Sign (C-45) · Lesson 6 of 7

Signs Over the Public Right-of-Way (CBC Chapter 32)

"Signs Over the Public Right-of-Way (CBC Chapter 32)" is lesson 6 of 7 in the Sign (C-45) Learning Hub. It opens with "What the Code Says About Signs in General (CBC 3107.1)" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. What the Code Says About Signs in General (CBC 3107.1)
  2. Below 8 Feet: Not Allowed (Section 3202.2)
  3. 8 to 15 Feet: Two-Thirds of the Sidewalk (Section 3202.3.1)
  4. 15 Feet or More Above Grade (Section 3202.3.3)
  5. Drainage and Loads

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 5 steps, from "Height class" through "Alternative fix".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Signs Over the Public Right-of-Way (CBC Chapter 32)" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "8 to 15 Feet: Two-Thirds of the Sidewalk (Section 3202.3.1)".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "15 Feet or More Above Grade (Section 3202.3.3)".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Drainage and Loads".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Sign Projecting Over a Public Sidewalkbldgsidewalk (plan view)streetproposed 9 ftlimit 8 ft (2/3 of 12 ft)column now 1.5 ft2 ft min from curbsidewalk 12 ft wide, measured from buildingCBC Sec. 3202.3.1 (clearance under 15 ft)Sidewalk width from building: 12 ftLimit = 2/3 x 12 ft = 8 ft projectionProposed 9 ft is over 8 ft: failsBottom edge 11 ft: under 15 ft, limit appliesAt 15 ft or more: not limited (3202.3.3)Sign column (3202.3.1)At least 2 ft in from the curb lineNow 1.5 ft: move it in 6 in to 2 ftUnder 8 ft high: no encroachment (3202.2)Awning lowest part 7 ft minimum (3202.2.3)Projection cut from 9 ft to 8 ft; column moved to 2 ft from the curb lineOr raise the bottom edge from 11 ft to 15 ft (4 ft higher): projection is then not limitedProjection is measured horizontally from the lot line to the outermost point (Sec. 3201.2)2025 CBC Sec. 3107.1, 3201.2, 3202.2, 3202.3.1, 3202.3.3 - blade sign over a 12 ft sidewalk, building at the lot lineCC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: What the Code Says About Signs in General (CBC 3107.1)

2025 CBC Section 3101.1 puts signs in Chapter 31, and Section 3107.1 says signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the code. The Chapter 32 rules apply when a sign leaves the lot: Section 3201.2 measures the projection of any structure as the distance measured horizontally from the lot line to the outermost point of the projection, and Section 3201.3 says the chapter does not permit violating other laws or ordinances regulating public property.

Step 2: Below 8 Feet: Not Allowed (Section 3202.2)

Encroachments into the public right-of-way above grade and below 8 feet in height are prohibited except steps, architectural features and awnings (Sections 3202.2.1 to 3202.2.3). Doors and windows shall not open or project into the public right-of-way. An awning, including valances, needs a vertical clearance of not less than 7 feet from the right-of-way to its lowest part (Section 3202.2.3). A sign is not on that exception list, so a sign cannot hang lower than 8 feet over the right-of-way.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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