Sign Regulations in Malibu, California
Malibu, California has specific sign regulations covering 43 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Real Estate Advertising Sign, Special Event Sign, Complex Identification Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Malibu, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Malibu
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign | — | 2 square feet | — |
| Governmental Flag | 28 feet | — | — |
| Temporary Posters | — | 16 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
43
- Real Estate Advertising Sign
- Special Event Sign
- Complex Identification Sign
- Address Monument Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Malibu
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Malibu 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 Malibu, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Malibu, regulated sign types include Real Estate Advertising Sign, Special Event Sign, Complex Identification Sign, Address Monument 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 Malibu 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 Malibu are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Malibu has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Malibu, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Malibu, California regulates 43 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Real Estate Advertising Signs in the Residential Land Use Districts zoning district are capped at 6 feet tall and 6 square feet, with a Minimum 5 feet from sidewalk or property line setback (Sec. § 17.52.050D.2.c).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Malibu, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Malibu (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 28 feet | 16 square feet | — |
| Residential Land Use Districts | 6 | 6 feet | 16 square feet | — |
| Multiple Residential Districts | 7 | 6 feet | 48 square feet | — |
| Commercial Land Use Districts | 23 | 6 feet | 200 square feet | — |
| Commercial and Business Complex Center or Park | 3 | 6 feet | 48 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Malibu(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residential Land Use Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate | — | 2 square feet | — | — | One per dwelling | Street frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.2.a |
| Agricultural Use Sign | 6 feet | 6 square feet | — | — | One per use | Fence or stake | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.2.b |
| Real Estate Advertising Sign | 6 feet | 6 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from sidewalk or property line | One per premises | Premises being offered for sale or rent | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.2.c |
| Open House Sign | 4 feet | 3 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from sidewalk or property line | One per open house | Premises being offered for sale or rent | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.2.d |
| Special Event Sign | — | 16 square feet | — | — | One per event | Premises | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.2.e |
| Garage Sale Sign | 6 feet | 6 square feet | — | — | One per garage sale | Premises | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.2.f |
Multiple Residential Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Identification Sign - Apartments | 6 feet | 48 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from property line | One per complex | Public street frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.3.b |
| Directory Sign - Apartments | 5 feet | 1 square foot per apartment | — | — | One per building wall | Building wall facing public street | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.3.b |
| Monument Identification Sign - Condominiums | 6 feet | 48 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from property line | One per complex | Public street frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.3.c |
| Interior Directional Sign - Condominiums | 4 feet | 6 square feet | — | — | As approved by director | Visible from public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.3.c |
| Monument Identification Sign - Other Permitted Uses | 6 feet | 48 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from property line | One per use | Public street frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.3.d |
| Real Estate Advertising Sign | 6 feet | 6 square feet | — | — | One per unit | Unit being offered for sale, lease or rent | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.3.e |
| Special Event Sign | — | 16 square feet | — | — | One per event | Premises | — | Unlock | § 17.52.050D.3.f |
Commercial Land Use Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sign - Business Park and Retail Uses | — | 50 square feet | — | — | One per business | Primary frontage | — | Unlock | § 17.52.070A.2.a |
| Freestanding Monument Sign - Single Business | 6 feet | 48 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from right-of-way | One per business | Minimum 5 feet from any public or private right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 17.52.070A.2.c |
| Freestanding Monument Sign - Office Building | 6 feet | 48 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from right-of-way | One per office building | Minimum 5 feet from any public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 17.52.070A.3.c |
| Complex Identification Sign | 6 feet | 48 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from right-of-way | One per 1,000 feet of public right-of-way | Minimum 5 feet from any public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 17.52.070A.5 |
| Address Monument Sign | 5 feet | 16 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from right-of-way | One per main driveway, not to exceed one per 500 feet of public right-of-way | Minimum 5 feet from any public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 17.52.070A.5 |
| Combined Complex/Address Sign | 5 feet | 16 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from right-of-way | One per main driveway, not to exceed one per 500 feet of public right-of-way | Minimum 5 feet from any public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 17.52.070A.5 |
| Gasoline or Fuel Price Sign | 6 feet | 20 square feet | — | — | One per street frontage | Ground or pole | — | Unlock | § 17.52.070A.14.a |
| Sale, Lease and Rental Sign | 6 feet | 15 square feet | — | — | One per street frontage | Premises | — | Unlock | § 17.52.070A.17 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Malibu — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Malibu — start freeProhibited Signs in Malibu
- Outdoor advertising displays, structures or signs
- Portable signs
- Exposed neon, flashing or scintillating signs, except for public service time and temperature signs, which shall not be flashing, animated or revolving in nature
- Revolving signs
- Devices dispensing bubbles and free floating particles of matter
- Any notice, placard, bill, card, poster, sticker, banner, sign, advertising or other device affixed or attached to or upon any public street, walkway, crosswalk, other rights-of-way, curb, lamppost, hydrant, tree, telephone booth or pole, lighting system or any fixture of the police or fire alarm system
- Devices projecting or otherwise producing the image of an advertising sign or message on any surface or object
- Projecting signs
- Signs which project or encroach into any existing or future street right-of-way
- Automatic changing signs or electronic message center signs, except for public service time and temperature signs, except as otherwise provided allowed by the Malibu Middle and High School Campus Specific Plan
- Streamers, banners, balloons, flares, flags, pennants, propellers, twirlers, and similar attention-getting display or device with exceptions
- Freestanding or pole signs, except for on-site directional signs
- A vehicle-related portable freestanding sign or any sign placed within, affixed or attached to any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way, or on public or private property, for the purpose of advertising an event or attracting people to a place of business, unless the vehicles or trailer is used in its normal business capacity and not for the primary purpose of advertising an event or attracting people to a place of business
- Signs or sign structures which by color, wording or locations resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices
- Signs that create a safety hazard by obstructing the view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic
- Sign structures and supports no longer in use, for a period of 60 days by the owner, tenant, or lessee
- Signs painted directly on an exterior wall, fence, fascia or parapet
- Signs that display a message or graphic representation that is lewd, indecent, or offensive to public morals
- Signs for the purpose of commercial advertising created by the arrangement of vegetation, rocks, or other objects such as on a hillside visible to pedestrians or motorists
- Roof signs
- Combination signs
- Signs which are enacted after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter that do not conform to the provisions of these section are prohibited
Exempt Signs in Malibu
- One identification sign not exceeding two square feet in area displaying only the name and/or address of the owner, occupant or use, except that agricultural uses may have one identification sign not exceeding six square feet in area
- Directional or safety signs required by law
- One each national, state, and local governmental flag properly displayed upon a maximum of one per pole, not to exceed 28 feet in height
- Holiday decorations, in season, displayed for an aggregate period not exceeding 60 days in any one calendar year
- Religious, charitable, civic, home-owners association, educational or cultural posters, affixed to a building wall or window area, not exceeding 16 square feet in area which are installed in a temporary condition
- Utility and telephone pay station signs
- Official traffic, fire and police related signs, temporary traffic control signs used during construction, utility facilities and substructure location and identification signs and markers required to protect the facilities, and other signs and markers required or authorized by the city, the State Department of Transportation, or any other public agency
- Notices required to be posted by law
- Signs for Public or Quasi-Public Use. Directional and public convenience signs for public and quasi-public uses may be permitted on public property
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Malibu
- An application for the first new sign in a commercial or business complex, center or park shall be accompanied by a sign program for the entire complex, center or park in order that all future signs are uniform and consistent with the requirements of this chapter
Source: municode municipal code