Monterey, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Monterey City Code Chapter 31 requires a Sign Permit for any sign in the city unless it falls within the exempt categories listed in Table 31-1 under Section 31-3(C). Window Signs are one of those exempt categories: the code caps them at 10% of the window area or 4 square feet per window, whichever is greater. A sign within that limit needs no Sign Permit, though it may still need a building or encroachment permit and must comply with the Citywide Sign Guidelines adopted by City Council resolution.

The same table separately addresses Window Displays, defined as an arrangement of merchandise, including graphics and text, at least 18 inches in depth and displayed in a building window; a window display is exempt only if it is 4 square feet or less. A sign exceeding the window-sign threshold loses its exempt status and must go through the Sign Permit review process: minor signs are reviewed administratively by City Planning staff under Section 31-5, while major signs go to the Planning Commission or, on designated historic properties, the Historic Preservation Commission.

Design criteria in the Citywide Sign Guidelines, or any more specific Specific Plan or Area Plan guidelines where those exist and conflict, govern the review. 3, and legal nonconforming signs that predate current limits may be maintained but must come into conformance if the land use classification served by the sign changes or the sign is altered.