It is the goal of the city that the design of this community be of the highest quality, that new development be architecturally distinctive as well as homogeneous in design, and that accessory facilities be compatible with the overall theme. The quality of signage plays a very distinctive role in achieving this goal. When abused, signs can create a visual blight which detracts from the quality of the environment and an individual's visual perception of the city.
The intent of this chapter is to implement the Temecula General Plan, and to protect the public health, safety and welfare through the design, use of quality materials, construction, illumination, location, number and maintenance of all signs. The purpose of this chapter is to set forth the development standards for the installation and maintenance of signs within the city and to ensure that the design and location of outdoor advertising displays are consistent with the health, safety, and aesthetic objectives of the city.
The purposes of this chapter, in addition to those expressed in the General Plan, are as follows:
A. 
Provide for effective business signage;
B. 
Assure that signs are compatible with the character of their surroundings and the community as a whole;
C. 
Preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place to live, work, trade, do business and visit;
D. 
Protect the city from the blighting influence of excessive signage so as to preserve and enhance the economic base of the city and safeguard property values within the city;
E. 
Assure that signs are appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain:
F. 
Regulate signs so as to avoid increasing the hazards to motorists and pedestrians caused by distracting signage.
(Ord. 98-10 § 1)
This chapter shall apply to all areas of the city, except that the provisions of this chapter shall apply to the Old Town Specific Plan area only to the extent the specific plan does not address a particular signage issue.
(Ord. 98-10 § 1)
A. 
Sign Permit Required. Except as provided in Section 17.28.050 a sign permit is required prior to placing, erecting, moving, reconstructing, altering or displaying any sign in the city.
B. 
Findings. No sign permit shall be issued unless the director finds that the application for a sign permit satisfies, or with conditions can satisfy, all of the following requirements:
1. 
The sign is consistent with the General Plan, complies with the requirements of this chapter, and complies with all other applicable laws and regulations;
2. 
The size, shape, color, visual elements, illumination and placement of the sign is compatible with the surrounding area and with other lawful signs and does not detract from the character or quality of surrounding properties.
C. 
Basis for Denial—Appeal. Any decision of the director denying a sign permit shall be in writing, and shall identify which of the findings set forth in subsection B of this section could not be made, and the reasons therefor. Any decision of the director regarding a sign permit may be appealed, pursuant to the provisions of Section 17.03.090.
(Ord. 98-10 § 1)
All signs not expressly permitted by this chapter are prohibited, including but not limited to the following. No application for sign permit, development plan, or other application for a prohibited sign shall be accepted, acted upon or approved.
A. 
Abandoned signs (as defined in Section 17.28.900(D)).
B. 
Amenity signs (signs which identify the amenities provided in a multifamily complex that is visible from public street(s)).
C. 
Animated or moving signs (except for time and temperature displays pursuant to Section 17.28.050(S)).
D. 
Bunting (unless approved by a sign program).
E. 
Cabinet or can signs (wall mounted).
F. 
Commercial off-premises signs (except as expressly permitted by this chapter).
G. 
Commercial Signs Next to Residential Areas. When commercial and industrial developments are facing residential uses and are located on the same local street (sixty foot right-of-way or less) as the residential uses, freestanding signs associated with these developments are prohibited. Wall signs which provide identification for businesses to pedestrians may be authorized by a sign program, provided that the illumination of the signs does not negatively impact residential uses.
H. 
Day-glow colors for window signs.
I. 
Decorative flags (unless approved through a sign program and then only if limited to focal points within the project).
J. 
Loud speakers or signs which emit sound, odor or visible matter, except as authorized by this chapter.
K. 
Off-site subdivision signs (except otherwise permitted in Section 17.28.800, Kiosk signs or Section 17.28.130, Subdivision signs).
L. 
Pennants and streamers.
M. 
Portable signs on private property.
N. 
Signs Constituting a Traffic Hazard. No person shall install or maintain or cause to be installed or maintained any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign or signal, or which makes use of words "stop, danger," or any other words, phrases, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
O. 
Signs in Proximity to Utility Lines. No permit shall be issued for any sign, and no sign shall be constructed or maintained, which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from authorized communication or energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by laws of the state or duly promulgated rules and regulations.
P. 
Signs located above the eave line and roof signs (signs integrated into an architectural feature are not considered to be above the eave line).
Q. 
