Professional Signage Solutions for Palo Alto Businesses
All exterior signs in Palo Alto—wall‑mounted, projecting, ground, awning, illuminated, or fabric—require a Sign Permit under Chapter 16.20 (Signs) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and must undergo Architectural Review.
Although property owners may submit applications themselves, Sign Permits typically process more quickly when filed by a CSLB‑licensed C‑45 sign contractor or C‑10 electrician through Palo Alto's all‑digital permit platform.
No Sign Permit can issue without a valid Palo Alto Business Registration Certificate. All fixed‑location businesses must file annually for a Business Tax Certificate via the City's Licenses & Permits portal.
Custom Sign Fabrication – Specializing in window vinyl, interior wall graphics, vehicle signage, ADA plaques, wayfinding systems, menu boards, blade & hanging signs, plexiglass inserts, and storefront graphics.
Professional Installation – Our crews install wall‑mounted, ground‑mounted, Dibond panels, and drop‑ship signs throughout Downtown, California Avenue, Stanford Shopping Center, and Old Palo Alto.
Sign Repair & Maintenance – From cleaning and resurfacing to removal of outdated signs and crafting precise replacements.
Permit Guidance – End‑to‑end support assembling applications, verifying compliance, and liaising directly with Planning & Building staff.
Pre‑flight code check – Validate size, height, lighting, and zoning limits before fabrication.
Document prep – Complete the "Building Wall‑Mounted Sign" submittal checklist and required elevation drawings.
Permit liaison – Track your application in Accela Citizen Access and flag any plan‑check comments.
Licensed‑contractor match‑up – Connect you with a trusted C‑45/C‑10 sub to officially pull and close the permit.
Permit‑free options – If you opt out of permitting, we'll outline daily civil fines and up‑to‑triple fee penalties under §16.20.050 (Temporary Sign Permits) so you decide fully informed.
Yes—Palo Alto regulates all exterior signs, regardless of size.
The Development Center Counter at 285 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 100, is open Mon–Thu 8:30 am–4:30 pm (closed 12:30–1:30 pm).
Over‑the‑counter sign reviews clear same‑day; more complex or Architectural Review cases average 1–6 weeks per City guidelines.
Building Permit fees run 1.76% of construction value for projects up to $4 M and 1.18% beyond, plus a flat $685.31 base fee.
Chapter 16.20 allows up to 300 sq ft aggregate sign area on standard commercial parcels; freestanding signs max 5 ft in residential zones per §16.20.160.
Yes—Electronic Message Centers must comply with brightness and animation restrictions under §16.20.050.
Signs extending above roofs or parapets and temporary pennants, streamers, or inflatables are prohibited under §16.20.120.
Temporary signs (including banners) over 30 days require a Temporary Sign Permit, valid up to 30 days per §16.20.050.
Sidewalk signs require an Encroachment Permit via Public Works and must preserve a 4 ft clear pedestrian path.
Daily civil fines plus up to triple the standard permit fee under §16.20.050 for each day of noncompliance.
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.
