Sign Regulations in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California has specific sign regulations covering 113 sign types across 28 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Use District Sign Rules (citywide inheritance), Wall 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 13, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Los Angeles, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Los Angeles
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | Sign copy height on valance max 12 inches; awning valance top cannot exceed 14 ft above grade for sign to be permitted. | All other Use Districts (non-OS/A/RG): individual awning sign area max 12 sq ft in Sign Package 2; in Sign Package 1, individual limit not specified but total awning sign area counts toward the lot’s total on-site sign allocation where applicable (see additional requirements). OS/A/RG districts: individual awning sign area max 20 sq ft. | — |
| Wall Sign | May not extend above top of wall except may extend up to 3 ft above top of wall if there is less than 3 ft between top of wall and top of a window immediately below. | Individual wall sign: OS/A/RG = 20 sq ft; All other Use Districts in Sign Package 2 = 80 sq ft per sign face; in Sign Package 1 no explicit single-sign cap stated beyond combined area rules. | — |
| Projecting Sign | Minimum clear height 8 ft above sidewalk/roadway grade; may not extend above top of building wall. | SP1: 300 sq ft per sign face; SP2: 48 sq ft per sign face. | Min 7.5 ft from interior lot lines; 15 ft separation from other free-standing/projecting signs. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Los AngelesFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
113
- Monument Sign
- Use District Sign Rules (citywide inheritance)
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
28
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Los Angeles
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Los Angeles, wall signs can be up to May not extend above top of wall except may extend up to 3 ft above top of wall if there is less than 3 ft between top of wall and top of a window immediately below.. 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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Use District Sign Rules (citywide inheritance), Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Los Angeles has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Los Angeles, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Los Angeles, California regulates 113 sign types across 28 zoning districts. Projecting Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Minimum clear height 8 ft above sidewalk/roadway grade; may not extend above top of building wall. tall and SP1: 300 sq ft per sign face; SP2: 48 sq ft per sign face., with a Min 7.5 ft from interior lot lines; 15 ft separation from other free-standing/projecting signs. setback (Sec. LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.9.). Most commercial signs in Los Angeles require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Los Angeles, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Los Angeles (28 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 21 | 36 inches (typical) or 96 inches if vertical; width 36 inches if vertical. | All other Use Districts: 400 sq ft per sign face maximum for any one pole sign. A & RG: 9 sq ft per sign face if allowed by underlying zone (generally pole signs are not allowed in OS/A/RG per SP tables). | — |
| HI Zone | 4 | Min clear height 8 ft above grade; may not extend above top of wall. | 40 sq ft per individual sign; total per facade limited by 1 sq ft per linear foot of that facade’s building frontage. | — |
| A & R Zone (A Zone) | 5 | — | 20 sq ft per sign. | — |
| A & R Zone (R Zone) | 5 | — | Per sign: 20 sq ft max; total all identification signs: 30 sq ft max. | — |
| RAS3 and RAS4 Zone (RAS3, RAS4) | 3 | Must be below the floor of the story immediately above the ground floor; clear height min 8 ft. | 20 sq ft per tenant space. | — |
| P & PB Zone (P, PB) | 3 | 30 ft overall height cap. | Per identification sign: absolute max 150 sq ft; otherwise determined by piecewise frontage formula. A separate 25 sq ft cap applies for signs adjacent to a street and more than 30 ft from A or R Zone (per i.). | — |
| CR Zone | 3 | — | 2 sq ft per foot of street frontage (temporary total). | — |
| C1 & C1.5 Zone (C1, C1.5) | 3 | — | 2 sq ft per foot of street frontage (temporary total). | — |
| C2 Zone and Less Restrictive | 12 | 25 ft for 50 ft frontage; 35 ft for >50–100 ft frontage; 42 ft for >100 ft frontage (cannot exceed building height limit). | Max 400 sq ft per pole sign face. | — |
| Open Space Use Districts (OS) | 5 | Sign copy height 12 inches; awning valance top ≤14 ft above grade. | Individual awning sign max 20 sq ft (OS is grouped with OS/A/RG for individual awning cap). | — |
| Agricultural Use Districts (A) | 5 | 12 in copy height; ≤14 ft valance elevation. | Individual awning sign max 20 sq ft. | — |
| Residential Use Districts (Div. 5B.3.) | 5 | 12 in copy height; ≤14 ft elevation for valance. | Individual awning sign max 20 sq ft. | — |
| Residential General Use Districts (RG) | 5 | 12 in copy height; ≤14 ft elevation limit for valance. | Individual awning sign max 20 sq ft. | — |
| Commercial-Mixed 1 (CX1), Commercial-Mixed 2 (CX2), Commercial-Mixed 3 (CX3), Commercial-Mixed 4 (CX4) | 15 | 25 ft at 50' frontage; 35 ft >50'–100'; 42 ft >100' (not exceeding building height). | Up to 800 sq ft or 50% of wall area, whichever less. | — |