Signs on Doors, Windows or Fire Escapes. No sign structure shall be installed, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a stand pipe or fire escape, except those signs as required by other adopted codes or ordinances.
R. 
Signs Within the Public Right-of-Way or Attached to Any Public Property. Signs in any public right-of-way or signs which project over or into a public right-of-way, or which are attached to the public property, are prohibited.
S. 
Vehicle Signs. Signs located on or affixed to a motor vehicle or trailer (as those terms are defined in the California Vehicle Code), whether parked on private property or public right-of-way, for the purpose of advertising products or services or directing people to a business or activity are prohibited. This subsection does not apply to standard advertising or identification practice where such signs are painted on or permanently attached to a business or commercial vehicle, so long as such vehicle is licensed and fully operable, and the signs on such vehicle are not in violation of the Vehicle Code.
T. 
Exposed raceways.
(Ord. 98-10 § 1; Ord. 2025-12, 8/12/2025)
The following signs are exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit pursuant to this chapter if they meet these specified requirements; however, they may require building permits:
A. 
Construction, Contractor, Financing or Remodeling Signs.
1. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall be:
a. 
Six square feet in single-family districts.
b. 
Sixteen square feet in all other districts.
2. 
Maximum sign structure height shall be six feet.
3. 
Maximum number of freestanding signs shall not exceed one construction, contractor or remodeling sign per street frontage for each parcel or shopping center plus, one financing sign per street frontage for each parcel or shopping center.
4. 
They are permitted for sites with an active building permit and shall be removed five days after construction completion, as evidenced by a certificate of occupancy or final sign-off by the building official, or termination of the building permit.
B. 
Employment Opportunity Signs.
1. 
Freestanding signs shall only be allowed in office and industrial districts for single tenant buildings, where no other tenants are located on the parcels that occupy an entire parcel.
2. 
Window mounted signs shall only be allowed in commercial districts.
3. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall be four square feet.
4. 
Maximum sign structure height shall be four feet, if freestanding.
5. 
Maximum number of signs shall not exceed one per business per major street frontage.
C. 
Flags.
1. 
A flagpole shall not exceed the zoning district height limits set forth in Section 17.08.050(H).
2. 
A single flag of the United States of America and two of the following flags shall be permitted per parcel or center:
a. 
The state of California, or another state of the United States.
b. 
A county.
c. 
A municipality.
d. 
Official flags of other countries.
e. 
Flags of nationally or internationally recognized organizations.
f. 
A corporate flag.
3. 
The maximum area for a corporate flag may not exceed fifty square feet.
D. 
Future Tenant Identification Signs.
1. 
Maximum area for each sign for all freestanding pads and shopping centers with five acres or more in area shall be thirty-two square feet. Shopping centers with more than ten acres in area shall be allowed a one hundred square foot sign for the purpose of identifying multiple tenants.
2. 
Maximum sign structure height shall be six feet for thirty-two square foot signs and twelve feet for one hundred square foot signs.
3. 
Maximum number of signs shall not exceed one per street frontage for each center or parcel at any given time.
4. 
They shall be removed five days after the tenant occupies the building.
5. 
They shall be permitted for sites immediately following entitlement for a period not to exceed one hundred twenty days (and only thereafter with an active building or grading permit).
E. 
Garage Sale Signs.
1. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall be four square feet.
2. 
Maximum sign structure height shall be six feet, if freestanding.
3. 
The sign may not be erected more than five days prior to the sale.
4. 
The signs shall be removed before the end of the day of the sale.
5. 
The sign shall not be illuminated.
F. 
Government Signs. Any official government sign, including a governmental directional sign, or a public notice or warning required by an applicable federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance.
1. 
Offsite Directional Signs for Public College or Public Universities.
a. 
General Requirements.
i. 
Each campus shall be permitted no more than three signs within the city of Temecula. The planning director may authorize additional signs if it is determined necessary to serve the public.
ii. 
Any sign proposed within the public right-of-way must obtain an encroachment permit and approval by the public works director.
iii. 
The maximum height of the pole shall be ten feet.
iv. 
The edge of the bottom of the sign shall not be lower than seven feet above ground level.
v. 
The maximum sign area for each sign shall be six square feet.
vi. 
Signs shall have a royal blue background with white letters consistent with the governmental directional signs located within the city of Temecula and shall not contain any logos or any information other than the name of the public college or public university and an arrow indicating direction of the school. Maximum letter height shall be eight inches.
b. 
