Sign Regulations in Pasadena, California
Pasadena, California has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Building ID, buildings >75 ft in height), Business Directory (Multi-tenant Buildings), Wall Mounted or Freestanding Sign (Commercial, Noncommercial, and Temporary). 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 Pasadena, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Pasadena
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Mounted or Freestanding Sign (Commercial, Noncommercial, and Temporary) | 10 feet and below edge of roof | 25 sq. ft. cumulative total per dwelling unit (all signs); Commercial: 1 sq. ft. per sign; Noncommercial: 16 sq. ft. per sign | Noncommercial signs: minimum 5 ft from street property line (17.48.115) |
| Wall Mounted or Monument Sign | Below edge of roof for wall signs; 5 ft. for monument signs | 20 sq. ft. per sign (may be larger with CUP approval) | — |
| Wall Sign (Primary Building Frontage) | Below edge of roof for wall signs; 5 ft. for monument signs | See formula | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
17
- Wall Sign (Building ID, buildings >75 ft in height)
- Business Directory (Multi-tenant Buildings)
- Wall Mounted or Freestanding Sign (Commercial, Noncommercial, and Temporary)
- Wall Mounted or Monument 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 Pasadena
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Pasadena, wall signs can be up to 10 feet and below edge of roof and monument signs are limited to 10 feet and below edge of roof. 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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Building ID, buildings >75 ft in height), Business Directory (Multi-tenant Buildings), Wall Mounted or Freestanding Sign (Commercial, Noncommercial, and Temporary), Wall Mounted or 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.
In Pasadena, monument signs typically require a Noncommercial signs: minimum 5 ft from street property line (17.48.115) 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 Pasadena are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Pasadena has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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