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Sign Services in Oakland, California

Professional signage solutions for East Bay businesses

Professional Sign Services in Oakland, California by SF Bay Signs

Snapshot: Oakland's Sign‑Permit Rules

All exterior signs in Oakland—wall, projecting, ground, awning, or illuminated—must obtain a Sign Permit issued under Title 14 of the Oakland Municipal Code.

Licensed Contractors

Although property owners may file on their own, most permits move faster when a licensed C‑45 sign contractor or C‑10 electrician submits the application through the One‑Stop Permit Center.

Business License

That contractor must also carry an active Oakland business license.

Services We Offer in Oakland

Custom Sign Fabrication – Oakland'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, Jack London Square, Uptown and Temescal.

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 Oakland building departments.

How We Help (No License? No Problem)

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

Document prep – complete Oakland's Application for Signs + elevation drawings.

Permit liaison – monitor your file in Accela and flag corrections.

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

Prefer to go "permit‑free"? We outline fines and risks so you can decide fully informed.

Oakland Sign‑Permit FAQ

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

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

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

One‑Stop Permit Center, 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. Walk‑in hours: Monday & Wednesday 9 am–2 pm; appointments Tuesday & Thursday 9 am–4 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 according to the city's turnaround table.

What does an Oakland sign permit cost?

Current schedule lists a $164 intake fee plus $15.70 per $1 000 of sign value and a 65 % plan‑check surcharge effective September 3 2024.

How large can my sign be?

Standard commercial parcels get up to 300 sq ft aggregate sign area, and ground signs max out at 25 ft height.

Are digital or electronic signs allowed?

Permitted, but brightness must not exceed 0.3 foot‑candles above ambient at 100 ft after dark, and flashing or animation is prohibited.

Which signs are banned outright?

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

Do banners need a special permit?

Yes—temporary banners over 32 sq ft or posted more than 30 days require a Seasonal Sign Permit processed like a ground sign.

Can I display an A‑frame on the sidewalk?

Only with a Minor Encroachment Permit and a city‑issued sticker; a clear four‑foot pedestrian path is mandatory.

Penalties for installing without a permit?

Unpermitted signs can trigger daily civil fines and triple permit fees under §14.04.290.

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 Oakland Permits?

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.

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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.