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Sign Services in Berkeley, California

Professional Signage Solutions for Berkeley Businesses

Professional Sign Services in Berkeley, California by SF Bay Signs

Snapshot: Berkeley's Sign‑Permit Rules

All exterior signs in Berkeley—wall, projecting, ground, awning, or illuminated—must obtain a Sign Permit issued under Title 20 of the Berkeley Municipal Code.

Licensed Contractors

Although property owners may file applications themselves, most permits move faster when a CSLB‑licensed C‑45 sign contractor or C‑10 electrician submits the permit package through Berkeley's Permit Service Center.

Business License

That contractor must also hold an active Berkeley business license—all contractors need a City of Berkeley business license before any permits can be issued.

Services We Offer in Berkeley

Custom Sign Fabrication – Berkeley's go‑to for window vinyl, interior wall graphics, vehicle graphics, ADA signage, wayfinding systems, menu boards, blade & hanging signs, plexiglass inserts, and storefront signs.

Professional Installation – Skilled crews install wall‑mounted, ground‑mounted, Dibond panel, and drop‑ship sign products in Downtown, Temescal, Elmwood, and South Berkeley.

Sign Repair & Maintenance – Comprehensive service including cleaning, resurfacing, removal of old signs, and fabrication of new replacements.

Permit Guidance – Full‑service support with application prep, code compliance checks, and direct liaison with Berkeley planning departments.

How We Help (No License? No Problem)

Pre‑flight code check – Confirm size, height, lighting, and zoning limits before fabrication.

Document prep – Complete Berkeley's "Application for Signs" form plus elevation drawings.

Permit liaison – Monitor your file in Accela Citizen Access and flag corrections.

Licensed‑contractor match‑up – Connect you with trusted C‑45/C‑10 subs to pull and close the permit.

For "permit‑free" options, we outline fines and risks so you can decide fully informed.

Berkeley Sign‑Permit FAQ

Do I need a permit for a small window or door sign?

Yes—Berkeley regulates every exterior sign, regardless of size.

Where do I file, and when is the counter open?

Berkeley Permit Service Center, 1947 Center Street, 3rd Floor. Counter hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 am–2:30 pm (last sign‑in 2 pm).

How long does review take?

Simple wall‑sign refaces can clear over‑the‑counter in a day; design‑review cases average one to six weeks per City turnaround guidelines.

What does a Berkeley sign permit cost?

Sign Permit fee is $2.20 per $100 of sign valuation over $3,000, plus a 65% plan‑check surcharge.

How large can my sign be?

Under Title 20, standard commercial parcels allow up to 300 sq ft aggregate sign area; ground signs max at 25 ft height.

Are digital or electronic signs allowed?

Yes—brightness must not exceed 0.3 foot‑candles above ambient at 100 ft after dark; flashing or animation is prohibited.

Which signs are banned outright?

Flashing beacons, roof signs above ridgelines in residential zones, and portable signs that narrow pedestrian paths below four feet.

Do banners need a special permit?

Yes—temporary banners over 32 sq ft or displayed more than 30 days require a Seasonal Sign Permit.

Can I display an A‑frame on the sidewalk?

Only with a Minor Encroachment Permit and a City‑issued sticker; maintain a clear four‑foot pedestrian path.

Penalties for unpermitted signs?

Daily civil fines plus up to triple permit fees under Berkeley Municipal Code provisions.

Explore our other Bay Area service areas: San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Hayward, Palo Alto, San Mateo, Concord, Santa Rosa .

Need a Hand Navigating Berkeley Permits?

Request a Fast Quote—we'll size up your sign, prepare the paperwork, and connect you with a licensed installer, so you can focus on running the business, not decoding municipal code.

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SF Bay Signs is not a licensed contractor; we partner with CSLB‑licensed C‑45 and C‑10 professionals for permit filing and electrical hookups.