Iconic Signs
Santa Clara City Code § 18.42.130
in effectA. Applicability.
1. Approved iconic signs may be an allowed non-conforming sign and any alterations require a Sign Permit approved by the Director.
2. This Section applies to legally established existing signs in the City that meet all of the following requirements and criteria, as determined by the Director:
B. Sign requirements. Iconic signs shall meet all of the following sign requirements:
1. The sign uses materials and technology representative of its historical period of construction.
2. The sign is structurally safe or can be made safe without substantially altering its historical appearance.
C. Iconic Sign Criteria. Iconic signs shall meet all of the following criteria:
1. The sign exemplifies the cultural, economic, and historic heritage of the City.
2. The sign is unique.
3. The sign is originally associated with a business only found in the City, Santa Clara County, or the State; or there is historical documentation to support its preservation.
4. The sign retains a majority of its character-defining features. If the character-defining features have been altered or removed, the majority must be potentially restorable to their historic function and appearance.
5. The sign is at least 50 years old.
Source: City of Santa Clara Zoning Code (santaclaraca.gov PDF)URL: https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-a-f/community-development/planning-division/zoningFetched: 10/24/2026