Article II

The city has a compelling interest in permitting the following signs in order to comply with state and local laws and to promote public safety on city property and in the public right-of-way. The following signs may be installed without a sign permit, provided they meet the requirements listed below. Under certain circumstances these signs may require a building permit or encroachment permit. Contact the building department for permitting requirements prior to installing any of the signs listed below. These signs shall not be included in the determination of type, number, or area of signs allowed on a given property.

A. Address Signs. Signs installed in compliance with California Fire Code Section 505.1 or, if updated, the applicable fire code section as determined by the city fire marshal.

B. Signs Posted During Construction. A maximum of four nonilluminated signs located on construction sites not exceeding sixteen square feet in aggregate area, while a valid construction permit is active. For commercial and residential projects on sites three acres or larger, the maximum exempt sign area under this subsection is thirtytwo square feet. For construction projects along linear routes (e.g., roads, pipelines), signage shall be as permitted pursuant to the project’s encroachment permit.

C. Gasoline Price Signs. Not more than one price sign for each frontage, not to exceed twenty square feet each and subject to height and setback limits established by zoning district. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, signs may include digital readouts or LED technology as necessary to comply with the Business and Professions Code for the display of fuel prices.

D. Official Signs. Official federal, state, local government signs and notices issued by any court, person, or officer in performance of a public duty; signs required by federal, state, or local law; and signs placed by utility companies as part of the normal operation and maintenance of utility facilities.

E. Directional Signs.

1. Directional signs may be erected for the purposes of facilitating or controlling the efficient or safe movement of pedestrians or vehicles (motorized and nonmotorized). Directional signs placed within the city or state highway ROW shall require an encroachment permit from the city or Caltrans, as applicable.

2. Such signs shall not be used for advertising purposes.

F. Miscellaneous Small Signs. Signs with an aggregate area not exceeding four square feet.

G. No Trespassing Signs. Trespass warnings that are posted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

H. Traffic Safety Signs. Signs warning of construction, excavation, or similar hazards if expressly approved by the city engineer (for local streets) or Caltrans (for state highways).

I. Vehicle Signs. Painted signs or decals affixed to the body of any vehicle, unless parked or operated for the primary purpose of displaying the sign. See prohibited vehicle signs in Section 17.62.070.

J. Signs Within Building Interior. Signs or other visual communicative devices that are located entirely within a legally established building or other enclosed structure and are not intended to be oriented or be made visible from the exterior.

• K. Temporary Signs in Residential Zoning Districts.

1. A total of twelve square feet of nonilluminated and nonelectronic temporary signage is permitted (e.g., one sign not exceeding twelve square feet, or two temporary signs not exceeding six square feet, etc.) for up to one hundred days per calendar year in addition to other signs that may be installed in accordance with this section. Note: Christmas or holiday decorations are not considered signage for the purposes of this provision.

2. Temporary signs shall not include sign types listed in Section 17.62.070 (Prohibited signs).

3. Temporary signs may change copy during the one-hundred-day period, but shall not exceed one hundred days total for all temporary signs per calendar year.

4. Signs in multi-unit apartments, condominiums, or common interest subdivisions with no ground level ownership may have up to two temporary window signs not to exceed twenty percent of the window area in which they are displayed and not exceed one hundred days in total duration per calendar year.

Examples of such signs include yard sale signs, campaign signs. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

The city has a compelling interest to prohibit the following signs to further the findings and purpose (Section 17.62.020) of these sign regulations and to enforce local, state and federal law. All signs below are specifically identified as prohibited with some exceptions, and any other signs not expressly provided for or exempted from this chapter are prohibited. Sign types which, in the determination of the city planner, are similar to those listed in this section or which are not described in these regulations are also prohibited.

A. Attention-Getting Devices. Pennants, streamers, spinners, balloons, inflatable signs, search lights, beacons, flashing lights or messages and other similar attentiongetting devices, unless authorized in conjunction with a temporary sign permit or special event permit, and provided the city engineer and Caltrans, if applicable, determine that such a sign will not create an unsafe distraction for users of public rights-of-way.

