REALTORS® should also take it upon themselves to be knowledgeable of local sign restrictions and to follow them closely to avoid any controversy or enforcement.  For this reason, below are regulations and contact information for North San Diego County Cities.
 
Carlsbad
(760) 602-2703 | http://www.carlsbadca.gov/

  • On-Premises: 1 sign (4 square feet maximum), No lights, banners or pennants, 5 Feet above-average grade, remove 15 days after sale.
  • Off-Premises: Directional Signs: Off-site signs, not a public right-of-way (within 10 feet of the curb), must have property owner's permission.
  • Important update regarding changes in REALTOR® sign enforcement starting 9/1/23. Stay informed and ensure compliance by clicking here for more details.

Del Mar  
(858) 794-4610 | http://www.delmar.ca.us/

  • On-Premises: For Sale Signs: 5 square feet displayed for each individual unit in a Residential Zone, and a maximum of six square feet in a Commercial Zone, must be out of public right-of-way, and in place for 60 days or less. An additional three square feet will be allowed for "open house" signs placed upon the private property, during "open house" hours only. Balloons are considered signs and the "sign area" of an inflated balloon is equivalent to the square of the maximum diameter.
  • Off-Premises: Directional Signs: Same as on-premise. Must have property owner's permission, 8-12 feet off of the curb, San Diego areas: Del Mar Heights/Highlands.

Encinitas  
(760) 633- 2600 | https://encinitasca.gov/

  • On-Premises: For Sale Signs: 2 signs (3 square feet maximum), unlit. Flags and banners allowed during daylight hours if securely fastened.
  • Off-Premises: Directional Signs: 3 sign limit. Daylight hours only. Not on public right-of-way, must have property owner's permission. Flags and banners allowed during daylight hours if securely fastened.

Escondido 
(760) 839-4671 | http://www.escondido.org/

  • On-Premises: For Sale Signs: 1 unlit sign per frontage (not to exceed 2 signs) 4 square feet maximum. May have up to 2 riders but must not exceed 5 square feet including riders. Must be removed within 15 days after close of escrow.
  • Off-Premises: Directional Signs: Up to 3 off-site Open House signs, not to exceed 4 square feet in area and 5 square feet in height. May attach up to 3 balloons, each not exceeding 24 inches in dimension to Open House sign. Must be out of public right-of-way, and the property owner's permission is required.

Oceanside  
(760) 966-4770 | http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/

  • On-Premises: For Sale Signs: 2 signs (maximum: 6 square feet and 5 feet tall).
  • Off-Premises: Directional Signs: 1 sign (4 square feet maximum), only allowed from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday.

San Marcos  
(760) 744-1050 ext. 3204 | http://www.ci.san-marcos.ca.us/

  • On-Premises: For Sale Signs: 1 sign per frontage (6 square feet maximum), 5 feet height limit, removal 15 days after close of escrow. Not in public right-of-way or on public property.
  • Off-Premises: Directional Signs: Allowed if confirmed by city (not in public right-of-way), permitted by Kiosk Directional Signs displayed by the city. May contain the development name.

Solana Beach  
(858) 481-2633 | http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us/

  • On-Premises: For Sale Signs: 1 unlit sign (6 square feet maximum and 5 feet tall maximum), 1 open house sign, single small flag/pennant per sign.
  • Off-Premises: Directional Signs: 1 (6 square feet sign and 5 feet tall maximum) per lot with owner's approval. Not on public right-of-way. Single small flag/pennant per sign.

Vista
(760) 639-6100 | http://www.cityofvista.com/

  • On-Premises: For Sale Signs: 1 sign per frontage (6 square feet maximum and 8 feet tall maximum), 6 square feet extra per acre allowed on lots. Signs must not exceed 96 square feet. Removal 15 days after close of escrow.
  • Off-Premises: Directional Signs: Not permitted

County of San Diego (Unincorporated)
(858) 565-5981 | https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/

  • On-Premises: For Sale Signs: Maximum height of 12 feet. In residential zones, the signs are limited to 4 square feet in area and a maximum height of 6 feet. No more than one on a parcel and no allowance for long frontages. 32 square feet in commercial and industrial zones and up to 64 square feet if the frontage is greater than 500 feet in length.
  • Off-Premises: Directional Signs: No more than 1 on each parcel with the permission of the property owner, or 2 on a corner lot, not allowed in the public right-of-way, no larger than 4 square feet, daylight hours only.


Please note the above information is believed to be accurate but shall not be relied upon without verification. Please check with each city for the most current sign ordinance information.