Division 4C.11 — SIGNS
Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A · 2025 edition · ingested 2026-07-08 · Los Angeles
Sec. 4C.11.1. GENERAL SIGN RULES ¶
A. Intent
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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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The intent of the standards of this Division (Signs) is to promote public safety and welfare by
regulating signs in keeping with the following objectives:
- That the design, construction, installation, repair and maintenance of signs will not interfere
with traffic safety or otherwise endanger public safety.
- That the regulations will provide reasonable protection to the visual environment by
controlling the size, height, spacing and location of signs.
- That both the public and sign users will benefit from signs having improved legibility,
readability and visibility.
That consideration will be given to equalizing the opportunity for messages to be displayed.
That adequacy of message opportunity will be available to sign users without dominating the
visual appearance of the area.
- That the regulations will conform to judicial decisions, thereby limiting costly litigation and
facilitating enforcement of these regulations.
B. Applicability
General sign rules standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a site modifcationi,
an exterior modifcationi, or a use modifcationi . When general sign rules standards apply, the
standards apply to exterior signs, window signs or sign support structures, which are not located
entirely in the public right-of-way.
C. Standards
- Ideological, Political, and Non-Commercial Messages
No provision of this Division (Signs) prohibits an ideological, political or other non-commercial
message on a sign otherwise permitted by this Division (Signs) .
- Sign Height
A sign shall not be located at a height that exceeds the building height limit specified by the
applied Form District (Part 2B.) .
- Sign Illumination Limitations
No sign shall be arranged and illuminated in a manner that will produce a light intensity of
greater than 3.0 footcandles above ambient lighting, as measured at the property line. Sign
illumination shall also comply with any applicable provisions from Sec. 4C.10.1. (Outdoor
Lighting) .
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Sec. 4C.11.1. (General Sign Rules) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Maintenance
a. Appearance
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Every sign shall be maintained in a clean, safe and good working condition, including the
replacement of defective parts, defaced or broken faces, lighting and other acts required
for the maintenance of the sign. Display surfaces shall be kept neatly painted or posted at
all times.
b. Debris Removal
The base of any sign erected on the ground shall be kept clear of weeds, rubbish or other
combustible material at all times.
c. Abandoned Signs
Ninety days after the cessation of a business activity, service or product, the related signs
shall be removed, or the face of the signs removed and replaced with blank panels, or be
painted out.
- Hazard To Traffic
a. Prohibition
No sign or sign support structure shall be erected, constructed, painted or maintained, and
no permit shall be issued, if the sign or sign support structure, because of its location, size, nature or type, constitutes a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles upon a
street or a freeway, or creates a condition that endangers the safety of persons or property.
b. Hazard Referral
The Department of Building and Safety will refer the following to LADOT for hazard
evaluation and determination prior to the issuance of a building permit:
i. All permit applications for signs that will be visible from and are located within 500 feet
of the main traveled roadway of a freeway; and
ii. All other permit applications and any signs that are determined by the Department of
Building and Safety to have a potential for hazard.
c. Hazard Determination
LADOT will return to the Department of Building and Safety each application given to it
together with a statement of its determination. If LADOT determines that the sign or sign
support structure will constitute a hazard, the Department of Building and Safety shall deny
the application for permit.
Sec. 4C.11.1. (General Sign Rules) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Freeway Exposure
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
a. No person shall erect, construct, install, paint or maintain, and no building or electrical
permit can be issued for, any sign or sign support structure within 2,000 feet of a freeway
unless the Department of Building and Safety has determined that the sign will not be viewed primarily from a main traveled roadway of a freeway or an on-ramp/off-ramp.
b. The phrase "viewed primarily from" means that the message may be seen with reasonable
clarity for a greater distance by a person traveling on the main traveled roadway of a freeway or on-ramp/off-ramp than by a person traveling on the street adjacent to the sign.
- Sign Permit Priority Status
a. To maintain location, area, frontage, or spacing status, signs shall be installed within six
months of issuance of a building permit and prior to expiration of any permit extension
granted by the Department of Building and Safety.
b. When more than one permit is issued for a sign or signs on a lot and the more recently
issued permit or permits cause such sign or signs to violate this Division (Signs), the more
recently issued permit or permits are invalid and are subject to revocation. Any prior issued
permits remain valid provided that such permits were issued in compliance with this
Division (Signs) .
- Prohibited Signs
Signs are prohibited if they:
a. Contain obscene matters, as defined in California Penal Code, Part 1. (of Crimes and
Punishments), Sec. 311. (Obscene Matter) .
b. Contain or consist of posters, pennants, banners, ribbons, streamers or spinners, except as
permitted in Sec. 4C.11.2. (Temporary Signs) .
c. Contain flashing, mechanical and strobe lights in conflict with the provisions of Chapter
VIII. (Traffic), Sec. 80.08.4. (Flashing Lights – Interference With Traffic Signals) or Chapter IX.
(Building Regulations), Sec. 93.0107. (Distracting, Confusing or Nuisance Lighting Viewed From Public Streets, Highways or Other Public Thoroughfares Used by Vehicular Traffic) of
this Code.
d. Are revolving and where all or any portion rotate at greater than six revolutions per minute.
e. Are tacked, pasted or otherwise temporarily affixed on the walls of buildings, barns, sheds,
trees, poles, posts or fences, except as permitted in Sec. 4C.11.2. (Temporary Signs) .
f. Are affixed to any vehicle or trailer on private property if the vehicle or trailer is not
intended to be otherwise used in the business and the sole purpose of attaching the sign
to the vehicle or trailer is to attract people to a place of business.
g. Emit audible sounds, odor or visible matter.
