Redding's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Redding, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Digital Billboards

Redding prohibits both traditional billboards and electronic message board signs outright. Under Section 18.42.080(B) and (D), freestanding off-site billboards and any sign that changes its message electronically are barred citywide, with only a narrow exception for monument or wall-mounted message boards inside the Public Facilities zoning district.

Key details: Billboards: Prohibited citywide under Section 18.42.080(B). Electronic message boards: Prohibited except in PF district. PF exception: Monument/wall sign only, needs sign permit. Pre-existing signs: Nonconforming boards may stay if entitled. Governing section: RMC 18.42.080(B), (D).

Erecting a prohibited billboard or electronic message board sign in Redding is a code violation under Section 1.12.010 and Section 1.12.020: a misdemeanor punishable by up to a one-thousand-dollar fine and six months in county jail, or, if reduced to an infraction, escalating fines of one hundred, two hundred, and five hundred dollars for repeat convictions within a year. The building official can also order an unsafe or illegal sign removed at the owner's expense under Section 18.42.080(K), with each day the sign remains counted as a separate violation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redding actively enforces its digital billboards requirements.

Freeway-Facing Signs

Redding allows only one freeway sign per qualifying parcel, capped at 400 square feet and 60 feet tall (70 feet with findings), and requires a discretionary use permit under Section 18.42.040(D). Eligible sites must sit within 500 feet of a freeway lane, or 1,000 feet of I-5, with a large single-tenant building or shopping center.

Key details: Permit required: use permit under Chapter 18.14. Max sign area: 400 square feet. Max height: 60 feet (70 feet with findings). Proximity to freeway: within 500 feet (1,000 feet of I-5). Signs per parcel: one freeway sign maximum.

A freeway sign erected without the required Chapter 18.14 use permit, or one that exceeds the four-hundred-square-foot area or sixty/seventy-foot height caps, is treated as an illegal or nonconforming sign under Chapter 18.42, subject to Section 18.42.120's public-nuisance and infraction penalties; the city can also order removal under the abatement procedures in Section 18.42.110 for signs erected without complying with the ordinances in effect at construction.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redding actively enforces its freeway-facing signs requirements.

Window Signs

Redding's sign code defines a window sign as anything placed inside a window or within twelve inches of the glass that is visible from outside, and it treats window-painted advertising as a form of temporary signage. The city caps how much of a lot's total sign allowance can go toward that category: only ten percent is reserved for temporary promotional advertising, banners included.

Key details: Window sign definition: Inside window or within 12 inches of glass. Temporary sign carve-out: 10% of lot's total allowable sign area. Permit authority: Development Services Director / sign permit. Governing sections: RMC 18.42.020(A), 18.42.030(A), 18.61.020(63). General penalty: Up to $1,000 fine / 6 months jail.

Redding enforces its sign code as a general municipal code violation. Under Section 1.12.010 and Section 1.12.020, violating any provision, including exceeding the ten-percent window and temporary-sign allotment, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a one-thousand-dollar fine and six months in county jail, unless the city attorney reduces the charge to an infraction, which carries escalating fines of one hundred, two hundred, and five hundred dollars for repeat convictions within a year, and each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.

Political Signs

Political signs in Redding are protected speech under the First Amendment and must be regulated content-neutrally under Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 576 U.S. 155 (2015). Redding's sign rules sit in Redding Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning), and California Government Code §65850.4 and Civil Code §1947.15 protect tenant displays. Reasonable time, place, and manner rules, size, setback, structural safety, right-of-way placement, apply equally to all temporary noncommercial signs, not just political ones.

Key details: Constitutional Limit: Reed v. Gilbert (2015). Local Rule: RMC Title 18 (Zoning). State Preemption: Gov. Code §65850.4. Tenant Right: Civil Code §1947.15. ROW Placement: Prohibited / removable.

Violations of Redding's Title 18 sign rules are typically resolved through Code Enforcement abatement and administrative citations under the city penalty schedule ($100/$200/$500). Signs in the public right-of-way may be summarily removed by city crews. Caltrans removes illegally placed signs along I-5 and posts disposal notices. Bad-faith landlord retaliation against a tenant displaying a political sign under Civil Code §1947.15 carries up to a $1,000 civil penalty plus attorney fees. Speech-based discrimination claims against content-based enforcement can be brought under 42 U.S.C. §1983.

The Bottom Line

Redding is tougher than many cities when it comes to sign regulations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Redding, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Redding can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.