Sign Regulations in Manhattan Beach, California
Manhattan Beach, California has specific sign regulations covering 10 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall, Awning, Monument & combinations thereof (W/A/M), Pole Sign, Pedestrian 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 Manhattan Beach, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Manhattan Beach
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Monument Sign | 6 ft | 20 sq ft per face | — |
| Project Wall Sign | Top of wall (maximum) | 20 sq ft per sign | — |
| Wall, Awning, Monument & combinations thereof (W/A/M) | Top of wall (maximum) | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
10
- Wall, Awning, Monument & combinations thereof (W/A/M)
- Pole Sign
- Pedestrian Sign
- Temporary Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Manhattan Beach
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Manhattan Beach, wall signs can be up to Top of wall (maximum) and monument signs are limited to 6 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan Beach, regulated sign types include Wall, Awning, Monument & combinations thereof (W/A/M), Pole Sign, Pedestrian Sign, Temporary 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 Manhattan Beach 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 Manhattan Beach are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Manhattan Beach has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Manhattan Beach, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Manhattan Beach, California regulates 10 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Project Monument Signs in the Residential zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 20 sq ft per face (Sec. 10.72.050 Table (Residential) (C)). Most commercial signs in Manhattan Beach require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Manhattan Beach, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Manhattan Beach (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | 2 | 6 ft | 20 sq ft per face | — |
| Commercial in Area Districts I & II | 4 | 30 ft max | 4 sq ft per face | — |
| Commercial in Area Districts III & IV | 4 | 15 ft max | 4 sq ft per face | — |
| Industrial | 1 | — | — | — |
| Public & Semipublic | 2 | 6 ft max | 20 sq ft per face | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Manhattan Beach(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Monument Sign | 6 ft | 20 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per project frontage | 1 double faced sign per project frontage | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Residential) (C) |
| Project Wall Sign | Top of wall (maximum) | 20 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per project frontage | 1 per project frontage in lieu of monument sign | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Residential) (B) |
Commercial in Area Districts I & II
| 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, Awning, Monument & combinations thereof (W/A/M) | Top of wall (maximum) | — | — | — | No limit, subject to max sq ft allowed per frontage | Wall, awning, monument signs on premises; no limit on number. | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Commercial Area Districts I & II) (B) |
| Pole Sign | 30 ft max | — | — | Minimum 20 ft from each interior site property line (D) | 1 per site | 1 per site | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Commercial Area Districts I & II) (B)(C)(D) |
| Pedestrian Sign | 8 ft min clearance, 14 ft max height | 4 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per pedestrian entrance | 1 double-faced per pedestrian entrance | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Commercial Area Districts I & II) (B) |
| Temporary Sign | Placement not allowed on building roofs | See above | — | — | Cumulative sign area controlled per tenant frontage | As per permit; oriented toward commercial street, not residential | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Commercial Area Districts I & II) (A) |
Commercial in Area Districts III & IV
| 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, Awning, Monument & combinations thereof (W/A/M) | Top of wall (maximum) | — | — | — | No limit, subject to sq ft max | No limit on number, subject to max cumulative sq ft allowed. | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Commercial Area Districts III & IV) (B) |
| Pole Sign | 15 ft max | — | — | Minimum 20 ft from each interior site property line (D) | 1 per site | 1 per site, in lieu of monument signs | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Commercial Area Districts III & IV) (B)(C)(D) |
| Pedestrian Sign | 8 ft min clearance, 14 ft max height | 4 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per pedestrian entrance | 1 double-faced per pedestrian entrance | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Commercial Area Districts III & IV) (B) |
| Temporary Sign | Placement not allowed on building roofs | See above | — | — | Cumulative sign area controlled per tenant frontage | As per permit; oriented toward commercial street, not residential | — | Unlock | 10.72.050 Table (Commercial Area Districts III & IV) (A) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Manhattan 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 6 zones for Manhattan Beach — start freeProhibited Signs in Manhattan Beach
- No sign shall have blinking or flashing lights or any other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity, brightness or color.
- No sign shall move, have visible moving parts, or simulate movement by means of fluttering, spinning, or reflective devices.
- Copy of all signs must be permanently fixed in place unless an exception for changeable copy is provided.
- Portable signs are prohibited, except as permitted or exempted.
- All signs must be structurally safe, rust resistant, and maintained in good condition; rough supporting members and electrical appurtenances or equipment must not be visible.
- Abandoned signs must be removed by the property owner within thirty (30) days of being determined abandoned by the city.
- No sign shall be affixed or constructed so as to interfere with vision clearance or create a safety hazard (must meet vision and property line standards, e.g. Sections 10.64.150 and 3.40.010).
- Off-site or off-premises signs are prohibited.
- Outdoor advertising display signs (billboards) are prohibited.
- Signs on public property are prohibited unless otherwise permitted.
- Portable, A-frame, or sidewalk signs are prohibited except as specified.
- Three-dimensional objects or statues, including air or gas-filled objects greater than eighteen inches in diameter and used to attract attention or as signs, are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Projecting signs, except those specifically permitted, are prohibited.
- Revolving, flashing, fluttering, spinning, or reflective signs are prohibited.
- Signs other than those permitted by the chapter are prohibited.
- Unsafe, dangerous, or traffic hazard signs, as determined by the appropriate City departments, are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Manhattan Beach
- Directional signs: One parking directional sign per entrance/exit not exceeding six (6) square feet or four (4) feet in height.
- Real estate signs: One unlighted sign per street frontage not exceeding six (6) square feet or four (4) feet in height; plus directional open house signs as specified.
- Construction signs: One unlighted sign per contractor/engineer/architect on an actively under-construction site, not exceeding four (4) square feet each and a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet total.
- Official notices authorized by a court, public body, or officer.
- Directional, warning, or information signs authorized by federal, state, or municipal authority.
- Memorial plaques and building cornerstones when made an integral part of a building or structure.
- One non-illuminated permanent window, wall, door or directory sign per business not exceeding three (3) square feet and four (4) inch letter height, limited to identification and basic information.
- Interior signs within a structure not visible from neighboring properties or the public right-of-way.
- Official City or utility company safety and notification signs on construction sites or with utilities.
- Official flags of recognized governmental organizations.
- Automobile dealership price signs on windshields of vehicles for sale on the dealership site.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Manhattan Beach
- All sign permits issued for any multiple tenant site must conform to an approved site sign program.
- An approved sign program is required for any multiple tenant site prior to issuance of any sign permit for that site.
- Applications for a sign exception must include a proposed sign program with plans and elevations of all buildings and signs.
- A temporary sign program may be incorporated into a master sign program and is required for large retail oriented commercial sites seeking flexibility in temporary sign standards.
- When applying for a sign exception, a sign program with plans must be submitted and reviewed.
- Sign programs are to establish uniform sign design guidelines and sign area allocations for all uses/buildings on a site.
Source: municode municipal code