Commercial Signage Regulations in Concord

Commercial signage in Concord is governed by specific standards based on zoning district, building frontage, and the type of business. Permanent and temporary signs must generally be approved through a sign plan or master sign program to ensure design consistency, architectural compatibility, and public safety.

General Requirements for Permanent Signs

All permanent signs in the city of Concord must be maintained in good repair and comply with the design and maintenance standards specified in the Concord Development Code [Section 18.180.090]. Sign area is calculated by multiplying the height by the length of the sign cabinet or frame, and supporting structures are typically not counted unless finished to attract attention [Section 18.180.090].

Master Sign Programs

A master sign program is required for any site or business with six or more signs to ensure a unified architectural appearance [Section 18.180.060]. Master sign programs are evaluated based on placement, quantity, size, materials, and illumination. Once a master sign program is approved, all tenant leases must incorporate the requirements and the tenant's responsibility to comply [Section 18.180.060].

Sign Regulations by Zoning District

The following table provides cumulative sign area allowances and height limitations for primary commercial districts:

District	Allowed Sign Types	Sign Area Determination (Min/Max)	Maximum Height	Maximum Cumulative Signage
Community Office (CO)	Wall, Freestanding	8 sf (Wall); 1 allowed (Freestanding)	5 ft.	8 sf (Single Tenant); 28 sf (Multi-tenant)
CMX, NC, SC, RC, DP	Wall, Awning, Projecting, Freestanding	1 sf per 1 lf building frontage	6 ft. (Freestanding)	max. 150 sf
DMX, WMX	Wall, Awning, Projecting, Suspended, Freestanding, Skyline	1 sf per 1 lf bldg frontage + 1 sf per 100 sf floor area	6 ft. (Freestanding)	max. 300 sf
OBP, IBP, IMX, HI	Wall, Awning, Tenant ID, Freestanding	Per sign program	5 ft. (Freestanding)	100 sf or as determined by MSP

Standards for Specific Commercial Uses

Where specific land uses have distinct signage needs, the regulations in the following table override general zoning district standards [Section 18.180.110]:

Use	Sign Type	Max Number	Max Area per Sign	Max Total Signage	Max Height
New Auto Dealership	Primary Wall	Varies	100 sf	300 sf	N/A
New Auto Dealership	Freestanding	1 per frontage	100 sf	N/A	20 ft.
Service Stations	Menu/Order Board	2	40 sf	80 sf	6 ft.
Service Stations	Pump Island Canopy	1 per frontage	2 sf per 1 lf frontage	Varies	N/A

Prohibited Signs

The City of Concord prohibits the following signs to protect public safety and maintain aesthetic quality [Section 18.180.080]:

Abandoned signs.
Animated, moving, flashing, or blinking signs (with limited exceptions for pylon signs and public service displays).
Signs attached to fences or light standards (unless part of a master sign program).
Pole signs.
Off-site signs (billboards), except as specifically permitted.
Roof signs, unless expressly allowed for specific uses.
Temporary or portable signs (except for A-frame signs in the downtown or as allowed by permit).

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