Sign Regulations in Hawthorne, California
Hawthorne, California has specific sign regulations covering 5 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Monument 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 Hawthorne, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Hawthorne
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 3 square feet | 5 feet from the back of the sidewalk |
| Freestanding Sign | 4 feet | 3 square feet | 5 feet from the sidewalk edge |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
5
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Monument Sign
- Ground Sign
- +1 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Hawthorne
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Hawthorne, monument signs are limited to 4 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 Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Monument Sign, Ground Sign, and 1 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Hawthorne, monument signs typically require a 5 feet from the sidewalk edge 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 Hawthorne are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hawthorne has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hawthorne, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Hawthorne, California regulates 5 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Residential Zone zoning district are capped at 4 feet tall and 3 square feet, with a 5 feet from the sidewalk edge setback (Sec. § 17.35.000C.2.a). Most commercial signs in Hawthorne require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hawthorne, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hawthorne (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Zone | 3 | 6 feet | 3 square feet | — |
| Non-residential Zone | 2 | 15 feet | 30 square feet | — |
| R-3 Zone, R-4 Zone | 1 | 15 feet | 30 square feet | — |
| Horticultural Zone (H) | 1 | 15 feet | 40 square feet | — |
| Commercial Zone, Industrial Zone | 2 | 25 feet | 150 square feet | — |
| Regional Commercial Classification Zone | 1 | 40 feet | 350 square feet | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hawthorne(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Residential Zone
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 3 square feet | — | 5 feet from the back of the sidewalk | 1 per dwelling unit | Freestanding or wall-mounted, not on roof or fascia other than street address | — | Unlock | § 17.35.130A.1, § 17.35.000C.2.b.i, § 17.35.000C.2.b.ii |
| Freestanding Sign | 4 feet | 3 square feet | — | 5 feet from the sidewalk edge | 5 per parcel | Setback at least 5 feet from the sidewalk edge | — | Unlock | § 17.35.000C.2.a |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | — | — | — | 1 per qualified street frontage | Qualified street frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.35.000C.2.d.i |
Non-residential Zone
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 15 feet | 30 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Attached to the street front wall of the building | — | Unlock | § 17.35.000C.2.b.ii |
| Freestanding Sign | — | 30 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Street frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.35.000C.2.c |
Commercial Zone, Industrial Zone
| 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 Sign | 25 feet | 150 square feet | — | — | 1 per qualified street frontage | Qualified street frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.35.110A.1, § 17.35.110A.2 |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On the wall of the building | — | Unlock | § 17.35.110D.1, § 17.35.110D.2 |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Hawthorne — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Hawthorne — start freeProhibited Signs in Hawthorne
- Aerial signs or aerial devices
- Electronic reader board signs, electronic message centers and changeable electronic variable message signs, excepted as noted in this chapter
- Exposed neon, exposed LED or similar illuminated signs
- Inflated signs, balloons (balloons, figures, and blimps) and figures
- Non-residential signage except as noted in this chapter
- Pole signs
- Projecting signs
- Roof signs
- Signs erected in a manner that a portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of a fire escape, exit or standpipe or obstruct a required ventilator, door, stairway or window above the first story
- Signs in violation of Section 3479 or 3480 of the California Civil Code
- Signs painted on fences, walls, roofs, storage bins or cargo containers
- Strings of lights or signs outlined with individual light bulbs
- Any portable sign located on or projecting over the public right-of-way, required parking space or landscaped area, except for menu boards and umbrella signs located in the public right-of-way and operating in conjunction with permitted outdoor dining
- Off-premises signs, except as otherwise provided by this code
- Any balloon sign that is made of electrically conductive material
- Signs advertising home occupation businesses
- Temporary signs, except as otherwise provided by this code
- Vehicle signs, except for artwork, graphics, signs or other written or pictorial messages that are permanently placed upon or affixed to a business or commercial vehicle and are incidental to the usual and customary use of the vehicle
- Flashing and/or blinking signs
Exempt Signs in Hawthorne
- Holiday decorations
- Sports equipment, including, but not limited to, basketball courts, goals, ballbounces, and tetherball
- Real estate signs
- Political signs
- Temporary signs for authorized community events
- Menu boards and portable umbrellas used in conjunction with permitted outdoor dining
- One garage sale sign
- Business door nameplates
- Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public officer and government signs
- Warning or information signs authorized by federal, state or municipal authority
- Directional or informational signs less than six square feet in area in conjunction with any multiple-family use
- One non-programmable LED or neon sign under two square feet in non-residential zones
- On the premises of public schools and public charter schools, permanent signs, including EMCs
- Security signs advising of home and business security
- Temporary non-commercial signs on residential property
- Banner holiday temporary sign
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hawthorne
- Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications
- The approval of a comprehensive sign program shall be required when any of the following circumstances exist, or when an applicant requests the approval of a comprehensive sign program
- On multiple tenant developments, no permits for electronic message center signs shall be issued until approval of a master sign program is granted in accordance with this chapter
- Temporary signs requiring permits shall be subject to the following regulations: Not more than four temporary sign permits shall be issued per calendar year, not to exceed twenty-one days duration each. No more than two temporary sign permits may be in effect concurrently
Source: municode municipal code