Sign Ordinance 101

Have you read San Diego’s exhaustive sign ordinance? Probably not. Do you think it would be good use of your time to peruse that lengthy document (all 60+ pages of it)? Probably not, again. However, if you’re going to be using exterior signage of any kind, you need to make sure you stay on the “straight and narrow”—and we can help.

 We’re familiar with all the signage rules you must obey in San Diego (and surrounding cities, too). We’ll make sure you don’t do anything that’s going to incur the wrath of a city inspector and cause you a great deal of grief.

 In case you’re interested in knowing what “compelling reading” is contained in the San Diego sign ordinance, here’s a sample of what you’re missing:

 Violations of Sign Regulations

(a) It is unlawful to do the following:

         (1)     Place, post, paint or secure any sign, pennant, flag, banner, balloon, or similar attention-seeking device on public property or within the public right-of-way unless otherwise provided in the Municipal Code or specific state statute;

         (2)     Place any lettering, card, poster, or notice of any kind on any curb, sidewalk, street, pole, post, utility box, hydrant, bridge, tree, building, or other surface that is located on public property or in the public right-of-way unless otherwise provided in the Municipal Code or specific state statute;

         (3)     Display any sign without the required Sign Permit Sticker; or

         (4)     Erect any sign on any premises contrary to the provisions of this division.

(b) Violations of any provisions of this division shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 12, Article 1. Violations of this division shall be treated as strict liability offenses regardless of intent.

 Not exactly bestseller material, right? It is important, however, that you work with a sign vendor who has taken the time to learn the rules—so you don’t have to!

Sign Ordinance 101