Sec. 4C.11.1. (General Sign Rules) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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h. Use human beings, live animals, animated figures, motion pictures or projectors or any
other means that causes continuous motion in connection with any sign.
i. Are supergraphic signs, except where supergraphic signs are specifically permitted
pursuant to a legally-adopted Specifc Plani, a Supplemental District, an approved
development agreement or a Sign District (Sec. 8.2.3.) . In addition, despite the provisions
of Sec. 13B.10.1.B.2. (Vesting of Development Plan), this prohibition does not apply to any
building permit issued prior to August 14, 2009 if the Department of Building and Safety
determines that both substantial liabilities have been incurred, and substantial work has
been performed on-site, in accordance with the terms of that permit pursuant to Chapter
IX. (Building Regulations), Sec. 91.106.4.3.1. (Limit of Authorization) of this Code.
j. Are off-site signs, including off-site digital displays, except when off-site signs are specifically permitted pursuant to a relocation agreement entered into pursuant to
California Business and Professions Code, Div. 3. (Professions and Vocations Generally),
Sec. 5412. (Regulations) . This prohibition also applies to alterations, enlargements or conversions to digital displays of legally existing off-site signs, except for alterations
that conform to the provisions of LAMC Chapter IX. (Building Regulations), Sec. 91.6216.
(Existing Signs) and all other requirements of this Code. This prohibition does not apply to off-site signs, including off-site digital displays, that are specifically permitted pursuant
to a legally-adopted Specifc Plani, a Supplemental District, an approved development
agreement or a Sign District. In addition, despite the provisions of Sec. 13B.10.1.B.2.
(Vesting of Development Plan), this prohibition does not apply to any building permit
issued prior to August 14, 2009 if the Department of Building and Safety determines that
both substantial liabilities have been incurred, and substantial work has been performed
on-site, in accordance with the terms of that permit pursuant to Chapter IX. (Building
Regulations), Sec. 91.106.4.3.1. (Limit of Authorization) of this Code.
k. Are inflatable devices, except where inflatable devices are specifically permitted pursuant
to a legally-adopted Specific Plan (Div. 8.1.), a Supplemental District (Div. 8.2.), or an
approved development agreement.
- Prohibited Locations
a. No sign or sign support structure shall project into any public alley, except that a sign or
sign support structure above a height of 14 feet may project no more than six inches into a
public alley.
b. No sign or sign support structure shall be located less than six feet horizontally or 12 feet
vertically from overhead electrical conductors energized in excess of 750 volts. As used
here, the term overhead electrical conductors means any electrical conductor, either bare
or insulated, installed above-ground, except electrical conductors that are surrounded in
iron pipe or other material covering of equal strength. Arcs of six-foot radius may be used to define corners of the prohibition area.
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Sec. 4C.11.1. (General Sign Rules) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
c. No sign or sign support structure shall be erected in a visibility triangle as defined by
Chapter VI. (Public Works and Property), Sec. 62.200. (Street Intersections - Obstructions
to Visibility) of this Code.
d. No sign or sign support structure shall be located within two feet of the curb or edge of
any roadway.
- Temporary Signs
For additional standards applicable to temporary signs, see Sec. 4C.11.2. (Temporary Signs) .
- Off-site Signs
For additional standards applicable to off-site signs, see Sec. 4C.11.3. (Off-Site Signs) .
- On-Site Signs
For additional standards applicable to on-site signs, see Sec. 4C.11.4. (On-Site Signs) .
D. Measurement
For the measurement of footcandle, see Sec. 4C.10.1.D. (Measurement) .
E. Exceptions
- General
A sign, having no sign face visible from any public or private right-of-way, that is fully
surrounded on all sides by permanent, opaque architectural features on the project lot,
including building walls, freestanding walls, roofs, or overhangs, is not subject to the
requirements of this Division (Signs) except for the general brightness limitation set forth in
Sec. 4C.11.1.C.3. (Sign Illumination Limitations) .
- Wall Signs
Wall signs in compliance with all of the standards below are exempt from the limitations in
Sec. 4C.11.1.C.6. (Freeway Exposure) .
a. The total area of all wall signs on a building shall not exceed 100 square feet.
b. An individual wall sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in area.
c. Wall signs that can be viewed primarily from an off ramp and not from the main traveled
roadway of a freeway.
d. Wall signs shall not have moving parts or any arrangement of lights that create the illusion
of movement.
Sec. 4C.11.1. (General Sign Rules) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
- Original Art Murals, Vintage Original Art Murals & Public Art Installations
a. General
i. A building permit from the Department of Building and Safety is required for the
necessary physical alterations to a building or other structures due to a new hand-tiled
or digitally printed original art mural or any public art installation that may require a
building permit.
b. Original Art Mural
An original art mural is a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted, hand-tiled, or digitally printed
image on the exterior wall of a building that does not contain any commercial message.
i. An original art mural that conforms to the requirements of Sec. 22.119. (Original Art
Murals on Private Property) of the LAAC is not considered a sign and is not subject to
the provisions of this Division (Signs) or any other ordinance that regulates signs.
ii. Any supposed "mural" that does not conform to the requirements of Sec. 22.119.
