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Sign Services in Santa Rosa, California

Professional signage solutions for Sonoma County businesses

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Snapshot: Santa Rosa's Sign‑Permit Rules

All exterior signs in Santa Rosa—wall‑mounted, projecting, ground, awning, illuminated, or fabric—require a Sign Permit under Chapter 20‑38 of the Santa Rosa Zoning Code.

Licensed Contractors

While property owners may apply on their own, Sign Permits usually process more quickly when submitted by a CSLB‑licensed C‑45 sign contractor or C‑10 electrician through the City's Virtual Permit Center.

Business Registration

A valid Santa Rosa Business Tax Certificate is required before a permit can issue. Business Tax Certificates (covering contractors and all fixed‑location businesses) can be obtained online or at kiosks located at 90 and 100 Santa Rosa Ave.

Services We Offer in Santa Rosa

Custom Sign Fabrication – Window vinyl, interior wall graphics, vehicle wraps, ADA plaques, wayfinding systems, menu boards, blade & hanging signs, plexiglass inserts, storefront graphics.

Professional Installation – Wall‑mounted, ground‑mounted, Dibond panels, and drop‑ship sign installs across Downtown, Railroad Square, Summerfield Ranch, and Montgomery Village.

Sign Repair & Maintenance – Cleaning, resurfacing, removal of aging signs, and fabrication of exact‑match replacements.

Permit Guidance – Application prep, code compliance reviews, and direct liaison with Planning & Economic Development staff.

How We Help (No License? No Problem)

Pre‑flight code check – Verify size, height, lighting, and zoning limits against Chapter 20‑38 before fabrication.

Document prep – Complete the Sign Permit Checklist and elevation drawings per the City's requirements.

Permit liaison – Track and respond to plan‑check comments through the Online Permitting System.

Licensed‑contractor match‑up – Connect with a vetted C‑45/C‑10 sub to officially pull and close the permit.

Permit‑free options – If you opt to proceed without a permit, we'll outline daily fines and up‑to‑triple fee penalties under the Municipal Code.

Santa Rosa Sign‑Permit FAQ

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

Yes—Santa Rosa regulates every exterior sign through Chapter 20‑38, regardless of size.

Where do I file, and what are the hours?

Planning & Economic Development Dept., City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, Room 3. In‑person by appointment only: Mon–Fri 8 am–11:45 am.

How long does review take?

Over‑the‑counter wall‑sign submittals can clear same‑day; larger projects average one to six weeks.

What does a Sign Permit cost?

Fees are based on project valuation per the City's Fee Schedule; see "Building Fees" section (Section 6.03) for details.

How large can my sign be?

Aggregate area limits and height standards are set in Chapter 20‑38.060.

Are digital or electronic signs allowed?

Yes—must comply with brightness, static display, and maintenance requirements under Chapter 20‑38.

Which signs are banned outright?

Prohibited signs include off‑site billboards, flashing beacons, and banners over 32 sq ft displayed beyond 30 days.

Do banners need a special permit?

Temporary banners over 32 sq ft or used more than 30 days require a Seasonal Sign Permit.

Can I display an A‑frame on the sidewalk?

A Minor Encroachment Permit is required; maintain a clear 4 ft pedestrian path.

Penalties for unpermitted signs?

Daily civil fines plus up to triple permit fees under Section 6.03 for unpermitted work.

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 Santa Rosa 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.