Manteca, CA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max area
- 500 sq ft per face
- Max height
- 75 feet
- Location limit
- within 1,000 ft of state highway
- Design requirement
- must say "Manteca"
- Permit
- building permit required
Summary
Freeway-oriented freestanding signs in Manteca must be monument-style, well-proportioned, incorporate "Manteca" in the design, and are capped at 500 square feet per face and 75 feet in height within 1,000 feet of a state highway.
Freeway-oriented freestanding signs shall be "monumental-style", the supporting structure a minimum width of the message area, and well-proportioned, height versus width, with a minimum of 50 percent of the supporting structure enclosed. Architectural elements such as columns, pilasters, cornices, trellises, and similar details shall be provided on the sides and top to frame the sign panel and add design interest. Said sign shall incorporate the text "Manteca" in the design.
5. Monument Signs. Monument signs may be used in conjunction with other freestanding signs on sites 1 acre or more in size. On sites less than 1 acre in size, only monument signs shall be permitted or may be used in conjunction with a freeway-oriented freestanding sign. Monument signs shall comply with the setback and spacing standards for freestanding signs in Subsection 17.54.060(E).
6. Changeable Copy Sign. These types of signs shall be considered to be the same as any other type of sign and shall be regulated based on their location; i.e., if located on a wall, they shall be deemed wall signs. The maximum allowed size for a changeable copy sign shall be 24 square feet per display face. The sign area shall count toward the maximum allowed sign area for the property. Such signs may be internally illuminated.
7.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Manteca's sign code allows one freeway-oriented pylon sign per site within 1,000 feet of a state highway, sized up to 500 square feet per face and 75 feet tall under Table 17.54.080-1. Design standards in Section 17.54.070 require the sign to read as "monumental-style": its supporting structure at least as wide as the message area, well-proportioned in height to width, with at least half of the structure enclosed by architectural elements like columns, pilasters, cornices, or trellises framing the panel. The sign must also incorporate the text "Manteca" in its design. A building permit is required before installation.
Violations & Fines
Signs installed without the required building permit, or built to different dimensions or design than approved, are code violations; unless a stricter penalty applies, violations default to an infraction carrying escalating fines up to $500 per repeat offense under § 1.16.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a billboard-style sign near a state highway in Manteca?
Does a freeway sign need city approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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Freeway-Facing Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle freeway-facing signs.