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SITE NAVIGATION

Historic Preservation

Old Sacramento Special Sign District Update

Historic Preservation

Old Sacramento Special Sign District Update

The City of Sacramento is updating the special sign district for businesses in the Old Sacramento Waterfront. This initiative aims to balance the need for effective, appealing signage with the preservation of Old Sacramento's rich historical aesthetics. By updating and refining clear, rules and standards, the project seeks to ensure that signage regulations and applied consistently and signs will not negatively impact the visitor experience in the Old Sacramento Waterfront Community. This project is being carried out in partnership with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Property Business Improvement District.

When available, you can download the most recent draft HERE.

What is changing?

We are eliminating outdated guidelines and incorporating design regulations into the Sacramento City Code Section 15.152.

Why are the signage guidelines being updated?

The Old Sacramento Sign Guidelines were adopted in 1983, and the Old Sacramento Special Sign District became part of Sacramento City Code in 2005. Both the guidelines and the Special Sign District contain outdated and irrelevant information along with a permit process not currently used.

Because the current guidelines and permitting process are not usable, lack of enforcement has caused signs to degrade the aesthetic appearance of the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Clear sign standards are essential to ensure that Old Sacramento retains its historic character and visitor appeal. Signage regulations should provide clear, consistent guidelines that streamline the approval process, reducing uncertainty and creating consistency.

Why haven’t current design guidelines been enforced?

The primary reason sign guidelines and the Special Sign District regulations have not been enforced is because they are severely outdated. Simply put, it would be unfair to enforce guidelines and standards that are so out of date. Property and business owners may not be aware of the sign rules and regulations that affect their signage.

Prior to any future enforcement, public education and a substantial grace period will occur to bring signage into conformance before any enforcement action is taken by the city.

How can I provide comments?

Send Comments directly to either of the staff people listed below:

Project Manager:
Armando Lopez Jr.
Assoc. AIA, CPD, LEED AP
Urban Design Staff
City of Sacramento
Email: alopezjr@cityofsacramento.org
(916) 808-8239

Project Supervisor:
Sean de Courcy
Preservation Director
City of Sacramento
Email: sdecourcy@cityofsacramento.org
(916) 808-2796

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