(Original Art Murals on Private Property) of the LAAC is considered a sign and is subject
to the provisions of this Division (Signs) or any other ordinance that regulates signs and
digital displays.
c. Vintage Original Art Mural
A vintage original art mural is an original art mural that existed prior to October 12, 2013
(the operative date of Ord. No. 182,706).
i. A vintage original art mural that conforms to the requirements of Sec. 22.119.(c)
(Grandfathering of Vintage Original Art Murals) of the LAAC is not considered a sign
and is not subject to the provisions of this Division (Signs) or any other ordinance that
regulates signs.
d. Public Art Installation
A public art installation is a facility, amenity or project that does not contain any commercial message and which is either an "approved public arts project" as defined
by Sec. 19.85.4. (Direct Expenditure on Approved Public Arts Projects) of the LAAC or
approved pursuant to Chapter IX. (Building Regulations), Sec. 91.107.4.6. (Arts Development
i. A public art installation registered pursuant to the requirements of Sec. 19.85.4. (Direct
Expenditure on Approved Public Arts Projects) of the LAAC or the requirements of
Chapter IX. (Building Regulations), Sec. 91.107.4.6 (Arts Development Fee) of this
Code is not considered a sign, but is subject to Sec. 4C.11.1.C.3. (Sign Illumination
Limitations) and any other applicable zoning and land use regulations set forth in the
LAMC.
Sec. 4C.11.1. (General Sign Rules) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Existing Nonconforming Signs
See Sec. 12.4.2. (Signs Exceptions) .
F. Relief
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
- A deviation from any sign dimensional standard of 15 percent or less may be granted in
accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
- Deviation from any sign standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec.
13B.5.3. (Variance) .
Sec. 4C.11.1. (General Sign Rules) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
Sec. 4C.11.2. TEMPORARY SIGNS ¶
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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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A temporary sign is any sign that is to be maintained for a limited duration, including paper signs,
posters, pennants, banners, ribbons, streamers, spinners, and other signs that are not permanently affixed to the ground or building.
A. Intent
See Sec. 4C.11.1.A. (Intent) .
B. Applicability
Temporary sign standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a site modifcationi, an
exterior modifcationi, or a use modifcationi . All temporary signs and sign support structures not
located entirely in the public right-of-way shall conform to the requirements of this Division
(Signs) and all other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code (Chapter 1A).
C. Standards
- Permit Required
a. A building permit is required for a temporary sign, pennant, banner, ribbon, streamer or
spinner. The permit application shall specify the dates being requested for authorized
installation and the proposed location.
b. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Zoning Code (Chapter 1A), a building permit
shall be required for a temporary sign, other than one that contains a political, ideological
or other non-commercial message. The permit application shall specify the dates being
requested for authorized installation and the proposed location.
- General
Temporary signs may display only on-site or non-commercial messages.
- Temporary Signs
a. Location
Temporary signs may, including those that do not require a building permit, be tacked, pasted or otherwise temporarily affixed to windows or on the walls of buildings, barns,
sheds or fences.
b. Area
i. The combined sign area of temporary signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in an
Agricultural Use District (Div. 5B.2.) or Residential Use District (5B.3.), or two square feet
for each foot of street frontage in all other Use Districts (Part 5B.) . Square footage for
temporary signs shall not be counted toward the total sign area allocation from the
Sign Packages (Sec. 4C.11.5.) .
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Sec. 4C.11.2. (Temporary Signs) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
ii. The combined sign area of temporary signs, when placed upon a window and any
other window signs shall not exceed a maximum of 10 percent of the window area.
c. Construction
Temporary signs may be made of paper or any other material. If the temporary sign is made of cloth, it shall be flame-proofed when the aggregate area exceeds 100 square feet.
Every temporary cloth sign shall be supported and attached with stranded cable of 1/16 inch minimum diameter or by other methods as approved by the Department of Building
and Safety.
d. Time Limit
i. Temporary signs that require a permit shall be removed within 30 days of installation
and shall not be reinstalled for a period of 30 days of the date of removal of the
previous sign. The installation of temporary signs shall not exceed a total of 90 days in
any calendar year.
ii. Temporary signs that do not require a permit shall be removed within 30 days of the
date of installation of the sign.
D. Measurement
[Reserved]
E. Relief
- A deviation from any temporary sign dimensional standard of 15 percent or less may be
granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
- Deviation from any temporary sign standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with
Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .
Sec. 4C.11.2. (Temporary Signs) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
Sec. 4C.11.3. OFF-SITE SIGNS ¶
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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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An off-site sign is defined as a sign that displays any message directing attention to a business,
product, service, profession, commodity, activity, event, person, institution, or any other commercial message, which is generally conducted, sold, manufactured, produced, offered or occurs elsewhere
than on the premises where the sign is located.
A. Intent
See Sec. 4C.11.1.A. (Intent) .
