A Sign Permit is the regulatory method the City uses to ensure that signs in Foster City will help preserve and improve the appearance of the City and to help people find what they need without difficulty or confusion.

A Sign Permit is required from the City for almost any sign placed on property. Some signs do not require a permit, others must be approved by the Planning/Code Enforcement Division and some must be approved by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission also reviews special requests that vary from the Sign Ordinance specifications called Use Permit Sign Requests and Variance Sign Requests. Both of these requests require public hearings with posted legal notices.

In order to expedite sign approvals, shopping centers and some business parks have sign programs that the Planning Commission has adopted. The approved sign program can allow the Community Development Director to approve sign requests. If the tenant proposes any variations to the requirements in the Sign Program the request must go to the Planning Commission.

The authority to require Sign Permits is provided by the State Business and Professions Code and the Municipal Code.  Examples of various signs follow:

Exempt Signs:

• Traffic Signs
• Government Signs
• Utility Signs
• Garage/Yard Sale Signs
• Residential For Sale, Rent, Lease
• Political Signs
• Temporary Window Signs

Signs Requiring Community Development Director Approval:

• Community Real Estate Signs
• Grand Opening Signs
• Promotional Sales Signs
• Special Event Signs
• Construction Signs
• Business Identification Signs

Signs Requiring Planning Commission Approval

• Sign Use Permit
• Variances
• Sign Guidelines for Commercial Centers