B. Signs Placed Within the State Right-of-Way (Along SR 4 or SR 49). The State Outdoor Advertising Act prohibits nonofficial signs placed within the state right-of-way.

C. Property Owner Consent. No sign may be displayed without the consent of the legal owner(s) of the property on which the sign is mounted or displayed. For purposes of this policy, "owner" means the holder of the legal title to the property and all parties and persons holding a present right to possession, control or use of the property (Penal Code Section 556.1)2 .

D. Publicly Owned Property. Nonofficial signs are not allowed on publicly owned property. "Publicly owned property" means any property owned by the city (even if open to the public), including sidewalks, streets, landscape areas/medians, light poles, electric poles, traffic signals, along any public right-of-way, etc. For signs announcing special events in city-owned parks, a temporary sign permit (which may be issued in conjunction with a special event permit) is required.

E. Pole Signs. New pole signs are prohibited. Pole signs in existence on October 1, 2025, which may or may not be legally conforming, shall be deemed legally conforming (see Section 17.62.180). Any change in copy or structure shall comply with the provisions of this chapter for existing pole signs.

F. Outdoor Advertising Displays and Off-Site Signs. Outdoor advertising displays such as billboards, handheld signs, mascots, and all off-site commercial signs that display advertising for a business, commodity, service, facility, or other such matter that is not located, conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises where the sign is located are prohibited within the city. Any such outdoor advertising displays that are located within the public right-of-way are considered off site and are prohibited. See Section 17.62.110 for regulations related to off-site signs that are not prohibited, but require a conditional use permit.

G. Highly Reflective and Fluorescent Signs. Signs made wholly or partially of highly reflective material and fluorescent or Day-Glo painted signs.

H. Signs on Utility Poles or Traffic Control Devices. Signs attached or placed adjacent to any utility pole, traffic sign, signal, or marking, or any other official traffic control device, unless in accordance with the California Vehicle Code.3

I. Signs on Street Trees. Any sign posted on a street tree.

J. Signs That Block Ingress or Egress. Any sign, such as a sandwich board sign, placed or maintained so as to interfere with free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape, or parking lot. Prohibited signs include signs that block ingress or egress necessary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). K. Signs in the Street Right-of-Way. Any sign placed in any street right-of-way without a valid encroachment permit or prior approval of the city or, if applicable, Caltrans, for the purpose of safety or traffic control.

L. Simulated Traffic Signs. Any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign or signal, or which makes use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

M. Vehicle Signs or Mobile Advertising Displays. Mobile billboard advertising displays and advertising signs on motor vehicles parked or left standing upon a public street or right-of-way or in view of a public street or right-of-way, except for advertising signs that are permanently affixed to the body of, an integral part of, or a fixture of a motor vehicle for permanent decoration, identification, or display and that do not extend beyond the overall length, width, or height of the vehicle, advertisement on license plate frames installed in compliance with Vehicle Code Section 5201, and paper advertisements issued by a dealer contained within a license frame installed in compliance with Vehicle Code Section 5201. For purposes of this section, "permanently affixed" means any of the following:

1. Painted directly on the body of a motor vehicle;

2. Applied as a decal on the body of a motor vehicle; or

3. Placed in a location on the body of a motor vehicle that was specifically designed by a vehicle manufacturer as defined in Vehicle Code Section 672 and licensed pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 11701, in compliance with both state and federal law or guidelines, for the express purpose of containing an advertising sign.

The city has determined this prohibition is necessary because mobile advertising as a primary purpose inhibits the safe movement of traffic, contributes to air pollution, and detracts from the overall aesthetics of the city. This prohibition applies citywide irrespective of the content of the message or ideas expressed.

N. Prohibited or Unpermitted Uses. Any sign displaying a commercial message promoting a business that is not a permitted use pursuant to this title (zoning regulations).

O. Billboards. New billboards are prohibited. Billboards in existence on October 1, 2025, which may or may not be legally conforming, shall be deemed legally conforming until such time as the lease for the billboard expires. After that time, they shall be deemed legally nonconforming.

