Sign Regulations in Culver City, California
Culver City, California has specific sign regulations covering 34 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign (Nonresidential Uses), Directional Sign - On-Site Traffic (Nonresidential Uses), Pylon Sign (Nonresidential Uses). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 31, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Culver City, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Culver City
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Sign (Permanent, Exempt with Limitations) | Mounted below roof eave, structural canopy, awning, arcade, or bottom of parapet; must maintain at least 8 ft vertical clearance above highest adjacent finished grade | 6 sq ft per sign | No projection over alleys; ≥2 ft from curb line if projecting into ROW |
| Window Sign (Permanent, Exempt with Limitations) | — | ≤25% of first-floor window glass area (including doors) | — |
| Directory Sign, Business (Permanent, Exempt with Limitations) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft each | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Culver CityFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
34
- Monument Sign (Nonresidential Uses)
- Directional Sign - On-Site Traffic (Nonresidential Uses)
- Pylon Sign (Nonresidential Uses)
- Wall/Parapet/False Mansard Signs (Nonresidential Uses)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Culver City
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Culver City vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Culver City, 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 Culver City, regulated sign types include Monument Sign (Nonresidential Uses), Directional Sign - On-Site Traffic (Nonresidential Uses), Pylon Sign (Nonresidential Uses), Wall/Parapet/False Mansard Signs (Nonresidential Uses), 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 Culver City 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 Culver City are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Culver City has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Culver City, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Culver City, California regulates 34 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Temporary Inflatable/Balloon Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall, 100 sq ft (total), and 10 ft wide, with a ≥5 ft from any property line setback (Sec. § 17.330.040D.4; Table 3-14 (Inflatable/balloon signs)). Most commercial signs in Culver City require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Culver City, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Culver City (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 10 ft | 100 sq ft (total) | — |
| Single-Family Residential (R1) | 3 | 5 ft (includes decorative cap and base) | As allowed for monument signs by site frontage (generally ≤50 sq ft if nonresidential standard applies) | — |
| Two-Family Residential (R2), Low Density Multiple-Family Residential (RLD), Medium Density Multiple-Family Residential (RMD), High Density Multiple-Family Residential (RHD) | 5 | 5 ft (including base and decorative cap) | As allowed for monument signs by site frontage (generally ≤50 sq ft if nonresidential standard applies) | — |
| Mixed Use Neighborhood (MU-N), Mixed Use Corridor 1 (MU-1), Mixed Use Corridor 2 (MU-2), Mixed Use Downtown (MU-DT), Mixed Use Medium (MU-MD), Mixed Use High (MU-HD), Mixed Use Industrial (MU-I) | 13 | 25 ft inclusive of decorative base and cap | ≤200 sq ft per business frontage (and ≤40% of background wall area) | — |
| Studio (S), Institutional (I) | 6 | 25 ft inclusive of decorative base/cap | Up to 200 sq ft per business frontage; ≤40% of background area; building sign cap may apply (24 sq ft per frontage) | — |
| Cemetery (E), Open Space (OS), Transportation (T) | 5 | Min 8 ft vertical clearance; canopy non-face ≤24 in depth | Up to 200 sq ft per business frontage; ≤40% background area; building sign cap may apply (24 sq ft per frontage) | — |
| Mixed Use Industrial (MU-I) | 5 | 25 ft inclusive of decorative base/cap | Up to 200 sq ft per business frontage; ≤40% background area; building sign cap may apply (24 sq ft per frontage) | — |
| Planned Development (PD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential Zero Setback Overlay (-RZ), Redevelopment Project Area Overlay (-RP), Civic Center Overlay (-CV), Residential Hillsides Overlay (-RH) | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Culver City(sample of 3 of 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Sign (Permanent, Exempt with Limitations) | Mounted below roof eave, structural canopy, awning, arcade, or bottom of parapet; must maintain at least 8 ft vertical clearance above highest adjacent finished grade | 6 sq ft per sign | — | No projection over alleys; ≥2 ft from curb line if projecting into ROW | Single tenant: 1 per frontage (street, interior plaza/courtyard, or parking lot/alley). Multiple tenants: 1 per tenant space | Attached to a building on a ground-floor facade near the main entrance; not on a pole or other structure; may be on street, interior plaza/courtyard, or parking lot/alley frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.330.025A.1.b; Table 3-10 (Blade signs) |
| Window Sign (Permanent, Exempt with Limitations) | — | ≤25% of first-floor window glass area (including doors) | — | — | Not specified; limited by area coverage | Painted or mounted on the inside of doors and windows; first floor only | — | Unlock | § 17.330.025A.1.b; Table 3-10 (Window signs) |
