Sign Regulations in Cupertino, CA (2026)
6 verified sign regulations for Cupertino, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Cupertino sets no numeric limit on how many political signs a property can display, requires no permit, but caps each sign at 4 square feet on no more than two sides and requires removal within 5 days after the election under Table 19.104.250.
Cupertino Political Sign Size and Removal Rules
Light RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code Table 19.104.250(C)
C. Political Signs All No limit 4 s.f. No more than 2 sides N/A •Until 5 days after election. N/A •No permit required. •Subject to requirements of Section 19.104.240 •Within the public right-of-way – only allowed in the park strip in residential areas with authorization from the immediately adjacent property owner or resident
Garage Sale Signs
Cupertino caps garage and patio sale signage at one on-site sign and three off-site signs, each no larger than 8 square feet and 6 feet tall, displayed only for the length of the sale. Municipal Code Section 5.16.040 routes the rule to Table 19.104.250, which also applies right-of-way standards to the off-site signs.
Cupertino Garage Sale Sign Limits
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code Sec. 5.16.040; Table 19.104.250
The use of signs in connection with garage and patio sales is governed by Section 19.104.250 of this code. ... Use/Zoning Number Size Maximum Area Maximum Height Time Period Information Contained Review Criteria ... B. Garage Sales Residential One on-site Three off- site 8 s.f. 6 ft Length of sale N/A •Must be a bonafide garage sale activity as defined in Chapter 5.16 of the Municipal Code ... ...
Holiday Displays
Cupertino exempts holiday and seasonal lighting from its outdoor lighting shielding, curfew and intensity rules, but only between October 15 and January 15 each year. Outside that window the same display must meet the full standards of Municipal Code Section 19.102.040.
Cupertino Holiday Lighting Exemption Window
Light RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 19.102.040
Exemptions: The following types of lighting are exempt from the lighting requirements of the Chapter: Lighting within the public right-of-way and public parks Permitted lighting for signs pursuant to Chapter 19.104 of the Municipal Code Temporary construction or emergency lighting Short-term lighting authorized by a special events permit Holiday seasonal lighting during the period of October 15...
Digital Billboards
Cupertino allows only one electronic readerboard sign per commercial center, and only for centers with at least 20 tenants and 50,000 square feet of floor area. The sign needs Planning Commission approval and must sit at least 500 feet from any residential district on the same street.
Cupertino Electronic Readerboard Sign Limits
Significant RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code Table 19.104.180
A. Electronic Readerboard Signs Commercial One sign for centers with 20 tenants or more and 50,000 s.f. of gross floor area Same as Sec. 19.104.160 No closer than 500 ft from any residential district on the same street as the sign PC Background of electronic readerboard will be the same color as the primary background. If not practical, then a color that is complementary to the background color...
Window Signs
Cupertino allows window signs only in commercial zones and caps the combined area of permanent and temporary window signs at 25 percent of each storefront bay's window surface. A sign up for less than 30 days counts as temporary and skips review under Section 19.104.280.
Cupertino Window Sign Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 19.104.280
Window signs shall be permitted in all commercial zones. The total area of any window obscured by any combination of permanent and temporary window signs shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the window surface of each storefront bay. Signs within a window shall be considered temporary if they remain on the window for less than thirty days, and shall not be subject to review. Window signs int...
Freeway-Facing Signs
Cupertino bans freestanding freeway-oriented signs entirely in commercial, industrial and office zones. Wall signs facing a freeway are capped at two per multi-tenant building and need Planning Commission review if oriented toward the freeway rather than the street.
Cupertino Freeway-Oriented Sign Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code Table 19.104.200
A. Wall Signs Commercial, Industrial & Office •1 per business/tenant in a building occupied by two or more tenants •Maximum two See Sec. 19.104.140 Building mounted •Oriented to regular street system adjoining the property rather than exclusively visible from the freeway - CDD •Freeway Orientation - PC •Applies to all signs within 660 ft. of “landscaped freeway” measured from edge of right-of-w...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cupertino city rules.
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