B. Applicability
Off-site signs standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a site modifcationi, or a use modifcationi . All exterior off-site signs, including window signs, and sign support structures not located entirely in the public right-of-way shall conform to the requirements of this Section (Off-
Site Signs) and all other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code (Chapter 1A).
C. Standards
- Location
a. No portion of an off-site sign with a sign area greater than 80 square feet shall be placed
within 200 feet of a lot or a property with an applied Residential Use District (Div. 5B.3.),
which is located on the same side of the same street as the lot on which the sign is
placed. However, where a lot has two or more street frontages, a sign may be located
on that street frontage, which is not on the same street as the lot or property zoned with
a Residential Use District (Div. 5B.3.) ; provided the sign and sign support structure are
placed in that half of the lot that is the farthest from the street frontage on which the lot is
located.
b. No portion of an off-site sign or sign support structure can be located in that half of a lot
located farthest from the street frontage when a lot or a property zoned with a Residential
Use District (Div. 5B.3.) is located to the rear of that street frontage.
c. Off-site signs are not permitted along that portion of a lot having a street frontage of less
than 50 feet.
d. No more than four off-site signs can be located at the intersection of two or more streets
when the off-site signs are located within 150 feet of the intersection of two street
frontages.
e. An off-site sign face shall not be located within one foot of a side lot line.
- Area
The sign area of a single sign face shall not exceed 800 square feet.
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Sec. 4C.11.3. (Off-Site Signs) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Height
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
a. The height to the top of the off-site sign is limited to a maximum of 42 feet above the
sidewalk grade or edge of roadway grade nearest the sign, except that a sign that is more
than 80 percent above a roof of a building may extend to the top of the sign a maximum
of 30 feet above the surface of the roof under the sign.
b. In no event can the height to the top of the off-site sign exceed a height greater than
that height specified in the applied Form District (Part 2B.) in which the sign is located, or
a height of 60 feet above the sidewalk grade or edge of roadway grade nearest the sign,
whichever is more restrictive.
c. The bottom of the off-site sign shall be at least eight feet above the sidewalk grade or
edge of roadway grade nearest the sign.
- Spacing
An off-site sign, which is either single-faced or parallel double-faced, shall be spaced as specified below from any other existing or previously permitted off-site sign, which is single faced or parallel double-faced.
SPACING REQUIREMENTS BETWEEN OFF-SITE SIGNS
| Existing or Permitted Sign by Sign Area <80 SF |
Proposed Sign by Sign Area | Col3 | Col4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing or Permitted Sign by Sign Area <80 SF |
<80 SF 100' |
80 - 300 SF 100' |
>300 SF 200' |
| 80 - 300 SF | 100' | 300' | 300' |
| >300 SF | 200' | 300' | 600' |
- Double-Faced Off-site Signs
a. Off-site signs may be either single or double-faced.
b. For double-faced off-site signs whose faces are parallel, the distance between sign faces
cannot exceed six feet.
c. For double-faced off-site signs whose faces are not parallel, the distance between sign
faces at their widest point cannot exceed 35 feet. The separation of sign faces at their
closest point cannot exceed six feet. In no event can the angle between sign faces exceed
37 degrees.
- Projection
Off-site signs shall not project over the public right-of-way.
- Covering
The backs of off-site signs exposed to public view shall be covered with a finished surface or
material and shall be properly maintained.
Sec. 4C.11.3. (Off-Site Signs) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Other Requirements
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
a. A maximum of two poles are permitted for any off-site sign. The maximum cross-sectional
dimension of a pole cannot exceed 10 percent of the overall height of the sign.
b. Off-site sign supports shall be structurally independent of a building.
c. Sign support structures shall be located directly under the sign face as viewed from
the front of the sign. The maximum horizontal distance between the center of the sign
support structure and the sign face shall not exceed 10 feet.
D. Measurement
- Lots with Multiple Street Frontages
If a lot is a corner lot or any other lot with two or more street lot lines, the following rules for the determination of which street an off-site sign is located on shall apply:
a. For the purposes of this Subsection D. (Measurement) and Sec. 4C.11.3.C.2. (Area), an off
site sign shall be considered to be on a single street, if the sign and its support structure
are located entirely on the side of the bisecting line closest to that street and the sign
face is placed at the same angle as the perpendicular line or at an angle not to exceed 20
degrees from either side of the perpendicular line.
b. An off-site sign located on a through lot shall be located on a single street if the sign
and its support structure are located entirely on that half of the lot closest to the lot line
adjoining that street.
Sec. 4C.11.3. (Off-Site Signs) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
c. Any off-site sign not in conformance with either Subparagraph a. or Subparagraph b. of
this Paragraph (Lots with Multiple Street Frontages) is considered to be located on more
than one street frontage.
- Spacing
a. For any double-faced off-site sign, the spacing requirements are based on the area of the
largest sign face.
b. For double-faced off-site signs whose faces are not parallel, the spacing between any
proposed, permitted or existing off-site sign is determined by the following formula:
(B - 5) D = S [1+ ] 90
Where:
D = required spacing between signs, in feet.
S = sign spacing determined by the table in Sec. 4C.11.3.C.4. (Spacing) .