| Directory Sign, Business (Permanent, Exempt with Limitations) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft each | — | — | Max 2 per site | Freestanding sign adjacent to building; only for sites accessed from arcade, alley, courtyard, mall, or similar limited visibility | — | Unlock | § 17.330.025A.1.b; Table 3-10 (Directory signs, business) |
| Temporary Banner Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business frontage | Affixed to permanent structure below roof edge | — | Unlock | § 17.330.040D.1; Table 3-14 (Banner signs) |
| Temporary Feather Sign | 10 ft | 12 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from any property line | 1 per 50 ft of street frontage; ≤2 per street frontage | Set back at least 5 ft from any property line; must not obstruct sight distance or views | — | Unlock | § 17.330.040D.2; Table 3-14 (Feather signs) |
| Temporary Pennant | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business frontage | Below roof edge or on light pole | — | Unlock | § 17.330.040D.3; Table 3-14 (Pennants) |
| Temporary Inflatable/Balloon Sign | 10 ft | 100 sq ft (total) | 10 ft | Ground-mounted: ≥5 ft from any property line | 1 per business | Ground-mounted: securely affixed, ≥5 ft from property line; Roof-mounted: securely affixed at all corners | — | Unlock | § 17.330.040D.4; Table 3-14 (Inflatable/balloon signs) |
| Temporary Real Estate Open House Sign | 3 ft | 5 sq ft each | — | ≥2 ft from curb or travel lane when in public right-of-way | Not specified; permit governs | Public right-of-way parkways and sidewalks (with encroachment permit) or private property subject to standards | — | Unlock | § 17.330.040D.5; Table 3-14 (Real estate open house signs) |
Mixed Use Neighborhood (MU-N), Mixed Use Corridor 1 (MU-1), Mixed Use Corridor 2 (MU-2), Mixed Use Downtown (MU-DT), Mixed Use Medium (MU-MD), Mixed Use High (MU-HD), Mixed Use Industrial (MU-I)
| 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 Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | Limited by location when on face; minimum 8 ft vertical clearance from bottom of awning to highest finished grade | Sign area shall not exceed 40% of the background awning area on which the sign is displayed | — | ≥2 ft from outer curb face if projecting | Not limited by number; limited by area and location | Ground-floor building frontage; front and/or sides of awning | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.1 |
| Canopy Sign, Structural (Nonresidential Uses) | Limited by location when on face; if not on face, 24 inches measured from lowest point on sign; minimum 8 ft vertical clearance from bottom of canopy | Sign area shall not exceed 40% of the background canopy area on which the sign is displayed | — | ≥2 ft from outer curb face if projecting | Single tenant: 1 per building frontage; Multiple tenant: 1 per tenant space | Ground-floor building frontage; front/sides/top of canopy exterior surfaces | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.2 |
| Monument Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | 6 ft inclusive of decorative base and cap (except as provided in § 17.330.035C.3) | 50 sq ft each; max total 250 sq ft for all monument signs on site | — | As listed above | 1 for each site with ≥100 linear ft of street frontage; plus 1 additional per additional 200 linear ft, up to 5 total | Along site frontage adjoining public right-of-way; near middle of frontage or major driveway entrance | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.3.a.i–vi, b–e |
| Pylon Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | 25 ft inclusive of decorative base and cap | 100 sq ft per pylon sign | — | As listed above | Single tenant: 1 per street frontage with ≥150 linear ft; Multiple tenant: 1 per street frontage; Street frontages ≥300 ft may have a second pylon | Along site frontage adjoining public right-of-way; near middle of frontage or major driveway entrance; only where wall signs cannot be seen from public right-of-way (Director determination) | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.4.a–g |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | Must be located at least 6 inches below roof edge or eave | ≤200 sq ft per business frontage (and ≤40% of background wall area) | — | — | Not limited by number; limited by area and location | On building facade(s); for multi-tenant buildings, on wall portion corresponding to interior location of business (Director may approve alternate placement for visibility) | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2 (Wall signs); § 17.330.035C.5 |
| Parapet Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | Shall not extend above the top or below the bottom of the parapet | Same as wall sign allowance (≤200 sq ft per business frontage total within wall sign cap; and ≤40% of background area) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On parapet | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.6–7 |
| Theater Marquee Sign (Specific Use) | ≤25 ft | ≤100 sq ft per marquee sign | — | ≥8 ft vertical clearance; ROW encroachment requires approval | 1 per theater street frontage | Attached to or integral with structural canopy of theater; below eave line | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035D.4.b–c |
