Gilroy City Zoning Code

One (1) name plate, less than three (3) square feet in area located adjacent to one (1) entryway, for each business or occupant in any zone; including under canopy signs over private property. Signage for home occupations shall be regulated by Article XL.

Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into a masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material which do not exceed four (4) square feet in area.

Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossings signs, danger and temporary or emergency nonadvertising signs.

Temporary signs of a directional nature when used for a period of less than twenty-four (24) hours.

Temporary signs and banners of a civic, charitable, educational or municipal nature including public events and parades for a time period not to exceed thirty (30) days, provided the location, size and design is approved by the city engineer and chief building official. Such signs shall not contain advertising.

Temporary banners located over private property to advertise sales and special promotions which meet the following criteria:

Temporary signs on windows of commercial buildings provided no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the window surface is covered.

Service club signs, provided only one (1) of each composite structure be located at each main entrance to the city, and provided the design size and height be approved by the planning commission.

Signs identifying the existence or location of public utility facilities.

One (1) identification sign or bulletin board for public, charitable or religious institutions. Such signs may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, or six (6) feet in height (if free-standing), and must be set back at least ten (10) feet from any property line.

One (1) on-site construction sign not to exceed six (6) feet in height erected by a building contractor, subcontractor, architect or engineer while actually engaged in development of a site. In commercial or industrial zones, up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area is allowed; in a residential zoning district, up to sixteen (16) square feet is allowed. Such signs shall be removed immediately after the completion of the construction advertised by the sign.

One (1) on-site real estate sign pertaining to the sale, lease, rental or display of a structure or of land which shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area.

Temporary signs, which for purposes of this subsection means signs which, by virtue of their physical nature, are not suitable for long-term display. Such signs are typically made of light-weight or flimsy materials, and are installed by hand or using ordinary hand tools. Temporary signs shall not be placed on any portion of a street, sidewalk, or public right-of-way.

On-site directional signs, including no trespassing and no dumping signs, up to four (4) square feet in area and not exceeding four (4) feet in height. Four (4) such signs are permitted for developments under one (1) acre, eight (8) for developments over one (1) acre, and twelve (12) for developments over fifteen (15) acres.

Up to four (4) on-site temporary garage, yard or patio sale signs not to exceed a total of sixteen (16) square feet.

Holiday decorations displayed for no more than forty-five (45) days for each holiday.

Signing not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet directly affixed to a mobile vendor or temporary business establishment located in any commercial district.

Projecting, or under canopy signs which do not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area are exempt where such signage does not project more than three (3) feet into a public right-of-way, has at least seven (7) feet of clearance above any public sidewalk (or at least fifteen (15) feet of clearance above any public alley), and is built of materials compatible with the building as determined by the director of planning.

New vehicle sales establishments located within one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet east or west of Highway 101 may have pennants, balloons, streamers, and objects designed to move with the wind.

Feather banners, defined as vertical signs resembling a feather that are supported by a single, curved structural member and base with a banner attached to said single structure, may be used subject to the following:

Signs on or above the roof or projecting above the roof eave (other than a gable or mansard type roof) or canopy of a structure.

Signs projecting more than thirty-six (36) inches above the lowest edge of the eave of a gable or mansard type roof. A sign may be permitted on a vertical surface specifically designed to accommodate a sign, which is lower than the crest of the roof, if such sign area is approved by the planning director.

Flags, pennants, balloons, streamers, and objects designed to move with the wind, except for flags of the United States of America and the State of California on a flagpole for which a building permit has been issued and as exempted in sections 30.37.20(d)(20) (feather banner exemption) and 30.37.20(d)(19) (new vehicle sales exemption).

Lighted signs that flash on and off (except time and weather signs that change less than six (6) times per minute) and signs that utilize scrolling or moving text or images.

Any sign feature which moves or is designed to move, except for signs which rotate at less than six (6) revolutions per minute.

Lighted signs whose surface brightness is a detriment to surrounding property, prevents the peaceful enjoyment of life or presents a conflict with safe traffic movement; or advertising displays which emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter.

Any sign which because of flashing lights, brilliant lighting, motion or apparent motion, shape, design, color or reflected light is a detriment to surrounding property or prevents the peaceful enjoyment of residential uses or presents a conflict with the traffic regulations or traffic safety.

Any sign which has a design or lighting such that it might be mistaken for a traffic light or signal.

Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision or the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.

Any sign which because of its location would prevent free and safe ingress to or egress from any door, window, fire escape, driveway, sidewalk, parking space or bike path, or would obstruct an outward view from any living area.

Any signs attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

Signs projecting into a public street, alley or identifiable pedestrian way more than twelve (12) inches excluding signs allowed on awnings.

