# Sign Regulations in South Gate, California

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for South Gate, California, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** South Gate, California (CA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/california/south-gate
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-03
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SouthGate/#!/SouthGate11/SouthGate1136.html#11.36)

## At a glance

South Gate, California regulates 33 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Monument or Ground Sign - Commercials in the Urban Mixed-Use Zones (CC, TV, IF, CDR1, CDR2, UN, MS) zoning district are capped at 6 feet above grade tall and 25 square feet per side, with a 5 feet from property line; 10 feet from ROW setback (Sec. 11.36.090.3). Most commercial signs in South Gate require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 16 | 10 feet | 50 square feet | — |
| Urban Mixed-Use Zones (CC, TV, IF, CDR1, CDR2, UN, MS) | 30 | Bottom min 42 inches above sidewalk | 50 square feet | — |
| Commercial Industrial Zones (RC, LI, M2, M3) | 32 | 42 in min bottom | 672 square feet per face | — |
| Residential Neighborhood Zones (NL, NM, MH, CV, OS) | 16 | 10 feet | 50 square feet | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### Urban Mixed-Use Zones (CC, TV, IF, CDR1, CDR2, UN, MS)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Flag or Emblem Sign | — | 12 square feet collective per lot | — | — | 1 per street frontage | One per street frontage | — | 11.36.070.3 |
| Government Required Sign | As required by law | As required by law | — | — | — | As required by law | — | 11.36.070.4 |
| Real Estate Sign - Less than 1 Acre | 8 feet | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | 11.36.070.6 |
| Real Estate Sign - 1 Acre or More | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | 11.36.080.4 |
| Wall Sign | Height of building roofline or parapet wall | 40% of building face | — | — | 4 per establishment max | Parallel to building face | — | 11.36.090.2 |
| Freestanding Monument or Ground Sign - Commercial | 6 feet above grade | 25 square feet per side | — | 5 feet from property line; 10 feet from ROW | 1 per parcel | Not less than 5 feet inside property line | — | 11.36.090.3 |
| Pole Sign | Height of building roofline or parapet wall | — | — | 5 feet from property line | 1 per parcel | Not extending outside property line | — | 11.36.090.4 |
| Changeable Copy Sign - Petroleum Products Service Station | Min 2 feet | 18 square feet | — | — | 1 | Near street intersections | — | 11.36.090.10.d |

### Commercial Industrial Zones (RC, LI, M2, M3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Flag or Emblem Sign | — | 12 square feet collective | — | — | 1 per street frontage | 1 per frontage | — | 11.36.070.3 |
| Government Required Sign | As required | As required | — | — | — | As required | — | 11.36.070.4 |
| Wall Sign | Roofline or parapet | 40% building face | — | — | 4 per establishment | Parallel to face | — | 11.36.090.2 |
| Freestanding Monument or Ground Sign - Commercial | 6 ft | 25 sq ft per side | — | 5 ft property, 10 ft ROW | 1 | >=5 ft inside | — | 11.36.090.3 |
| Freestanding Monument or Ground Sign - Manufacturing | 8 feet | 150 square feet | — | 5 ft property | 1 | >=5 ft inside | — | 11.36.090.3 |
| Pole Sign | Roofline or parapet | — | — | 5 ft | 1 | No outside property | — | 11.36.090.4 |
| Changeable Copy Sign - Petroleum Products Service Station | 2 ft min | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Intersections | — | 11.36.090.10.d |
| Off-Premises Freeway Sign | 42 feet | 672 square feet per face | — | 300 feet from like signs | — | In LI, M2, M3 zones oriented to freeway | — | 11.36.100 |

