Sign Regulations in Downey, California
Downey, California has specific sign regulations covering 9 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Temporary Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Downey, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Downey
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 75% of the sign area | — |
| Freestanding Sign | 43 feet | 157 square feet | 50 feet from any interior side property line; 75 feet from any residential zone. |
| Monument Sign | 8 feet | 75% of the sign area | Permitted within the front setback, but not closer than 7 feet from the street property line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
9
- Wall Sign
- Monument Sign
- Temporary Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Downey
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Downey, monument signs are limited to 43 feet. 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 Downey, 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 Downey, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Temporary Sign, Freestanding Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Downey, monument signs typically require a 50 feet from any interior side property line; 75 feet from any residential zone. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Downey are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Downey has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Downey, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Downey, California regulates 9 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the M-U zoning district are capped at 43 feet tall and 157 square feet, with a 50 feet from any interior side property line; 75 feet from any residential zone. setback (Sec. §9618.04(a)(1)). Most commercial signs in Downey require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Downey, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Downey (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 43 feet | 157 square feet | — |
| Residential District (R-1, R-2) | 1 | — | — | — |
| R-3 and R-3-O | 3 | — | 12 square feet in total sign area per street frontage | — |
| M-U | 8 | 43 feet | 157 square feet | — |
| H-M | 3 | — | 30 square feet | — |
| O-S | 3 | — | 20 square feet of copy area and 60 square feet of background area | — |
| P | 8 | 43 feet | 157 square feet | — |
| C-P | 4 | 8 feet | 75% of the sign area | — |
| Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3) | 8 | 43 feet | 157 square feet | — |
| C-M | 8 | 43 feet | 157 square feet | — |
| Industrial District (M-1, M-2) | 8 | 43 feet | 157 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Downey(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
M-U
| 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 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(7) |
| Freestanding Sign | 43 feet | 157 square feet | — | 50 feet from any interior side property line; 75 feet from any residential zone. | 1 per each continuous street frontage that is greater than or equal to 150 feet in length but not more than 2. | Freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped planter equal the area of the sign face, but never less than 80 square feet. | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(1) |
| Hanging Sign | 20 feet | 5 square feet | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(3) |
| Marquee Sign | 20 feet | 75% of sign area | — | — | 1 per parcel | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(2) |
| Monument Sign | 8 feet | 75% of the sign area | — | Permitted within the front setback, but not closer than 7 feet from the street property line | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(4) |
| Projecting Sign | 20 feet | 15 square feet | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(5) |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §9618.02(a) |
| Wall Sign | — | 75% of the sign area | — | — | 1 per street frontage | No wall sign shall cover any window or doorway of a building. | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(6) |
P
| 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 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(7) |
| Freestanding Sign | 43 feet | 157 square feet | — | 50 feet from any interior side property line; 75 feet from any residential zone. | 1 per each continuous street frontage that is greater than or equal to 150 feet in length but not more than 2. | Freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped planter equal the area of the sign face, but never less than 80 square feet. | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(1) |
| Hanging Sign | 20 feet | 5 square feet | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(3) |
| Marquee Sign | 20 feet | 75% of sign area | — | — | 1 per parcel | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(2) |
| Monument Sign | 8 feet | 75% of the sign area | — | Permitted within the front setback, but not closer than 7 feet from the street property line | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(4) |
| Projecting Sign | 20 feet | 15 square feet | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(5) |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §9618.02(a) |
| Wall Sign | — | 75% of the sign area | — | — | 1 per street frontage | No wall sign shall cover any window or doorway of a building. | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(6) |
Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3)
| 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 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(7) |
| Freestanding Sign | 43 feet | 157 square feet | — | 50 feet from any interior side property line; 75 feet from any residential zone. | 1 per each continuous street frontage that is greater than or equal to 150 feet in length but not more than 2. | Freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped planter equal the area of the sign face, but never less than 80 square feet. | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(1) |
| Hanging Sign | 20 feet | 5 square feet | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(3) |
| Marquee Sign | 20 feet | 75% of sign area | — | — | 1 per parcel | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(2) |
| Monument Sign | 8 feet | 75% of the sign area | — | Permitted within the front setback, but not closer than 7 feet from the street property line | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(4) |
| Projecting Sign | 20 feet | 15 square feet | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(5) |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §9618.02(a) |
| Wall Sign | — | 75% of the sign area | — | — | 1 per street frontage | No wall sign shall cover any window or doorway of a building. | — | Unlock | §9618.04(a)(6) |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Downey — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Downey — start freeProhibited Signs in Downey
- Canvas signs (excluding awning signs), paper or cardboard signs, banners, pennants, flags, streamers, balloons, or other wind signs, except where temporarily permitted.
- A-frame, portable, or sandwich board signs.
- Signs or sign structures which by color, wording, or symbols, resemble or conflict with any traffic control sign or signal.
- Signs with an intensity of illumination that creates a safety hazard for pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicular traffic.
- Signs which produce odor, sound, smoke, fire, or other such emissions.
- Signs advertising commercial uses, day care homes, residential care facilities, and similar uses on sites where the principal use is a residential dwelling unit unless otherwise allowed in accordance with State law.
- Signs that rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights, flash, reflect, blink, or appear to do any of the foregoing with the exception of public service signs stating time and temperature.
- On-premises signs that identify or advertise a product, business, or service that is not located on the property on which the sign is located.
- Off-premises signs, including billboards, and/or advertising signs as defined in this chapter, which do not advertise a product, an interest, a service, or entertainment available on the premises, except as permitted.
- Any other sign, sign structure, or advertising device which is not specifically permitted by the zone regulations in which the sign is located or which may have been erected in violation of the laws in effect at the time of erection.
- String lights, except in connection with permissible holiday decorations.
- Statuary sign, excepting those statuary signs legally established before January 12, 1978.
- Lamps or incandescent lights are prohibited from use in any sign.
- Signs extending above a building roof.
- Exposed neon, unless the neon is approved by the Commission as a contributing architectural or historical feature of the building.
- Any painted wall sign.
- Any sign or portion thereof that physically rotates about an axis (a revolving sign).
- Changeable copy except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
- Animals or human beings, live or simulated, utilized as signs.
Exempt Signs in Downey
- Accessory sign to a commercial, public or semipublic use.
- Address numbers.
- Balloons, non-helium.
- Construction sign.
- Construction sign warning about a potential public hazard.
- Credit card, trading stamp, or trade association sign.
- Directional sign on-site.
- Directional signs for public and semi-public use signs within the public right-of-way.
- Door sign, nonilluminated.
- Flag of an official government jurisdiction.
- Historical marker.
- Holiday lights, decorations, and displays.
- Identification sign, owner/occupant.
- Identification sign, public utility.
- Inspection sign.
- Interior sign.
- Menu board sign.
- Open house sign.
- Commemorative plaque sign.
- Political sign, residential.
- Political sign, nonresidential.
- Poster, notice, or sign legally required by state or Federal law.
- Real estate sign.
- Subdivision sign.
- Time and temperature sign.
- Traffic, danger emergency or other official public sign.
- Window sign, permanent.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Downey
- The City Planner may require submittal of a Planned Sign Program prior to the approval of a sign permit.
- A Planned Sign Program shall be required for any site having three or more nonresidential tenants and shall be submitted and approved by the Commission prior to the issuance of any sign permit.
- Planned Sign Programs may be part of a Site Plan Review, a Conditional Use Permit, or a Planned Unit Development.
- The Planning Commission shall conduct a public hearing on the planned sign program.
Source: municode municipal code