P. Roof Signs. New roof signs are prohibited. Roof signs in existence on November 1, 1991, which may or may not be legally conforming, shall be deemed legally conforming. Any change in copy or structure shall comply with the provisions of this chapter for nonconforming signs. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

A. Application. An application for a permit for each sign shall be made to the city in such form and include such information as the city shall prescribe. The application shall be accompanied by the permit fee herein provided. The application will be obtainable at the community development department.

B. Fees. The permit fee for each application for each sign shall be based on the fees prescribed by resolution of the city council.

• C. Fee Waivers, Master Sign Plans.

1. Sign Permit Fee Waiver If Obtained at the Same Time as Other Entitlements. Sign permits should be obtained in conjunction with other entitlements required for a project (e.g., other entitlements include, but are not limited to, site plan review, site development permit, special event permit, conditional use permit). When sign permits are obtained in conjunction with and prior to issuance of another entitlement for the same project, a separate sign permit fee will not be required unless the sign permit requires a conditional use permit. Sign permits obtained after issuance of another entitlement for the same project will require payment of a sign permit fee. Sign permits obtained in conjunction with a business license only require payment of a sign permit fee.

2. Master Sign Plans.

a. Shopping centers shall submit a master sign plan to the planning commission at the time of site plan approval.

b. The city planner may require a business with multiple tenants to submit and obtain approval for a master sign plan to encourage consistent sign design, avoid disputes amongst tenants, and facilitate approval of new signs in the same complex.

D. Processing, Review, and Approval.

1. Planning Commission Review. Whenever a public hearing is required for the review and approval of a project due to the requirement for an entitlement(s) in addition to a sign permit (e.g., nonadministrative site plan review, nonadministrative site development permit, nonadministrative conditional use permit, tentative subdivision map, variance, sign exception), the sign for that project shall be subject to review and approval by the planning commission at the same time as the public hearing for the other entitlement(s) occurs.

2. City Planner Review. When the provisions of subsection (D)(1) of this section do not apply, the city planner may issue any sign permit that does not otherwise require a conditional use permit or request an exception to the city of Angels sign regulations. The decision of the city planner is appealable to the planning commission pursuant to Section 17.81.020. The city planner may refer any sign permit to the planning commission at his or her discretion. In the historical commercial zoning district, the city planner may, at his or her discretion, refer the sign permit to the historic district sign review committee, established pursuant to Section 17.85.105, or to the full planning commission.

le to the planning commission pursuant to Section 17.81.020. The city planner may refer any sign permit to the planning commission at his or her discretion. In the historical commercial zoning district, the city planner may, at his or her discretion, refer the sign permit to the historic district sign review committee, established pursuant to Section 17.85.105, or to the full planning commission.

3. Public Noticing. Signs issued by the city planner or the historic district sign review committee (Section 17.85.105) do not require public noticing or a public hearing unless such signs otherwise require a conditional use permit or include a request for an exception to the city of Angels sign regulations, in which case public noticing and a public hearing are required in accordance with Section 17.85.160. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

ARTICLE III.

A. Permit and Fees Required.

1. Temporary signs shall require a sign permit issued by the city planner in accordance with Section 17.62.060 excepting those identified in subsection B of this section. Any temporary sign installed without a temporary sign permit and not exempt per subsection B of this section may be removed by the city in accordance with Section 17.62.190.

2. A fee shall be collected as established by resolution of the city council.

B. Exceptions. Temporary signs allowed without obtaining a temporary sign permit include those:

1. Approved in conjunction with an approved temporary or intermittent use, or outdoor event permit or special event permit, or other planning entitlement(s) (e.g., site plan review, site development permit, special event permit, conditional use permit); or

2. Approved with a sign permit as a temporary sign pending manufacture and installation of an approved permanent sign for not more than thirty days or within a specified time frame as determined by the city planner; or

3. Approved by the city over designated rights-of-way (i.e., SR 49) in compliance with the city’s Caltrans encroachment permit; or

4. Exempt under Section 17.62.060.

C. Temporary Sign Standards for Nonresidential Zoning Districts, Excluding the Historical Commercial Zoning District. This subsection excludes temporary signs allowed in the historical commercial zoning district. For temporary signs allowed in the historical commercial zoning district, see Section 17.62.110.

