Snapshot: San Mateo's Sign‑Permit Rules
All exterior signs on private property in San Mateo—wall-mounted, projecting, ground, awning, illuminated, or fabric—require a Sign Permit under Chapter 25.06 of the San Mateo Municipal Code.
Sign Services in San Mateo, California
Professional signage solutions for Peninsula businesses
Licensed Contractors
Permits typically process more smoothly when submitted by a CSLB-licensed C-45 sign contractor or C-10 electrician through San Mateo's Online Permit Center (CSS portal).
Business Registration
A valid San Mateo Business Tax Certificate (business license) is required before issuing any Sign Permit. Applications and renewals are completed via the City's Business License portal.
Services We Offer in San Mateo
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 – Our crews install wall-mounted, ground-mounted, Dibond panels, and drop-ship signs throughout Downtown, Hillsdale, Belmont Highlands, and Redwood Shores.
Sign Repair & Maintenance – Cleaning, resurfacing, removal of outdated signage, and fabrication of precise replacements.
Permit Guidance – End-to-end support assembling applications, verifying code compliance, and liaising directly with Planning & Building staff.
How We Help (No License? No Problem)
Pre-flight code check – Verify size, height, lighting, and zoning limits per Chapter 25.06 before fabrication.
Document prep – Complete the City's Sign Permit application on the CSS portal or on paper via forms furnished by the Community Development Department.
Permit liaison – Track and respond to plan-check comments in the Online Permit Center (CSS portal).
Licensed-contractor match-up – Connect you with vetted C-45/C-10 subcontractors to officially pull and close the permit.
Permit-free options – If you choose temporary signage without a full permit, we'll outline the one-time Banner Permit or Temporary Sign Permit process, associated fines, and penalty fees under double-and-triple-fee rules.
San Mateo Sign‑Permit FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small window or door decal?
Yes—Chapter 25.06 requires a permit for every exterior sign on private property.
Where do I file, and what are the hours?
Submit online via the Customer Self-Service Portal (CSS) 24/7, or in person at the Permit Application Center (City Hall, 330 West 20th Avenue) during Public Works counter hours—Mon, Wed, Thu 8 am–12 pm & 1 pm–4 pm; Tue & Fri 8 am–12 pm.
What does a sign permit cost?
Permanent sign fees are $4.81/sq ft (min $43.28; max $471.84). Temporary banners (30 days) are $46.17, with double fees applied if installed before permitting.
How large can my sign be?
Exempt signs (no permit) include one sign up to 32 sq ft per frontage on lots < 1 acre; larger lots get 64 sq ft per frontage. All other sizes require a permit.
Are digital or electronic signs allowed?
Yes—must comply with static display requirements and avoid flashing or animation, per Chapter 25.06 requirements.
Do banners need a special permit?
Temporary banners over 32 sq ft or displayed beyond 30 days require a Banner Permit or Seasonal Sign Permit.
Can I display an A-frame on the sidewalk?
Sidewalk/encroachment permits are handled through Public Works; maintain a clear 4 ft pedestrian path.
Penalties for unpermitted signs?
Installing before obtaining a permit doubles the standard fee; repeated or unpermitted work can triple fees under Municipal Code penalty provisions.
Quick Links
- Chapter 25.06 – Signs on Private Property (full text)
- Customer Self-Service Online Permit Center
- Comprehensive Fee Schedule
- Business License Application & Renewal
- Public Works Counter Hours & Encroachment
- Sign Permit Application Forms
- Planning & Building Permit FAQs
- CSLB License Lookup (C-45/C-10)
- Exempt Signs Details
- 2016 Fee Schedule PDF
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 Mateo 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.