Sign Services in Santa Rosa, California
Professional signage solutions for Sonoma County businesses
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.
Our Santa Rosa Advantage
- Deep expertise in Chapter 20‑38 Sign Code requirements.
- Planning & Economic Development Dept at City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, Room 3; in‑person by appointment, Mon–Fri 8 am–11:45 am.
- Transparent fee schedule—no hidden plan‑check surcharges despite semiannual updates.
- Established network of CSLB‑licensed contractors for smooth pull‑and‑close permit service.
- Quick digital turnaround via the City's Accela‑powered Online Permitting System.
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.
Recent Santa Rosa Wins
Blade‑sign retrofit on Fourth Street—approved on first submittal.
Illuminated cabinet install in Railroad Square passed inspection in under one week.
Vinyl window graphics at a Downtown café, permitted and installed within days.
(These wins reflect projects completed by SF Bay Signs in Santa Rosa; internal records.)
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.
Quick Links
- Chapter 20‑38 – Zoning Code: Signs
- Sign Permit Checklist
- Online Permitting System & DPR
- Apply for Permits / QLess
- Business Tax Certificate Info
- Fee Schedule (PDF)
- Applications & Forms
- Building Permits
- Fees, Permit & Inspection FAQ
- Planning Division
Looking for more information about signage in Santa Rosa? Visit our comprehensive Service Areas page to learn more about our work throughout the region.