Sign Regulations in San Jose, CA (2026)
4 verified sign regulations for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
San Jose regulates election signs as a distinct sign category, capping freestanding signs in residential zones at six feet, barring them from public property entirely, and limiting display to the nomination period plus ten days after the election.
San Jose Election Sign Placement and Time Limits
Some RestrictionsSan Jose Municipal Code § 23.04.750
A.Shall not be illuminated.B.If an attached sign, shall not extend above the eaves of the building or structure where located.C.If a freestanding sign:1.Shall not exceed six feet in height; and2.No setback shall be required.
Digital Billboards
San Jose Municipal Code § 23.02.1010(A) prohibits billboards and programmable electronic (LCD, plasma, digital) signs citywide, unless another part of the sign title expressly carves out an exception, such as a handful of pilot special sign zones.
San Jose Bans Billboards and Digital Signs
Heavy RestrictionsSan Jose Municipal Code § 23.02.1010(A)(2), (A)(5)
A.Unless otherwise expressly allowed in this title, the following signs are prohibited:1.Animated signs.2.Billboards.3.Inflatable or balloon signs.4.Mechanical movement signs.5.Programmable electronic signs.6.Portable signs.7.Roof signs.8.Flat roof-top signs.
Window Signs
San Jose caps window signs, permanent and temporary combined, at 25% of the window frame area per window. Animated window signs are banned, and stock-in-trade displayed within 12 inches of the glass counts as signage too.
San Jose Window Sign Coverage Limit
Some RestrictionsSan Jose Municipal Code § 23.02.1060
A.Window signs, including both permanent and temporary signs, shall not exceed in aggregate sign area twenty-five percent of the window frame area.B.Window signs shall not be animated signs.C.Window signs in conformance with this title shall not reduce otherwise allowed signage.D.Window signs include internal displays of stock-in-trade if the display is located within twelve inches of a window ...
Freeway-Facing Signs
San Jose bans any sign other than an attached sign that faces and is visible from a freeway, unless the parcel sits within the urban service area and either borders another public right-of-way or has direct freeway access.
San Jose Freeway-Facing Sign Ban
Significant RestrictionsSan Jose Municipal Code § 23.02.1010(A)(9)
Any sign other than an attached sign facing and visible from a freeway unless the parcel on which the sign is located is within the urban service area as indicated on the general plan land use/transportation diagram, and: (a) separated from the freeway by another public right-of-way, or (b) has direct access to the freeway.
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Jose city rules.
Sign Regulations in Santa Clara County →