Examples of temporary signs in nonresidential districts outside the historical commercial zoning district are campaign signs, real estate signs, notices of special events, and grand openings. Temporary signs shall be posted below the roofline of the building and not obscure architectural features or cover windows and comply with all of the following:

1. A total of twenty-four square feet of nonilluminated and nonelectronic temporary signage is permitted subject to obtaining a temporary sign permit (e.g., one sign not exceeding twenty-four square feet, or two temporary signs not exceeding twelve square feet etc.) for up to one hundred days per calendar year unless otherwise provided in subsection (C)(4) of this section.

2. Temporary signs shall not include sign types listed in Section 17.62.070 (Prohibited signs).

3. Temporary signs may change copy during the one-hundred-day period, but shall not exceed one hundred days total for all temporary signs per calendar year unless otherwise provided in subsection (C)(4) of this section.

4. Removal. Temporary signs must be removed within ten days after the election, sale, rental, lease or conclusion of the event which is the basis for the sign. For signs promoting events without an "end" date, the provisions of subsection (C)(1) of this section shall apply.

5. Temporary Political Signs in View of a State Highway (SR 4, SR 49). Section 5405.3 of the State Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code) exempts the placing of temporary political signs from normal state outdoor advertising display requirements when the sign (a) encourages a particular vote in a scheduled election, (b) is placed no sooner than ninety days prior to the scheduled election and removed within ten days after the election, (c) is no larger than thirty-two square feet, and (d) the sign proponent has filed a statement of responsibility certifying a person who will be responsible for removing the sign and (e) the sign is not placed in the state right-of-way. State law directs the Department of Transportation to remove unauthorized temporary political signs and bill the responsible party for their removal.

6. Sunset Clause for This Section December 31, 2028. The provisions of this section shall end December 31, 2028, unless the city determines that this section is consistent with the purposes expressed in Section 17.62.030 and an extension to this section with or without changes is warranted. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

A. Maximum Area per Building. The maximum sign area for each building, except that covered under "shopping centers," Section 17.62.080(C)(2)(a) and provisions in the historic district, shall not exceed ten percent of the business front, but in no case shall exceed ninety square feet for the business front. The sign area allowed to separate occupancies in multiple-use buildings will be in direct proportion of their part of the total building front including doors and windows.

B. Types Permitted. There may be permitted for each building a combination of not more than three types of signs: freestanding, wall or projecting, with their aggregate size not exceeding the size limitations under subsection A of this section.

1. Freestanding Sign--On Premises. The following applies to freestanding signs on premises:

• a. Location. An on-premises sign is one that is confined to the owner’s property. Such signs are not allowed in residential zones.

• b. Height. No such sign shall exceed eight feet in height except as provided in Section 17.62.130. The height of freestanding signs shall be measured from the base line.

c. Number. There may be one such sign for each building, and in no case shall exceed ninety square feet as defined in subsection A of this section.

2. A-Frame/Sandwich Board Signs.

a. Freestanding Signs on an A-Frame. Subject to the requirement to be located on the parcel of the business being identified; is not in the public right-of-way; does not block the sidewalk or create visibility problems for vehicles or pedestrians; and does not exceed a width of four feet or height of four feet for a total sign area to not exceed sixteen square feet per side of sign area. b. Sandwich signs located along sidewalks shall not block sidewalks. Signs on or near sidewalks shall maintain a minimum four-foot travel way to accommodate accessibility.

3. Wall and Window Signs.

• a. Location. Wall signs shall be located on the business front.

b. Height. No part of any sign shall extend above the top level of the wall upon or in front of which it is situated. Any such sign which is suspended or projects over any public walkway or walk area shall have an overhead clearance of at least eight feet.

