On-Premises Sign Regulations
San Diego Municipal Code § 1513.0404
in effect§1513.0404 On-Premises Sign Regulations
(a) Residential Subdistricts – On-Premises Signs
The following non-illuminated wall signs shall be permitted, provided that no sign shall project above the parapet or eaves of the building to which affixed:
(1) One nameplate per dwelling unit not exceeding one square foot in total area to identify only the occupant; or
(2) In lieu of Section 1513.0404(a)(1), the occupant of a dwelling unit, if the possessor of a valid home occupation permit, shall be permitted a sign indicating the nature of the home occupation, not to exceed 2 square feet in total area.
(3) One building identity sign not exceeding one percent of the area of the wall to which it is affixed or 20 square feet, whichever is the smaller figure.
(4) One directional sign per vehicular entryway not exceeding 2 square feet in total area nor 4 feet in height measured to the apex of the sign.
(5) One temporary wall or freestanding sign offering the premises for sale, rent or lease, not to exceed 8 square feet in total area nor 4 feet in height measured to the apex of the sign. Such sign is permitted in required yards.
(6) One public interest wall or ground sign not to exceed 8 square feet in total area nor 4 feet in height measured to the apex of the sign. Such sign is permitted in required yard.
(7) Any sign not in compliance with the provisions of this section within 7 years from April 7, 1998, shall be removed or brought into compliance. Any sign located on property subsequently placed in the Residential Subdistricts and not in compliance with the provisions of this section shall be removed or brought into compliance within 5 years from February 1, 1979.
(b) Commercial Subdistricts – On-Premises Signs
On-premises and public interest signs located in Commercial Subdistricts are permitted as follows:
(1) Signs on the faces of buildings are permitted provided that no sign shall project above the nearest parapet or eave of the building to which the signs are attached. The aggregate sign area for each street frontage on a given premises shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage or 25 square feet, whichever is larger. In addition, the following identification signs shall be permitted:
(A) One single-faced or double-faced freestanding sign located adjacent to each entrance or exit driveway to a parking lot. Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area nor a height of 8 feet measured vertically from the base at ground level to the apex of the sign.
(B) One sign on the exterior wall at each side or rear entrance to a store, shop or place of business provided that no sign shall project above the nearest parapet or eave of the building to which it is attached and, provided further, that no sign shall be attached to the perimeter framing of the building or to the face of canopies or porch roofs. No such sign shall have an area exceeding 12.5 square feet or 0.50 square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage of the premises, whichever is larger.
(2) For each street frontage of the premises, one sign attached to the wall or one freestanding sign designating the premises for sale, rent or lease is permitted, provided such sign has a maximum area of 8 square feet and a height, if a freestanding, sign not exceeding 8 feet measured vertically from the base at ground level to the apex of the sign.
(3) Where the face of the building sets back from the property line in excess of 20 feet, single-faced or double-faced, freestanding signs, in addition to those on the building, are permitted, provided that:
(A) No part of such signs shall extend over public property or have a height exceeding 8 feet measured vertically from the base at ground level to the apex of the sign.
(B) The total area of all such signs on any street frontage of the premises shall not exceed four-tenths (4/10) of a square foot per lineal foot of street frontage or 37.5 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(4) Any sign not in compliance with the provisions of this section within 7 years from April 7, 1998, shall be removed or brought into compliance. Any sign located on property subsequently placed in a Commercial Subdistrict and not in compliance with the provisions of this section shall be removed or brought into compliance within 5 years from February 1, 1979.
(5) Signs permitted herein which are attached to walls or the face of a building shall be parallel to the wall or the face of the building and shall project not more than 18 inches therefrom.
(6) Signs permitted herein may be illuminated; however, none shall contain visibly moving parts or be illuminated by flashing lights.
(7) All signs permitted by the provisions of this section shall also comply with the Land Development Code Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 8 (Sign Permit Procedures) and Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 12 (Sign Regulations).
(c) Commercial Subdistrict – Off-Premises Signs Off-premises signs, including signs on the sidewalk for Ventura Place, shall comply with the Land Development Code Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 8 (Sign Permit Procedures) and Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 12 (Sign Regulations).
(“On-Premises Sign Regulations” added 3-27-2007 by O-19589 N.S.; effective 4-26-2007.)
(Amended 10-18-2010 by O-19999 N.S.; effective 8-9-2012.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter15/Ch15Art13Division04.pdf#page=7Fetched: 10/28/2026