Sign Regulations in Whittier, California
Whittier, California has specific sign regulations covering 11 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign (Monument), Awning/Awning 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 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Whittier, California
Sample Sign Requirements in Whittier
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Monument) | 48 inches | 32 sq ft (aggregate) | 5' from property line (see further details above) |
| Temporary On-Premises Signs (Commercial) | — | If larger than 4 sq ft, subject to permanent sign rules | 5' setback from public right-of-way. |
| Portable Sign (A-frame/Sandwich Board) | 4 ft | 12 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
11
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign (Monument)
- Awning/Awning Sign
- Permanent Window Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Whittier
Other Cities in California
Frequently Asked Questions
In Whittier, monument signs are limited to 48 inches. 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 Whittier, 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 Whittier, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign (Monument), Awning/Awning Sign, Permanent Window 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 Whittier, monument signs typically require a 5' from property line (see further details above) 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 Whittier are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Whittier has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Whittier, California Sign Rules at a Glance
Whittier, California regulates 11 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Monument)s in the C-0, C-1, C-2 (HO) zoning district are capped at 48 inches tall and 32 sq ft (aggregate), with a 5' from property line (see further details above) setback (Sec. 18.76.060 Table 6). Most commercial signs in Whittier require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Whittier, California
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Whittier (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uptown Whittier Specific Plan (UWSP) | 1 | — | — | — |
| C-0, C-1, C-2 (HO) | 8 | 48 inches | 32 sq ft (aggregate) | — |
| C-2, C-3 and M Zones Lots > 30 acres | 1 | 40 ft | 0.5 sq ft per lineal ft of street frontage (no max specified) | — |
| C-2, C-3, and MU-3 and M Lots 2 to 30 acres | 1 | 25 ft | 0.5 sq ft per lineal ft of street frontage | — |
| C-2, C-3, MU1, MU2, MU3, INV, MED Lots < 2 acres | 1 | 6 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| R-3, R-4, R-5 | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential Zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-E) | 1 | 36 in (plus 12 in decorative features) | 24 sq ft | — |
| MU-1, MU-2, MU-3, INV, MED | 1 | — | — | — |
| M Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Whittier(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
C-0, C-1, C-2 (HO)
| 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 | — | — | — | — | 1 per business per primary facade; 1 per business on 1 secondary facade ≤50% size of primary | 1 sign per business per primary facade; 1 sign per business on 1 secondary facade ≤ 50% size of primary facade sign; attached parallel to exterior wall, ≤12" projection; not allowed on freestanding exterior walls or fences; not above parapet/eave. | — | Unlock | 18.76.020 Table 2 |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per primary facade; or 1 per secondary if no primary facade | Attached perpendicular to exterior wall or bisecting building corner; within sign placement area; 8-foot clearance from adjoining public right-of-way; minimum 10' apart, 5' from adjacent property/lease line, 3' from building edge unless at corner. | — | Unlock | 18.76.030 Table 3 |
| Awning/Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per awning | Ground floor businesses abutting public street/walkway; directly above a public entry/transparent window; awnings/canopies may extend for facade length with public entrance. | — | Unlock | 18.76.040 Table 4 |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | — | — | — | See above | Only in transparent windows, not in opaque. Illuminated neon outlining counts toward area. | — | Unlock | 18.76.050 Table 5 |
| Freestanding Sign (Monument) | 48 inches | 32 sq ft (aggregate) | — | 5' from property line (see further details above) | 2 per lot | 5' setback from property line along street frontages; may extend up to 3' into setback if in planter; 10' from any driveway or ingress/egress; 10' from side/shared lot line; 150' minimum between signs. | — | Unlock | 18.76.060 Table 6 |
| Temporary On-Premises Signs (Commercial) | — | If larger than 4 sq ft, subject to permanent sign rules | — | 5' setback from public right-of-way. | 1 per 1/4 acre | Entirely inside subject property, not over property line; 5' setback from public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | 18.76.080 Table 7 |
| Portable Sign (A-frame/Sandwich Board) | 4 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | Not in public ROW, parking, or planters; may be in building recesses or non-obstructive locations. | — | Unlock | 18.76.080(J) |
| Readerboard/Changeable Copy Sign (Institutional Uses Only) | — | 30 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per development | Only along minor or major arterial street for institutional use. | — | Unlock | 18.76.070, 18.76.140 |
C-2, C-3 and M Zones Lots > 30 acres
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Monument/Pylon) | 40 ft | 0.5 sq ft per lineal ft of street frontage (no max specified) | — | See above | No maximum | Monument or pylon. Monument: 5' setback from property line, or up to 3' into required setback if in planter; Pylon: 10' setback from property line. 10' from driveway/ingress; 10' from side/shared property line; minimum 150' between signs; cannot project into ROW. | — | Unlock | 18.76.060 Table 6 |
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning/Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per awning | Ground-floor businesses only, over public entries or windows; must be centered. | — | Unlock | 18.76.040 Table 4 |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | — | — | — | 3/5 per window size | In transparent windows only. | — | Unlock | 18.76.050 Table 5 |
| Directional Sign (On-Premises) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On private property as required for wayfinding | — | Unlock | 18.76.060 Table 6, 18.76.140 Table 9 |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Whittier — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Whittier — start freeProhibited Signs in Whittier
- No person shall erect, construct, or maintain, or permit the erection, construction, or maintenance of any outdoor advertising structure (billboard) on any real property within the city.
