Sign Services in Berkeley, California
Professional Signage Solutions for Berkeley Businesses
Berkeley Municipal Code
Every exterior sign in Berkeley—wall, awning, ground, or illuminated—must clear both Design Review and a Building Permit under Title 20 of the Berkeley Municipal Code.
Licensed Contractors
Property owners can file applications themselves, but projects move faster when a licensed C‑45 sign contractor or C‑10 electrician submits the paperwork.
Business License
Licensed contractors must also hold a valid Berkeley business license.
Services We Offer in Berkeley
Custom sign fabrication: We create high-quality signage products for Berkeley businesses including channel letters, cabinet signs, window vinyl, monument signs, dimensional letters, blade signs, A-frame signs, banners, vehicle wraps, wayfinding signs, digital displays, LED signs, ADA-compliant signage, menu boards, and custom architectural signage designed to enhance your storefront visibility and brand presence.
Professional sign installation: Our network of partner C‑45/C‑10 crews provides expert installation of all manner of signs including vinyl signs, SEG fabric displays, channel letters, monument signs, dimensional letters, ADA signage, digital displays, LED signs, storefront signs, business signs, outdoor signage, and illuminated signs throughout Berkeley.
Sign repair and maintenance: We offer comprehensive sign repair, refacing, and LED retrofits to keep your Berkeley business signage looking fresh and functioning properly.
Permit guidance: Our team provides complete documentation and guidance for Berkeley sign approvals, ensuring your signage meets all local regulations.
From retail storefronts near UC Berkeley to professional offices in the Gilman District, we deliver signage solutions that help Berkeley businesses stand out while remaining compliant with local regulations.
Our Berkeley Advantage
- Local expertise with deep knowledge of Berkeley regulations
- Fast turnaround on permit documentation
- Comprehensive understanding of Berkeley Municipal Code
- Professional guidance through Design Review process
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Network of licensed contractors for permit pulling
How We Help (No License? No Problem)
Pre‑flight code check – we verify size, illumination, and placement against Berkeley's sign regulations before you fabricate.
Document prep – we complete the city's three‑page Sign Submittal Package for your signature.
Permit liaison – we track your file at the Permit Service Center and flag any corrections fast.
Licensed‑contractor match‑up – need someone to pull and close the permit? We connect you with vetted C‑45/C‑10 pros.
Prefer to proceed without permits? We explain the risks so you can decide with clear eyes.
Recent Berkeley Wins
Halo‑lit logo on Telegraph Avenue, quick‑turn banner in the Gilman District, cabinet reface near UC Berkeley—all installed within Title 20 size limits and approved on the first inspection.
Berkeley Sign‑Permit FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small door or window sign in Berkeley?
Yes. Berkeley treats any exterior sign, regardless of size, as permit‑required.
Where do I file, and what are the hours?
Permit Service Center, 1947 Center St., 3rd Floor. Monday–Thursday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm (last sign‑in 2 pm).
How long does review take?
Simple refaces can pass "Quick Plan" in about 30 minutes; more complex projects wait one to six weeks.
What does a Berkeley sign permit cost?
Base fee: $2.20 per $100 of sign value above the first $3 000, plus a 65 percent plan‑check surcharge. Example: a $7 000 sign costs roughly $145 total.
How big can my sign be?
Most storefronts get wall‑sign area equal to their frontage length (one square foot per linear foot) plus one extra ground or roof sign.
Are digital signs allowed in Berkeley?
Yes, but brightness must dim to 0.3 foot‑candles above ambient after business hours; flashing or animated effects are not allowed.
Which signs are banned outright?
Flashing lights, rotating beacons, and any sign that blocks intersection sight‑lines.
Do banners need a separate permit?
Yes. Banners larger than 72 square inches or displayed more than 30 days require a Seasonal Ground‑Sign Permit (fee $83).
Can I place an A‑frame on the sidewalk?
Only on private property. A‑frames in the public right‑of‑way require an Encroachment Permit and must keep a four‑foot clear pedestrian path.
Penalties for skipping permits?
Code Enforcement can triple the normal permit fee and issue daily fines until the sign is removed or legalized.
Quick Links
- Title 20 – Sign Ordinance (full text)
- Sign Submittal Package (PDF) – plans checklist
- Permit Service Center info & online portal
- CSLB license lookup (C‑45 / C‑10)
Looking for more information about signage in Berkeley? Visit our comprehensive Service Areas page to learn more about our work throughout the region.