B = widest edge separation of sign faces in feet.
c. Spacing is measured between off-site signs that are located on the same side of the same
street. Spacing is measured from a line that is perpendicular to the street lot line and that
passes through a point on the street lot line that is closest to the nearest sign face edge.
Spacing is measured along the center line of the street.
E. Relief
- A deviation from any off-site sign dimensional standard of 15 percent or less may be granted in
accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
- Deviation from any off-site sign standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with
Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .
Sec. 4C.11.3. (Off-Site Signs) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
Sec. 4C.11.4. ON-SITE SIGNS ¶
An on-site sign is a sign that is other than an off-site sign.
A. Intent
See Sec. 4C.11.1.A. (Intent) .
B. Applicability
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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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On-site signs standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a site modifcationi, an
exterior modifcationi, or a use modifcationi . All exterior signs, including window signs, and
sign support structures not located entirely in the public right-of-way shall conform to the
requirements of this Section (On-Site Signs) and all other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code
(Chapter 1A).
C. Standards
- Sign Packages
On-site signs shall comply with the applicable sign package pursuant to Sec. 4C.11.5. (Sign
Packages) .
- Sign Types
On-site signs shall comply with all applicable sign type standards pursuant to Sec. 4C.11.6.
(Sign Types) .
- Street Address Requirement
No sign shall be maintained on any property unless a street address for the property has been
obtained, and is maintained in accordance with the provisions of Chapter VI. (Public Works
and Property), Sec. 63.113. (Street Address Numbers - Responsibility Therefor, Designation,
Location, Size, Maintenance, Change and Removal) of this Code.
- Projection Over the Public Right-Of-Way
Where on-site signs are allowed to project over the public right-of-way, they shall comply
with the following standards:
a. An on-site sign with a clear height less than eight feet has a maximum projection
allowance of 1/4 inch.
b. An on-site sign with a clear height equal to eight feet has a maximum projection
allowance of one foot.
c. For every extra foot of clear height over eight feet, the projection maximum for on-site
signs increases by 1/2 inch.
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Sec. 4C.11.4. (On-Site Signs) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
d. The maximum allowed projection for any on-site sign is five feet, which applies to on-site
signs with a clear height of 16 feet or greater.
D. Measurement
See Sec. 4C.11.6.D. (Measurement) .
E. Relief
- A deviation from any on-site sign dimensional standard of 15 percent or less may be granted in
accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
- Deviation from any on-site sign standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec.
13B.5.3. (Variance) .
Sec. 4C.11.4. (On-Site Signs) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
| 4-152
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
Sec. 4C.11.5. SIGN PACKAGES ¶
A. Intent
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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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The intent of the standards of this Section (Sign Packages) is to provide variety in the sign allocation based on the extent of reliance on specific modes of travel.
Sign Package 1 is intended for areas with a variety of transportation modes.
Sign Package 2 is intended for areas with a focus on pedestrian experience and alternative
transportation modes besides automobiles.
B. Applicability
Sign package standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a lot modifcationi, a site
modifcationi, an exterior modifcationi, or a use modifcationi . Sign package standards apply to all
on-site signs determined by the sign package assigned by the applied Development Standards
District (Part 4B.) .
C. Standards
- Digital Display
Digital displays are prohibited in Sign Package 2.
- Total Sign Area Allowed
a. The maximum total area of on-site signs allowed on a lot is specified by a Sign Package
according to the category of the applied Use District (Part 5B.) as indicated below:
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| Total sign area allocation for all sign types allowed (max) |
4 SF per foot of street frontage |
4 SF per foot of building frontage |
|---|---|---|
| Combined sign area ofilluminated canopy signs,roof sign |
2 SF per foot ofstreet frontage, + 1 S e fronta |
n/a |
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b. In Sign Package 1, awning signs, high-rise signs and marquee signs do not count towards
the total sign area allocation of four square feet per foot of street frontage.
c. In Sign Package 2, awning signs and high-rise signs do not count towards the total sign
area allocation of four square feet per foot of building frontage.
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Sec. 4C.11.5. (Sign Packages) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
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| 4-153
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Sign Types Allowed
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sign Package 1 Sign Package 2
AGRICULTURAL, RESIDENTIAL & OPEN SPACE USE DISTRICTS
| Awning Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.1.) | ||
|---|---|---|
| High Rise Sign 1 (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.2.) |
||
| High-Rise Sign 2 (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.3.) |
||
| Illuminated Canopy Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.4.) |
||
| Marquee Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.5.) |
||
| Monument Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.6.) |
||
| Pedestrian Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.7.) |
||
| Pole Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.8.) |
||
| Projecting Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.9.) |
||
| Roof Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.10.) |
||
| Roof Sign: Open Panel (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.11.) |
||
| Wall Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.12.) |
||
| Window Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.13.) |
||
| Yard Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.14.) |
ALL OTHER USE DISTRICTS
| Awning Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.1.) | ||
|---|---|---|
| High Rise Sign 1 (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.2.) |
||
| High-Rise Sign 2 (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.3.) |
||
| Illuminated Canopy Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.4.) |
||
| Marquee Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.5.) |
||
| Monument Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.6.) |
||
| Pedestrian Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.7.) |
||
| Pole Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.8.) |
||
| Projecting Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.9.) |
||
| Roof Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.10.) |
||
| Roof Sign: Open Panel (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.11.) |
||
| Wall Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.12.) |
||
| Window Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.13.) |
||
| Yard Sign (Sec. 4C.11.6.C.14.) |
= Sign type allowed
= Sign type not allowed
a. Where a sign meets the standards and definition of both an allowed sign type and a sign
type that is not allowed per the table in this Paragraph 3. (Sign Types Allowed), the sign is
considered to be the allowed sign type.
