Sign Regulations in San Francisco, CA (2026)
5 verified sign regulations for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Political signs in San Francisco are regulated under Planning Code Article 6. Temporary political signs related to elections are generally permitted on private property without a permit, consistent with First Amendment protections. Signs on public property or rights-of-way are prohibited.
San Francisco Political Sign Regulations
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 4710 (HOA — Noncommercial Signs Protected; 9/15 Sq. Ft. Size Limit)
4710. (a) The governing documents may not prohibit posting or displaying of noncommercial signs, posters, flags, or banners on or in a member's separate interest, except as required for the protection of public health or safety or if the posting or display would violate a local, state, or federal law. (b) For purposes of this section, a noncommercial sign, poster, flag, or banner may be made of...
Holiday Displays
In the Market Street Special Sign District, temporary holiday decorations are exempt from standard sign height, placement, and material rules.
SF Market Street Holiday Sign Exemption
Few RestrictionsSan Francisco Planning Code Sec. 608.8(b)(2)(D), (b)(3)
deviation from the requirements may be permitted to the extent an alternative placement of Signs is made necessary by the location of arches, entrances and other architectural features, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, or for the purpose of installing special lighting effects and temporary holiday decorations, or for the purpose of modifying or replacing currently existing noncomplyin...
Digital Billboards
San Francisco's Planning Code bans digital billboards outright: General Advertising Signs are prohibited in every Commercial, Industrial, and PDR district, and Video Signs -- LED, projected, or animated displays -- are banned even where a sign is otherwise allowed.
San Francisco Bans Digital Billboards and Video Signs
Heavy RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Planning Code §§ 607(a), 607(e)(2)
(a) General Advertising Signs. No General Advertising Sign shall be permitted in any C, M, or PDR District. ... (e)(2) Notwithstanding the type of Signs permissible under subsection (e), a Video Sign is prohibited.
Window Signs
San Francisco caps window signs in Commercial, Industrial, and PDR Districts at one-third of the business's ground floor window and clear door area under Planning Code Section 607(d).
Window Sign Coverage Limits in San Francisco
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco Planning Code Sec. 607(d)
(d) Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs shall not exceed one-third the total area of the business's ground floor windows and clear doors. Window Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
Freeway-Facing Signs
San Francisco bans general advertising signs and any sign over 200 square feet that is primarily aimed at freeway travelers, under Planning Code Sec. 608.5.
Freeway-Facing Sign Limits in San Francisco
Significant RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Planning Code § 608.5 (Near Freeways)
Except for Historic Signs and Vintage Signs designated pursuant to Section 608.14 of this Code, no General Advertising Sign, and no other Sign exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be located after the date of determination and designation of the route of a Freeway so that it is primarily to be viewed by persons traveling on any portion of such Freeway. When located so as to be viewed primar...