Signs projecting into a public right-of-way having less than eight (8) feet clearance between the lowest edge of the sign and the sidewalk grade.

Signs projecting into a public street area that have less than fifteen (15) feet clearance between the lowest edge of the sign and the adjacent driveway or street grade.

New signs painted or existing signs repainted directly on any building or structure unless conforming to the requirements of this chapter.

Any off-site advertising sign, including billboards, in any district except as exempted in section 30.37.90.

Placards, posters, announcements and similar signs attached to any fence, pole, tree or any other object along the right-of-way of a public thoroughfare, except those of an official nature authorized by a city ordinance.

Portable signs, except as permitted by section 30.37.90.

Signs over three (3) square feet in area temporarily affixed to a vehicle.

Any sign which conflicts with any rule, regulation or order of the California Public Utilities Commission pertaining to the construction, operation and maintenance of public utility facilities.

Signs advertising incidental or minor products combined with a business identification sign.

Signs placed upon, attached to or constructed on any awning; except for signs which occupy no more than twenty percent (20%) of the surface area of the awning, and which are printed, painted, marked, stamped or otherwise impressed upon the surface of an awning so that it is an integral part of the fabric, and which are on a surface of the awning which is vertical or within ten (10) degrees of vertical, and is parallel to the front of the building.

Signs higher than three (3) feet above the sidewalk elevation or having a solid face less than seven (7) feet above the sidewalk elevation on a corner lot within a triangle formed by the projected property lines and a line connecting those lines from points thereon which lie twenty (20) feet from the intersection of the projected property lines.

Signs higher than three (3) feet above the sidewalk elevation or having a solid face less than seven (7) feet above the sidewalk elevation within five (5) feet of the intersection of any access drive and public sidewalk.

Abandoned signs or signs which no longer identify a bona fide business entity.

Signs, graphics, window displays or materials offered for sale from news racks displayed in a manner which exposes photographs or illustrations of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas to public view.

Signs with exposed bracing, guy wires or cables.

Crudely painted, chalked, or other improvised lettering on any sign.

Signs placed on any portion of a street, sidewalk, or public right-of-way, excluding signs on newspaper vending machines, which may not exceed three (3) square feet in sign area, and signs permitted by section 30.37.90.

Signs located on an exterior raceway. An exception may be granted by the planning manager due to unavoidable, extenuating circumstances.

Signs within six hundred sixty (660) feet of Santa Teresa Boulevard except on-site signs for business and neighborhood identification, and portable freestanding open house real estate signs placed pursuant to section 30.37.90.

Business identification signs located on fences.

Any sign held by, or attached to, any person for the purpose of displaying commercial advertising or otherwise drawing attention to a business, commodity, service, product, or event. This section does not prohibit mascots or characters on private property as long as they are in a location within fifteen (15) feet of the business front door of which the mascot or character is representing. The mascot or characters shall not use a handheld sign. For purposes of this section, a “mascot or character” means a person dressed up as an animal, person or thing that is intended to be associated with, or represents and/or symbolizes, an organization or business entity. For purposes of this section, “front door” means the primary entrance to a business entity that is most often used by its patrons or customers.

One (1) freestanding house numberapartment building identification sign or one (1) wall sign, located flat against a wall and not projecting above the cornice or roof line of a structure located on the premises, shall be permitted for each multifamily complex or mobile home park containing between five (5) and thirty (30) units. Such signing, if freestanding, shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area; shall not be illuminated, except by indirect lighting; shall not rotate; shall not exceed four (4) feet in height; and shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from the front property line. Such signing, if located flat against a wall, shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, and shall not be illuminated, except by indirect lighting.

One (1) freestanding house number-apartment building identification sign or one (1) wall sign, located flat against a wall and not projecting above the cornice or roof line of a structure located on the premises, shall be permitted for each street frontage of each multifamily complex or mobile home park containing more than thirty (30) units. Such signing, if freestanding, shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area, shall not be illuminated, except by indirect lighting; shall not rotate; shall not exceed six (6) feet in height; and shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from the front property line. Such signing, if located flat against a wall, shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area, and shall not be illuminated, except by indirect lighting.

Signs, advertising a new residential development having five (5) or more units for sale or lease, may locate one (1) freestanding or wall on-site sign, up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area plus locate up to three (3) off-site directional signs, located on private property within Gilroy, up to thirty-two (32) square feet each. Such signs shall be nonilluminated, with a maximum height of eight (8) feet. Such signs shall be removed immediately after completion of sales or lease or after one (1) year, whichever occurs first, unless granted an extension by the planning director.