| Industrial-Mixed 1 (IX1), Industrial Use Districts | 11 | 25/35/42 ft per frontage brackets; not above building height. | 400 sq ft per face. | — |
| Community Plan Implementation Overlay (CPIO) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Sign Districts (SN) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Transportation Communication Network District (TCN) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential-Mixed 1 (RX1) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Public 1 (P1) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Public 2 (P2) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Community Design Overlay (CDO) | 3 | — | — | — |
| Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Conservation Districts (CD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Public Facilities Zone (PF) | 6 | — | — | — |
| Pedestrian Oriented District (POD) (Sec. 13.07) | 7 | — | — | — |
| Oil Drilling Districts (O) — City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Ch. 1A Sec. 8.2.4 | 1 | — | — | — |
| Commercial and Artcraft District (CA) | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Los Angeles(sample of 3 of 28 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | Minimum clear height 8 ft above sidewalk/roadway grade; may not extend above top of building wall. | SP1: 300 sq ft per sign face; SP2: 48 sq ft per sign face. | — | Min 7.5 ft from interior lot lines; 15 ft separation from other free-standing/projecting signs. | 0 to 3+ based on frontage thresholds described in formula. | Attached to building facade; may project over ROW per projection limits. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.9. |
| Monument Sign | All A & RG Use Districts: 6 ft. All other Use Districts: 8 ft. | OS/A/RG: 9 sq ft per sign face; All other Use Districts: SP1 up to 75 sq ft per sign face; SP2 up to 32 sq ft per sign face. | — | Min 7.5 ft from side lot lines; min 15 ft from other freestanding signs. | All Use Districts: Shared cap with pole signs by frontage: 0 if frontage <50'; 1 if 50'–200'; 2 if >200'–400'; 3 if >400'–600'; add 1 per additional 200' frontage. | Freestanding at grade or raised no more than 12 inches to bottom of sign. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.6. |
| Pole Sign | All other Use Districts: up to 25 ft when street frontage = 50'; up to 35 ft when frontage >50'–100'; up to 42 ft when frontage >100'. Height cannot exceed maximum building height of applied Form District. | All other Use Districts: 400 sq ft per sign face maximum for any one pole sign. A & RG: 9 sq ft per sign face if allowed by underlying zone (generally pole signs are not allowed in OS/A/RG per SP tables). | — | Min 10 ft from side lot lines (5 ft on corner/flag lots); min 15 ft spacing from other pole/projecting/monument signs. | Shared with monument signs based on frontage thresholds in formula. | Freestanding; min 10 ft from side lot lines (5 ft on corners). Min 15 ft from other freestanding signs. May project over ROW subject to projection limits window of 3 ft width perpendicular to ROW. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.8. |
| Roof Sign | Top of roof sign at least 2 ft below highest point of the roof; at least 2 ft from roof edge. | 300 sq ft per roof sign. | — | Min 10 ft from side lot lines; min 2 ft from roof edge. | — | On qualifying sloped roof surfaces of building. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.10. |
| Roof Sign: Open Panel | Max 3 ft above roofline or parapet; may not exceed building height limit of Form District. | 80 sq ft per sign face. | — | Min 15 ft from another roof sign. | — | On roof of building; face parallel to building. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.11. |
| High-Rise Sign 1 (≥100 ft above grade) | Must not extend above top of wall except up to 3 ft if less than 3 ft exists between top of wall and top of a window. | Up to 5% of area of the building wall face where sign is mounted. | Up to 80% of facade length. | — | — | Mounted at least 100 ft above grade on building wall. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.2. |
| High-Rise Sign 2 (near top of building) | Located within 16 ft below top of roof or parapet per standards; cannot be on roof plane; cannot block windows. | Up to 50% of wall area or 800 sq ft, whichever is less. | — | — | Max 2 per building; max 1 per building side (or quadrant for cylindrical/elliptical buildings). | On wall near the top of building per placement rules; not on roof. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.3. |
| Temporary Sign on a Temporary Construction Wall / Solid Wood Fence around Vacant Lot | 8 ft and not above top of wall/fence. | 250 sq ft per individual sign; 8 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage combined for all such temporary signs on the wall/fence. | — | Signs or groups of signs of 250 sq ft must be at least 10 ft from any other temporary sign. | — | On temporary construction walls or solid wood fences surrounding vacant lots in commercial or industrial zones. | — | Unlock | Legacy bulletin: LAMC 14.4.17; LABC 6201. |
C2 Zone and Less Restrictive
| 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 | May not extend above top of wall except limited 3 ft allowance if less than 3 ft between top of wall and top of window. | Per individual wall sign: no cap stated in SP1; legacy cap for identification signs at high elevations applies (over 100 ft above grade: identification signs only, up to 80% of building width and 5% of wall area). | — | Legacy: min 5 ft from interior lot line. | — | On building wall; parallel to building face. | — | Unlock | LAMC 14.4.10 (legacy bulletin); LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.12; projection Sec. 4C.11.4.C.4. |
