Sign Regulations in Azusa, California
Azusa, California has specific sign regulations covering 57 sign types across 35 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Prohibited Signs, Route 66 Themed Signage (if parcel fronts Route 66), Wall Signs (single-family/duplex/triplex/fourplex). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 15, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Azusa, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Azusa
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign Height (general maxima) | 6 ft above normal grade (freestanding) | — | — |
| Freestanding Signs (generic standards, where allowed) | 6 ft above normal grade | — | — |
| Wall Signs (generic standards, where allowed) | — | 7% of building facade area (largest wall sign) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for AzusaFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
57
- Prohibited Signs
- Route 66 Themed Signage (if parcel fronts Route 66)
- Wall Signs (single-family/duplex/triplex/fourplex)
- Wall or Freestanding Signs (multi-family projects & structures)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
35
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Azusa
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Azusa, monument signs are limited to 6 ft above normal grade. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Azusa, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Azusa, regulated sign types include Prohibited Signs, Route 66 Themed Signage (if parcel fronts Route 66), Wall Signs (single-family/duplex/triplex/fourplex), Wall or Freestanding Signs (multi-family projects & structures), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Azusa vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Azusa are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Azusa has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Azusa Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Azusa, California sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Azusa, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Azusa, California regulates 57 sign types across 35 zoning districts. Awning Signs in the Neighborhood Center (NC) zoning district are capped at Below top of parapet (at least one foot below top of parapet/sill of second floor window/lowest cornice or roof overhang) tall and Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. (Sec. 88.38.060(B) + Table 3-12; 88.38.070(A); 88.38.050(A)-(C); 88.38.030.). Most commercial signs in Azusa require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Azusa, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Azusa (35 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 20 | Lesser of 14 ft, eave height, parapet height, or sill height (and must be <= eave line/parapet top). | 24 sq ft (residential district total aggregate); 80 sq ft (nonresidential district total aggregate) | — |
| Neighborhood Center (NC) | 11 | Below roof standard; wall sign height must also comply with general on-structure limit: top of sign cannot exceed the lesser of window sills of the second floor, the top of the wall for a one-story structure, or 20 ft above normal grade. | Each projecting sign face max 9 sq ft; Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. | — |
| Neighborhood General 1 (NG1) | 6 | Real estate freestanding sign max height 6 ft (districts/corridors/neighborhood centers). | 12 sq ft maximum each sign; 24 sq ft total for all signs | — |
| Neighborhood General 2 (NG2) | 6 | Real estate freestanding sign max height 6 ft only for districts/corridors/neighborhood centers; neighborhood real estate sign for neighborhoods (non-center) is limited to 6 sq ft area and on-site only. | 12 sq ft maximum each sign; 24 sq ft total for all signs | — |
| Neighborhood General 3 (NG3) | 6 | Wall signs: below edge of roof; Freestanding: 4 ft | 12 sq ft maximum each sign; 24 sq ft total for all signs | — |
| Low Density (L) | 5 | Wall below edge of roof; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft maximum each sign; 24 sq ft total for all signs | — |
| Medium Density (MED) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Moderate Density (MOD) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Agricultural (AG) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Neighborhood Centers (NC zones) | 9 | Top of sign on a structure cannot exceed the lesser of window sills of the second floor, the top of the wall for a one-story structure, or 20 ft above normal grade. | Per 88.38.070(F by temporary sign type (construction signs up to 32/64/100 sq ft by parcel size; off-site directional signs <=4 sq ft; subdivision directional signs <=24 sq ft on-site, <=12 sq ft off-site). | — |
| Neighborhood General 1 (NG1-L) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Neighborhood General 1 (NG1-MED) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Neighborhood General 1 (NG1-MOD) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Neighborhood General 2 (NG2-L) | 5 | Wall signs below edge of roof; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total for all signs | — |