Findings.
i. 
Public colleges and public universities attract a constant influx of new visitors to the area and adequate directional signage is necessary to ensure the safety of the community by providing guidance to nonresidents or the general public unfamiliar with the area. These directional signs help to ensure the general public can safely and easily find the school.
ii. 
Higher public education is a local as well as a regional priority driven by public needs and coordination between city government and public colleges/public universities will support and benefit the general public's pursuit of higher education.
iii. 
The sign is intended to serve a public college or public university located within the city and conforms to the intent and language of the city's general plan. The size, shape, color, visual elements and placement of the described sign shall be compatible with the surrounding area and with other lawful signs and will not detract from the character or quality of the surrounding properties.
2. 
Offsite Wayfinding Signs for Vehicle Dealerships at Temecula Auto Mall.
a. 
Findings.
i. 
Vehicle dealerships in the auto mall are highly visible from the I-15 Freeway, however, these dealership entrances are difficult to locate once vehicles have exited the freeway.
ii. 
The dealerships attract a constant influx of new visitors to the area of the auto mall. Adequate wayfinding signage is necessary to ensure the safety of the community by providing guidance to nonresidents or the general public unfamiliar with the area thereby reducing congestions and illegal turns. The wayfinding signs will help ensure that the general public can safely and easily find the dealerships.
iii. 
The wayfinding signs for the dealerships shall not advertise or highlight any brand or product and shall not show the logos of or any information for the dealerships or the products they sell. The signs must merely provide the names of the dealerships in a visible, uniform font in colors that do not reflect any brands or logos.
iv. 
The wayfinding signs are intended to serve public purpose and conform to the intent and language of the city's general plan.
b. 
General Requirements.
i. 
The provisions of this subsection (F)(2) shall apply to businesses selling vehicles in the Temecula Auto Mall as shown on Exhibit 17.04.020 Area B ("Auto Mall") of this code.
ii. 
A comprehensive signage program for off-site wayfinding signs, a type of government sign, for the auto mall shall conform to the provisions of this subsection (F)(2) and be approved by resolution of the city council. Wayfinding signs are directional signs, maps, or other graphics used to convey location and directions to travelers. The signage program shall include the number, location, dimensions, sign area, colors, and design of the directional signs. Such signage shall comply with all the provisions of Chapter 17.28 (Sign Standards).
iii. 
The city shall install the wayfinding signs as part of the signage program after receipt of payment from automobile dealerships located in the auto mall.
iv. 
Sign structure installations shall include "breakaway" design features where required in right-of-way areas.
v. 
The wayfinding signs shall only show the name of the dealership and an arrow providing direction to the dealership. The wayfinding signs for the dealerships shall not be illuminated and not advertise or highlight any brand, logo or product or show the logos of or any information about the dealerships or their products.
vi. 
The maximum height of the wayfinding signs shall not exceed twelve feet, and the maximum width shall not exceed six feet.
vii. 
Wayfinding signs shall not obstruct the use of sidewalks, walkways, bike and hiking trails; the visibility of vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic control signs; or be placed in the immediate vicinity of street intersections.
G. 
Helium Balloons.
1. 
No balloon shall be larger than three feet in diameter.
2. 
They shall not be higher than ten feet from the ground.
3. 
They shall not be displayed for more than three days for each calendar month and in no case for more than three consecutive days at a time, except that automobile and truck dealerships may display balloons pursuant to Section 17.04.020(B)(4) of this title.
4. 
All balloons shall be anchored, and shall not block vehicular or pedestrian movement.
H. 
Holiday Decorations within Commercial, Office and Industrial Districts. Seasonal window displays that contain holiday characters and messages and which are intended to create or enhance holiday character of an area. The displays are commonly associated with national, state, local or religious holidays (and which do not reference or display services available or rendered, or goods produced, sold or available for sale). They may be displayed for a period not exceeding forty-five consecutive calendar days and a maximum of sixty cumulative days per calendar year.
I. 
Incidental Signs, i.e., Name of Business, Name Plates, Street Address, Telephone Numbers, Open, Close, Hours of Operation, Credit Cards, etc.
1. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall be a total of four square feet.
2. 
They shall be located adjacent to major customer entrances.
3. 
They shall be located on doors or near doors.