| Projecting Sign | Min 8 ft clear above grade; may not extend above top of wall. | Max 300 sq ft per sign face (SP1). | — | Min 7.5 ft from side lot lines; 15 ft from other freestanding/projecting signs. | 1 per 200 ft or fraction of frontage | Attached to building facade; may project over ROW per rules. | — | Unlock | LAMC 14.4.9 (legacy); LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.9. |
| Pole Sign | 25 ft for 50 ft frontage; 35 ft for >50–100 ft frontage; 42 ft for >100 ft frontage (cannot exceed building height limit). | Max 400 sq ft per pole sign face. | — | Min 10 ft from side lot lines (5 ft on corner/flag); 15 ft spacing from other freestanding/projecting signs. | 1 per 200 ft or fraction of frontage | Freestanding, may project over ROW within 3 ft band perpendicular to ROW. | — | Unlock | LAMC 14.4.12 (legacy); LABC 6209; ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.8. |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft (commercial/industrial). | SP1: 75 sq ft per face; SP2: 32 sq ft per face. | — | 7.5 ft side setback; 15 ft separation. | Shared cap with pole signs per frontage thresholds | Freestanding at grade or ≤12 in to bottom of sign. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.6. |
| Illuminated Architectural Canopy Sign | Top not above wall; clear height 8'2". | As per SP1 combined area allocation; no per-sign face cap. | — | — | — | Integrated into approved canopy attached to wall (grade-level over door/window). | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.4. |
| Roof Sign | Top at least 2 ft below roof ridge/highest point; at least 2 ft from roof edge; ≥10 ft from side lot lines. | 300 sq ft per sign. | — | Min 10 ft from side lot lines; 2 ft from edge. | — | On qualifying sloped roof. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.10. |
| Roof Sign: Open Panel (SP2 option) | 3 ft above roofline/parapet max. | 80 sq ft per sign. | — | Min 15 ft from another roof sign. | — | On roof; face parallel to building. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.11. |
| High-Rise Sign 1 (SP1) / High-Rise Sign 2 (SP2) | SP1: cannot extend above top of wall except 3 ft allowance; SP2: within 16 ft below top of roof/parapet per placement rules. | SP1: 5% of wall area; SP2: up to 800 sq ft or 50% of wall area, whichever less. | SP1: 80% of facade length; SP2: not specified; one line of text only. | — | SP2: max 2 per building, 1 per side | Mounted on wall per respective rules. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.2 and C.3. |
Commercial-Mixed 1 (CX1), Commercial-Mixed 2 (CX2), Commercial-Mixed 3 (CX3), Commercial-Mixed 4 (CX4)
| 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 (Sign Package 1) | Cannot extend above top of wall except may extend up to 3 ft above if less than 3 ft between top of wall and top of nearest window. | No explicit single-sign cap in SP1; combined cap per formula applies. | — | — | — | On building walls. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.12; Sec. 4C.11.5.C.2 & C.3 (Sign Package 1). |
| Projecting Sign (Sign Package 1) | Clear height min 8 ft; may not extend above top of wall. | 300 sq ft per sign face. | — | As above. | 0–3+ depending on frontage | Perpendicular to facade; may project over ROW per projection schedule. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.9 (SP1). |
| Projecting Sign (Sign Package 2) | Clear height min 8 ft. | 48 sq ft per sign face. | — | As above. | 0–3+ based on frontage | Perpendicular to facade. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.9 (SP2); Sec. 4C.11.5.F.1 (deviation criteria). |
| Pole Sign (Sign Package 1) | 25 ft at 50' frontage; 35 ft >50'–100'; 42 ft >100' (not exceeding building height). | 400 sq ft per sign face. | — | Min 10 ft from side lot lines (5 ft at corner/flag); 15 ft separation. | Per frontage thresholds | Freestanding. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.8. |
| Monument Sign (SP1 and SP2) | 8 ft. | SP1: 75 sq ft per face; SP2: 32 sq ft per face. | — | 7.5 ft from side lot lines; 15 ft separation. | Shared count cap with pole signs per frontage | Freestanding at grade or ≤12 in bottom clearance. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.6; Sec. 4C.11.5.C.2–C.3. |
| High-Rise Sign 1 (SP1) | Cannot extend above top of wall except +3 ft allowance for window proximity. | 5% of wall area where attached. | Up to 80% of facade. | — | — | On wall ≥100 ft above grade. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.2. |
| High-Rise Sign 2 (SP2) | Within 16 ft below top of roof/parapet. | Up to 800 sq ft or 50% of wall area, whichever less. | — | — | Max 2 per building; one per side | On upper wall. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.3. |
| Roof Sign (SP1) / Roof Sign: Open Panel (SP2) | SP1: top ≥2 ft below roof high point; SP2: ≤3 ft above roofline/parapet. | SP1: 300 sq ft per roof sign; SP2: 80 sq ft per open panel sign. | — | SP1: min 10 ft from side lot lines; 2 ft from roof edge; SP2: min 15 ft from another roof sign. | — | On roof. | — | Unlock | LAMC ch.1A Sec. 4C.11.6.C.10–11; Sec. 4C.11.5.C.2. |
PermitPal covers all 28 zoning districts in Los Angeles — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 28 zones for Los Angeles — start freeProhibited Signs in Los Angeles
- A sign may not exceed the building height limit of the applied Form District.
