Sign Code

The Sign Code provides specific sign criteria and development standards for the various land use districts within the City. The Development Services Department has the responsibility of reviewing all applications for signs, banners, and search lights in the City of Redlands. Both the Planning Division and Building & Safety Division have specific criteria and requirements that must be satisfied before a permit may be issued. 

Click here to view the Sign Code (RMC Chapter 15.36).

For properties within the Transit Villages Specific Plan area, click here to view the sign regulations. 

For properties within the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan area, click here to view the sign regulations. 

The maximum allowable sign area, height, and type(s) of business identification signs permitted within the City is determined based on the underlying zoning district (click here to view the Zoning Map).

Freestanding Signs must be approved by the Planning Commission, and all signs over 120 square-feet (per sign face) must be approved by the City Council in accordance with Measure U. For questions about size, type, and placement of signs, please contact the Planning Division (click here). 

How To Apply

For information about how to apply and the required three (3) sets of sign plans, please call the Building & Safety Division at the One Stop Permit Center (click here).

Generally, the plans should include a Site Plan (to scale and with appropriate dimensions), location of all buildings, location of property lines, location of the proposed sign, a completed application form, and payment of appropriate fees. Other requirements for each division are as follows:

1. All signs must be drawn to scale, and the location(s) shown on the elevations or site plan.
2. All plans should show the sign(s) with complete dimensions, in both height and width. This includes the size of each letter on channel letter signs.
3. The colors and materials for each proposed sign should be identified and clearly labeled. If paint is proposed, the paint number and company name should be included.
4. The signage calculation is based on either lot frontage, lease frontage, or building frontage; the appropriate figure should be detailed on the site plan.

1. Provide full dimensions and cross-section of the proposed sign(s).
2. Show and label anchor bolts size and spacing; method of attachment or footing.
3. Provide all relevant electrical information.
4. All electrical installation of signs and neon shall be in compliance with the California Electrical Code (current addition).
5. All self-contained electrical signs shall be constructed, inspected, and approved by Underwriters Testing Laboratory and display a U.S. label of approval and manufacturer’s label.
6. Neon in metal channel letters shall be installed with U.L.-approved electrode housings, and display a U.L. Label on each letter.
7. Interior or exterior neon will be installed with aa electrodes terminating in U.L.- approved neon electrode receptacles. All conduit, boxes, and receptacles to be grounded.
8. Disconnect switch must be within 50 feet in plain view of all signs. Also, switch required at remote neon transformers.
9. All signs to be inspected during installation. Sign contractor is to supply necessary equipment for inspector during inspection.
10. The building permit must be installed on each sign in a visible place.

Please be advised that this is only a brief introduction to the City’s Sign Code, and does not contain all details involved with every sign issue. We suggest that you coordinate with Planning staff and/or Building & Safety staff prior to under taking any potential sign project. Our staff is dedicated to serving the general public and are always ready to help. Please feel free to call or email any of our staff members with your questions and concerns.