Hayward sign permit requirements

Sign permit required for all signs except those exempted under Sec. 10-7.300; exempt signs include e.g. accessory signs ≤6 sq ft. In the general commercial districts, horizontal hanging signs ≤6 sq ft are also exempt from permitting (CC-C/CC-P and Form-Based Code).

“It is unlawful to erect any sign except those exempted under Section 10-7.300 without first obtaining a sign permit from the Development Services Department and a building permit and/or an electrical permit as required by the City Codes.”

12 ft, and 1 ft lower for every foot closer to the property line (general commercial districts)

“No: 1 per establishment Height: 12 ft. and 1 ft. lower every foot closer to property line.”

Blade/shingle projecting signs up to 6 sq ft max per face (permitted in Downtown, Sign Corridor Overlay District, or per Master Sign Program); otherwise per zoning district

“Projecting signs such as "blade" or "shingle" signs, up to six (6)-square feet maximum size per face, are permitted in Downtown, Sign Corridor Overlay District, or as part of an approved Master Sign Program.”

Minimum 8 ft clearance from bottom of sign to finished grade; setback 2½ ft from curb line; may not extend above top level of wall; 15 ft above grade if over parking lot/driveway

“Minimum eight (8) foot high clearance from the bottom of the sign to finished grade is required.”

Maximum 25% of total window area, in any zoning district

“Window signs are allowed to cover a maximum of twenty-five (25) percent of the total window area in any zoning district.”

Internal and external lighting must prevent light spillage/glare onto residential property or ROW; internally illuminated cabinet signs prohibited except punch-thru letters; neon/halo permitted in non-residential districts; must comply with Title 24. Type of illumination subject to Director approval.

“Internal and external sign lighting shall be designed to prevent light spillage and glare onto any adjacent residentially zoned property or public right-of-way.”

Electronic reader boards permitted only for religious facilities, private schools, and cultural facilities (and freeway-oriented industrial); min 6-second static display, max 2-second transition, no flashing/animation; brightness limited per candela table (e.g. all colors 650 day/250 night)

“Electronic reader boards are permitted for religious facilities, private schools, and cultural facilities as allowed by zoning district and in conformance to the provisions of this article”

Promotional event banners: 1 banner, 50 sq ft max, 60 days maximum per calendar year. Grand opening banners: 1 banner, 50 sq ft, once for 45 days max, removed within 14 days.

“• Sixty (60) days maximum per calendar year. • Number of events and periods of duration per year shall be specified on the permit.”

Roof signs, advertising banners (except promotional/grand opening), bunting, cabinet/can signs, changeable copy/electronic reader boards (except allowed uses), flashing signs, off-premises/general advertising signs, inflatables/aerial/Mylar balloons, moving signs (incl. wind banners, air dancers, human signs), pole signs (except limited freeway uses), portable signs (except limited exceptions), pennants, streamers, searchlights, natural-object signs

“Any sign painted or erected on or above the roof or parapet of any building structure (i.e. roof sign).”

Values above are for 'All Commercial Districts (Except CC-R, CC-C and CC-P), Including AT-AC, AT-C'. Regulations vary materially by district (CC-R, CC-C/CC-P Central City, Form-Based Code, Industrial, residential, PD, agricultural each have distinct standards).

“All Commercial Districts (Except CC-R, CC-C and CC-P), Including AT-AC, AT-C (Airport Commercial Zones). The following regulations apply to properties in all Commercial Districts excluding the CC-R, CC-C and CC-P districts.”