| Neighborhood General 2 (NG2-MED) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Neighborhood General 2 (NG2-MOD) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Neighborhood General 3 (NG3-L) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Neighborhood General 3 (NG3-MED) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Neighborhood General 3 (NG3-MOD) | 5 | Wall below roof edge; freestanding 4 ft | 12 sq ft max each; 24 sq ft total | — |
| Edgewood District (DE) | 10 | Top of sign on a structure cannot exceed the lesser of window sills of the second floor, the top of the wall for a one-story structure, or 20 ft above normal grade. | Varies by type; e.g., construction signs <=32/64/100 sq ft by parcel size; off-site directional signs <=4 sq ft; subdivision directional off-site <=12 sq ft; subdivision directional on-site <=24 sq ft; temporary window signs <=20% window area; temporary wall/suspended signs <=10% of front facade. | — |
| West End District (DW) | 4 | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for Route 66 District parcels; otherwise follows 88.38.060 standards. | — |
| West End Light Industrial District (DWL) | 3 | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for Route 66 District parcels; otherwise follows 88.38.060. | — |
| University District - Mixed Use (DU-MU) | 5 | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | 20% of total window area | — |
| University District - Residential Medium (DU-RM) | 4 | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for Route 66 District parcels; otherwise follows 88.38.060. | — |
| University District - Residential Moderate (DU-RMO) | 4 | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for Route 66 District parcels; otherwise follows 88.38.060. | — |
| Azusa Avenue Corridor (CAZ) | 3 | Freestanding 6 ft; awning below roof/parapet standard; wall/projecting below roof standard; suspended below eave/canopy and >=8 ft above walking; window signs see 88.38.070(H). | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for Route 66 District parcels; otherwise follows 88.38.060. | — |
| San Gabriel Avenue Corridor (CSG) | 3 | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for Route 66 District parcels; otherwise follows 88.38.060. | — |
| South Azusa Avenue Corridor (CSA) | 3 | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for Route 66 District parcels; otherwise follows 88.38.060. | — |
| Foothill Boulevard Corridor (CFB) | 3 | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for parcels within Route 66 District; otherwise follows 88.38.060. | — |
| Arrow Highway Corridor (CAH) | 3 | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for Route 66 District parcels; otherwise follows 88.38.060. | — |
| 5 more zones in PermitPal — start free | ||||
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Azusa(sample of 3 of 35 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Signs (generic standards, where allowed) | 6 ft above normal grade | — | — | — | — | On the same site; not projecting over public property/ROW; must not obstruct traffic-safety sight areas (as determined by review authority). | — | Unlock | 88.38.070(B); 88.38.050(D); 88.38.050(C). |
| Wall Signs (generic standards, where allowed) | — | 7% of building facade area (largest wall sign) | — | — | — | On any primary or secondary structure frontage. | — | Unlock | 88.38.070(G). |
| Window Signs (generic standards, where allowed) | — | 20% of total window area | — | — | — | Ground level and second story only on a structure frontage. | — | Unlock | 88.38.070(H). |
| Projecting Signs (generic standards, where allowed) | Lesser of 14 ft, eave height, parapet height, or sill height (and must be <= eave line/parapet top). | 9 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | Over public ROW/surface requires encroachment permit if projecting over public property. | — | Unlock | 88.38.070(E). |
| Exempt Temporary Real Estate Signs (districts/corridors/neighborhood centers) | Freestanding sign max height 6 ft | 6 sq ft per side | — | — | — | Freestanding sign maximum height applies to such signs | — | Unlock | 88.38.035(B)(1)(a). |
| Exempt Temporary Real Estate Signs (neighborhoods other than neighborhood centers) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On-site only (on the property advertised) | — | Unlock | 88.38.035(B)(1)(b) subsections (1) and (2). |
| Exempt Political/Social Issue Signs | — | 24 sq ft (residential district total aggregate); 80 sq ft (nonresidential district total aggregate) | — | — | — | Private property only | — | Unlock | 88.38.035(B)(2). |
| Miscellaneous Exempt Signs | Address numbers <=12 in in height; flag pole height max 12 ft (residential districts) or 30 ft (nonresidential districts) | Historical plaques/memorial/building cornerstones/date stones <=4 sq ft (for those items) | — | — | — | As applicable to exemption category; flag pole cannot be in public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | 88.38.035(D). |
