Sign Services in Palo Alto, California
Professional Signage Solutions for Palo Alto Businesses
Snapshot: Palo Alto's Sign‑Permit Rules
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.
Licensed Contractors
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.
Business Registration
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.
Services We Offer in Palo Alto
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Sign Repair & Maintenance – From cleaning and resurfacing to removal of outdated signs and crafting precise replacements.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.
Our Palo Alto Advantage
- Deep mastery of Chapter 16.20 Sign Code requirements and Architectural Review Board standards.
- Development Center located at 285 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 100, with in‑person counter Mon–Thu 8:30 am–4:30 pm (closed 12:30–1:30 pm).
- Transparent fee schedules—no hidden plan‑check surcharges despite FY 2024–25 updates.
- Established network of CSLB‑licensed installers to pull and close your permit seamlessly.
- Rapid document turnaround via Palo Alto's all‑digital Accela Citizen Access platform.
How We Help (No License? No Problem)
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.
Recent Palo Alto Wins
Blade‑sign retrofit on University Avenue approved on first submittal.
Illuminated cabinet installation at California Avenue passed Architectural Review.
Vinyl window graphics for a café at Stanford Shopping Center permitted and installed within one week.
Palo Alto Sign‑Permit FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small window or door decal?
Yes—Palo Alto regulates all exterior signs, regardless of size.
Where do I file, and what are the hours?
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).
How long does review take?
Over‑the‑counter sign reviews clear same‑day; more complex or Architectural Review cases average 1–6 weeks per City guidelines.
What does a Sign Permit cost?
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.
How large can my sign be?
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.
Are digital or electronic signs allowed?
Yes—Electronic Message Centers must comply with brightness and animation restrictions under §16.20.050.
Which signs are banned outright?
Signs extending above roofs or parapets and temporary pennants, streamers, or inflatables are prohibited under §16.20.120.
Do banners need a special permit?
Temporary signs (including banners) over 30 days require a Temporary Sign Permit, valid up to 30 days per §16.20.050.
Can I display an A‑frame on the sidewalk?
Sidewalk signs require an Encroachment Permit via Public Works and must preserve a 4 ft clear pedestrian path.
Penalties for unpermitted signs?
Daily civil fines plus up to triple the standard permit fee under §16.20.050 for each day of noncompliance.
Quick Links
- Chapter 16.20 – Palo Alto Sign Code (handout)
- Apply for a Permit
- Licenses & Permits (Business Registration)
- FY 24 PDS Fee Schedule
- Sign Permit Application Checklist
- Accela Citizen Access (Track Permits)
- Public Works Forms & Permits (Encroachment)
- Planning Division Application Fee Schedule
- Business Tax Certificate Info
- Code Enforcement & Contacts
Looking for more information about signage in Palo Alto? Visit our comprehensive Service Areas page to learn more about our work throughout the region.