### Residential Neighborhood Zones (NL, NM, MH, CV, OS)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Community Activity Sign | 6 feet | 12 square feet | — | 3 feet | — | Not less than 3 feet inside property | — | 11.36.070.2 |
| Political Sign | 6 feet | 12 square feet | — | 5 feet | — | Not less than 5 feet inside property line | — | 11.36.070.5 |
| Real Estate Sign - Less than 1 Acre | 6 feet | 12 square feet; 6 sq ft SFH | — | 5 feet | 1 per street frontage | Not less than 5 feet inside property line | — | 11.36.070.6 |
| Construction Announcement Sign - Less than 1 Acre | 8 feet | 18 square feet | — | 5 feet | — | Not less than 5 feet inside property line | — | 11.36.080.2 |
| Institutional Sign - Residential | 6 ft ground | 20 sq ft aggregate | — | 5 feet | 1 per street frontage | Not less than 5 feet inside; ground in landscape = area | — | 11.36.080.3 |
| Real Estate Sign - 1 Acre or More | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | 5 feet | 1 per street frontage | Not less than 5 feet inside property line | — | 11.36.080.4 |
| Subdivision Directional Sign | 6 feet | 12 square feet | — | 5 feet; 50 ft from res | 4 | Not less than 5 feet inside property line | — | 11.36.080.6 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign | 10 feet | 50 square feet | — | 5 feet | 1 | Not less than 5 feet inside property line | — | 11.36.080.7 |

## Prohibited signs in South Gate

- Signs which, by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination, may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, or device, or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle, or which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal or device.
- Any signs and supports other than those signs and supports required by governmental authority, or for which an encroachment permit has been issued, which are located on the public right-of-way, including sidewalks, public streets, alleys, and parkways. This section shall not apply to permanent signs on commercial vehicles or commercial trailers lawfully operated or parked in such areas.
- Signs that glare, flash, change, reflect, blink or emit sound, odor, or visible matter which serves as a distraction to persons, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Reader boards will be permitted subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit.
- Signs advertising an activity, business, service or product no longer conducted or sold on the premises; and which shall be removed within sixty days after such use is discontinued. This provision shall be enforced pursuant to this chapter. Structure to be removed within one year.
- Signs that exceed the height of the building roofline or architecturally integrated parapet wall, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
- Signs that display a message or a graphic representation that is lewd, indecent, or otherwise offensive to public morals.
- Business sign on or affixed to trucks, automobiles, trailers, or other vehicles, used for the purpose of displaying such signs, while parked on public or private property except on property currently licensed for the sale of new or used motor vehicles.
- Portable, folding, A-frame, feather flag, teardrop, or similar type signs.
- Signs pertaining to a business home occupancy are expressly prohibited.
- Signs using colors in the fluorescent “dayglow” color spectrum.
- Signs that are painted, attached, glued, pasted, or otherwise affixed to display windows, except as authorized by Sections 11.36.070 and 11.36.090, whether advertising an activity, business, product, or price.
- Temporary signs shall not be displayed on the exterior surface of a building or window except as provided in this chapter.
- Projecting signs, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
- Painted wall signs, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
- Off-Premises Advertising Signs. Signs used to advertise the availability or sale of goods, property or services at locations other than the premises on which the sign is located are prohibited, except as allowed by this chapter.
- Any sign not specifically authorized by this chapter is prohibited, unless authorized by specific approval of the director of community development or the city planning commission.
- Rooftop signs.
- Helium-Filled Balloons. No large balloons or strings of balloons filled with helium or other lighter-than-air gas are permitted. Inflatable statuary signs, such as a hot air balloon, are strictly prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in South Gate