J. 
Interior Signs.
1. 
They shall be entirely located inside the building.
2. 
They shall not be closer than eighteen inches to a window or door.
K. 
Memorial Signs on Tablets or Plaques.
1. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall be four square feet.
2. 
Maximum sign structure height shall be four feet, if freestanding.
L. 
Model Home and Multiple-family Rental Complex Flags.
1. 
Flag poles shall not exceed the zoning district height limits set forth in the development code or fifty feet, if no height limit is provided by the development code.
2. 
Maximum number shall not exceed two per each model home or four per multiple-family rental complex.
3. 
Shall be located on the model home lots, the parking lot, or the sales office or the multiple-family rental complex.
4. 
They may only identify the builder and the subdivision name or the name of the multiple-family rental complex.
5. 
Multiple-family rental complex flags shall only be displayed in the third quarter of the year.
M. 
Model Home Signs.
1. 
All such signs shall only be located on the model home parcels, the parking lot or the sales office and are intended to provide information on each model.
2. 
Model home signs do not include on-site subdivision signs, refer to Section 17.28.130 for subdivision signs.
N. 
Name Plates and Street Address Signs.
1. 
These signs are intended for single-family residences and shall be located entirely on the premises.
2. 
The sign shall contain no advertising message.
3. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall be three square feet.
4. 
Maximum sign structure height shall be three feet, if freestanding.
O. 
Noncommercial Off-Premises Signs.
1. 
Maximum area of the sign board shall not exceed twelve square feet.
2. 
Maximum number of signs per parcel shall be one. However, there shall be no limit on the number of signs during the ninety days prior to a state, federal or local election and fourteen days after the election. A sign erected or placed for a candidate who prevails in a primary election may be maintained until ten days after the final election.
3. 
The maximum height of a ground-mounted sign shall not exceed six feet measured from grade.
4. 
The signs shall not be illuminated.
5. 
The signs shall not be erected, placed or maintained:
a. 
Upon any private property without the consent of the owner, lessee or person on lawful possession of such property;
b. 
On any public property or upon any portion of a public right-of-way;
c. 
To obscure the view of any fire hydrant, traffic sign, traffic signal, street sign, or public information sign;
d. 
To block lines of sight to areas of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
P. 
On Wall or Window Menu Signs for Restaurants.
1. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall be four square feet.
2. 
They shall be attached to the building or associated entry structure.
3. 
Maximum of signs shall be one per restaurant entrance.
4. 
They shall not be intended to be used for advertisement and will only serve as information to customers who have found the restaurant and are standing by the front door.
5. 
They shall be located at or near the major customer entrance.
6. 
They shall not be counted as permissible area for window signs.
Q. 
Real Estate Signs. Subject to Section 17.28.060.
R. 
Public Convenience and Warning Signs.
1. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall not exceed three square feet.
2. 
Maximum sign structure height shall not exceed three feet, if freestanding.
3. 
Maximum number shall be as necessary.
4. 
They may identify restrooms, public telephones, walkways, no parking, no trespassing and similar signs.
5. 
They shall be located on private property.
6. 
They shall contain no advertising messages.
S. 
Time and Temperature Signs.
1. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall be sixteen square feet.
2. 
Maximum sign structure height shall be six feet, if freestanding.
3. 
Maximum number of signs shall not exceed one per building or parcel.
4. 
No advertising shall be permitted.
5. 
Wall mounted signs are counted as part of the permitted sign area of the elevation, where they are placed on. Freestanding signs shall be an integral part of a permitted freestanding sign and shall be counted as part of the permitted sign area of the freestanding sign.
T. 
Vacancy/No Vacancy Signs.
1. 
They are used for motels, hotels and other similar uses.
2. 
Maximum sign area for each sign shall be four square feet.
3. 
Maximum sign structure height shall be four feet, if freestanding.
4. 
Maximum number of signs shall not exceed one per street frontage.
U. 
Works of Art That Do Not Convey a Commercial Message. They are exempt from the provisions of this chapter; however, they may be subject to the provisions of Section 17.05.020.
(Ord. 98-10 § 1; Ord. 99-24 § 5(M); Ord. 05-06 § 7; Ord. 08-08 § 9; Ord. 10-07 § 24; Ord. 23-03 § 19; Ord. 2025-01, 2/25/2025)
Real estate signs that comply with the provisions of this section are exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit.
