Alhambra, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permanent window sign, ground level
- 25% of window area
- Permanent window sign, 2nd level
- 10% of window area
- Temporary window sign cap
- 10% of window/door area
- Height limit
- No signs above 2nd story
- Temporary duration
- Under 60 consecutive days
Summary
Alhambra caps permanent window signs at 25 percent of ground-level window area and 10 percent of second-level window area, and bars them above the second story. Temporary window signs displayed under 60 days get a flat 10 percent cap on total transparent window and door area.
(E) Permanent window signs. Signs painted on or otherwise adhered directly onto a window and signs that block a window in any way, and displayed for 60 or more consecutive days, are subject to the following standards. (1) Maximum allowable sign area. (a) Ground level. 25% of the window area per window. (b) Second level. 10% of the window area per window of the business frontage.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).
Full Breakdown
090(E) governs permanent window signs, which are signs painted on or adhered directly to a window, or that block a window, displayed for 60 or more consecutive days. Ground-level permanent window signs may cover up to 25 percent of the window area per window, while second-level signs are capped at 10 percent of the window area per window of the business frontage, and no window sign may be placed on windows higher than the second story. 100(D)(3) separately governs temporary window signs, defined as signs applied by tempera or similar paint, or professionally printed signs or posters, displayed for less than 60 consecutive days; these are capped at 10 percent of the total translucent or transparent window and door area visible from the exterior of the building, and also cannot be placed above the second story.
A window sign displayed 60 days or longer converts to the permanent-sign standard even if it was originally posted as temporary. 050(J) separately bans chalk, felt pen, grease pencil, or similar mediums applied directly to windows, except non-advertising seasonal holiday displays shown for 30 days or fewer.
Violations & Fines
A window sign that exceeds the coverage cap, sits above the second story, or overstays the 60-day temporary window without meeting the permanent-sign standard is an unpermitted or nonconforming sign subject to abatement as a public nuisance under Section 23.21.160, with a lien for a late charge plus the city's abatement costs under Section 23.21.170. General code violations carry a fine set by City Council resolution or up to six months' imprisonment under Section 1.12.010, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my storefront window can a sign cover in Alhambra?
Can I put a sign on a third-floor window in Alhambra?
Is a hand-painted sale sign on my window allowed in Alhambra?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alhambra
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