- Sign illumination may not produce more than 3.0 footcandles above ambient light at the property line; signs must also comply with outdoor lighting regulations.
- No sign may be erected or maintained if, due to its location, size, nature, or type, it constitutes a hazard to traffic or public safety; permits must be denied if LADOT determines a hazard.
- Within 2,000 feet of a freeway, no sign is permitted if it is viewed primarily from the main traveled roadway of the freeway or its on-/off-ramps, except specified non-digital wall sign exceptions.
- Prohibited sign characteristics or practices (citywide): obscene matter; posters, pennants, banners, ribbons, streamers or spinners (except as allowed for temporary signs); flashing, mechanical, or strobe lights that conflict with traffic/electrical safety provisions; revolving signs rotating faster than six revolutions per minute; signs tacked/pasted/temporarily affixed to walls, trees, poles, posts, or fences (except as allowed for temporary signs); signs affixed to vehicles or trailers on private property when the sole purpose is to attract attention and the vehicle/trailer is not otherwise used in the business; signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter; use of human beings, live animals, animated figures, motion pictures, projectors, or any other means that causes continuous motion in connection with a sign; supergraphic signs unless specifically permitted by a legally adopted Specific Plan, Supplemental District, development agreement, or Sign District; inflatable devices unless specifically permitted by a legally adopted Specific Plan, Supplemental District, or development agreement.
- Prohibited locations (citywide): projection into a public alley (except up to 6 inches above 14 feet in height); placement within 6 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically of overhead electrical conductors energized over 750 volts; within a visibility triangle; within 2 feet of the curb or edge of any roadway.
- No sign may obstruct any fire escape, window, door, or opening used as a means of egress or required for ventilation; no sign may be attached to a fire escape.
Exempt Signs in Los Angeles
- No provision prohibits ideological, political, or other non-commercial messages on a sign that is otherwise permitted.
- A building permit is not required for ground signs not exceeding 20 square feet, with no part higher than 6 feet 6 inches above grade, having no mechanical/moving parts and no electrical power, and separated from other such signs by at least 15 feet.
- A building permit is not required for boards or signs used exclusively to display official notices issued by a court or public officer in performance of a public duty, or by a private person giving a legal notice.
- A building permit is not required for non-structural copy changes or face replacement (i.e., changing or replacing copy) that do not remove the cabinet; if the cabinet is removed, a permit and full code compliance are required.
- A building permit is not required for temporary signs containing a political, ideological, or other noncommercial message (an electrical permit is required if illuminated).
- Signs fully surrounded on all sides by permanent, opaque architectural features on the project lot and not visible from any public or private right-of-way are exempt from the sign regulations, except they must comply with the general brightness limit.
- Original Art Murals, Vintage Original Art Murals, and Public Art Installations that meet LAAC Section 22.119 (or LAAC 19.85.4 / LAMC 91.107.4.6 registration) are not considered signs and are not subject to sign regulations; a building permit is required only when physical alterations (e.g., new hand‑tiled or digitally printed mural) trigger it.
- Certain small non-digital wall signs are exempt from the freeway exposure prohibition when all criteria are met (e.g., total wall sign area on a building ≤100 sq ft; no individual wall sign >50 sq ft; not primarily viewed from the freeway; no moving parts or lights).
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Los Angeles
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| All sign permits | Before issuing a building permit for any sign, the Department shall collect a permit fee equal to 3.5% of the total value of all construction or work, as determined by the Department. In no event shall the permit fee be less than the minimum inspection fee per Sec. 98.0412(a) (currently $90.00) and Footnote 4 of Table 1-A (min permit fee = 2× the minimum inspection fee = $180.00 for projects requiring more than one inspection). Subject to surcharges per Table 1-A footnotes. | — |
| Other | Notice by mail to the applicant, owners of the property involved, and owners of all property within a 300-foot radius. | — |
| See all Los Angeles sign permit fees & timelines — start free | ||
Source: amlegal municipal code