Hanford, CA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard signs
- Measured from ROW grade
- Freeway-facing signs
- Measured from site's finished grade/pad
- Governing rule
- Whichever elevation is lower
- Zone caps
- Table 17.56.090 sets max height
Summary
Hanford measures a freestanding sign's height from the right-of-way grade, but signs facing a freeway are measured from the site's own finished grade or pad, whichever is lower.
The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from grade at the edge of the right-of-way along which a freestanding sign is placed to the highest point of the freestanding sign, including any structural or architectural components of the sign. When the grade at the edge of the right-of-way is higher than the site on which the sign is placed, that portion of the sign below the grade at the edge of the right-of-way shall not be included in determining the freestanding sign's overall height. Freestanding signs oriented towards a freeway shall be measured from the site's finished grade or pad, whichever is lower.
E. Sign clearance shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.
F. For the purpose of determining the allowed number and size of signs, an integrated shopping center shall be considered as one site. (Ord. 17-04, 2017; Ord. 24-11, 12/3/2024)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873707; v4 updated 2026-03-17).
Full Breakdown
Under Hanford Municipal Code § 17.56.080(D), most freestanding signs are measured from grade at the edge of the adjacent right-of-way to the sign's highest point. Freeway-oriented freestanding signs get a different baseline: the site's finished grade or pad, whichever sits lower. The rule only changes where the measurement starts, it doesn't raise the maximum height a sign in a given zone district is allowed to reach under Table 17.56.090.
Violations & Fines
Signs measured or built above their zone's maximum height under Table 17.56.090 can be denied a sign permit, ordered altered, or removed by Hanford's Community Development Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a freeway-facing sign's height measured in Hanford?
Does facing a freeway let a Hanford sign be taller?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hanford
California rules heatmap·Compare Hanford to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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