Neighborhood Center (NC)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Signs | Below top of parapet (at least one foot below top of parapet/sill of second floor window/lowest cornice or roof overhang) | Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. | — | — | Single tenant site/building: max 3 of any combination of allowed sign types per primary building frontage; 1 of any allowed sign type per secondary building frontage. Site/structure with 4+ tenants: 1 of any allowed sign type per business frontage unless additional signs authorized by review authority through Master Sign Plan approval. | On awnings; allowed on ground level or second story occupancies only. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) + Table 3-12; 88.38.070(A); 88.38.050(A)-(C); 88.38.030. |
| Freestanding Signs | 6 ft | Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. | — | — | Single tenant site/building: max 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 of any allowed sign type per secondary frontage. Site/structure with 4+ tenants: 1 of any allowed sign type per business frontage unless additional signs authorized by Master Sign Plan approval. | Ground-mounted freestanding; not over public property/ROW; must not obstruct traffic safety sight area. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) + Table 3-12; 88.38.050(C)-(D); 88.38.070(B). |
| Projecting Signs | Below roof/parapet standard and also <= the lesser of 14 ft, eave height, parapet height, or second floor window sill height. | Each projecting sign face max 9 sq ft; Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. | — | — | Single tenant site/building: max 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 of any allowed sign type per secondary frontage. Site/structure with 4+ tenants: 1 of any allowed sign type per business frontage unless additional signs authorized by Master Sign Plan approval. | Projecting from primary or secondary structure frontage; over sidewalk may be allowed up to specified projection. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) + Table 3-12; 88.38.070(E). |
| Wall Signs | Below roof standard; wall sign height must also comply with general on-structure limit: top of sign cannot exceed the lesser of window sills of the second floor, the top of the wall for a one-story structure, or 20 ft above normal grade. | Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. Largest wall sign area <= 7% of building facade area. | — | — | Single tenant site/building: max 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 of any allowed sign type per secondary frontage. Site/structure with 4+ tenants: 1 of any allowed sign type per business frontage unless additional signs authorized by Master Sign Plan approval. | On primary or secondary structure frontage. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) + Table 3-12; 88.38.070(G); 88.38.050(C). |
| Suspended Signs | Below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above a walking surface. | Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. | — | — | Single tenant site/building: max 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 of any allowed sign type per secondary frontage. Site/structure with 4+ tenants: 1 of any allowed sign type per business frontage unless additional signs authorized by Master Sign Plan approval. | Suspended from building/canopy at allowed frontages. | — | Unlock | Table 3-12 (Suspended); 88.38.030; 88.38.050(D). |
| Window Signs | Top of sign on a structure cannot exceed the lesser of window sills of the second floor, the top of the wall for a one-story structure, or 20 ft above normal grade. | Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Window sign itself: max 20% of total window area. | — | — | Single tenant site/building: max 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 of any allowed sign type per secondary frontage. Site/structure with 4+ tenants: 1 of any allowed sign type per business frontage unless additional signs authorized by Master Sign Plan approval. | Ground level and second story only. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) + Table 3-12; 88.38.070(H). |
| Temporary Signs | Construction signs vary by parcel size (6 ft if <1 acre; 10 ft if 1-4 acres; 15 ft if >4 acres). Directional signs: off-site <=6 ft for subdivision directional off-site. Other temporary sign maxima per temporary sign standards. | Subject to temporary sign standards by type (banners/pennants: banner days; construction signs: max sign area varies by parcel size; directional signs: <=4 sq ft off-site; subdivision directional on-site <=24 sq ft each; subdivision directional off-site <=12 sq ft each). | — | — | Single tenant site/building: max 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 of any allowed sign type per secondary frontage. Site/structure with 4+ tenants: 1 of any allowed sign type per business frontage unless additional signs authorized by Master Sign Plan approval. Construction signs: 1 per street frontage. | On private property unless allowed in ROW per temporary sign permit; cannot be placed in ROW except under permitted categories with ROW conditions. | — | Unlock | Table 3-12 Temporary; 88.38.070(F). |
| Address/Street Number Plate (if used as street address plate for freestanding signs) | Street address numbers min 6 in; numbers <=6 in height excluded from sign area calculations | — | — | — | — | Freestanding signs should contain illuminated street address plate. | — | Unlock | 88.38.070(B)(3). |
