Professional signage solutions for Hayward businesses
It is unlawful to erect any exterior sign in Hayward—wall‑mounted, projecting, ground, awning, illuminated, or fabric—without first obtaining a Sign Permit under Chapter 10, Article 7 of the Hayward Municipal Code (Section 10‑7.201).
While property owners may apply directly, Sign Permits generally process more quickly when submitted by a CSLB‑licensed C‑45 sign contractor or C‑10 electrician via Hayward's e‑Permits portal.
A valid Hayward Business License (Tax Certificate) is required before any Sign Permit can be issued. Applications are submitted online or via email/fax to the Business License office.
Custom Sign Fabrication – Window vinyl, interior wall graphics, vehicle wraps, ADA plaques, wayfinding systems, menu boards, blade & hanging signs, plexiglass inserts, and storefront branding.
Professional Installation – Skilled crews install wall‑mounted, ground‑mounted, Dibond panels, and drop‑ship sign products throughout Downtown, South Hayward, Hayward Hills, and Burbank.
Sign Repair & Maintenance – Comprehensive cleaning, resurfacing, removal of outdated signs, and fabrication of exact‑match replacements.
Permit Guidance – End‑to‑end support preparing applications, verifying code compliance, and coordinating directly with Planning & Building staff.
Pre‑flight code check – Confirm size, height, lighting, and zoning limits before fabrication per HMC §10‑7.201.
Document prep – Complete and submit your Sign Permit application through the e‑Permits Portal.
Permit liaison – Track your permit status online, respond to plan‑check comments, and liaise with staff via the portal.
Licensed‑contractor match‑up – Connect with a vetted C‑45/C‑10 subcontractor to officially pull and close the permit.
Permit‑free options – If you choose to display temporary or promotional signage without a full permit, we'll outline the Temporary Sign Permit process, associated fines, and Planning Director approval requirements under HMC §10‑7.600.
Yes—Hayward regulates all exterior signs, regardless of size, under HMC §10‑7.201.
Development Services/Permit Center, 777 B Street, Hayward. Open Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm.
Most Sign Permits are approved administratively over‑the‑counter; more complex cases may take up to 10 business days.
Fees are published in Hayward's Master Fee Schedule, including Permit and Plan Review fees—no hidden surcharges.
Portable A‑frame or sandwich‑board signs are limited to 4 sq ft per face and 3 ft height (HMC §10‑7.300).
Yes—must comply with all applicable sign regulations; flashing, animated, or high‑intensity illumination may require special review per HMC §10‑7.201.
Unauthorized signs, including off‑site billboards and signs obstructing public rights‑of‑way, are prohibited; report violations to Code Enforcement.
Yes—temporary promotional or grand‑opening banners require a Temporary Sign Permit and Planning Director approval under HMC §10‑7.600.
Yes—as long as it meets the 4 ft × 3 ft size limit and does not obstruct sidewalks or ADA access.
Code Enforcement may issue daily fines and require removal; repeated violations can incur up to triple the standard Permit fees under HMC §10‑7.900.
Explore our other Bay Area service areas: San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Hayward, Palo Alto, San Mateo, Concord, Santa Rosa .
Request a Fast Quote—we'll size your sign, prep the paperwork, and connect you with a licensed installer so you can focus on business, not building codes.
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.