| Residential Component Signs (Multiple-Family within Mixed-Use Zones) | Monument: 5 ft; Directional: 4 ft; Wall: not above second story or eave line | Monument: 23 sq ft; Wall: 16 sq ft; Directional: 4 sq ft | — | Residential: ≥10 ft from adjoining lot; ≥5 ft from street-facing lot line | Monument: 1 per building street frontage with vehicle entrance; Wall: 1 per building street frontage; Directional: up to 6 total on site (>12 units only) | As specified for residential uses | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.1; Table 3-12 (Multiple-Family Residential Uses) |
Studio (S), Institutional (I)
| 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 Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | Min 8 ft vertical clearance | ≤40% of background awning area | — | ≥2 ft from curb if projecting | Not limited by number | Ground-floor building frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.1 |
| Canopy Sign, Structural (Nonresidential Uses) | If not on face, ≤24 inches depth; min 8 ft vertical clearance | ≤40% of background canopy area | — | ≥2 ft from curb if projecting | Single tenant: 1 per frontage; Multiple: 1 per tenant space | Ground-floor building frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.2 |
| Monument Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | 6 ft inclusive of decorative base and cap | 50 sq ft each; total ≤250 sq ft | — | As per § 17.330.035C.3.a.i | 1 per 100 ft of frontage; +1 per additional 200 ft up to 5 | Along site frontage adjoining public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.3 |
| Pylon Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | 25 ft inclusive of decorative base/cap | 100 sq ft | — | As per § 17.330.035C.4.a | As per § 17.330.035A.2 (based on frontage length) | Along site frontage adjoining public ROW; near middle or major entrance | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.4 |
| Wall/Parapet/False Mansard Signs (Nonresidential Uses) | Wall: ≥6 inches below roof edge/eave; Parapet/False mansard: no extension above/below parapet/mansard | Up to 200 sq ft per business frontage; ≤40% of background area; building sign cap may apply (24 sq ft per frontage) | — | — | Not limited by number; limited by area and location | Building facades; parapet; false mansard | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; § 17.330.035C.5–7; § 17.330.035B |
| Directional Sign - On-Site Traffic (Nonresidential Uses) | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | Up to 6 per site | Ground-mounted in landscaped areas; placed to avoid traffic hazards | — | Unlock | § 17.330.035A.2; Table 3-13 |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Culver City — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Culver City — start freeProhibited Signs in Culver City
- Sign types not expressly permitted by the sign chapter are prohibited (citywide).
- Abandoned signs.
- Emitting signs (e.g., smoke, steam, lasers, holograms).
- Foam letter signs.
- Billboards (off‑premises advertising structures).
- Hazardous signs (that pose a public nuisance or threat due to height, illumination, location, movement, size, etc.).
- Home occupation advertising signs.
- Off‑site (off‑premise) signs.
- Pole signs.
- Signs that cover any portion of an architectural feature or visually prominent three‑dimensional relief detail on a building (e.g., fresco, medallion, lantern, decorative tile work, crown molding, cornice, routed/recessed numerals or letters).
- Vehicle signs (advertising devices placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers), except vehicles used in normal business activities as specified.
- Signs that interfere with building access (ingress/egress, emergency routes), pedestrian or vehicle movement in the public right‑of‑way, or block views of traffic and traffic control devices.
- Signs that resemble traffic signs or traffic lights.
- Signs on public property, except as required or authorized by a governmental agency or as permitted by the code’s public property section.
- Signs attached to trees, light or traffic fixtures, or utility poles.
- Active signs (animated, blinking, flashing, traffic-variable) are prohibited except if approved under a Master Sign Program.
- A‑frame signs are prohibited except as specifically allowed for temporary use (see temporary sign exemptions/limits).
- Changeable copy signs are prohibited except as specifically allowed by the chapter or under a Master Sign Program.
- Freeway‑oriented signs are prohibited except if approved under a Master Sign Program.
- Electronic message signs are prohibited except as specifically allowed (e.g., certain specific uses) or on public property per the code.
- Signs added to or modified on historically designated buildings are prohibited unless approved under the Historic Preservation Program.
- Roof signs are prohibited except theater above‑roof identification signs under specified provisions or as allowed under a Master Sign Program/Historic Preservation.
- Inflatable/balloon signs are prohibited except as specifically allowed as temporary signs.
- No illumination of temporary signs is permitted.
- Sign illumination may not use beacons, spot, or stroboscopic lights.
- Signs may not use colored lights or other design elements that could be confused with traffic control devices.
- Reflective materials are not allowed on signs.
- String lights with bulbs exceeding one watt are prohibited on building exteriors (except in connection with allowable temporary/special events).
- Trespass of light and glare from sign illumination onto adjacent properties or the public right‑of‑way is prohibited.
- Exposed electronic raceways and similar unenclosed sign mounting methods are prohibited unless approved under a Master Sign Program.
