Yucaipa — Signage

Last reviewed: June 30, 2026

Overview

Yucaipa regulates on‑premise and off‑premise signs in its Development Code, primarily in Division 7, Chapter 7, “Sign Regulations,” and by district‑specific “Accessory Sign Standards” in Division 8, Chapter 4. Together, these set what kinds of signs are allowed, how big and tall they can be, where they can be placed, how they’re lit, and how many are permitted per site. District supplements (e.g., CN, CG, CS, IC, IN, PD) refine these rules to match each area’s purpose and scale. See the city’s broader zoning and land use framework for context.

What counts as a “sign” and how they’re categorized

The Code defines a sign broadly as any device used to attract attention, including words, images, and designs on various materials. Signs are grouped into four basic categories: primary, accessory, directional, and temporary, and may take forms such as freestanding, monument, wall, roof, projecting, and “complex”/“shopping center” configurations (§ 812.19080; definitions).

• Primary signs are independent uses (e.g., billboards where allowed). Accessory signs accompany another on‑site use. Directional signs provide wayfinding (public or private). Temporary signs provide short‑term info (§ 812.19080).

Citywide rules that apply to most signs

• Permits and maintenance. You must obtain the appropriate approval (permit/registration) before erecting regulated signs; signs must be kept in good repair (§ 87.0705(a)–(b)).
• Illumination. Except for time/temperature and electronic message signs, lighting must be steady, stationary, shielded, and directed to the sign; glare from a luminous source may not exceed 0.5 foot‑candle (§ 87.0705(c)).
• Location and safety. No sign may extend over property lines or into the public right‑of‑way, interfere with driver/pedestrian visibility, or be attached to trees/rocks/utility poles (§ 87.0705(d)–(h)).
• Clear‑sight triangles. No monument signs in the clear‑sight triangle; up to two narrow posts are allowed; if a freestanding sign is in a clear‑sight triangle, its lower edge must be at least 8 ft above grade (§ 87.0705(f)).
• Faces and measurement. No more than two faces of a single sign may be viewed at once from one place (§ 87.0705(i)); sign height is measured at the leading edge from finished grade (or adjacent roadbed for freestanding, whichever yields greater height); the default maximum height for accessory freestanding signs is 25 ft unless a more restrictive district/overlay standard applies (§ 87.0705(j)).
• Monument and projecting/wall specifics. Monument sign height is measured from a decorative base/berm up to 2 ft tall; projecting signs may not project more than 5 ft and must clear 8 ft above grade; wall signs must be attached flat, project no more than 18 in., and not extend above the roof line; roof signs are constrained and must be parallel to ridge/wall, max 25 ft above grade (§ 87.0705 and subsections (x)–(aa)).
• Placement near lines and ROW. Freestanding signs 18 sf or larger and/or 6 ft tall require a building permit; no part of any freestanding sign may be closer than 1 ft to any property line or existing ROW; when located in a front/side setback, the sign face must clear 8 ft above grade (§ 87.0705(s), (t), (u), (v)).
• Area calculations and frontage. The Code provides rules for computing sign area and allocating area by building frontage where ratios apply (§ 87.0705(k)–(m), (n)).
• Accessory signs on shared structures. A smaller accessory sign can be mounted on the same structure as a primary freestanding sign if it’s ≤50% of the primary face and total allowed area/height are not exceeded (§ 87.0705(q)).

Accessory signs: citywide allowances

• Residential accessory signs. In any district that allows residential uses, each dwelling may have up to 6 sf, 6 ft high; multi‑family ID signs up to 20 sf; residential development entry ID limited to two permanent signs per principal entrance, total 100 sf, max height 6 ft; these cannot advertise sales (§ 87.0730(a)).
• Nonresidential uses in residential districts. One unlighted sign up to 6 sf and 6 ft high is allowed (§ 87.0730(b)).
• Shopping center/complex rules. Additional monument or rear‑wall signs may be allowed for shopping center occupants or complexes through a Land Use Compliance Review or in conjunction with Planning Commission architectural review; freestanding/monument signs must sit in a landscaped planter at least 2× the sign area, with permanent irrigation (§ 87.0730(c)(1)–(4)).
• Roof/projecting allowances by finding. One roof or projecting sign may be allowed where an otherwise allowed freestanding sign cannot provide adequate viewing (§ 87.0730(c)(5)).

