Palmdale, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

PMC § 17.88.070, the Chapter 17.88 (Signs) exemptions section, splits window signage into two categories with different limits. Subsection (M), Window Sign, Permanent, allows one permanent nonilluminated window sign not exceeding four square feet in area; because it is listed among the Section's exemptions to sign permit requirements, a compliant permanent window sign does not need a separate sign permit application to the Economic and Community Development Department. Subsection (N), Window Signs, Temporary, is more generous on size but still conditioned: temporary window signs cannot exceed 25 percent of the window area, provided visibility into the building is maintained, meaning a business cannot paper over three-quarters or more of its storefront glass even temporarily.

Both provisions sit alongside the Chapter's general development standards at PMC § 17.88.090, which require every sign to avoid obstructing a window, door, fire escape, or emergency exit, and to be oriented so it does not create confusion for pedestrians and motorists. Chapter 17.88's prohibited-signs list at § 17.88.080 separately bars cardboard and paper signs exposed to outdoor elements and reader-board electronic displays outside the government-sign exemption, which functionally means a business relying on the temporary-window-sign allowance should use materials suited to interior display rather than treating the exemption as an outdoor sign workaround. A retailer taping a sale banner across the whole storefront window, or leaving a permanent decal larger than four square feet up year-round, is outside both subsections and would need to bring the display down to size or apply for a standard sign permit under PMC § 17.88.040.