19.22.020 Applicability
   A.   Applicability.
      1.   This Chapter 19.22 applies to all signs within the City of San Bernardino unless specifically exempted herein.
      2.   The number and area of signs set forth in this Chapter are intended to be the base standards. In addition to the enumerated standards, consideration shall be given to a sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the subject property, as well as the surrounding community.
      3.   Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prohibit a person from holding a sign while picketing or protesting on City of San Bernardino property that is open to the public, as long as the person holding the sign does not block ingress and egress from buildings; create a safety hazard by impeding travel on sidewalks, in bike or vehicle lanes, or on trails; or violate any other reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions adopted by the City of San Bernardino.
   B.   Severability. If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word in this Chapter is held to be invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of this Chapter.
   C.   Exemptions. The following sign types are expressly exempted from the Sign Permit requirements of this Chapter and shall not count toward cumulative allowable sign area, but must satisfy all other permit requirements when applicable (e.g., Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Grading, Encroachment, etc.):
      1.   Exempt Signs without Limitations. The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this Chapter so long as they do not constitute a General Advertising Sign:
         a.   Non-signs. All devices that are excluded from the definition of a "Sign."
         b.   Message Substitution. Conforming signs on which the message is changed, but such message substitution does not alter the sign size, height, location, or illumination. This provision does not authorize the conversion of an existing legal sign to a General Advertising Sign (Billboard) or to a digital display.
         c.   Interior Graphics or Signage. Signs or displays within a structure and not visible (meaning capable of being seen, regardless of actually being read) by the public from any public right-of-way or publicly accessible area.
         d.   Plaques. Tablets and plaques installed by the City of San Bernardino, or by a State, Federal, or County recognized historical organization exempt from Federal taxation under Section 501 of USC Title 26 (IRS Code) that are no larger than six square feet, or signs authorized and installed by City, County, State, or Federal agencies on public owned lands.
         e.   Equipment Signs. Signs incorporated into permitted displays, machinery, or equipment by a manufacturer, distributor, or vendor and identifying or advertising only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment, such as signs customarily fixed to automated teller machines (ATMs), vending machines, and gasoline pumps.
         f.   Official Notices. Any sign, posting, notice, or similar sign issued, installed, placed, or required by law by the City of San Bernardino, County of San Bernardino, or a Federal or State governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, including but not limited to the following:
            (1)   Emergency and warning signs necessary for public safety or civil defense;
            (2)   Legal notices posted pursuant to law or court order;
            (3)   Traffic, railroad, utility, and parking signs erected and maintained by an authorized public agency or approved by an authorized public agency;
            (4)   Direction, warning, or information signs required or authorized to be displayed by law;
            (5)   Numerals and lettering identifying the address from the street to facilitate emergency response and compliant with City of San Bernardino requirements;
            (6)   Signs erected by a government agency directing the public to points of interest;
            (7)   Signs and advertising for the California State Lottery as authorized by California Government Code, Section 8880 et seq.; and
            (8)   Motor vehicle fuel pricing signs, as required by State law, which identify the brand, types, octane rating, etc., of motor vehicle fuel for sale (Sections 13470 and 13530 of the Business and Professional Code). While exempt, the City of San Bernardino may review and approve motor vehicle fuel pricing signs to confirm design requirements for permanent or temporary placement and approval provisions listed herein.
         g.   Flags. Flags, as defined herein, located on poles up to 75 feet in height and not subject to the Temporary Signs standards. Pennants, Banner Signs, Feather Signs, strings of ornamental fringes and streamers are not included in this exemption and are regulated under Section 19.22.080.
      2.   Exempt Signs with Limitations. The following Signs are exempt from Sign Permit requirements if they meet the size, height, duration, maximum number limitations, and any additional requirements set forth in Table 22.01, so long as they do not constitute a General Advertising Sign:
Ord. MC-1351, 6-03, 2020
Table 22.01 Exempt Signs with Limitations (do not require permit)
Sign Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign Area
Maximum Sign Height
Additional Requirements
Table 22.01 Exempt Signs with Limitations (do not require permit)
Sign Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign Area
Maximum Sign Height
Additional Requirements
a. Window Signs
N/A
25% of the total window glass area of the building frontage
N/A
o See Section 19.22.070(B) (9).
b. Yard Signs on property undergoing construction or remodeling (on sites less than 5 acres in size)
1 sign per street frontage
32 sf
8 ft
o Such signs shall be removed prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or within 7 days after the sale/rental of the last unit in the project/subdi vision, as applicable.
o See Section 19.22.080(B) and (D).
c. Yard Signs on property undergoing construction or remodeling (on sites 5 acres or more in size)
1 sign per street frontage
76 sf
12 ft
d. Yard Signs on residential property that is offered for sale, lease, or rental
1 sign per street frontage
8 sf
5 ft
o Such on-site signs shall be removed within 7 days after the close of escrow, rental, or lease of the property.
o Each dwelling may place up to 6 off-site Temporary Signs on private property for the purpose of directing the public to a residential activity (e.g., real estate open house). Said signs may be posted for no more than 48 hours and shall be removed within 6 hours of the end of the event.
o See Section 19.22.080(B) and (D).
e. Signs on non-residential property that is offered for sale, lease, or rental
1 per street frontage
32 sf
8 ft
o Such signs may be freestanding (located in a yard) or mounted in a window or on a wall.
o Such signs shall be removed within 7 days after the close of escrow, rental, or lease of the property.
o See Section 19.22.080(B) and (D).
f. Yard Signs on private property where there is a garage, yard, estate sale, or community garden/ agricultural produce sale taking place
1 per street frontage
6 sf
5 ft
o Such on-site signs shall be removed within 7 days after the close of the sale.
o Each dwelling may place up to 6 off-site Temporary Signs on private property for the purpose of directing the public to a residential activity (e.g. garage/yard sale, estate sale). Said signs may be posted for no more than 48 hours and shall be removed within 6 hours of the end of the event.
o See Section 19.22.080(B) and (D).
g. Wall Signs at Entrances to Non-Residential Businesses
N/A
4 sf (total aggregate)
N/A
o Such signs shall not be illuminated unless located within the Main Street Overlay Zone and shall be placed on a window or wall near the primary and/or secondary business entrance.
o See Section 19.22.070(B) (8).
h. Commercial Mascots
N/A
N/A
N/A
o Commercial Mascots shall not impede pedestrian or vehicular access.
o Commercial Mascots shall be located on the property for which the service or product that is being advertised is located
i. Suspended Signs
One per entrance
6 sf
N/A
o See Section 19.22.070(B) (7).
j. Temporary signs displaying noncommerci al messages
N/A
24 sf
Such signs shall not project above the roofline of any structure.
o Signs erected for and associated with particular events shall be removed within 7 days following the event.
o Up to 6 off-site Temporary Signs may be placed on private property for the purpose of directing the public to a noncommerci al activity. Said signs may be posted for no more than 48 hours and shall be removed within 6 hours of the end of the event.
o See Section 19.22.080(B) and (D).
(Ord. MC-1531, 6-03-20)