Bed and breakfast establishments shall be allowed one (1) sign, as described in section 30.37.20(d)(1). Such signs shall match the architectural features of the structure. The words “hotel” or “motel” shall not be allowed.

Religious institutions and commercial uses allowed in residential districts according to section 30.11.10(c) shall be allowed nonilluminated signs not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet of sign area.

Signs may be permitted to advertise the sale of only those farm products that are sold on the site, and such signs may not exceed a total of thirty-two (32) square feet of sign area, which may include only one (1) freestanding sign.

Other uses allowed in the A1, OS, and RR districts shall be allowed nonilluminated signs not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet of sign area. Churches will be allowed an additional thirty-two (32) square feet for “bulletin” board signage.

The secondary businesses and/or franchises will have a separate and distinct display lot and/or showroom and/or office and/or display area.

Each proposed sign shall:

The development must be located either on the east side of Highway 101 or on the west side of Highway 101, south of Tenth Street.

Developments must be permitted uses in the C3 (shopping center commercial) zoning district.

Developments shall be located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of Highway 101.

Developments shall provide a traffic study showing that a majority of their current or projected customers come from areas outside of Gilroy.

Developments shall meet the following definition of a regional-serving commercial development:

Definition. “Regional-serving commercial developments” are defined as commercial businesses located on a parcel or parcels of land that were processed through the planning division as one (1) site, or as one (1) collective entity. In addition, regional-serving commercial businesses located adjacent to each other will be considered one (1) development when they can collectively be defined as one (1) commercial entity. One (1) or more businesses may be located within a development. If a property is located within a planned unit development (PUD) overlay zone, the development shall encompass all of the land involved in the PUD architectural and site review approval, even if a portion of the development is not included within the PUD overlay zone.

One (1) freestanding, freeway-oriented sign will be allowed for each regional-serving commercial development, with a maximum height of sixty (60) feet. The height of the sign may be increased one (1) foot for every forty-four (44) feet it is set back from the property line adjacent to Highway 101, or for every foot it is set below the Highway 101 grade level. The maximum height of this signage shall be seventy-five (75) feet.

Developments consisting of a single business shall be allowed up to two hundred (200) square feet of freeway-oriented sign area. Developments consisting of multiple businesses shall be allowed up to three hundred thirty (330) square feet of freeway-oriented sign area.

Excluding freeway-oriented signage allowed under subsection (b) of this section, the maximum building signage allowed for regional-serving commercial businesses shall be equivalent to one and one-half (1 1/2) square feet of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage, up to a maximum of three hundred (300) square feet.

Freestanding master shopping center signage may be allowed in conformance with section 30.37.52, Master shopping center signs, except that master shopping center signage for regional-serving commercial businesses shall be placed within the site’s front yard setback, and shall be oriented toward the adjacent city street.

Portable open house signs may only be erected on the day(s) and time on which the property is available for public showing and shall be taken down during all other times;

For purposes of this section, “open house” means a scheduled period of time in which a house, condominium, townhome, or other residential dwelling unit offered for resale is available for viewing by potential buyers. This term does not apply to such offers in newly developed communities with model homes or sales offices;

Each tenant located within a commercial complex or building may have a single portable A-frame sign, providing that their business has a distinct individual storefront and separate front entrance for customers;

In the downtown historic district, downtown expansion district, and downtown civic/cultural arts district, portable A-frame signs are allowed on a public sidewalk immediately in front of a business;

In the downtown historic district, a single A-frame sign per side street direction is allowed, with that single sign offering the opportunity to represent multiple businesses on that side street;

In all other areas of the city, portable A-frame signs are allowed on private property within fifteen (15) feet of the front door of the business that it advertises. For purposes of this section, “front door” means the primary entrance to a business entity that is most often used by its patrons or customers;

Portable A-frame signs may be displayed only during hours that the business is open to the public, and shall be stored away from public views at all other times;

To implement this section, specifications and standards for portable A-frame signs, including type of frames, sign height and size and font size/type, may be adopted by the council by resolution;

An exception to the allowed placement of A-frame signs may be granted by the community development director or designee if a specific geographic constraint to the property exists such that the business frontage immediately faces a street from which access to the business is not possible, and the exception is supported by findings and substantial evidence of such geographic constraints. In this case an A-frame sign may be permissible, subject to substantial evidence required herein, allowing an A-frame sign to be placed on private property at the business entryway or driveway, which entryway or driveway is located on an adjacent street. Under extreme circumstances, such exception may be considered on public property, consistent with all pertinent requirements of this section. Exceptions shall not apply to shopping centers or strip malls generally. The denial of an exception may be appealed to the planning commission as provided by section 30.51.50 and the planning commission shall base its determination consistent with the provisions of this section.