A. 
On-Site Real Estate Signs (For Sale, For Rent, For Lease, Sold, etc.) in Commercial, Office, and Industrial Districts.
1. 
They shall not be permanent in nature and may only be permitted at such time as the property or structure is available for sale, lease or rent.
2. 
Sign area for each sign shall not exceed:
a. 
Thirty-two square feet for freestanding signs;
b. 
Three square feet for window signs.
3. 
The sign structure height for freestanding signs shall not exceed eight feet measured from grade.
4. 
Maximum number permitted is one sign per street frontage for each parcel or center. Plus, one window sign is permitted per available suite. In addition, one freeway oriented sign is permitted per parcel or center with freeway frontage.
5. 
They shall only be posted on private property.
6. 
They shall not be closer than five feet to the property line or seventeen feet from the face of the curb, whichever is less.
7. 
They shall be a minimum of one hundred fifty linear feet from all other freestanding signs including real estate signs.
8. 
They shall not be located within seventy-five feet of an intersection or an access driveway, except that nothing in this chapter shall preclude a parcel or center from having at least one freestanding real estate sign.
9. 
The angle of v-shaped signs shall not exceed ninety degrees. The back side of a v-shaped sign shall not be visible from the public right-of-way.
10. 
Appropriate materials are wood, metal and stucco. Other materials are subject to director approval.
11. 
Illumination is not permitted.
12. 
They shall be maintained in a clean, orderly fashion at all times and shall be removed ten days after the close of escrow or after a rental agreement or lease has been entered into, whichever occurs first.
B. 
On-Site Real Estate Signs (For Sale, For Rent, For Lease, Sold, Open House, etc.) in all Residential, Public Institutional and Open Space Districts.
1. 
They shall not be permanent in nature and may only be permitted at such time as property or structure is available for sale, lease or rent.
2. 
Sign area for each sign shall not exceed:
a. 
Six square feet in single-family districts and multifamily districts for four units or less;
b. 
Thirty-two square feet for complexes in multifamily districts of five units or more.
3. 
Sign structure height shall not exceed:
a. 
Six feet in single-family districts;
b. 
Eight feet in multifamily residential districts.
4. 
Property with existing residential units for sale, resale, lease or rent shall be permitted one sign per street frontage.
5. 
They shall only be posted on the subject private property.
6. 
Open house signs shall only be displayed between the hours of eight a.m. and dusk.
7. 
The angle of v-shaped signs shall not exceed ninety degrees. The back side of a v-shaped sign shall not be visible from the public right-of-way.
(Ord. 98-10 § 1)
Permanent signs shall be subject to the following standards to insure the quality of signage in the city.
A. 
Standards for Permanent Freestanding Signs.
1. 
Location.
a. 
All freestanding signs shall be set back at least five feet from the right-of-way or property line or seventeen feet from the face of the curb, whichever is less.
b. 
All freestanding signs shall be located outside the site visibility area as defined by Section 17.06.050(J) of this title.
c. 
All freestanding signs shall be located at least three feet from buildings.
d. 
The face of any freestanding sign shall not be oriented parallel to the street, except when the sign is located at the end of cul-de-sacs, knuckles or other appropriate locations as approved by the director.
e. 
The minimum distance between freestanding signs located on the same side of the street and under six feet in height shall not be less than one hundred fifty feet, except center identification signs located on the same driveway.
f. 
The minimum distance between freestanding signs located on the same side of the street and over six feet shall not be less than two hundred fifty feet.
g. 
The director shall have the authority to reduce the distance requirements in subsections (A)(1)(e) and (f) of this section by twenty percent in case of unusual circumstances such as presence of driveways, landscaping, utility poles, etc.
2. 
Height.
a. 
Sign structure height is measured from the extreme top portion of a freestanding sign to the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, the elevation of the finished surface of the road shall be used.
b. 
The height of sign structures located on slopes shall be measured from the highest point of the sign to the highest point of slope where the sign structure meets ground. Berming of up to two feet may be allowed in addition to the maximum height allowed for the sign structure.
c. 
Berming height shall be measured from the lowest portion of the base of the sign structure to the sidewalk elevation.
3. 
Design.
a. 
Except for the changeable portions of movie signs for theaters and changeable portions of price signs for gas stations, which may use plastic backgrounds, the use of can-type box signs with plastic panels or background are prohibited for tenant and building identification signs. Sign panels or background shall be of material commonly used in the buildings or the center. Logo boxes are not subject to this requirement.
b. 
