Pismo Beach, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

The Pismo Beach Municipal Code prints two zoning codes under Title 17, and both sign chapters carry the same window sign rules in the same words. The 1983 Zoning Ordinance puts them in § 17.111.050 G.5 (exempt temporary signs) and § 17.111.080 C.7 (allowed number and area of signs). The 1998 Zoning Code puts them in § 17.36.060 G.5 and § 17.36.090 C.7.

Both chapters define a window sign as a sign displayed within or attached to the interior of a window, door, or similar opening for the primary purpose of visibility from the exterior of the building. Signs mounted in, painted on, or otherwise affixed to windows so they are visible from outside are allowed without a sign permit when they conform to the subsection.

The area limit is sixty percent of the area of any window. The measure is per window, so each pane or opening carries its own sixty percent limit. Temporary window signs are not counted in the total area of attached signs allowed by the sign area figure (Figure 111-5 in the 1983 chapter, Figure 3-22 in the 1998 chapter). Temporary window signs also cannot be located above the ground floor.

The time limit comes from the exempt list. Signs attached temporarily to the interior of a building window or door are exempt from permit requirements for a maximum of thirty days, provided they comply with the number and area section. They can stay in place for more than thirty days with sign permit approval.

The content list is closed. Window sign subject matter must relate specifically to the name of the business and/or proprietor; address, phone number, and hours of operation; temporary advertising and sales announcements; special community event announcements; and prices. An open or closed sign gets its own definition, and directional information signs of three square feet or less, including "open" or "closed," are exempt in § 17.111.050 A.

Pismo Beach uses two adopted zoning codes. The city's Zoning and Land Use page states that properties inside the Coastal Zone are regulated by the 1983 Zoning Code, and properties outside the Coastal Zone are regulated by the 1998 Zoning Code.