Sec. 4C.11.5. (Sign Packages) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
| 4-154
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
D. Measurement
- Sign Area
a. Maximum sign area is measured independently for each sign face.
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
b. Sign area is measured as the area circumscribed by the smallest geometric shape
created with a maximum of eight straight lines that will enclose all words, letters, figures,
symbols, designs and pictures, together with all framing, background material, colored or
illuminated areas and attention-attracting devices, forming an integral part of an individual
message except that:
i. For wall signs having no discernible boundary, each of the following shall be included
in any computation of surface area:
a) The areas between letters;
b) Words intended to be read together; and
c) Any device intended to draw attention to the sign message.
ii. For spherical, cylindrical or other three-dimensional signs, the area of the sign shall be
computed from the smallest two-dimensional geometrical shape or shapes, which will
best approximate the greatest actual surface area visible from any one direction. Sign
support structures are excluded if neutral in color.
- Sign Area Allocation
a. Sign area allocation, either total or by sign type pursuant to Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types),
when specified per foot of street frontage is calculated by multiplying the specified area by
the length of the street frontage.
b. Sign area allocation, either total or by sign type pursuant to Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types),
when specified per foot of building frontage is calculated by multiplying the specified area
by the length of the building frontage.
c. The sign area for all signs, including required signs and signs displaying addresses, is
counted toward the total sign area allocation as specified in this Section (Sign Packages) .
E. Exceptions
Flag lots containing less than 50 feet of street frontage are allotted 50 feet of street frontage for
the purpose of determining the type of sign permitted and for the allowable sign area.
Sec. 4C.11.5. (Sign Packages) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
| 4-155
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
F. Relief
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
- In Sign Package 2, deviations from the dimensional standards for projecting signs shall be
authorized in accordance with Sec. 13B.2.5. (Director Determination) . In addition to the findings otherwise required by Sec. 13B.2.5. (Director Determination), the Director of Planning shall find that the proposed projecting sign meets the following criteria:
a. The total sign area of all projecting signs, including existing projecting signs and existing
pole signs, does not exceed 25 SF plus 1.5 SF per foot of street frontage, with no individual
projecting sign exceeding 300 SF per sign face; and
b. The proposed projecting sign contributes to the existing pattern and character of signs of
the area within a 500 foot radius of the site.
- A deviation from any Sign Package dimensional standard 10 percent or less may be granted in
accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
- Deviation from any Sign Package standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with
Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .
Sec. 4C.11.5. (Sign Packages) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025
| 4-156
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
Sec. 4C.11.6. SIGN TYPES ¶
A. Intent
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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
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That the regulations will provide reasonable protection to the visual environment by controlling
the size, height, spacing and location of signs.
B. Applicability
- General
a. Sign type standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a site modifcationi, an
exterior modifcationi, or a use modifcationi, involving any construction or modification of an on-site sign pursuant to Sec. 4C.11.5. (Sign Packages) specified by the applied
Development Standards District (Part 4B.) .
b. Sign type standards apply to each lot according the Sign Package (Sec. 4C.11.5.) specified
by the applied Development Standards District (Part 4B.) .
- Combination Signs
A sign subject to more than one type of classification, shall meet the requirements for the type
to which each portion is subject.
C. Standards
The standards for each sign type are specified in the tables below:
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Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
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| 4-157
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Awning Sign
a. DEFINITION
An awning sign is a sign painted, sewn, or otherwise adhered to the material of an awning as an integrated part of the awning itself.
b. GENERAL STANDARDS
i. Signs are only allowed on awnings that comply with all applicable provisions of LAMC Sec. 91.3202. (General), and LAMC Sec. 91.3202.3.1 (Awnings, Canopies, Marquees and Signs) .
ii. No sign can be placed on any portion of an awning
except the valance that is parallel to the building face. No sign can extend outside the awning.
iii. Signs are not allowed on awnings with a valance
above 14 feet in height measured from the nearest sidewalk or edge of roadway grade to the top of the valance.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
||
|---|---|---|
| All other Use Districts |
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
Sign Package 1 Sign Package 2
| d. DIMENSIONAL STANDA | ARDS | Col3 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined sign area for allawning signs (max) |
||
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
n/a | n/a |
| All other Use Districts |
2 SF per foot ofstreet fro |
2 SF per foot ofstreet fro |
| a Area of individual awning sign (max) |
||
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
20 SF | 20 SF |
| All other Use Districts |
n/a | 12 SF |
| b Sign display height (max) |
1' | 1' |
| 4-158 |
a. DEFINITION
A high-rise sign 1 is a sign located at least 100 feet above grade and attached to the wall of a building.
b. GENERAL STANDARDS
i. The plane of the sign face of a high-rise sign 1 shall be approximately parallel to the building face.
