Appeal Illegal Sign Removal Order - San Bernardino

Signs and Advertising California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

In San Bernardino, California, property owners and sign owners may receive orders to remove signs the city deems illegal. This guide explains how to document the order, contact the city office that enforces sign rules, preserve evidence and prepare an appeal or request for review so you meet procedural requirements in San Bernardino.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of San Bernardino enforces sign and advertising rules through its municipal code and Code Compliance/Planning departments. Enforcement tools typically include removal/abatement of signs, administrative citations, and cost recovery for abatement; specific monetary fine amounts and precise appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited pages below. San Bernardino Municipal Code[1]

Contact Code Compliance promptly if you receive a removal order.
  • Enforcer: City Code Compliance and Planning/Building divisions administer sign rules and removal orders. Code Compliance[2]
  • Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Escalation: information about first, repeat or continuing offence schedules is not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal/abatement, administrative orders, and civil actions or cost recovery are referenced generally on city pages.
  • Inspection and complaints: report via the City Code Compliance or Planning intake contact pages listed below. Planning & Permits[3]

Applications & Forms

The Planning and Building divisions handle sign permits and related applications; the specific sign permit form name, number, fee schedule, and submission instructions are not specified on the cited pages and should be requested from Planning/Building directly.

If you need a permit or variance, request the form and fee schedule from Planning before appealing.

Common Violations

  • Unpermitted signs on private property (temporary and permanent).
  • Signs in the public right-of-way or attached to light poles and public fixtures.
  • Signs exceeding size, height or location limits in the zoning code.

Appeals & Review

The city provides administrative routes for review or appeal through Code Compliance or Planning; however, the exact appeal filing steps, forms, deadlines, and fees are not specified on the cited pages. When you receive a removal order: document the order, photograph the sign, note dates/times and any permit documentation, and contact the listed enforcement office immediately to request appeal instructions.

Preserve evidence and correspondence dates to support any timely appeal or review request.

FAQ

How do I know if the removal order is valid?
Compare the order details with any permit records and contact Code Compliance for clarification; keep copies of the order and photos.
Can I appeal a sign removal order?
You can request a review or appeal through the city office that issued the order; contact Code Compliance or Planning to learn the specific steps and deadlines.
Will I be fined if my sign is removed?
The city may seek civil penalties or costs of abatement; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Read and save the removal order and note the date it was issued.
  2. Contact City Code Compliance or Planning to request the appeal or review procedure and any necessary forms.
  3. Gather evidence: permits, photos, property ownership documents and statements from witnesses.
  4. Submit your appeal or request for review in writing and retain proof of submission; attend any scheduled hearing or conference.
  5. If ordered to pay fees or fines, follow the city’s payment instructions or seek review if you believe the order is incorrect.
Begin the appeals process quickly because procedural deadlines can be short even when not listed online.

Key Takeaways

  • Document the order and gather permits and photos immediately.
  • Contact Code Compliance or Planning for appeal steps and forms.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] San Bernardino Municipal Code (library.municode.com)
  2. [2] City of San Bernardino Code Compliance (sbcity.org)
  3. [3] City of San Bernardino Planning & Permits (sbcity.org)

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