Planning Signs

On Premise Signs

The City of San Benito enforces on premise and off premise outdoor advertising and requires a permit (PDF).

  • Shall be permitted on private property in zoning districts set forth in the Zoning Ordinance with the issuance of a building permit. The maximum area of a sign face shall be 128 square feet, excluding cutouts, uprights, trim and apron.
  • An off-premise sign shall not have a cutout area larger than 20% percent of the sign's surface copy area. For signs of a double-faced, back to back, or V-type nature, each face is considered a separate sign in computing the face area.
  • There shall be a maximum height restriction of 80 feet for an on premise sign along Expressway 77 / 83 Frontage and 50 feet within all other areas within the city limits of San Benito where signs are permitted by zoning district.

Off Premise Signs

Shall be permissible if located on private property and in zoning districts set forth in the Zoning Ordinance. The maximum area of a sign face shall be 672 square feet, excluding cutouts, uprights, trim and apron.

  • An off-premise sign shall not have a cutout area larger than 20% percent of the sign's surface copy area. For signs of a double-faced, back to back, or V-type nature, each face is considered a separate sign in computing the face area.
  • An off-premise sign having a face area of 301 square feet or more shall not be erected within 3,000 feet of another off-premises. An off-premises sign having a face area of at least 100 but less than 301 square feet shall not be erected within 1,000 feet of another off-premise.
  • There shall be a maximum height restriction of 80 feet for off premise signs along Expressway 77 / 83 Frontage and fifty 50 feet within all other areas within the city limits of San Benito where signs are permitted by zoning district.
  • Political signs are a special type of temporary signs that will be permitted to be placed on private property for a period not to exceed 60 days prior to the election and 10 days after the election. In the event of a run-off election, those candidates participating in such election would be allowed an extended permit time up to 10 days after the run-off election.

Sign Permit Application

  • A permit (PDF) must be obtained for each sign erected that is 32 square feet or larger.
  • A deposit of $100 shall be submitted to the city secretary to ensure the removal of the signs. Such deposit is refundable upon the surrender of the signs for disposal or proof of such action.