Are LED Signs Allowed in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, under restrictions. San Francisco’s Sign Code allows changeable or electronic message signs, but only as long as they meet the city’s strict rules for signage.
San Francisco’s sign guidelines generally require that illuminated signs not be distracting, that message changes not occur too rapidly, that signs be properly shielded and installed safely. (Exact language to be verified in official Sign Code)
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of San Francisco Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & ETJ Map – City of San Francisco Zoning & ETJ Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Rule / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial / Mixed-use / Retail zones are most likely; many residential or historic zones restrict or prohibit digital signage. |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall-mounted, digital message boards; some freestanding signs may allow a digital insert or display. |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | Very limited/likely prohibited or severely restricted (billboards under special permits). |
| EMCs allowed in public right-of-way | ❌No — signs in ROW are very tightly regulated; generally, signage must be on the private property/building face. |
| Minimum setback required | Varies by district; probably minimum distances from pedestrian walkways, traffic intersections, etc. |
| Use restrictions | Message change intervals, no flashing or animation, shielded lighting, no glare, and compliance with safety and visibility standards. |
Zoning District Overview
San Francisco divides the city into many zoning districts, including:
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Commercial zones (C-2, C-3, downtown, etc.)
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Mixed-use zones
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Residential zones (R subsets)
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Special districts (historic, waterfront, scenic, landmark)
EMC signs are more likely permitted in commercial / mixed-use districts. Resident or historic districts tend to have greater design and illumination restrictions or prohibitions.
SF Planning’s Sign Guidelines and the Municipal Code provide maps and details. Checking the district of a specific property via the SF zoning map is essential.
Zoning-Specific Standards (Typical / Known Provisions)
Here are some of the standards known or commonly applied:
| Requirement | Known / Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Permit required | ✅Yes — any non-exempt sign, especially illuminated or electronic, needs a permit from the San Francisco Planning Department. |
| Illumination & lighting controls | Light must be shielded; it cannot be dazzling or produce spill lighting onto adjacent property/streets; avoid confusion with traffic signals. |
| Message change/animation | Rapid animation, flashing, or scrolling is usually prohibited; message changes may need to remain static for a minimum time. |
| Size and height limits | Sign area and height limits depend on the zoning district and whether the building wall area can support projection; smaller signs are permitted in residential zones. |
| Temporary vs permanent signs | Temporary signage often has shorter display periods and less restrictive rules; EMCs are typically treated as permanent, requiring full compliance. |
Permit Filing Requirements
If installing an EMC sign in San Francisco, you would generally need:
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A Sign Permit application from SF Planning / Department that handles sign review.
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Detailed plans showing sign location, dimensions, illumination/electrical, materials, and message display schedule.
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Compliance with any CEQA (environmental) or landmark/historic review if in a historic district.
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Permit fees (variable by sign type, size, district).
Local Project Examples (Optional)
I couldn’t locate specific EMC sign projects in the public General Info document, but examples include:
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Retail storefronts with LED or digital “hours” or “sale” signs.
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Transit-related displays.
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Digital informational signs in downtown or commercial corridors.
Full Ordinance Text (What to Verify)
When you obtain full access to the Sign Code / Sign Guidelines, verify the following sections:
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Definitions: “Electronic message sign”, “digital display”, “changeable copy sign”
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Illumination/lighting: brightness limits, shielded lighting, no glare provisions
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Message change frequency/animation/flashing/scrolling rules
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Sign area & height by district, wall sign vs freestanding
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Historic & landmark district exceptions or stricter standards
External Reference Links
🗺️ Walls Zoning & ETJ Map
📘 Walls Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal