Sign Regulations in Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign, Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Long Beach, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Long Beach
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Not above top of parapet or ridge of roof; not above 2nd floor windowsill (GF commercial); not above floor above tenant | See formula: 100 sq. ft. or 250 sq. ft. depending on street type | — |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than eave (sloped roof) or up to 1/3 vertical length above flat roof's parapet; min 8' above pedestrian way | See formula | Projection max 4', 2' from curb line |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-Freeway Oriented) | 25 ft. | 150 sq. ft. | Not in corner cutoff, 2' from curb, must not block building signs |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Long BeachFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
18
- Wall Sign
- Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Freestanding Sign (Non-Freeway Oriented)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
12
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Long Beach
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Long Beach, wall signs can be up to Not above top of parapet or ridge of roof; not above 2nd floor windowsill (GF commercial); not above floor above tenant and monument signs are limited to 25 ft.. 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign, Projecting Sign, Freestanding Sign (Non-Freeway Oriented), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Long Beach, monument signs typically require a Not in corner cutoff, 2' from curb, must not block building signs 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 Long Beach are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Long Beach has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Long Beach, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Long Beach, California regulates 18 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Projecting Signs in the IM, IG, IP, CHW, IL zoning district are capped at No higher than eave (sloped roof) or up to 1/3 vertical length above flat roof's parapet; min 8' above pedestrian way tall and See formula, with a Projection max 4', 2' from curb line setback (Sec. 21.44.130; Table 44-1; 21.44.105). Most commercial signs in Long Beach require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Long Beach, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Long Beach (12 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM, IG, IP, CHW, IL | 8 | 40 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| CCA, CCP, CCR, CCN | 8 | 40 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| CNP, CNA, CNR | 4 | See general rules (not above top of parapet/roof, 2nd story windowsill, etc.) | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| R-1, R-2 | 1 | — | — | — |
| R-3, R-4, RM | 2 | Monument: max 4' above grade | See formula | — |
| I, P, PR | 8 | 40 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| Institutional | 1 | — | — | — |
| Park | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential and mixed-use character PDs | 1 | — | — | — |
| Commercial and industrial character PDs | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 8 ft. | 100 or 250 sq. ft., per street type | — |
| Public right-of-way | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Long Beach(sample of 3 of 12 zones)
IM, IG, IP, CHW, IL
| 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 | Not above top of parapet or ridge of roof; not above 2nd floor windowsill (GF commercial); not above floor above tenant | See formula: 100 sq. ft. or 250 sq. ft. depending on street type | — | — | 1 per wall or 1 per business in multi-tenant fronting building; secondary wall signs for up to two products/services if within cumulative area | Any building wall with abutting street, parking lot, public walkway, or exterior wall | — | Unlock | 21.44.120; Table 44-1; 21.44.105 |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than eave (sloped roof) or up to 1/3 vertical length above flat roof's parapet; min 8' above pedestrian way | See formula | — | Projection max 4', 2' from curb line | 1 per street or parking lot frontage; only one per building corner | Attached to building, not pole | — | Unlock | 21.44.130; Table 44-1; 21.44.105 |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-Freeway Oriented) | 25 ft. | 150 sq. ft. | — | Not in corner cutoff, 2' from curb, must not block building signs | 1 per 300' of frontage | On property (not over property line) | — | Unlock | 21.44.140; Table 44-2; Table 44-1 |
| Freestanding Sign (Freeway-Oriented) | 40 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — | Not over property line, see general requirements | 1 per 300' frontage; 100' between freestanding signs on same site; 660' between EMCS | Within 1,500' of freeway ramp providing access | — | Unlock | 21.44.140; Table 44-2 |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | See freestanding sign requirements | See freestanding sign provisions (combined) | On property, not in corner cutoff or blocking signs | — | Unlock | 21.44.140; Table 44-2; Table 44-1 |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign | — | 100 sq. ft. | — | May not project closer than 2' to curb | 1 per awning/marquee | On ground floor, abutting street, parking lot, or public walkway (no alleys/serviceways) | — | Unlock | 21.44.160; Table 44-1 |
| Building Identification Sign (Commercial) | Not above roof peak/parapet or below lower 1/3 of bldg | 300 sq. ft. | — | Projection max 14 inches | 1 per building face/wall | 1 per face/wall on buildings 4+ stories | — | Unlock | 21.44.170 |
| Electronic Message Center Sign (EMCS) | 25 ft. (freestanding, non-freeway); 40 ft. (freestanding, freeway); 8 ft. (monument) | 150 sq. ft. (freestanding, non-freeway); 300 sq. ft. (freestanding, freeway-oriented); 100 sq. ft. (monument); 250 sq. ft. (wall) | — | Not projecting into right-of-way; 8'/15' clearance; 25' min from property line unless abutting freeway/rail | 1 per 600' of total street frontage | Requires site 5+ acres or 150,000+ sq ft building; must be on major/arterial street | — | Unlock | 21.44.800 - 21.44.840; Table 44-5 |
CCA, CCP, CCR, CCN
| 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 | Same as IM/IG/IP/CHW/IL zones | 100 sq. ft. (res/local/collector); 250 sq. ft. (major/minor arterial) | — | — | 1 per wall or per business for multi-tenant | Any building wall abutting street, parking lot, public walkway | — | Unlock | 21.44.120; Table 44-1; 21.44.105 |
| Projecting Sign | See rules for eave/parapet height, min 8' above sidewalk | See formula | — | Max 4' projection, 2' from curb | 1 per street/parking lot frontage | Building-attached, not pole | — | Unlock | 21.44.130; Table 44-1 |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-Freeway Oriented) | 25 ft. | 150 sq. ft. | — | 2' from curb, not in corner cutoff, not blocking signs | 1 per 300' of frontage | On property, no overhang | — | Unlock | 21.44.140; Table 44-2; Table 44-1 |
| Freestanding Sign (Freeway-Oriented) | 40 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — | See above | See rules | Within 1,500' of qualifying freeway ramp | — | Unlock | 21.44.140; Table 44-2 |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | See rules above | Combined with freestanding signs (see number above) | On property, not in corner cutoff area | — | Unlock | 21.44.140; Table 44-2 |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign | — | 100 sq. ft. | — | 2' from curb | 1 per awning/marquee | On ground floor abutting street, parking lot, walkway | — | Unlock | 21.44.160; Table 44-1 |
| Building Identification Sign (Commercial, 4+ stories) | Not above roof/parapet/peak or below lower 1/3 of building | 300 sq. ft. | — | Projection max 14" | 1 per building face | 1 per building face/wall | — | Unlock | 21.44.170 |
| Electronic Message Center Sign (EMCS) | 25 ft. (non-freeway, freestanding); 40 ft. (freeway, freestanding); 8 ft. (monument) | 150 sq. ft. (freestanding, non-freeway); 300 sq. ft. (freestanding, freeway); 100 sq. ft. (monument); 150 sq. ft. (wall) | — | — | 1 per 600' of total frontage | Only if site 5+ acres/150K+ sq ft or more; on major/arterial/freeway | — | Unlock | 21.44.800 - 21.44.840; Table 44-5 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-Painted Sign | Same as wall sign | 100 or 250 sq. ft., per street type | — | — | Same as wall sign | Directly painted onto building wall | — | Unlock | 21.44.210 |
| Roof Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On roof | — | Unlock | 21.44.220 |
| Menu Board | 7 ft. | 40 sq. ft. | — | — | 2 freestanding, 1 wall per window | Drive-through fast food restaurants | — | Unlock | 21.44.310 |
| On-site Directional Sign | 4 ft. | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | Up to 4 per site | Business/institutional sites for internal direction | — | Unlock | 21.44.320 |
| Traffic Directional Sign | 7 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On-site for auto traffic | — | Unlock | 21.44.330 |
| Promotional Activity Sign (Banner) | — | 100 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage/business | On building wall only; not on fences/poles/roofs | — | Unlock | 21.44.410 |
| Real Estate Sign (On-Premises), Permit Exempt | 8 ft. | 16 sq. ft. (nonres.); 6 sq. ft. for first dwelling +1 sq. ft. per add'l up to 16 sq. ft. (res.) | — | — | 1 per 300' of frontage | Wall, window, or freestanding only | — | Unlock | Table 44-4, Class 11 |
PermitPal covers all 12 zoning districts in Long Beach — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 12 zones for Long Beach — start freeProhibited Signs in Long Beach
- No sign shall project into an adjoining private property under separate ownership, or into a public right-of-way or into an established setback unless an encroachment permit has been issued by the City Engineer.
- No sign shall flash, shimmer or glitter, nor give the appearance of flashing, shimmering or glittering.
- No sign shall rotate, oscillate or otherwise move, nor give the appearance of rotating, oscillating or moving.
- No sign shall emit audible sound, odor or particulate matter.
- No sign illumination system shall contain or use any beacon, spot, or stroboscopic light, or reflector which is visible from any public right-of-way or adjacent property.
- Illuminated signs shall not be allowed to change color or light intensity, except neon, fiber optic, or LED light sources which may gradually change color (light intensity may not change).
- No floodlight shall be used which is not hooded or shielded so that the light source is not visible from any public right-of-way, adjacent property, or residential dwelling unit.
- Portable signs are prohibited, except that a portable sign may be displayed to indicate a temporarily closed vehicular entrance or exit for purposes of public safety or convenience.
- Signs shall not be placed on street furniture.
- Signs identifying a business shall not be affixed to or placed in or on vehicles parked in the public right-of-way or on private property in a manner such that the vehicle functions as a sign for the business. (Does not apply to buses and taxicabs, or permitted uses regulated under other titles. Mobile billboards prohibited.)
- No sign shall be located so that any portion of the sign or its supports interferes with the free use of any fire escape or exit or obstructs any required fire standpipe, stairway, door, ventilator or window; nor shall any sign be located so as to obstruct the visibility (corner cutoff areas) of vehicles or pedestrians using driveways or doorways.
- No sign shall be located which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from utility lines than that prescribed by the rules of the Public Utilities Commission of the State.
- No sign shall appear in color, wording, design, location or illumination to resemble or conflict with any traffic control device.
- Inflatable, air-blown, and balloon signs or decorations are prohibited.
- Flag signs (including 'sails', 'feathers,' 'bow banners') are prohibited.
- Decorative flags intended only to draw attention, with no intrinsic meaning, are prohibited.
- Streamers, pennants, balloons, and similar exterior decorations are prohibited.
- Projected light signs (signs created by projecting light onto a surface) are prohibited.
- Any sign not exempted or permitted by this chapter is prohibited.
- Signs may not be in disrepair, defaced, deteriorated (including peeling paint), prohibited, abandoned, illegal, or in violation of the Building Code or any other laws and ordinances.
- Abandoned signs must be removed immediately.
- Illegal signs must be removed or made to conform immediately.
Exempt Signs in Long Beach
- The classes of signs set forth in Table 44-4 (Permit Exempt Signs) are exempt from sign permit and fee requirements, provided they conform to size, number, and conditions in the table.
- Historic signs (any sign designated by City ordinance as a Historic Landmark, granted historic designation by federal/state entities, or part of a designated building or site) are exempt from height, illumination, location, movement, sign area, and materials requirements of this chapter, but must be maintained as historically intended.
- Electronic signs used solely to display prices for gasoline sales at gas stations are exempt from Conditional Use Permit requirements (subject to all other applicable requirements).
- Electronic message center signs and other similar electronic displays that are not visible from the public right-of-way and any other public or private property are exempt from the requirements of Division VIII (Electronic Message Center Signs), but must be shielded/oriented to prevent light/glare above the sign location and comply with building/electrical permits as required.
- Political campaign signs are not regulated as a separate class of signs.
- Certain noncommercial promotional activity signs are considered permit exempt signs and are subject to the restrictions specified in Table 44-4.
- Grand opening promotional activity signs: one sign allowed for up to 90 days in a year, in addition to another promotional activity sign.
- Street name style Neighborhood Marker Signs mounted on street lights or traffic signal poles are not regulated by this chapter and are administered by the Department of Public Works.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Long Beach
- A Sign Program (Sign Plan) is required for any sign application submittal for five or more new or replacement signs (not including minor, exempt, or temporary signs) intended to be placed on a site.
- A Sign Program is required for any new commercial, industrial or institutional building(s).
- A Sign Program is required for any new mixed-use development with three or more nonresidential tenant spaces.
- A Sign Program is required for any residential project consisting of five or more new dwelling units.
- On-site directional signs: if a business or site wishes to display five or more on-site directional signs, a Sign Program is required.
- Sign Program applications are subject to review and approval or disapproval by the Site Plan Review Committee.
- Waiver from development standards may be granted for signs in a Sign Program if findings required for a Creative Sign Permit are made; however, prohibited signs or features shall not be approved through a Sign Program.
- Certain signs (such as Creative Sign Permits, roof signs, and waivers from prohibited sign types) may require additional discretionary review, including Site Plan Review Committee and/or public hearing (Standards Variance process in accordance with Division III of Chapter 21.25).
- Wall-painted signs must be reviewed by the Site Plan Review Committee, or a subcommittee thereof, within three weeks of filing (at no fee to the applicant).
- Identification signs for residential neighborhoods or commercial districts must undergo Site Plan Review by the Committee before a permit is issued.
- Electronic message center signs require a Conditional Use Permit and prior Site Plan Review Committee design review.
- Full reconstruction or major alteration of a historic sign requires approval from the Site Plan Review Committee, and from the Cultural Heritage Commission if it's a City-designated Historic Landmark.
Source: municode municipal code