On this page you can find the most important information regarding Monterey's Sign Rules. For more information, the Planning Division at Colton Hall can answer all of your questions about signs. The regulations for signs are found in the City's Sign Ordinance and in guidelines adopted by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). These are also available at the Planning, Engineering & Environmental Compliance Division.

Do I need a permit for my main business sign?
Most signs and all permanent business identification signs to include changes to existing signs require a permit before they can be installed. Sign permits are issued by the Planning Division or the ARC. The type of review depends on the style of sign, location, size and method of lighting.

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How big can a sign be?
Signs need to be well designed. They must "fit" the building and not become the dominant architectural element. Their size and number should be kept to a minimum, but they should be designed to provide adequate and effective notice to the public of the business name. You can get exact specifications and fee information from the Planning Division.

Are there any signs I can put up without a special permit?
You can cover up to 10% of each of the windows of your business without a permit. These window signs shall not be electric and they should be grouped together to minimize window clutter. Some of the other signs that may be displayed without a permit include a street number sign, a maximum of 4 small credit card or affiliation signs, and a nameplate sign no larger than 72 square inches.

Can I get permission to put up larger window signs?
You may apply to the Planning Division for a "no fee" permit to display temporary window signs. These signs can be used to advertise a sale or special promotion. They are allowed on half of the windows on a street frontage, up to a maximum of two windows, but they can not cover more than 30% of the window that they are on and all other windows should be free of signs. The larger window signs that are allowed in this program may not be electric and the colors may not be luminous, fluorescent or neon. The total number of days during which these signs can be displayed is 60 days per year.

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Can I get permission to display large window signs for more than 60 days in a year
The ARC will consider applications to establish programs for temporary window sign display. These window sign programs require submittal of an application and fee and their objective will be to establish in advance the size limits, location, number, design quality and display periods for all temporary window signs that exceed the exempt or 60-day standard. Each of these sign programs will be individually evaluated by the ARC for design quality and compatibility with the building architecture and area.

What are the rules for displaying banner signs?
You may apply to the Planning Division for a "no fee" permit to display a banner sign. The size limit is 20 square feet in area. The banner can stay up for no more than 30 consecutive days, but the maximum number of days allowed for banner displays is 60 days in a year. Banners approved by this permit must be secured flat against the building. They may not be mounted on the roof or the ground and they may not face the Recreational Trail. In multi-tenant buildings, no more than two banners may be displayed at the same time.

What are the rules for Grand Opening banners?
A permit from the Planning Division is required. This is a one-time only "no fee" permit and it is good for a maximum display of 30 days. No more than two Grand Opening banners are allowed per business (one per street frontage). The maximum size that is allowed depends on the size of the building, so be sure to ask the Planning Division for the size standards before you order the banner.

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Can I put up any neon signs in my windows?
Neon window signs are allowed except on Historic buildings. The permit and fee are the same as those required for a permanent sign. Neon window signs, however, must conform with specific design guidelines to be approved. The guidelines limit the number of neon signs to a maximum of two and a total combined area of 5 square feet. These signs shall not cover more than 10% of the window they are placed in and they shall not contain more that two different colors of neon light. Neon signs that conform with these guidelines may be approved by the Planning Division. All others must be reviewed and approved by the ARC before they are installed.  In the case of Historic buildings, neon signs require review by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and neon signs  may not be allowed if the design and method of lighting are determined incompatible with the historic nature of the building.

Can I light my sign?
Yes. Lighted signs are allowed, but the method of lighting and the design of the light fixtures are carefully reviewed by the ARC. In most locations in the city indirect illumination of signs is preferred and encouraged. In locations where internally illuminated signs may be considered, such as North Fremont Street, the signs should be designed to minimize the amount of light. This type of sign is usually only approved if the sign copy is lighted and the background is dark or opaque. White or light colored backgrounds with dark letters are usually not approved due to excessive glare and light. If the property is zoned Historic, the method of sign lighting will be evaluated for compatibility with the historic nature and character of the building.

I want to put up a "to lease" sign; are there any restrictions for this kind of sign?
"For sale" and "for lease" signs do not require a permit. There are, however, limitations on the number and size of these signs. The size of a real estate sign is limited to 15% of the total allowed sign area for the building up to a maximum size of 32 square feet in area. The maximum allowed height of a freestanding real estate sign is 8 feet and only one sign per street frontage is allowed.

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