Aliso Viejo, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

In the City of Aliso Viejo, California, Table 15.34.150 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code lists the signs exempt from sign permit requirements, and item 16 is window signage: up to 20 percent of the total window area on each building side, with no illumination. Fluorescent, "day-glo" and neon colors are prohibited in window signage except as the table provides for other items. Exempt signs are not counted in the aggregate area or number of signs permitted for the premises.

The exemption has limits. Section 15.34.150(A) says it does not relieve the sign owner of obtaining any building or other permits required for sign erection, keeping the sign properly maintained, or complying with the rest of the chapter and any other law. Exempt signs cannot go in the public right-of-way unless the chapter expressly permits it.

Two other rows in the same table reach windows. Item 8 covers incidental accessory signs and placards in nonresidential districts, such as open/closed signs, credit card placards and help wanted signs, mounted in a window or on the building at 4 sq./ft. aggregate. Item 9 covers incidental accessory neon signs in nonresidential districts, window or building mounted, at 8 sq./ft. aggregate with direct illumination. Item 13 allows temporary holiday murals, scenes or decorations painted on the windows of a business from Thanksgiving Day to New Year's Day, provided the display does not refer to particular products, services, sales or commercial events and does not use fluorescent, day-glo or neon colors.

Outside those exceptions the default is a ban. Section 15.34.170(A)(19) prohibits window signs, except as expressly permitted pursuant to the chapter or as required by law. Item 18 separately prohibits neon signs or neon lighting displays inside or outside a building that are visible from streets, parking areas or site boundaries unless the chapter expressly permits them or a master sign program approves them. Item 21 bars any sign outlined with individual light bulbs or strings of lights, and item 4 bars flashing or animated signs.

The planning director enforces Chapter 15.34 under § 15.34.020, and all signs must be maintained in good repair under § 15.34.060(E).