Tip: The landscaped‑planter requirement under § 87.0730(c)(4) often ties into site development standards and landscaping and screening during design review.

Temporary signs

Yucaipa treats temporary signs differently in non‑residential versus residential land‑use districts (§ 87.0735).

• Non‑Residential Land Use Districts (§ 87.0735(b)) include:

  • Banner signs: 1 per street frontage, up to 60 consecutive days, max 180 days/year, ≥30‑day gap between displays; event banners no more than 30 days before event; temporary flag/banner permit required (§ 87.0735(b)(1)).
  • Large board signs: construction (1 per frontage while a building permit is active) or no more than 30 days before an event; TUP or Temporary Event Sign Permit required (§ 87.0735(b)(2)).
  • Small board signs (portable/A‑frames): max display 30 days, no more than three times/year; 1 per business, must face main entrance; not allowed if the site has a freestanding sign; no permit; remove outside business hours (§ 87.0735(b)(3)).
  • Flag signs: up to 2 flags, max 60 consecutive days, total 180 days/year, ≥30‑day gap; permit required; remove outside business hours (§ 87.0735(b)(4)).

• Residential Land Use Districts (§ 87.0735(c)) include:

  • Large board signs: 1 per frontage while a building permit is active for construction of more than two dwelling units; TUP required (§ 87.0735(c)(1)).
  • Small board signs: general—no time limit; event‑specific—30 days before event; no permit (§ 87.0735(c)(2)).
  • Offsite directional “small board” signs for residential activities (e.g., open house): only Thu–Sun; limited per intersection; must keep 4.5 ft sidewalk clearance; allowed only in designated ROW areas, not in street/median/sidewalk; no permit (§ 87.0735(c)(3)).
  • Hanging board real estate signs: 1 per lot while for sale/lease; no permit (§ 87.0735(c)(4)).
  • Inflatable signs/displays: up to 2 for no more than 60 consecutive days; event link limited to 30 days before the event; no permit (§ 87.0735(c)(5); Ord. 439 § 7, 2023).

Electronic Messaging Center (EMC) Billboards along I‑10

• Citywide cap and siting. Yucaipa allows up to three EMC billboards total on private property; new conventional billboards are otherwise prohibited. EMCs must be within 300 ft of I‑10 ROW and within 750 ft of an existing freeway interchange/ramp; spacing from other billboards/EMCs applies (≥500 ft same side; ≥1,000 ft opposite side). A Conditional Use Permit is required with a “flag test” to set height (§ 87.0730(c), EMC subsections (2)–(4)).
• Operational limits. Height is the minimum necessary for visibility based on the flag test but may not exceed 75 ft; brightness must be controlled with automatic dimmers and not exceed 0.3 foot‑candles over ambient at 250 ft; dwell time at least 8 seconds, 1‑second max transition; up to two faces oriented to I‑10; emergency messaging must be accommodated (§ 87.0730 EMC design/performance).

Note: Some district sign tables also flag that freestanding freeway‑oriented accessory signs may be permitted additional height “per § 87.0730(f).” The specific criteria of § 87.0730(f) were not included in the retrieved text. Not found in retrieved materials.

District‑by‑District accessory sign standards

Below are Yucaipa’s district‑level sign parameters. Each district’s purpose and typical uses come from the district chapter, with sign allowances from the “Accessory Sign Standards” table for that district.

Neighborhood Commercial (CN)

• Purpose and typical uses: Neighborhood‑serving retail and services; permitted/conditional uses listed in § 84.0350 et seq. (CN standards appear in § 84.0350 and its sign table) — located where mapped by the General Plan.
• Key accessory sign limits:
  • Wall: Individual occupants at 1:2 building‑frontage ratio, 50 sf max; complex occupants 1:2, 50 sf; complexes NP for wall signs.
  • Monument: 4 ft high, 36 sf max.
  • Freestanding: 25 ft high; individual 50 sf; complex 100 sf.
  • Projecting: 25 ft high; individual 50 sf; complex 100 sf.
  • Total site sign area limits: Individual 150 sf, Complex 100 sf, Complex Occupant 50 sf (§ 84.0350(d), CN sign table).

