Snapshot: San Jose's Sign‑Permit Rules
All exterior signs in San Jose—wall‑mounted, projecting, ground, awning, illuminated, or fabric—must obtain a Sign Permit under Title 23 of the San Jose Municipal Code.
Sign Services in San Jose, California
Professional Signage Solutions for San Jose Businesses
Licensed Contractors
Although property owners can apply on their own, permits typically process more quickly when submitted by a CSLB‑licensed C‑45 (sign contractor) or C‑10 (electrical contractor) through the Development Services Permit Center.
Business Registration
No permit can issue without a valid San Jose Business Tax Certificate (the city's term for a business license). You can obtain or renew yours online or in person at City Hall.
Services We Offer in San Jose
Custom Sign Fabrication – Your source for window vinyl, interior wall graphics, vehicle decals, ADA plaques, wayfinding, menu boards, blade & hanging signs, plexiglass inserts, and storefront graphics.
Professional Installation – Expert crews install wall‑mounted, ground‑mounted, Dibond panels, and drop‑ship sign products in Downtown, Santana Row, Willow Glen, and Japantown.
Sign Repair & Maintenance – Cleaning, resurfacing, removal of outdated signs, and fabrication of exact‑match replacements.
Permit Guidance – End‑to‑end support compiling applications, verifying code compliance, and liaising directly with San Jose planning and building departments.
How We Help (No License? No Problem)
Pre‑flight code check – Validate size, height, lighting, and zoning limits before production.
Document prep – Complete the San Jose Sign Permit Application form plus precise elevation drawings.
Permit liaison – Track your application in SJPermits.org, flagging 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 prefer to forego a permit, we'll outline the civil fines, daily fees, and up‑to‑triple permit‑fee penalties so you decide fully informed.
San Jose Sign‑Permit FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small window or door decal?
Yes—San Jose regulates all exterior signs, no matter how small.
Where do I file, and what are the hours?
Development Services Permit Center, 200 E Santa Clara St, 1st Floor. Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8 am–12 pm & 1 pm–5 pm; Wed 9 am–12 pm & 1 pm–5 pm; no service tickets 11 am–1 pm or after 3 pm.
How long does review take?
Over‑the‑counter wall‑sign applications can clear same‑day; larger or design‑review cases average one to six weeks per Development Services timelines.
What does a sign permit cost?
Fees follow the Building and Structure Permits Fee Schedule (effective August 12, 2024), available online—no minimum surcharges beyond published rates.
How large can my sign be?
Under Title 23, standard commercial parcels permit 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; no flashing or animation.
Which signs are banned outright?
Flashing beacons, roof signs extending above ridgelines in residential zones, and sidewalk signs that narrow pedestrian paths below four feet.
Do banners need a special permit?
Temporary banners over 32 sq ft or displayed more than 30 days require a Seasonal Sign Permit.
Can I place an A‑frame on the sidewalk?
Only with a Minor Encroachment Permit and City‑issued sticker; maintain a clear 4 ft pedestrian corridor.
Penalties for unpermitted signs?
Daily civil fines plus up to triple standard permit fees under Municipal Code Section 23.02.1350.
Quick Links
- Title 23 – Sign Ordinance (full text)
- Apply for Sign Permits – City of San Jose
- Development Services Permit Center hours & info
- SJPermits.org (track permits & pay fees)
- Register for Business Tax Certificate
- Building & Structure Permit Fee Schedule
- CSLB License Lookup (C‑45/C‑10)
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 San Jose 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.
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.