 ft from building face and not be less than 7 ft above ground. § 153.506(A)
Illumination and moving parts No blinking/flashing or visibly moving parts (barber poles exempt); illumination only by reflected light; intensity approved by the Planning Director. § 153.506(E)–(G)
Sign permits & design review Except as otherwise stated, non‑temporary signs in CC require a sign permit and design review under § 153.911–153.918; signs advertising permitted nonconforming uses in residential districts are also subject to design review. § 153.504 and § 153.911–153.918
Holiday displays Allowed if not advertising products or sales; displayed no earlier than 31 days before and removed within 14 days after the holiday. § 153.507

District-by-district breakdown

Community Commercial (CC)

Purpose / where it applies

  • The CC district governs the Town's commercial core and town‑center parcels; its special height map and Town Center rules are distinct from residential districts. See related development rules in the Community Commercial tables.

Typical permitted sign uses

  • Permanent identification signs for businesses are explicitly regulated and allowed with caps. Temporary commercial signs are allowed in CC (subject to the temporary sign rules). § 153.505, § 153.503.

Key dimensional/permit rules

  • Maximum of two permanent identification signs per site. Aggregate area calculated either by 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage (cap 32 sq ft) or 13% of front building elevation (cap 32 sq ft). § 153.505.
  • Non‑temporary signs in CC require a sign permit and design review per § 153.504 and the architectural/site review rules § 153.911–153.918. The design review process considers scenic corridors and Western Hills thresholds. § 153.504, § 153.912.

Practical guidance

  • For storefronts, design review is likely required; provide elevations showing the front building elevation measurement used to calculate the 13% option. Verify with the Planning Director which calculation the Town prefers. § 153.505.

Planned Community Commercial District (PCCD)

Purpose / where it applies

  • PCCD parcels are portions of CCD that may adopt alternative (project‑specific) sign rules. § 153.207(K) explains PCCD relationship to CCD rules.

Typical permitted sign uses

  • Unless the PCCD establishes alternative rules, CC rules apply. If a PCCD has its own sign program approved as part of its public entitlement, that program controls (see § 153.504 for sign programs within use permits).

Key dimensional/permit rules

  • PCCD projects often require greater design review and Town Council review; check the PCCD ordinance for project‑specific allowances. Where silent, CC limits apply. § 153.505, § 153.504.

Practical guidance

  • If you plan a PCCD sign program (e.g., monument gateway or multi‑tenant pylon) expect required design review and possible Council approval. Verify with the Planning Department.

Residential districts — R-1, RR, SR, MF (single‑ and multi‑family)

Purpose / where it applies

  • Residential districts prioritize rural/suburban character; signage allowances are intentionally limited. § 153.002 and the district use tables list where "signs subject to §§ 153.501–153.506" apply.

Typical permitted sign uses

  • Small personal nameplates (≤ 1.5 sq ft), bulletin boards for institutions (≤ 12 sq ft), service signs like house numbers, warning signs, and sale/lease signs (subject to size caps) are permitted. Signs advertising permitted nonconforming businesses can be attached to the building if approved by the Architectural and Site Review Board. § 153.502, § 153.503, § 153.502(C).

Key dimensional/permit rules

  • Nonconforming business signs: must not exceed 12 sq ft, be flat‑mounted to the building and receive Architectural and Site Review Board approval. § 153.502(C).
  • Sale/lease and temporary construction signs follow § 153.503 limits.

Practical guidance

  • Yard, real‑estate, and election signs are constrained by the temporary sign rules (size, placement, timing) and Town Manager authority to remove unsafe signs. § 153.503(B)(11)–(12).

Open space, institutional, and quasi‑public parcels (OS, public parks, schools)

Purpose / where it applies

  • These uses often need freestanding identification (wayfinding, facility names), but the Town limits their scale to preserve scenic character. § 153.506(I).

Typical permitted sign uses

  • Facility identification signs, directional signs, and commemorative plaques are allowed under tight size/placement limits. § 153.502, § 153.506(H–I).