Edgewood District (DE)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground-mounted/ground-floor signs - Awning | Below roof (at least one foot below top of parapet/sill of second floor window/lowest cornice or roof overhang) | Max sign area per use/building frontage as per formula above | — | — | Single tenant site/building: 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 per secondary frontage. Site/structure with 4+ tenants: 1 of any allowed sign type per business frontage unless additional signs authorized via Master Sign Plan. | On awnings of primary/secondary structures. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) Table 3-12; 88.38.070(A). |
| Ground-mounted/ground-floor signs - Freestanding | 6 ft | Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. | — | — | Single tenant: 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 per secondary frontage. 4+ tenants: 1 per business frontage unless Master Sign Plan authorizes more. | Freestanding on same site as subject; not over ROW/obstruct sight areas. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) Table 3-12; 88.38.070(B). |
| Projecting Signs (ground-floor/permitted sign types) | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | 9 sq ft per sign face; total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. | — | — | Single tenant: 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 per secondary frontage. 4+ tenants: 1 per business frontage unless Master Sign Plan. | Projecting from building wall. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) Table 3-12; 88.38.070(E). |
| Wall-mounted/Wall-painted Signs | Freestanding: 6 ft max; awning, projecting, wall-mounted, wall-painted: below roof (at least 1 ft below parapet, sill of second-floor window, or lowest roof overhang); suspended: below eave/canopy and at least 8 ft above walking surface. | <=7% of building facade for largest wall sign, and total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. | — | — | Single tenant: 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 per secondary frontage. 4+ tenants: 1 per business frontage unless Master Sign Plan authorizes more. | Primary or secondary structure frontage. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) Table 3-12; 88.38.070(G). |
| Suspended Signs | Below eave/canopy; at least 8 ft above a walking surface | Total sign area per parcel must comply with: 1 sq ft per linear ft of primary building frontage + 0.5 additional sq ft per linear ft of secondary building frontage; each use allowed total sign area at least 25 sq ft regardless of frontage length; total sign area per use not to exceed 100 sq ft without Master Sign Plan approval. Site max: total sign area per building frontage cannot exceed total linear feet of that frontage. If site has 4+ tenants: allowed additional freestanding identification sign of 0.25 sq ft per linear ft of total primary structure frontage up to 100 sq ft. | — | — | Single tenant: 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 per secondary frontage. 4+ tenants: 1 per business frontage unless Master Sign Plan. | Suspended from awning/canopy. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) Table 3-12. |
| Window Signs (2nd floor/upper) | Top of sign on a structure cannot exceed the lesser of window sills of the second floor, the top of the wall for a one-story structure, or 20 ft above normal grade. | 20% of total window area | — | — | Single tenant: 3 of any combination per primary frontage; 1 per secondary frontage. 4+ tenants: 1 per business frontage unless Master Sign Plan. | Ground level and second story windows only. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) Table 3-12; 88.38.070(H). |
| Temporary Signs | Varies by type; e.g., construction signs <=6/10/15 ft by parcel size; off-site directional off subdivision directional signs <=6 ft; banners/pennants and other temp types per 88.38.070(F). | Varies by type; e.g., construction signs <=32/64/100 sq ft by parcel size; off-site directional signs <=4 sq ft; subdivision directional off-site <=12 sq ft; subdivision directional on-site <=24 sq ft; temporary window signs <=20% window area; temporary wall/suspended signs <=10% of front facade. | — | — | — | Private property, except as allowed under temporary sign standards including ROW placement when permitted by temporary sign permit. | — | Unlock | 88.38.060(B) Table 3-12 (Temporary); 88.38.070(F). |
| Route 66 Themed Signage (if parcel fronts Route 66) | — | As per TOD Specific Plan page 2-59 for parcels within Route 66 District; otherwise follows standard sign-by-area rules. | — | — | — | Route 66 frontage parcels. | — | Unlock | 88.38.050(K). |
PermitPal covers all 35 zoning districts in Azusa — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 35 zones for Azusa — start freeProhibited Signs in Azusa
- All signs not expressly allowed by Chapter 88.38 are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- Animated signs are prohibited, including electronic message display signs whose message changes more frequently than once every five minutes, variable intensity blinking/flashing signs, and signs that emit varying intensity of light or color (except time/temperature displays; reader board sign maintained/remodeled on Azusa Ave and I-210 is exempt).
