Palm Desert, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Section 25.56.080(D) governs permanent window signs in the City of Palm Desert. The aggregate area of all window signs cannot exceed 25 percent of the total window area of a storefront. Signs must be permanently painted, etched, or mounted on the inside of windows, and they are allowed in addition to the area allowed for wall and projecting signs. Signs within 5 feet of a storefront window are counted as window signs. Illuminated (LED, neon, etc.) window signs are allowed as permanent window signs up to 15 square feet, count toward the 25 percent limit, are not allowed in windows fronting on El Paseo, and cannot rotate, move, flash, or blink. Table 25.56-2 adds one sign per individual window and bars window signs above ground floor windows. Neon is otherwise prohibited under § 25.56.050(G), except in windows.

Temporary window signs for sales and promotions are in Table 25.56-3, for commercial and industrial zones only: one sign at 10 percent of window area for 50 feet or less of window, 15 percent for 51 to 100 feet, and 25 percent for more than 100 feet, for 30 days on the inside of the window. Businesses set back more than 250 feet from a public street can double that area, and those set back more than 600 feet can triple it. Holiday and seasonal window decorations with no reference to goods or services come down within 10 days after the holiday. Window signs with non-commercial content follow the temporary sign rules on number, area, size and height. Exempt under § 25.56.040: an "Open" sign of up to 3 square feet, a lottery decal of 5.5 inches by 5.5 inches, and signs set back 5 feet or more from a window and not readily visible from the public right-of-way.