General Commercial (CG)

• Purpose and typical uses: General retail/service; located as specified by the General Plan (§ 84.0350).
• Key accessory sign limits:
  • Wall: Individual 1:3, 100 sf; complex NP; complex occupant 1:2, 50 sf.
  • Roof: Same ratios/areas as wall for individual and occupant.
  • Monument: 4 ft high, 50 sf.
  • Freestanding: 25 ft high, 100 sf; minimum 60 ft lot width.
  • Projecting: 35 ft high, 100 sf.
  • Total: Individual 200 sf (1 FS; 2 AT), Complex 200 sf (1 per frontage), Complex Occupant 100 sf (1) (§ 84.0350(e), CG sign table).

Service Commercial (CS)

• Purpose and typical uses: Auto‑oriented, service‑intensive uses; located as specified by the General Plan (§ 84.0355).
• Key accessory sign limits:
  • Wall/Roof: Individual 1:3, 200 sf; complex NP; complex occupant 1:2, 50 sf.
  • Monument: 4 ft, 50 sf.
  • Freestanding: 25 ft, 200 sf (freeway‑oriented may request more per § 87.0730(f)).
  • Projecting: 35 ft, 200 sf.
  • Total: Individual 300 sf, Complex 200 sf, Occupant 100 sf (§ 84.0355(e), CS sign table).

Community Industrial (IC)

• Purpose and typical uses: Manufacturing, warehouse and related services; located per the General Plan (§ 84.0370).
• Key accessory sign limits:
  • Wall/Roof: Individual 1:3, 100 sf; complex NP; complex occupant 1:2, up to 150 sf.
  • Monument: 4 ft, 100 sf.
  • Freestanding: 25 ft, 200 sf (freeway‑oriented may request more per § 87.0730(f)).
  • Projecting: NP.
  • Total: Individual 300 sf, Complex 200 sf, Occupant 150 sf (§ 84.0370(d), IC sign table).

Institutional (IN)

• Purpose and typical uses: Public and quasi‑public facilities; located per the General Plan (§ 84.0380).
• Key accessory sign limits:
  • Wall/Roof: Individual 1:1, 100 sf; complex/occupant NP.
  • Monument: 4 ft, 50 sf.
  • Freestanding: 25 ft, 50 sf.
  • Projecting: 15 ft, 50 sf.
  • Total: 150 sf; 1 freestanding and 2 attached allowed (§ 84.0380(d), IN sign table).

Planned Development (PD)

• Purpose and typical uses: Master‑planned projects with tailored standards; location per adopting PD (§ 84.0390 et seq., PD sign table).
• Key accessory sign limits (modifiable by PD):
  • Wall/Roof (Individual and Occupant): 1:2, 50 sf.
  • Monument: 4 ft, 50 sf.
  • Freestanding/Projecting: 25 ft, 100 sf.
  • Total: Individual 150 sf (1 FS + 1 AT/FR), Complex 100 sf (1), Occupant 50 sf (1). PDs may modify these (§ PD Accessory Sign Standards).

Residential Land Use Districts (e.g., RS, RM)

• Purpose and typical uses: Residential neighborhoods and multi‑family areas. District‑specific accessory sign tables for RS/RM were not included in the retrieved text. Not found in retrieved materials.
• Citywide residential allowances still apply: see Accessory Residential Signs and Temporary Signs for residential districts (§ 87.0730(a); § 87.0735(c)).

Quick‑reference: selected district sign limits

The most frequently used metrics are summarized below. Always confirm against the full district table.

Enforcement, registration, and nonconforming signs

• Enforcement and removal. Signs in violation (including in ROW), or declared hazardous/unsafe, are public nuisances subject to removal without notice; costs are recoverable from permittee/owner/lessee; non‑durable signs may be discarded immediately; other removed signs are held 30 days (§ 87.0740).
• One‑time sign registration. All existing and new permanent signs for commercial/industrial/private institutional/commercial‑ag uses require one‑time sign registration; verification and plot plan approval are needed before any building permit for sign work (§ 87.0750).
• Nonconforming signs. The Code contemplates amortization and eventual removal of nonconforming signs, including references to California B&P Code § 5490(b); removal schedules are keyed to § 87.0760(c) (not retrieved in full); if extreme/unusual circumstances exist, relief may be conditioned on aesthetic remodeling (§ 87.0760 excerpts). Verify with the jurisdiction.