- No sign, sign structure, or support may create a physical or visual obstruction constituting a traffic or pedestrian hazard.
Exempt Signs in Culver City
- Noncommercial message substitution is allowed at any time without approval or permit, provided the sign otherwise complies (content‑neutral substitution).
- Changes to sign copy and normal maintenance of a sign (cleaning, repainting, repairing) are exempt from a sign permit (except as limited for nonconforming signs).
- Permanent sign types exempt from a sign permit and not counted toward sign area (still must meet other applicable permits): affiliation signs (max 1 sq ft each; max 3 per business); commemorative plaques installed by the City or recognized historical organizations (≤6 sq ft) or authorized government signs on public lands; equipment signs on/part of machines (e.g., ATMs, vending machines, gas pumps); interior graphics/signage not visible from public right‑of‑way or nearby properties; site address/building ID/nameplates (≤3 sq ft; 1 per frontage); flags (provided they do not obscure traffic signs or block traffic/lines of sight).
- Permanent sign types exempt from a sign permit if within stated limits (do not count toward sign area; exceedances require an administrative modification up to 10%): blade signs (one per frontage for single‑tenant or one per tenant for multi‑tenant; up to 6 sq ft; placement/clearance and projection limits); window signs (≤25% of first‑floor window/door glass area; on interior side; first story only); business directory signs (max 2 per site; ≤24 sq ft each; ≤8 ft high; external illumination only; for sites with limited visibility).
- Temporary signs associated with an approved Temporary Use, Special Event, or Temporary Permit under Chapter 17.520 do not require a separate temporary sign permit.
- Temporary sign types exempt from a sign permit if within stated limits: A‑frame signs (1 per business frontage; ≤6 sq ft; ≤3 ft high; displayed only during business hours; ADA clearance; right‑of‑way encroachment permit if applicable; must not obscure traffic or access); yard signs for on‑site garage/yard/estate/food sales (1 per street frontage; ≤6 sq ft; ≤3 ft high; on subject site only; removed immediately after sale; no illumination; must not obscure traffic/access and installed securely); yard signs for sale/lease/rent in residential districts (1 per street frontage; post sign ≤24 sq ft and ≤6 ft high or other signs ≤6 sq ft and ≤4 ft high; cumulative ≤24 sq ft; on subject site; removed within 7 days after transaction; no illumination; installed securely; must not obscure traffic/access); yard signs for sale/lease/rent in nonresidential/mixed‑use districts (1 per street frontage; ≤32 sq ft; ≤8 ft high; on subject site; removed within 7 days after transaction; no illumination; maintained and secured; must not obscure traffic/access); yard signs displaying noncommercial messages in residential districts (1 per residence; ≤16 sq ft; ≤3 ft high; owner permission; no illumination; installed securely; may be displayed without duration limit); yard signs with noncommercial messages tied to limited‑time events (cumulative ≤24 sq ft per property; ≤3 ft high; owner permission; no illumination; installed securely; removed within 7 days after event); construction/subdivision signs (1 per street frontage of construction site; ≤24 sq ft; ≤6 ft high; posted only on subject property; not illuminated; posted upon issuance of building/grading permit and removed within 7 days after Certificate of Occupancy or final inspection; must not obscure traffic/access).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Culver City
- Master Sign Program (Comprehensive Sign Program) may be required by the Director for any development that requires an Administrative Site Plan Review or Site Plan Review (or similar discretionary review) under Chapter 17.540.
- A Master Sign Program can also be requested by the property owner/master lessor or initiated by the City (e.g., to further a specific plan, revitalization program, overlay, or other area‑wide tool).
- A Master Sign Program is the mechanism to modify standard sign regulations (e.g., can allow changeable copy signs not otherwise permitted; active/animated features; freeway‑oriented signs; banners/flags/pennants for vehicle dealerships; theater above‑roof identification; certain exposed raceways; marquee signs above roof eaves; signs on architectural features above roofline treated as wall signs).
- Multiple‑Business Sign Program is required for multi‑tenant developments occupied by four or more separate businesses at the time the first new permanent sign is proposed, unless the project already has an approved Master Sign Program.
- An amendment to a Master Sign Program is required for revisions such as sign type or location changes or enlarging sign area by more than 10% but less than 20% (Director determines if a new program is required).
- Only sign types allowed by the chapter may be approved under a Multiple‑Business Sign Program (no deviations; the Master Sign Program is the tool for deviations).
- Variance: A variance from the sign chapter may be sought per Chapter 17.550 (Variances, Administrative Modifications and Reasonable Accommodations).
- Administrative Modification: For exempt‑with‑limitations signs, an administrative modification may only be granted for an increase in sign area of up to 10%.
Source: amlegal municipal code