Westminster, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Signs per window
- One permanent window sign maximum
- Placement
- Upper half of the window only
- Multi-story buildings
- Ground floor only
- Illuminated cabinet signs
- At least 3 feet behind window surface
- Governing section
- § 17.330.085.B.5, Standards for Specific Sign Types
- Violation classification
- Infraction under § 17.330.075
Summary
Westminster's sign design standards limit permanent window signs to one per window, confine placement to the upper half of the glass, and restrict ground-floor-only display in multi-story buildings. Illuminated cabinet or can-type window signs must sit at least three feet behind the glass, and total window sign area is set by the code's Table 3-11 sign-area schedule under Chapter 17.330.
5. Window signs.
a. Number of signs. If permanent window signs are used, they shall be limited to one per window.
b. Sign area. The area of any permanent window sign shall be in accordance with the provisions outlined in Table 3-11.
c. Illuminated signs. Internally illuminated cabinet or "can" signs and changeable-copy signs should be placed at least three feet behind the window surface.
d. Placement. Limited to upper half of a window.
e. Location. Limited only to the ground floor for multi-story buildings.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4982734; v10 updated 2026-06-10).
Full Breakdown
085. A permanent window sign is limited to one per window (subsection a), and its area must follow the schedule in Table 3-11 (subsection b). Any internally illuminated cabinet or "can" sign, or any changeable-copy sign, placed in a window should sit at least three feet behind the window surface (subsection c) so the light source does not read as a glaring storefront beacon. Placement is further restricted to the upper half of the window (subsection d), and in multi-story buildings a window sign is allowed only on the ground floor (subsection e), keeping upper-story glass free of advertising.
These window rules sit alongside the chapter's general design standards, which state the purpose of signage is identification, not advertising, and cap lettering at no more than 75 percent of any sign panel's area. 025. The window-sign standards apply citywide to commercial storefronts and are enforced by the City's Planning Division, which can require nonconforming displays to be corrected or removed.
Violations & Fines
Installing, erecting, or maintaining a sign, including a window sign, without the required permit or contrary to an approved plan is a violation of Chapter 17.330 under Section 17.330.065. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate violation for penalty purposes under Section 17.330.075, which classifies sign violations as infractions and authorizes the City to issue a stop-work order, seek an injunction requiring removal, or impose penalties under Title 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many window signs can a Westminster business display?
Where in the window can a sign be placed?
Do illuminated window signs face extra rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
California rules heatmap·Compare Westminster to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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