• c. Number. There may be any number of wall signs for each business front, but the total sign area shall not exceed ten percent of the building front, and in no case exceed ninety square feet, as defined in subsection A of this section.

d. Thickness or Projection. No sign, including any light box or other structural part, shall project more than twelve inches from the building face.

4. Projecting Signs.

a. Location. Signs may be located on the building front, providing they do not constitute a hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic, do not conceal from view any public or business sign or traffic signal, do not extend or project over a street right-of-way and do not extend lower than eight feet above the surface below it. b. Height. No such sign shall extend above the top level of the wall upon or in front of which it is situated, or, in the case of buildings having sloping roofs, above the roof ridge. c. Number. There may be one projecting sign for each business front, but total sign area shall not exceed ten percent of the building front, and in no case exceed ninety square feet. C. Lighted Signs. Signs shall have no flashing or blinking lights; lighting shall be arranged so that visibility of vehicular traffic is not impaired, and objectionable glare is shielded from adjoining residential zones, except for the following:

Each business may have one LED or neon sign not exceeding two square feet as measured along the outside perimeter (frame) of the sign. The sign shall be nonblinking with steady light.

Any sign in violation of this subsection shall be removed immediately. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

17.62.110 Signs requiring a conditional use permit--Special findings.

The following signs are prohibited in the historical commercial zoning district and require a conditional use permit in all other zoning districts:

A. Electronic Message Centers (EMC Signs) and Digital Display. Signs using digital displays or other means to present images or messages. These signs typically use light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma or other technology to present a series of still images, full motion animation, or other text messages. (Does not apply where preempted by state law for fuel price signage or other applicable codes; does not apply to changeable message signs.)

B. Off-Site/Off-Premises Signs. Signs shall advertise only licensed business conducted, services rendered or products from or sold on the parcel. Off-site signs shall require approval of a conditional use permit by the planning commission.

C. Special Findings for Conditional Use Permit for Signs. In addition to the findings for a conditional use permit required in Section 17.78.030, the findings for sign exceptions in Sections 17.62.140(B) and (C) also are required for issuance of a conditional use permit pursuant to this section.

The planning commission may also consider and approve a conditional use permit for other types of signs, such as off-site signs, where provisions of this title specifically provide for such consideration, and approval and findings of Section 17.78.030 can be made. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

A. Sign permits (temporary and permanent) shall be secured prior to installing a new sign in accordance with Section 17.62.080(D) unless the sign is exempt pursuant to Section 17.62.060.

• B. Permanent Sign Standards Within the HC Zoning District.

1. Design Standards. No sign shall be placed, erected, altered or relocated on any property within the historical district unless such sign shall as to its exterior appearance be compatible with the Mother Lode architectural style and the "City of Angels Design Guidelines for Signs" (PC Resolution 2010-02).

2. On-Site. No sign shall be allowed except a sign which identifies or advertises the business conducted on the premises.

3. Location. Each sign shall be affixed to a building, except that where a building is set back from the street to such extent that a sign affixed to the building would not be within reasonable view from the street, then a sign need not be so affixed, but may be located in some other manner as the city planner shall approve.

4. Projections.

• a. No sign shall project more than six feet from the face or vertical surface of the building where applicable. Signs must not constitute a hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

• b. No sign shall project above the eave or the parapet line of the building.

c. Signs shall not project over the edge of the sidewalk into Caltrans right-of-way or otherwise interfere with parking or ingress/egress of the public from vehicles parking along sidewalks within the Caltrans ROW.

5. Area.

a. The total aggregate area per any one parcel for attached on-site signs shall not exceed ten percent of the building facade excluding parapets and/or false fronts and in no case shall exceed fifty square feet of the total sign area. If a single business entity has public customer entrances on two or more sides of a building, the building owner may choose which building facade is most beneficial to use as the ten percent of the facade area.

b. The area of an irregular sign shall be the area of the smallest rectangle which can wholly contain all the sign text and graphics.

