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San Francisco, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

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

Key Facts

Area limit
1/3 of ground floor window/door area
Applies to
C, M, and PDR Districts
Illumination
Non-, indirect, or direct allowed
Permit
Often exempt if door/window-applied

Summary

San Francisco caps window signs in Commercial, Industrial, and PDR Districts at one-third of the business's ground floor window and clear door area under Planning Code Section 607(d).

(d) Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs shall not exceed one-third the total area of the business's ground floor windows and clear doors. Window Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Under Planning Code Section 607, signs in C, M, and PDR Districts must conform to Article 6 standards. Subsection (d) limits the total area of all window signs to one-third of the total area of the business's ground floor windows and clear doors. Window signs may be non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated. Most window and wall signs applied directly to a door, window, or facade are exempt from a Planning permit under Section 604(c)(1), except in Public and Residential Districts, but must still meet the Section 607(d) area cap. Enforcement runs through the Planning Department's permit and code enforcement process for Article 6 sign violations.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the one-third window-area cap is an Article 6 sign code violation; the Planning Department can require removal or reduction and deny related permits until the sign conforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of my storefront window can a sign cover in San Francisco?
Up to one-third of the total area of the business's ground floor windows and clear doors, per Planning Code Section 607(d).
Do window signs need a Planning permit?
Wall and window signs applied directly to a door, window, or facade are generally exempt from permit under Section 604(c)(1), except in Public and Residential Districts.

Sources & Official References

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