Center identification signs shall use a background material commonly used in the center buildings. Can-type box signs are not permitted. Flood lighting is strongly encouraged when consistent with Riverside County Ordinance 655, Palomar light pollution ordinance; however, internal illumination of the individual letters are only permitted if reverse channel lettering is used.
c. 
Multitenant signs shall be uniform in background color for all tenants.
d. 
All freestanding signs shall be limited in size to the width of the architectural features of the sign.
e. 
All freestanding signs shall use architectural elements at the top, base and sides of the signs.
f. 
If a building or center identification sign is proposed within seventy-five feet of a major intersection, it shall incorporate a community feature (i.e., water features, public art, unique landscape designs, public spaces). Community features are intended as a benefit to the public and shall not include any commercial advertising or business identification.
g. 
Sign colors shall be selected that provide a significant contrast between the background colors and the letters.
h. 
All freestanding signs may be permitted a maximum of two sides except that center identification signs shall be one-sided.
i. 
Center identification signs shall not advertise tenants; however, if the center is named after a major tenant, it is permissible to mention that tenant's name as part of the center name.
j. 
Center identification signs shall be incorporated into the entry statement, architecture and landscaping area.
k. 
Freestanding single tenant signs or service station signs with a height of six feet or less shall be constructed as monument signs.
l. 
Freestanding multitenant signs, theater signs, or freeway oriented signs shall be constructed as either monument or pylon signs.
4. 
Landscaping.
a. 
All freestanding tenant identification signs and building identification signs shall be required to be located within a planted landscaped area which extends on all four sides of the sign. The landscaping area shall be provided according to the following:
i. 
Single tenant and building identification signs shall include landscaping that extends out from the base of the sign in all four directions, a distance equal to one-half of the overall height of the sign.
ii. 
Multi-tenant identification signs shall include landscaping that extends out from the base of the sign in all four directions, a distance equal to one-half of the overall height of the sign.
iii. 
Freeway oriented signs and off-site center identification signs shall include a three hundred square foot landscaped area.
b. 
The landscaping for pylon signs shall include shrubs and small trees to hide the lower portion of the pylon sign if visible from public view.
c. 
The landscaping for freestanding tenant identification signs, building identification signs, and multitenant identification signs shall include flowering perennials, annual plants, or other plants which provide additional color. They shall be planted and replanted seasonally to maintain year round color.
5. 
Addresses. All freestanding signs, except those oriented toward the freeway, shall include the street address(es) or range(s) for the businesses or centers assigned by the building official. The address shall not be counted in the total permitted sign area.
6. 
Illumination.
a. 
Illumination for tenant or building identification signs may be internal or external.
i. 
When internally illuminated signs are used, only the lettering and logos shall appear to be lighted. Conventional channel lettering or reverse channel lettering are acceptable.
ii. 
When externally illuminated signs are used, only flood lighting is acceptable if consistent with Riverside County Ordinance 655, the Palomar light pollution ordinance. External illumination shall not be used for multitenant signs.
b. 
Illumination for center identification signs may be internal or external:
i. 
When internally illuminated, only reverse channel lettering is acceptable. For freeway oriented center identification signs conventional channel lettering is acceptable.
ii. 
When externally illuminated signs are used, only flood lighting is acceptable if consistent with the Palomar light pollution ordinance.
7. 
Width. The width of sign structure can be calculated by multiplying the proposed sign structure height by the sign width coefficient as provided in Table 17.28.070. In no case shall the width of a sign structure exceed the width calculated by the sign width coefficient.
Table 17.28.070
Sign Width Coefficient
Sign Structure in Feet
Sign Width Coefficient
0-6
2.0
6.1-12
1.0
12.1-15
0.8
15.1-25
0.6
25.1-40
0.4
40.1+
0.35
For instance, if sign structure height is four feet, the applicable sign width coefficient from the above table is 2.0. Therefore, the width of the sign structure shall not exceed eight feet (4 × 2.0).
B. 
Standards for Permanent Wall Mounted Signs for Buildings with Two Stories or Less.
1. 
Location. Wall signs shall not be located on windows or doors.
2. 
Number.
a. 
For multitenant buildings, only the major tenant within the suite is permitted to have a wall sign. Subleasing tenants are not permitted to have wall signs.
b. 