- Pole signs are prohibited.
- Balloon strings are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Vehicle-mounted signs are prohibited.
- Animated signs are prohibited.
- Signs that produce smoke, sound, or other emissions are prohibited.
- Any sign containing fluorescent colors is prohibited.
- Can signs are prohibited.
- All permanent off-premises signs are prohibited in the city.
- All temporary off-premises signs are prohibited, except for specific exceptions regarding directional signs.
- No private person, group, or entity may place any type of sign, temporary or permanent, or any human advertisement, in the public right-of-way, except as allowed for temporary directional signs.
- All human advertisement is prohibited where intended to attract attention of passing motorists to a business or service.
- No signs are allowed other than on a primary or secondary facade. Any side of a building without a public entrance or not facing a public street may not have any signs.
- No freestanding sign may project into the public right-of-way.
- Off-premises directional signs are prohibited.
- Wood signs are prohibited in C or M zones, except as provided in Section 18.76.030.
- Readerboard and changeable copy signs may not display neon or day-glo colors.
- Temporary signs may not be displayed for longer than 30 consecutive days nor for more than four such periods during a calendar year.
- Prohibited temporary signs include balloon strings (with or without text) and vehicle-mounted signs (except advertising displays on mass transit vehicles).
- Portable and temporary signs or sign structures are not permitted to be repaired, maintained, or reconstructed.
- Off-premises directional signs are prohibited for institutional uses.
- No new freestanding sign shall be installed on any lot classified in residential zones R-E, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, or R-5 if any nonconforming sign is located upon such lot.
- No person may erect or install any sign on any lot after the use to which it relates has been removed, discontinued, or abandoned.
Exempt Signs in Whittier
- Any sign located entirely within a building and not within three feet of a window, and which is not readily visible from the exterior of the building, is exempt from the requirements of Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter.
- No permit is required for the changing of advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign.
- No permit is required for replacing copy in signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.
- No permit is required for maintenance of the sign.
- Seasonal or holiday displays, other than window signs, do not require a permit.
- Signs authorized under Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter can contain noncommercial copy in lieu of any other copy (substitution clause).
- The provisions of Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter do not apply to outdoor advertising structures, as defined and regulated by Chapter 18.68.
- Provisions do not excuse, prevent, materially alter, or restrict any signage requirements under California or federal law; any inconsistent or conflicting provision is preempted.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Whittier
- A sign plan is required for construction, erection, installation, relocation, or alteration of any permanent on-premises sign prior to obtaining the applicable permit.
- Sign plan review is required for banners, flags, portable signs, permanent window signs, wall signs, projecting, awning, and freestanding signs in all zones (for development with less than 3 tenants).
- For development with 3 or more tenants: sign plan review and compliance with a master sign program is required.
- Master sign program must be submitted to the planning division for review and approval by the design review board for commercial centers containing three or more tenants.
- Signs included in projects requiring development review or a conditional use permit (CUP) must undergo sign plan review within the respective application process.
- Any modification or alteration of an existing sign requires that a supplemental sign plan or master sign program, as applicable, be submitted for review and issuance of a new permit.
- Promotional sign program applications, for lots 75,000 square feet or more seeking outdoor commercial promotional signage, require annual review and approval.
- Modifications to an approved promotional sign program require review and approval by the planning division.
- For nonconforming sign owners seeking an exception to amortization, a minor variance application is required at least ninety days before termination of the amortization period.
- Owners of existing on-premises signs may request a determination of nonconforming status; the request must contain the same information required for a permit application (sign plan or master sign program).
- Any redevelopments or permits for a property with an existing legal nonconforming sign may require the sign to be brought into compliance with current code or removed as a condition of approval, when there is a nexus between the permit/approval and the nonconforming sign.
Source: municode municipal code