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San Luis Obispo County, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
County Code Sec. 22.20.040.B.14
Coverage cap
25% of window area
Required material
Paper, cloth, or similar expendable material
Permit needed
None, if within cap and material
Duration
Temporary signs only

Summary

San Luis Obispo County allows temporary paper or cloth window signs without a land use permit, but caps their total coverage at 25 percent of the window area. Section 22.20.040.B.14 places window signs on the list of authorized signs exempt from the permit process, provided they stay expendable material and under the coverage limit.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Window signs. Temporary window signs constructed of paper, cloth or similar expendable material, provided the total area of such signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the window area.

View official code

Full Breakdown

060. Item 14 in that list is Window signs, defined as temporary window signs constructed of paper, cloth or similar expendable material, provided the total area of such signs does not exceed 25 percent of the window area. 060. The exemption sits among 15 other no-permit sign categories in the same subsection, including directory signs, hazard signs, historical markers, and residential identification signs, each with its own size or material condition. 060.

Violations & Fines

A window sign built of rigid, non-expendable material, or one that covers more than 25 percent of the window's area, no longer qualifies for the no-permit exemption and must instead be counted against the property's overall sign allowance under Section 22.20.060 and processed through the Zoning Clearance or Minor Use Permit procedure in Section 22.20.040.A; the Planning and Building Department can require its removal or retroactive permitting if it is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a permanent vinyl sign on my storefront window without a permit?
No. Section 22.20.040.B.14 only exempts temporary window signs made of paper, cloth or similar expendable material from the permit requirement; a permanent or rigid-material sign does not qualify and must be permitted and counted under the standard sign allowances of Section 22.20.060.
How is the 25 percent window sign limit measured?
It's measured against the area of the specific window the sign covers. Section 22.20.040.B.14 caps the total area of qualifying temporary paper or cloth window signs at 25 percent of that window's glass area, not the storefront's total signage allowance under Section 22.20.060.
Do window signs count toward my building's total allowed sign area?
No, as long as they qualify under Section 22.20.040.B.14. Authorized signs listed in Subsection B, including compliant window signs, are expressly excluded from the number, type, and area calculations otherwise used to determine a site's allowable signage under Section 22.20.060.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Luis Obispo County

Political SignsSome RestrictionsDigital BillboardsHeavy RestrictionsFreeway-Facing SignsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew RestrictionsSpecial Events & Permits: Parade PermitsLight RestrictionsGambling & Gaming: Card Room LicensingSignificant RestrictionsLocal Taxes & Fees: Business Tax ClassificationSome Restrictions

All San Luis Obispo County rules

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