6. Moving/Flashing. No sign shall contain any flashing, blinking, or moving letters, characters, or other elements, and the sign itself shall not move.

7. Sidewalk Clearances. All hanging signs above walkways shall maintain a minimum eight-foot clearance as measured from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk surface.

C. Temporary Signs in the Historical Commercial Zoning District.

1. Require a sign permit and shall be processed in accordance with Section 17.62.080(D) unless the sign is exempt pursuant to Section 17.62.060.

2. Banners are the only temporary sign type permitted in the historical commercial zoning district.

3. Banners are limited to one per parcel and shall not exceed twenty-four square feet in size and may remain up to one hundred days per calendar year unless otherwise provided in subsection (C)(4) of this section.

4. Removal. Temporary signs must be removed within ten days after the election, sale, rental, lease or conclusion of the event which is the basis for the sign. For signs promoting events without an "end" date; the provisions of subsection (C)(3) of this section shall apply.

5. Temporary Political Signs in View of a State Highway (SR 4, SR 49). Section 5405.3 of the State Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code) exempts the placing of temporary political signs from normal state outdoor advertising display requirements when the sign (a) encourages a particular vote in a scheduled election, (b) is placed no sooner than ninety days prior to the scheduled election and removed within ten days after the election, (c) is no larger than thirty-two square feet, and (d) the sign proponent has filed a statement of responsibility certifying a person who will be responsible for removing the sign and (e) the sign is not placed in the state right-of-way. State law directs the Department of Transportation to remove unauthorized temporary political signs and bill the responsible party for their removal.

6. Sunset Clause for Subsection C of This Section December 31, 2028. The provisions of subsection C of this section, Temporary Signs in the Historical Commercial Zoning District, shall end December 31, 2028, unless the city determines that this section is consistent with the purposes expressed in Section 17.62.020 and an extension to this section with or without changes is warranted.

D. Sandwich Board Signs. In addition to the standards included in 17.62.100(B)(2), sandwich board signs or A-frame signs in the historical commercial district shall incorporate the following design features:

1. The sign shall not be made of plastic;

2. The sign must be historical in nature (wood, metal, scroll writing, etc.).

• E. Tubing/Neon Signs.

1. Tubing. No sign shall contain any outline tubing except as provided in subsection (E)(2) of this section.

2. Neon signs or signs containing any outline tubing which are to be located inside a building and which area is designed to be seen from the outside of the building are prohibited except for the following:

a. Each business may have one LED or neon sign not exceeding two square feet as measured along the outside perimeter (frame) of the sign. The sign shall be nonblinking with steady light.

b. Buildings originally constructed in the Art Deco style using neon (e.g., the Angels Theatre) may continue use of neon where neon originally was used on the building. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

ARTICLE IV.

Unusual site conditions or other design factors may warrant signs not otherwise permitted by these regulations. A sign permit application which includes a request for exceptions to standards established by these regulations is subject to approval by the planning commission and shall be based upon the findings in Section 17.62.140. Exceptions require a separate application and fees for planning commission review, which must be approved before a sign permit is issued. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

Exceptions to the sign regulations shall meet all of the following findings:

A. There are unusual circumstances applying to the property which make strict adherence to the regulations impractical or infeasible, such as building configuration, historic architectural features, architectural style, site layout, intervening obstructions, or other unusual circumstances. Exceptions shall not allow for additional signage in number or size beyond what is necessary to compensate for the unusual circumstances. Unusual circumstances may also include sign designs which are not expressly provided for or exempted in this chapter, but which represent superior or innovative design appropriate for the building and location.

B. The exception is consistent with the intent and purpose of the sign regulations (see Section 17.62.020) and the exception is not being granted in cases where alternative options of allowed signage in this chapter could provide an adequate alternative for sufficient visibility to the public with equal or superior design.

C. The sign exception is for superior design and complies with design principles of this chapter, and will not result in: visual clutter; excessively sized signage in comparison to the building or surroundings; signage that is inconsistent with the character of the surroundings; or approval of signs that are prohibited in this chapter. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)