ii. A high-rise sign 1 shall not extend above the top of
the wall of the building, except where there is less than three feet between the top of the wall and the top of a window, the high-rise sign 1 may extend above the top of the wall by a maximum of three feet.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
| l OS, A, & RG e Districts |
||
|---|---|---|
| l other Use Districts |
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
d. DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
| Combined sign ar for all high-rise si signs (max) |
ea gn 1 n/a |
|---|---|
| Area of individual high-rise sign 1 (m |
ax) 5% of the area of thebuilding wall to which thes attached |
| Projection from building face (max |
) 2' |
| Width (max % of facade length) |
80% |
| 4-159 |
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ]
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles
| 4-160
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
a. DEFINITION
A high-rise sign 2 is a sign located at least 100 feet above grade and attached to the wall of a building within close proximity to the top of the building.
b. GENERAL STANDARDS
i. A building shall not have more than two high-rise sign 2 signs and no more than one on any side of the building. In the case of a cylindrical or elliptical building, the building should be considered to have four quadrants, which will in no case exceed 25 percent of the perimeter of the building. Both highrise sign 2 signs on a building must be identical in design.
ii. The plane of the sign face of a high-rise sign 2 shall
be approximately parallel to the building face.
iii. On a flat-topped building, high-rise sign 2 signs
must be located between the top of the windows on the topmost floor and the top of the roof parapet or within an area 16 feet below the top of the roof parapet.
iv. On buildings with stepped, non-flat, or otherwise
articulated tops, high rise sign 2 signs may be
located within an area 16 feet below the top of the building or within an area 16 feet below the top of the parapet of the main portion of the building below the stepped or articulated top.
v. High-rise sign 2 signs shall be located on a wall and
shall not be located on a roof, including a sloping roof, and shall not block any windows.
vi. The sign shall consist of open channel lettering or
graphic segments. Box and cabinet signs are not allowed.
vii. High-rise sign 2 signs are limited to one line of text.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
||
|---|---|---|
| All other Use Districts |
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
| d. DIMENSIONAL STAND | DARDS |
|---|---|
| Combined sign area for allhigh- rise sign 2 ~~signs ~~ |
n/a |
| a Area of individual high-rise sign 2 |
50% of the area of thebuilding wall to which the si att is less |
| 4-161 |
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
i. An illuminated canopy sign shall not extend above the top of the wall of a building.
ii. For emergency personnel access, illuminated
canopy signs shall not occupy a 4-foot distance along the exterior wall at one corner of the building's street frontage and an additional 4-foot distance along every 50 feet of the building frontage.
iii. An illuminated canopy sign shall bear the electric
sign label of an approved testing agency with a reinspection service.
iv. Only canopies at grade level may contain
illuminated canopy signs over a door or window.
v. An illuminated canopy sign shall be internally
illuminated so as to illuminate the canopy and the exterior wall below.
vi. Illuminated canopy signs may project over a public
right-of-way.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| 4-162
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Marquee Sign
i. Signs shall not extend above or below the marquee.
ii. Signs shall not be attached to any portion of the
marquee except on the periphery.
iii. Cloth or banner signs or drop-roll curtains may be
suspended below the exterior periphery and extend within seven feet of the grade.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
| 4-163
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| 4-164
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
a. DEFINITION
A monument sign is a freestanding sign which is wholly independent of a building for support, erected directly upon the original grade or finished grade, or that is raised no more than 12 inches from the grade to the bottom of the sign.
b. GENERAL STANDARDS
i. A monument sign shall be set back at least 7.5 feet from a side lot line.
ii. A monument sign shall be located at least 15 feet
from any other monument sign, projecting sign or pole sign in any direction.
iii. A monument sign shall be located so as not to
present a physical visibility obstruction that could interfere with or present a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
iv. A monument sign shall not project over a public
right-of-way.
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
||
|---|---|---|
| All other Use Districts |
i
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
Sign Package 1 Sign Package 2
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| d. DIMENSIONAL STANDA | ARDS | Col3 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined sign area for allmonument signs ( |
||
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
n/a | n/a |
| All other Use Districts |
1.5 SF per foot ofstreet front |
1.5 SF per foot ofbuilding fr |
| a Area of individual monument sign |
||
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
9 SF persign face |
9 SF persign face |
| All other Use Districts |
75 SF persign face |
32 SF persign face |
| Total number ofpole signs & m |
||
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
1 | 1 |
| All other Use Districts |
||
| 0' to < 50' ofstreet frontage 0 0 |
0' to < 50' ofstreet frontage 0 0 |
0' to < 50' ofstreet frontage 0 0 |
| 50' to ≤ 200' of street frontage |
1 | 1 |
| >200' to ≤ 400' of street frontage |
2 | 2 |
| >400' to ≤ 600' of street frontage |
3 | 3 |
| >600' ofstreet frontage |
+1 / 200' ofstreet fro |
+1 / 200' ofstreet fro |
| b Height (max) | ||
| All A & RG Use Districts |
6' | 6' |
| All other Use Districts |
8' | 8' |
| c Depth (max) | 2' | 2' |
| 4-165 |
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
i. A hanging bracket shall be an integral part of the sign design.
ii. Pedestrian signs shall be located below the window
sills of the 2nd story on a multi-story building or below the top of the exterior wall on a single-story building.
iii. Pedestrian signs shall be located within five feet
horizontally of a ground story tenant entrance.
iv. Pedestrian signs shall be located at least 15 feet
from any other pedestrian sign or projecting sign.
v. Pedestrian signs shall be attached to a building
to withstand the loads as required by LAMC Sec. 91.6212. (Projecting Signs) .
vi. Pedestrian signs shall comply with Sec. 4C.11.4.C.4.