Maximum of four signs per business shall be allowed including all wall mounted business identification signs, freestanding signs and freeway signs (if any permitted). However, businesses with freestanding freeway signs shall only be permitted a maximum of three signs, or four signs as permitted by Section 17.28.210(A)(1)(a).
3. 
Area.
a. 
For businesses with more than one permitted wall mounted sign, the second sign shall not exceed eighty percent, third seventy percent, and fourth sixty percent of the maximum allowable for the corresponding frontages. This standard shall not apply to permitted wall mounted freeway oriented signs.
b. 
Wall signs shall not extend more than seventy-five percent of the suite length for multi-tenant buildings or building frontage for single tenant buildings.
4. 
Letter Height. Minimum letter height shall be eight inches. For wall signs in two lines or more the second line may have a minimum letter height of six inches.
5. 
Design.
a. 
A diversity of letter types and colors shall be encouraged for wall signs within centers to create interest.
b. 
The use of graphics consistent with the nature of the product to be advertised shall be encouraged, i.e., hammer symbol for a hardware store, mortar and pestle for a drug store.
c. 
Sign colors shall be selected that provide a significant contrast between the background colors and the letters.
6. 
Illumination.
a. 
Internal illumination for wall signs is acceptable in the following forms:
i. 
Internally illuminated channel letters;
ii. 
Internally illuminated reverse channel letters; or
iii. 
Exposed neon if used in channel letters with transparent face or no face with the inside of channel lettering colored the same color as the neon;
iv. 
Other exposed neon applications.
b. 
External illumination is not permitted unless approved as part of a planning application (sign program, minor modification, major modification or development plan as applicable).
C. 
Number. Maximum of four signs per business shall be allowed including all wall mounted, freestanding signs and any freeway signs (if any permitted). However, businesses with freestanding freeway signs shall only be permitted a maximum of three signs, or four signs as permitted by Section 17.28.210(A)(1)(a).
(Ord. 98-10 § 1; Ord. 06-06 § 6(L); Ord. 07-15 § 9; Ord. 10-07 § 21; Ord. 14-01 § 24; Ord. 2025-12, 8/12/2025)
A. 
Sign Program Required. In addition to the sign permits required by this chapter, certain types of signs and developments require a sign program to ensure that all proposed signs are in harmony with other on-site signs, buildings and surrounding developments. For existing developments without sign programs, the purpose of this provision is to bring centers or buildings without sign programs into conformance with the development code, while allowing existing legal signage to remain until new signage is proposed.
1. 
New Sign Program. For new developments (and for approved or existing developments that propose a major modification or propose to replace or construct a new permanent freestanding or wall mounted sign), a new sign program is required only if any of the following circumstances exist:
a. 
Whenever a shopping center, neighborhood commercial center, office center, building, or development is greater than one hundred thousand square feet in total building area and has more than a total of four permanent signs counting wall mounted and free standing signs;
b. 
Whenever the development contains a historic structure; or
c. 
Whenever a proposed permanent sign exceeds or cannot comply with the standards required by this chapter due to unique characteristics of the site or building façade upon which the sign is placed.
2. 
Existing Sign Program. All approved sign programs for existing or approved developments shall remain in full force and effect and any revision to an approved sign program shall require a modification planning application.
B. 
Findings. The following findings must be made by the approval body prior to approving a sign program:
1. 
The proposed signs enhance the development, and are in harmony with, and visually related to:
a. 
All of the signs included in the sign program. This shall be accomplished by incorporating several common design elements such as materials, letter style, colors, illumination, sign type or sign shape,
b. 
The buildings and/or the developments they identify by utilizing materials, colors or design motifs included in the building being identified, and
c. 
Surrounding development by not adversely affecting surrounding land uses or obscuring adjacent approved signs;
2. 
The sign program accommodates future revisions which may be required due to changes in building tenants; and
3. 
The proposed sign program satisfies the intent of this chapter, in that the sign program complies with all the regulations of this chapter, except that flexibility is allowed with regard to sign area, number, location and height. Further, to the extent the sign program does not comply with the requirements of this chapter as to sign area, number, location and height, the proposed sign program enhances the development and more fully accomplishes the objectives of this chapter.
(Ord. 98-10 § 1; Ord. 06-06 § 5; Ord. 10-07 § 20)