Key dimensional/permit rules

  • Freestanding facility ID signs outside CC: max 12 sq ft, no more than two. Directional signs for public/quasi‑public uses limited to 2 sq ft per sign. § 153.506(H–I).

Practical guidance

  • Expect staff review and possible design review for signs visible from scenic roads; submit a site plan showing sign locations relative to scenic corridors. § 153.912.

Other notable rules and definitions

  • Sign and sign area definitions (how to measure multi‑faced and wall signs) are in the code definitions; double‑faced freestanding signs count only one face if faces are parallel and within 18 inches. § 153.005 (definitions).
  • No sign shall resemble or be mistaken for a traffic signal; signs cannot be erected within public property or project over public property with limited exceptions for adjacent parcel owners (public right‑of‑way placement rules). § 153.506(H); § 153.503(B)(4–5).

Checklist

  • Confirm whether the sign is a "temporary sign" or "non‑temporary sign" per § 153.503.
  • Measure sign area and compare to district limit (e.g., CC: 1.5 sq ft/linear ft or 13% of front elevation; caps 32 sq ft) — § 153.505.
  • Confirm attachment/projection and minimum clearance (3 ft max projection; 7 ft above grade) — § 153.506(A).
  • If non‑temporary in CC, prepare for sign permit + design review — § 153.504 and § 153.911–153.918.
  • If temporary: ensure size ≤ 24 sq ft, height ≤ 8 ft, location off public fixtures, and (for election signs) timing limits — § 153.503(B).
  • If illumination or reflective lighting is proposed, obtain Planning Director approval of light intensity — § 153.506(G).
  • For signs visible from scenic corridors or in the Western Hills, check whether additional architectural/site review is triggered — § 153.912.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Temporary sign in right‑of‑way Town Manager may remove signs in ROW or that block travel; allowable setback is no closer than 2 ft from paved driving surface — discretionary enforcement. § 153.503(B)(5–6). Verify exact acceptable placement with Town Manager/Planning staff before installation.
Design review thresholds in scenic corridors Signs visible from scenic highways/roads may trigger higher review levels and additional submittal requirements. § 153.912. Determine whether parcel is within a scenic corridor/Western Hills and which review body will be required.
Illumination intensity The code says illumination only by reflected light and intensity must be approved by the Planning Director, but it does not specify numeric lux or lumens. § 153.506(G). Obtain the Planning Director's illumination standards or conditions for acceptable fixtures.
Nonconforming business sign approvals Advertising signs for nonconforming uses need Architectural and Site Review Board sign approval; the review criteria and probability of approval are case‑specific. § 153.502(C). Consult ASRB staff about precedent and required submittals.
PCCD‑specific sign rules PCCD projects can adopt unique sign programs; the general CC rules may not apply if a PCCD establishes alternatives. § 153.207(K). Check PCCD ordinance or approved use permit for parcel.
Electronic/message/dynamic signs The code bans blinking/flashing and moving parts; it does not expressly address changeable‑message LED signs in modern detail. § 153.506(E–F). Assume dynamic message signs are restricted; verify with Planning Director for allowed technology and any restrictions.

Plain-English Summary

Woodside keeps signage small and visually restrained: small nameplates and institutional boards are allowed everywhere, bigger permanent business signs are concentrated in the Community Commercial (CC) district (with a hard cap of 32 sq ft), temporary commercial signs are mostly limited to CC/PCCD, and almost all illuminated, moving, or flashy signs are banned; many non‑temporary signs require a sign permit and design review. §§ 153.502–153.506, 153.503–153.505, 153.504.

Information Gaps / Not found in retrieved materials

  • Fee schedule or permit application forms for sign permits — Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with Town finance/planning.
  • Numeric illumination/lux limits or specific allowed fixture types — Not found (only Planning Director approval referenced). § 153.506(G).
  • Explicit modern LED/digital changeable message sign rules (beyond bans on blinking/flashing/moving parts) — Not found; interpret conservatively and verify. § 153.506(E–F).
  • Exact appeals process for denied sign permits (general appeal and variance procedures exist elsewhere) — specifics on appeals for sign denials not located in the sign sections; see Woodside Variances and Exceptions for general variance pathways.

