Chico, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Citywide window cap
- 25% of window area
- DN/DS district cap
- 10% of window area
- Mounting
- inside window/door only
- Location
- ground & 2nd story only
Summary
Chico limits window signs to 25% of window area citywide, dropping to just 10% in the DN and DS downtown zoning districts.
Window Signs. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story of a building frontage. Signs shall be permanently painted or mounted on the inside of windows and doors. Signs shall not occupy more than 25 percent of the window area of any one window including permanent and temporary signs. In the DN and DS zoning districts, signs may not occupy more than 10 percent of the area of any one window.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Under Chico's sign standards for specific sign types, window signs are allowed only on windows on the ground level and second story of a building frontage, and must be permanently painted or mounted on the inside of the window or door. Combined permanent and temporary window signage cannot exceed 25 percent of any one window's area. In the DN (Downtown Neighborhood) and DS (Downtown Shopping) zoning districts, that cap drops to 10 percent of the window area: a deliberate tightening for the downtown core, separate from the citywide temporary-sign rules that also cap window coverage at 33 percent (10 percent downtown) under § 19.74.060(C)(1).
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant window signage is subject to removal by the Development Services Department; sign permits are required for coverage exceeding the exempt thresholds, and unpermitted oversized displays can be cited as a code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my storefront window can I cover with signs in Chico?
Does the window sign limit include temporary signs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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