Sign Regulations in Monterey Park, California
Monterey Park, California has specific sign regulations covering 8 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Primary Wall Sign, Secondary Wall Sign, Projecting Blade Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Monterey Park, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Monterey Park
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Wall Sign | 15 ft. above sidewalk elevation | 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building or business frontage | — |
| Secondary Wall Sign | 15 ft. above sidewalk elevation | 50% of 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building or business frontage | — |
| Projecting Blade Sign | — | 15 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
8
- Primary Wall Sign
- Secondary Wall Sign
- Projecting Blade Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Monterey Park
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Monterey Park, wall signs can be up to 15 ft. above sidewalk elevation. 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 Monterey Park, 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 Monterey Park, regulated sign types include Primary Wall Sign, Secondary Wall Sign, Projecting Blade Sign, Freestanding 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 Monterey Park 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 Monterey Park are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Monterey Park has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Monterey Park, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Monterey Park, California regulates 8 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Commercial Zones (R-S, C-S, N-S, S-C, C-P, O-P) zoning district are capped at 20 ft. tall and 120 sq. ft. per side, with a No freestanding sign can be placed within 10 ft. of a common lot line. setback (Sec. § 21.24.650, Table 21.24(A)).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Monterey Park, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Monterey Park (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Business Zone (C-B) | 3 | 15 ft. above sidewalk elevation | 50% of 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building or business frontage | — |
| Commercial Zones (R-S, C-S, N-S, S-C, C-P, O-P) | 3 | 30 ft. above sidewalk elevation | 120 sq. ft. per side | — |
| Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 3 | 15 ft. | 75% per lineal feet of building frontage | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. in residential zones, 12 sq. ft. in all other zones | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Monterey Park(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Central Business Zone (C-B)
| 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 Wall Sign | 15 ft. above sidewalk elevation | 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building or business frontage | — | — | 1 | First story signage | — | Unlock | § 21.24.640, Table 21.24(A) |
| Secondary Wall Sign | 15 ft. above sidewalk elevation | 50% of 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building or business frontage | — | — | 1 | First story signage | — | Unlock | § 21.24.640, Table 21.24(A) |
| Projecting Blade Sign | — | 15 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per business | Building face | — | Unlock | § 21.24.640, Table 21.24(A) |
Commercial Zones (R-S, C-S, N-S, S-C, C-P, O-P)
| 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 Wall Sign | 30 ft. above sidewalk elevation | 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building or business frontage | — | — | 1 | First story signage | — | Unlock | § 21.24.650, Table 21.24(A) |
| Secondary Wall Sign | 15 ft. above sidewalk elevation | 50% of 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building or business frontage | — | — | 1 | First story signage | — | Unlock | § 21.24.650, Table 21.24(A) |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft. | 120 sq. ft. per side | — | No freestanding sign can be placed within 10 ft. of a common lot line. | 2 | Street frontage >600 ft. | — | Unlock | § 21.24.650, Table 21.24(A) |
Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3)
| 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 ft. | 75% per lineal feet of building frontage | — | — | 1 | First story signage | — | Unlock | § 21.24.655, Table 21.24(B) |
| Monument Sign - R-1 | 5 ft. | 25 sq. ft. per side | — | — | 1 | Street frontage 75—84 ft. | — | Unlock | § 21.24.655, Table 21.24(B) |
| Monument Sign - R-2, R-3 | 7 ft. | 30 sq. ft. per side | — | — | 1 | Street frontage 75—84 ft. | — | Unlock | § 21.24.655, Table 21.24(B) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Monterey Park — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Monterey Park — start freeProhibited Signs in Monterey Park
- It is unlawful to construct or use any permanent structure for displaying offsite commercial messages.
- All exterior signs must be permanently affixed to a building, permitted sign support, or firmly attached to the ground. Portable or moving signs with commercial copy are unlawful.
- Signs may not be supported with exposed bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables, or similar materials.
- Signs may not include bare light bulbs over 15 watts that are visible from the front of the sign or beyond the property line.
- Signs may not be connected to visible overhead electrical power lines.
- It is unlawful to erect signs that are detrimental to public health or safety.
- It is unlawful to erect a sign within the clear-sight triangle area other than as described in this section.
- It is unlawful to display signs on public property owned by the City.
- It is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain wind activated signs such as spinner, pennants, streamers, and balloons.
- Mobile signs are prohibited.
- It is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain animated signs or illuminated signs that detrimentally affect surrounding property.
- It is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain a roof sign.
- It is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain signs with commercial messages that face any residential area.
- It is unlawful to erect, allow, or maintain a sign that blocks or shadows solar energy collection devices from direct sun exposure.
- No billboards or outdoor advertising structures shall be permitted in any zone in the City.
- Signs with commercial copy are prohibited in residential zones unless expressly allowed.
- Illuminated signs are prohibited unless expressly allowed.
Exempt Signs in Monterey Park
- Accessory Signs in Commercial Zones or the O-P Zone.
- Barber Poles.
- Construction Project Signs.
- Directional Signs that do not include commercial copy.
- Flags and Flagpoles with noncommercial images and symbols.
- Historical Site Plaques.
- Legally Required or Authorized Signs.
- Noncommercial Group Signs.
- Noncommercial Messages—Residential Uses.
- Professional and Business Shingles.
- Public Interest Notices.
- Public Message Signs.
- Real Estate Signs.
- Special Events for Charitable and Other Noncommercial Groups and Establishments.
- Temporary Freestanding Signs.
- Temporary Real Estate Directional Signs.
- Temporary Window Signs.
- Time and Temperature Signs.
- Umbrellas with commercial or noncommercial messages.
- Warning Signs.
- Vending Machine Signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Monterey Park
- Any new commercial or mixed-use project with three units or more and any existing commercial or mixed-use project with three or more units involving exterior remodeling must receive Planning Commission approval of an integrated master sign plan before the City issues a sign permit.
- The City Planner may determine that a master sign plan is needed because of special project characteristics or when unique, creatively designed signs are being proposed.
- As a part of any required conditional use permit or other discretionary permit process involving three or more separate nonresidential tenant spaces, a master sign plan must be submitted.
- All signs subsequently erected on a property for which a master sign plan was approved must conform to that master sign plan.
Source: municode municipal code