- Name plates, addresses, identification signs or notices not exceeding two square feet in area.
- Community Activity Signs. Signs affiliated with religious, charitable, cultural, civic, educational or other nonprofit organizations. Said organizations must be exempt from the franchise tax board. Size shall not exceed twelve square feet in sign area. Height shall not exceed six feet; on facade, shall not exceed the height of the permanent signage. Location shall not be less than three feet inside the property in residential zones. Limitations: Shall be temporary (not exceeding thirty days) signs; shall be nonilluminated; shall be dated with the date of the first day the sign is displayed; and shall be removed within two days following the event.
- Flags and Emblems. Signs which are flags or emblems of a political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious quasi-public use organization, which are to be maintained for a period of time greater than one month, may be allowed for any lot occupied by an organization as to which such flag or emblem is appurtenant. Size: Collective sign area shall not exceed twelve square feet for any one lot. Height: Not restricted. Location: One sign for each street frontage. Limitations: Flags must be kept in good repair.
- Government or Other Signs Required by Law. Signs placed by a governmental body or private individual or business as required by federal, state, or city law. Size: As required by law. Height: As required by law. Location: As required by law. Limitations: Shall be nonilluminated signs, unless required by law.
- Political Signs. Signs associated with a candidate for elected office, political party or ballot measure, or which make a political statement. Size: Shall not exceed twelve square feet in sign area in residential zones and thirty-two square feet in sign area in commercial and industrial zones. Height: Shall not exceed six feet in a residential zone, or eight feet in commercial or industrial zone. Location: Shall not be less than five feet inside the property line in residential zones. Limitations: Shall be nonilluminated signs; shall have the consent of the property owner; political signs shall be installed no earlier than ninety days before and shall be removed no later than five days after that election.
- Real Estate Signs for Property of Less than One Acre. Signs offering developed or undeveloped real property of less than one acre for sale, lease or rent. For one acre or more see Section 11.36.080. Size: Shall not exceed twelve square feet in sign area. In the event that the sign refers to a single-family home, then the size of the sign shall not exceed six square feet in area. Height: Shall not exceed six feet in residential zones, or eight feet in commercial and industrial zones. Location: Shall not be less than five feet inside the property line in a residential zone. Limitations: Shall be nonilluminated; only one such sign may be displayed on each street frontage of the real property to which it refers.
- Temporary Window Signs. Signs placed or displayed on a window or window frame, covering less than twenty-five percent of the window area, announcing special sales, a change of management or similar information, and designed to be viewed from adjacent streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, or parking lots within a business center. Size: Such window signs in the aggregate shall cover less than twenty-five percent of the window area. Height: Bottom of sign must be placed a minimum of forty-two inches above the sidewalk. Location: In all commercial and industrial zones. Limitations: Shall be dated with the date the sign is first displayed; and placed on the interior and be temporary (not to exceed thirty days) signs which are to be removed two days following the event they were intended for, and shall be nonilluminated signs. Total area of all window signs, both permanent and temporary, shall not exceed one-half of the window area.
- Memorial signs or plaques, installed by a recognized historical society, not to exceed four square feet in area. In the event the sign is larger, the sign must conform to Section 11.36.090, whichever is applicable.
- All business and residential buildings shall be identified by a street address sign and such street address shall be exempt from the required permit.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Signing for a new business or business establishment within a new commercial or industrial center shall have an entire signing theme. The theme of such signing shall be approved as a sign theme by the city planning commission.
- A planned sign design may be approved for existing commercial or industrial, individual business, or business centers subject to review by the director of community development or his/her designee.
- For wall signs, areas shall not be exceeded unless otherwise approved as part of the planned sign design by the city planning commission through the site plan process as part of the sign theme.
- Additional sign area may be approved for a commercial or industrial center, if approved as part of the planned sign design by the city planning commission through the site plan process as part of the sign theme.
- Additional sign height may be approved as part of a planned sign design by the city planning commission as part of the sign theme.
- Sign area shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of street frontage unless otherwise approved as part of the planned sign design by the city planning commission through the site plan process as part of a sign theme.
- The sign shall not exceed the height of the building roofline or architecturally integrated parapet wall unless otherwise approved as part of the planned sign design by the city planning commission through a site plan process as part of the sign.
- For temporary signs, a sign plan shall be submitted to the director of community development detailing the type, number, location and duration of temporary signs.
- A sign permit application for each sign shall be submitted... accompanied by two copies of a sign plan providing the following information: Location of property on which sign is to be located. Position of each (existing and new) sign and its relation to adjacent buildings, structures, and other signs on the premises. The proposed height, size, shape, color, and design of each sign and supporting structure. The name and address of the applicant and the property owner. Such other information as the department of community development and building and safety division may require to determine compliance with this chapter and all ordinances of the city. The endorsement of either the owner of the premises or an authorized representative of the owner.
- When practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships, or results inconsistent with the general intent and purpose of this chapter occur by reason of the maximum standards for new signs set forth herein such as height, size, and location of any sign, a sign variance may be granted... no variance shall be granted for any sign prohibited by the provisions of this chapter.
- For a development subject to the administrative review and design review process, a proposed sign theme shall be included as part of the required administrative plan and design review applications. The sign theme shall provide the information indicated in this section for sign plans.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 4 zoning districts in South Gate — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=South+Gate+CA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-south-gate

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