If your property lies in a special or historic context, additional standards may apply; check overlay districts and historic preservation. For adjustments to strict standards, see variances and exceptions.

Checklist

• Confirm your base district and whether any overlays/historic designations apply (zoning, overlay districts).
• Identify sign category (accessory vs. primary vs. temporary) and form (freestanding/monument/wall/roof/projecting) (§ 812.19080).
• Size/height/number: apply the district table plus any citywide limits (e.g., 25 ft freestanding height default unless district is stricter) (§ 87.0705(j), district sign table).
• Location/setbacks/sight triangles: keep ≥1 ft off property lines/ROW; maintain sight triangle and 8 ft clearance if within setbacks (§ 87.0705(f), (t)–(v)).
• Illumination: meet shielding and glare standards (≤0.5 fc); EMCs must meet stricter brightness/dwell rules (§ 87.0705(c); EMC standards).
• Temporary signs: verify durations, days of week, permits (if any), and removal timing (§ 87.0735).
• Shopping center/complex signs: obtain Land Use Compliance Review/Planning Commission architectural approval where required; provide required landscaped planters (§ 87.0730(c)).
• Registration: complete one‑time sign registration for permanent signs before any building permit work (§ 87.0750).
• If you need flexibility, consult design review and variances and exceptions.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Signs in Yucaipa are tightly matched to their districts: neighborhood shops get smaller, low‑profile signs; highway and service areas can go taller; institutions are modest. Start with your district table to set size/height/number, then apply citywide rules about lighting, setbacks, and visibility. Temporary signs have specific time and day limits. Some shopping‑center signs need extra design review and landscaping. Permanent signs must be registered, and illegal/unsafe signs can be removed by the City.

Information Gaps

• Exact text of § 87.0710 (Prohibited Signs): Not found in retrieved materials.
• Criteria in § 87.0730(f) for freeway‑oriented accessory sign additional height: Not found in retrieved materials.
• Full text of § 87.0760 (Nonconforming Signs) and the amortization schedule: Not found in retrieved materials.
• District‑specific accessory sign tables for residential zones (e.g., RS/RM): Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

• Yucaipa Development Code, Division 7, Chapter 7, “Sign Regulations” — Intent (§ 87.0701) and General Provisions (§ 87.0705), measurement/lighting/setbacks/clear‑sight rules.
• Accessory Signs (§ 87.0730), including residential, nonresidential‑in‑residential, and shopping center/complex provisions.
• Temporary Signs (§ 87.0735), non‑residential and residential allowances.
• Enforcement (§ 87.0740) and Sign Registration (§ 87.0750).
• Nonconforming Signs (§ 87.0760 references) — removal/amortization excerpts.
• Definitions (§ 812.19080).
• District Accessory Sign Standards tables: CN (§ 84.0350(d)); CG (§ 84.0350(e)); CS (§ 84.0355(e)); IC (§ 84.0370(d)); IN (§ 84.0380(d)); PD (PD sign table; modifiable).

Retrieved passages

• Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 7) High relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (chapter or) High relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 7) High relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (Section 83.010715) Medium relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (Section 87.0730) Medium relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (section may) Medium relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance show source text
• Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 21) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Yucaipa Development Code, Division 7, Chapter 7, “Sign Regulations” — Intent (§ 87.0701) and General Provisions (§ 87.0705), measurement/lighting/setbacks/clear‑sight rules. (Chapter 7)
• Accessory Signs (§ 87.0730), including residential, nonresidential‑in‑residential, and shopping center/complex provisions. (§ 87.0730)
• Temporary Signs (§ 87.0735), non‑residential and residential allowances. (§ 87.0735)
• Enforcement (§ 87.0740) and Sign Registration (§ 87.0750). (§ 87.0740)
• Nonconforming Signs (§ 87.0760 references) — removal/amortization excerpts. (§ 87.0760)
• Definitions (§ 812.19080). (§ 812.19080)
• District Accessory Sign Standards tables: **CN** (§ 84.0350(d)); **CG** (§ 84.0350(e)); **CS** (§ 84.0355(e)); **IC** (§ 84.0370(d)); **IN** (§ 84.0380(d)); **PD** (PD sign table; modifiable). (§ 84.0350)
• Yucaipa_ZoningCode.md

• Official Yucaipa code library