Source References

  • Town of Woodside, Zoning (Chapter 153) — definitions and general provisions (includes the definition of Sign and Sign Area) — § 153.005.
  • Signs permitted in all districts and special-purpose sign lists — § 153.502.
  • Temporary signs, sale/lease signs, construction signs and timing — § 153.503.
  • Sign permits and design review requirements — § 153.504.
  • Community Commercial district sign formula and caps — § 153.505.
  • General sign requirements (attachment, projection, illumination, freestanding limits) and holiday displays — § 153.506, § 153.507.
  • Architectural & Site Review / design review thresholds and scenic corridor rules — § 153.911–153.918 and § 153.912.
  • Zoning chapter and district maps / CC building height context (helps with CC edge/front elevation interpretations) — § 153.000 et seq. and related tables.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.301) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.304) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.303) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.302) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (section on) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.502) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.901) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (section on) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What temporary sign sizes are allowed in Woodside?

Temporary signs in Woodside may not exceed 24 square feet per printed side and freestanding temporary signs may not exceed 8 feet in overall height; temporary commercial signs are generally permitted only in the Community Commercial (CC) or Planned Community Commercial (PCCD) districts. § 153.503(B).

How large can a permanent commercial sign be in the Town Center (CC) area?

In the CC district a site may have up to two permanent identification signs. Size is either 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage (maximum 32 sq ft) or 13% of the front building elevation (maximum 32 sq ft). § 153.505.

Do I need a sign permit in Woodside?

Yes — except for explicitly exempt small items (personal nameplates, flags, etc.), most non‑temporary signs in the CC district require a sign permit and design review under § 153.504; other districts rely on the general allowances in § 153.502 but larger or non‑typical signs will still require permits. § 153.504, § 153.502.

Are illuminated or electronic message signs allowed in Woodside?

The code prohibits blinking or flashing lights and moving parts, and requires signs to be illuminated only by reflected light; the intensity must be approved by the Planning Director. The ordinance does not provide numeric lux/illumination limits — verify with Planning staff. § 153.506(E–G).

Can I put up a real‑estate "for sale" sign on my property?

Yes — sale/lease signs are allowed on the property for sale/lease with a 6 sq ft limit per lot; multi‑lot developments have aggregate limits (up to 50 sq ft) and no single sign shall exceed 12 sq ft. A renewable permit (six months, plus one six‑month extension) is required for sale/lease signs beyond the exempt categories. § 153.503(C).

What if my sign is visible from a scenic highway or road?

Signs visible from designated scenic corridors or in the Western Hills may trigger higher levels of architectural and site review; check § 153.912 to determine which review body will consider the project and what additional submittals may be required. § 153.912.

Can public agencies or utilities place traffic or highway signs?

Yes — highway and traffic markers and signs required by public utilities are listed as permitted (and are treated differently from advertising signs). § 153.502(E).

Are banners, flags, and moving displays allowed?

Floodlights, flags, banners, and objects which rotate or move by wind action are generally not permitted, except for U.S. and California flags flown in the prescribed manner. Holiday lighting that does not advertise a product is allowed under § 153.507 within the specified timeframe. § 153.506(D), § 153.507.

How is "sign area" measured in Woodside?

Sign area is measured according to the code's definition: the area of a sign integral to a building is the shortest line encompassing the sign elements; freestanding double‑faced signs count only one face if the faces are parallel and within 18 inches. See the code definitions. § 153.005 (definitions).

What happens if my temporary sign violates the rules?

The Town Manager (or designee) may immediately remove temporary signs posted in violation on public property or in the public right‑of‑way, and the Town enforces size, placement, and illumination rules per § 153.503(B). § 153.503(B)(12).

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