City Council
Supergraphic Sign Update
May 20, 2025
Item 10.2
Presenters:
Martina Davis, Planning Division Manager, Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Rosalynn Hughey, Deputy City Manager
www.sanjoseca.gov/planning
Images are for illustrative purpose only
Supergraphic Signs
Supergraphic sign
means a sign made of
flexible material that is
attached flush to a
building
www.sanjoseca.gov/planning
Images are for illustrative purpose only
Supergraphic Sign Code History
2017: Allow and regulate
supergraphic signs
2020: Modify permit
provisions to streamline
2023: Sign code provisions
for supergrapic signs
sunsets, supergrapics no
longer allowed
www.sanjoseca.gov/planning
Images are for illustrative purpose only
Supergraphic Signs
• Signs limited to
Downtown and North
San José Signage Area
• Large Downtown
Conventions or Large
Downtown Special Events
700 hotel room nights
booked or projected
attendance of 10,000+
• Allowed on Non-
Residential Buildings
• Limited to on-site
commercial/non-
commercial signage
Downtown Sign Zone North San José
Signage Area
www.sanjoseca.gov/planning
Images are for illustrative purpose only
Supergraphic Sign Code Amendment
• Proposed Changes specific to Large Downtown
Conventions or Large Downtown Special Events
Existing Regulations PROPOSED Regulations
Limitation Sunset Clause January 2023 Eliminate Sunset Clause Building
Height
Minimum 125 feet No minimum building height but sign installed at a minimum height of 40 feet from grade
Duration Maximum 7 days before and 7 days
after a large convention or special
event and a total of not more than 30
days in a calendar year
Maximum 75 days before and 75 days after a
large convention or special event and a total
of not more than 180 days in a calendar year
Roof Sign Roof Sign not allowed One flat mounted Roof Sign allowed Sign
Allowance
One sign allowed for each building:
The sign can wrap around on
two facades of the building.
Total of two signs allowed for each building:
Each sign can wrap around on two facades
of the building.
www.sanjoseca.gov/planning
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Analysis of Monetizing Supergraphic Signs
• Constitutional and other legal issues prohibit the City from monetizing any type of signage on private property
Private Property
City-owned Property
• City Council Policy 1-17 on Donation, Sponsorship, and Fundraising encourages and supports City departments and City-related foundations/entities to create opportunities for partnerships and enhancing revenue for department priorities
• Example: Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services – Viva CalleSJ www.sanjoseca.gov/planning
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Analysis of Monetizing Supergraphic Signs
• Administered by the City Manager’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs
• Develop an agreement with partner organization such as San José Sports Authority or Team San José
• Develop program goals, timeframe, target audience, outreach strategy, reporting, and other administrative procedures How a Sponsorship Program for Supergraphics Could Work
City Council
Supergraphic Sign Update
May 20, 2025
Item 10.2
Presenters:
Martina Davis, Planning Division Manager, Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Rosalynn Hughey, Deputy City Manager