FAQs
The City’s sign requirements can be found under Benicia Municipal Code Title 18: Signs.
Does my proposed sign need to adhere to a specific sign program?
Please contact the Planner on Duty at Planning@ci.benicia.ca.us or call (707) 746-4301 for additional information and guidance on whether your proposed sign is subject to specific sign program requirements at a particular location.
Are there any special sign requirements if my proposed sign will be located on the upper floor of a building in the Downtown Historic District?
If the business is located on the upper floor of a building in the Downtown Historic District, signage type and placement must be in accordance with the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan, Guideline 9.2 : Signs for businesses located above the ground floor level shall be limited to building directories placed near the ground floor entrance. New directory signs should be wall mounted. Existing freestanding directory signs may be maintained. Ground floor businesses are only allowed to install signs no higher than the second floor window sills.
Do signs require a design review process?
No. In accordance with Benicia Municipal Code Section 17.108.020(E)(7) Design Review – Applicability – Exemptions, signs are exempt from design review.
What are the fees for new signs?
Current sign fees can be found on the City’s website here. Please note that an additional 7% General Plan Maintenance Fee and 21% Technology Fee will apply to the base sign design permit fee.
Where can I apply for a sign permit?
First, apply for a Planning Division sign permit online here.
Then, after receiving Planning Division approval, apply here for a separate Building Division permit for installation.
If a sign is in the public right of way, an encroachment permit from Public Works will also be required. Apply for an ecroachment permit here.
For Building Division permit guidance, please contact the Building Safety Division at BuildingSafety@ci.benicia.ca.us or call (707) 746-4230.
For Public Works Division permit guidance, please contact the Public Works Division at PW@ci.benicia.ca.us or call (707) 746-4317.