- Balloons and other inflatable devices are prohibited (except on a site owned by the city and except as allowed for temporary signs).
- Billboards (permanent off-site signs) are prohibited except as approved as part of a billboard relocation agreement.
- Can (cabinet) signs are prohibited (except an internally illuminated metal frame sign with a face consisting of a company logo when used with a sign comprised of individual letters).
- Moving signs are prohibited (except barber poles).
- Obscene signs are prohibited.
- Pennants and streamers are prohibited (except in conjunction with an athletic event, carnival, circus, or fair, or as allowed for temporary signs).
- Pole signs and other freestanding signs over six feet in height are prohibited (except freeway signs per Chapter 88.38.070.C and Route 66 themed signs per the TOD Specific Plan).
- Roof mounted signs are prohibited (except Route 66 themed signs per the TOD Specific Plan).
- Signs that simulate in color, size, or design any traffic control sign or signal, or that use words/symbols/characters in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses pedestrian or vehicular traffic are prohibited.
- Signs in the form or shape of a directional arrow, or otherwise displaying a directional arrow, are prohibited except as approved by the review authority or as required for safety/convenience and control of vehicular/pedestrian traffic within the premises.
- Signs attached to or suspended from a boat, float, vehicle, or other movable objects parked within a public right-of-way, or visible from a public right-of-way on private property, are prohibited (except a sign painted directly upon, magnetically affixed to, or permanently affixed to the integral body of the vehicle).
- Signs burned, cut, or otherwise marked on, or affixed to, a hillside or tree are prohibited.
- Signs with reflective material are prohibited.
- Signs within the public right-of-way are prohibited except as provided by the Chapter for signs placed within the public right-of-way (e.g., governmental/public safety signs, utility informational signs, bus stop signs, city-approved promotional signage, etc.).
- Signs in storage or in the process of assembly or repair located outside on premises other than that advertised in the signs, if visible from a public right-of-way, are prohibited.
- Temporary and portable signs are prohibited except as specifically allowed by Chapter 88.38.070.F (Temporary signs).
Exempt Signs in Azusa
- Sign permit and/or master sign plan approval is not required for signs that are allowed without a sign permit under Chapter 88.38.035 (provided signs comply with Section 88.38.050 and any required building permit is obtained).
- Modifications to sign copy on conforming signs, and changes to the face/copy of conforming changeable copy signs are allowed without a sign permit/master sign plan approval.
- Nonstructural modifications of the face or copy of an existing conforming sign installed in compliance with a sign plan are allowed without sign permit/master sign plan approval, provided modifications are consistent with the approved master sign plan.
- Normal maintenance of conforming signs is allowed without sign permit/master sign plan approval (except as specifically identified for maintenance/changes).
- Certain temporary signs are allowed without sign permit/master sign plan approval but are subject to a temporary sign permit approval (e.g., real estate signs, political/social issue signs, civic/government signs, miscellaneous signs/flags/official items, and certain on-site human directional signs).
- Civic/government signs installed/authorized by governmental agencies are allowed without sign permit.
- Certain miscellaneous signs are allowed without sign permit (e.g., address numbers not exceeding 12 inches in height; official flags; symbols/pictures/patterns/illumination approved as architectural ornamentation/decoration; historical plaques/memorials/cornerstones/date stones not exceeding four square feet; service station price signs required by state law; holiday window displays; on-site human directional signs).
- Nonconforming signs may be maintained/changed up to the limits in Chapter 88.38.080 (e.g., nonstructural maintenance/copy changes allowed up to maximum 25% of existing total sign area without a sign permit; subject to other conditions).
- Freeway/Route 66 themed signs have specific exemptions from certain general prohibitions (e.g., pole signs over six feet and roof-mounted signs are exempt for Route 66 themed signs and freeway-oriented signs where allowed).
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Azusa
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit | $108 | cite: 1 |
| Approval | 30 days (starts when after the application is deemed complete) | Azusa Development Code §88.50.030.B.1 – Timing of Decision |
| See all Azusa sign permit fees & timelines — start free | ||
Source: municode municipal code