Chino, CA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Single/multi-tenant height
- 20 FT standard
- Elevated-freeway max
- 40 FT (single/multi-tenant)
- Commercial center height
- 45 FT, up to 60 FT elevated
- Lot qualification
- 100 FT depth & frontage required
- Sign count
- one per lot or per center
Summary
Chino's sign code lets commercial properties near freeways erect tall pylon signs, up to 20 FT (40 FT near an elevated freeway) for a single business, and up to 45 FT (60 FT) for shopping centers, but only on qualifying arterial-fronting lots.
Freeway Pylon Signs. Business Identification—single tenant buildings & multiple tenant buildings: One per lot or parcel. 200 SF per sign face. 20 FT, except that when a sign is located next to an elevated freeway, the sign height may be extended an additional foot for each foot the freeway is elevated above the sign's adjacent grade, not to exceed 40 Ft in height.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
Table 16.05-1 of the Chino sign code (adopted under Section 16.05.050) authorizes one freeway pylon sign per lot or parcel for single- and multiple-tenant business identification, capped at 200 square feet per sign face and 20 feet in height: extendable a foot for every foot the adjacent freeway is elevated, up to 40 feet. Commercial centers may erect a larger pylon: 300 square feet per face and 45 feet tall, extendable to 60 feet under the same elevated-freeway formula. Qualifying lots need at least 100 feet of depth and 100 feet of frontage on a primary or secondary arterial street under the General Plan's Circulation Element. The standards appear in the CN and the CG, CR & CS commercial zoning district sections of the citywide Sign Regulation Matrix.
Violations & Fines
A freeway pylon sign erected without city sign-plan approval, or exceeding the matrix's size, height, or lot-frontage standards, is an illegal sign subject to removal and abatement costs under the sign code.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a freeway pylon sign be in Chino?
Does every commercial lot in Chino qualify for a freeway pylon sign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino
California rules heatmap·Compare Chino to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Freeway-Facing Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle freeway-facing signs.