(Projection Over the Public Right-Of-Way) .
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| d. DIMENSIONAL STANDA | ARDS |
|---|---|
| Combined sign area for allpedestrian signs ( |
n/a |
| a Area of individual pedestrian sign (max) |
9 SF persign face |
| B Sign display height (max) |
3' |
| C Projection from building face (min/ |
1'/3' |
| D Depth (max) | 6" |
| E Clear height (min) | 8' |
| 4-166 |
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
| 4-167
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
a. DEFINITION
A pole sign is a freestanding sign that is wholly independent of a building for support, permanently affixed to the ground using one or more poles or posts.
b. GENERAL STANDARDS
i. A pole sign shall be located at least 10 feet from a side lot line; however, on a corner lot, a pole signs may be at least five feet from side lot lines.
ii. A pole sign shall be located at least 15 feet from any
other pole sign, projecting sign or monument sign.
iii. The maximum width of a pole or post shall not
exceed 10 percent of the overall sign height.
iv. A pole sign shall be located so as not to interfere or
present a hazard to pedestrian or automobile traffic.
v. Where the lower part of a pole sign is less than eight
feet above sidewalk grade or the edge of roadway grade nearest the sign, the sign shall extend to 18 inches from grade or be installed in a planter that extends beyond the edges of the sign and any support structure that is 18 inches minimum in height.
vi. A pole sign may project over a public right-of-way,
but shall comply with Sec. 4C.11.4.C.4. (Projection Over the Public Right-Of-Way) . Sign projections shall fall within an area that is perpendicular to the public right-of-way and has a width of three feet as measured parallel to the public right-of-way.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
||
|---|---|---|
| All other Use Districts |
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
| d. | DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS | Col3 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined sign area for allpole signs (max) |
||
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts | n/a | |
| All otherUse Districts | 2 SF per foot ofstreet front ofbuilding fr |
|
| Total number ofpole signs & monument signs~~ (max)~~ |
||
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts | 1 | |
| All other Use Districts | ||
| 0' to < 50' of street frontage | 0 | |
| 50' to ≤ 200' of street frontage | 1 | |
| >200' to ≤ 400' of street frontage | 2 | |
| >400' to ≤ 600' of street frontage | 3 | |
| >600' ofstreet frontage | +1 / 200' ofstreet fro |
|
| a | Area of individual pole sign (max) | |
| All OS, A, & RGUse Districts | 9 SF per sign face |
|
| All otherUse Districts | 400 SF per sign face |
|
| B | Height(1) including pole (max) | |
| All A & RG Use Districts | 6' | |
| All other Use Districts | ||
| 0' to < 50' of street frontage | none | |
| 50' of street frontage | 25' | |
| >50' to ≤ 100' of street frontage | 35' | |
| >100' of street frontage | 42' |
(1) Any pole sign located at the street corner of a corner lot may use the greater street frontage for determining height limitations. In no event may a pole sign, including the pole, exceed the maximum building height specified by the applied Form District (Part 2B.) .
| 4-168
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Projecting Sign
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| 4-169
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
a. DEFINITION
A projecting sign is a sign attached approximately perpendicular to the building facade that does not meet the standards for a pedestrian sign.
b. GENERAL STANDARDS
i. The plane of the sign face shall be within 15 degrees of a line perpendicular to the building face, except at the corner of the building.
ii. A projecting sign shall not extend above the top of
the building wall.
iii. A projecting sign shall be located at least 7.5 feet
from any side lot line and be located at least 15 feet from any other projecting sign, monument sign or pole sign, measured in any direction.
iv. Projecting signs shall be attached to a building
to withstand the loads as required by LAMC Sec. 91.6212. (Projecting Signs).
v. A projecting sign may project over the public right of-way, but shall comply with Sec. 4C.11.4.C.4. (Projection Over the Public Right-Of-Way) . Sign projections shall fall within an area that is perpendicular to the public right-of-way and has a maximum width of three feet as measured parallel with the public right-of-way.
vi. For projecting signs located above 16 feet and on
a lot having a street frontage greater than 50 feet, projections over the public right-of-way may vary linearly from five feet at 50 feet to eight feet at 100 feet of street frontage. This is an exception to Sub-subparagraph v. above, and does not require compliance with Sec. 4C.11.4.C.4. (Projection Over the Public Right-Of-Way) .
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
||
|---|---|---|
| All other Use Districts |
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
Sign Package 1 Sign Package 2
| d. D | DIMENSIONAL STANDA | ARDS | Col4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined sign area for allprojecting signs ( |
25 SF + 1.5 SF per foot ofstreet fro |
25 SF + 1.5 SF per foot of building |
|
| Number of projecting signs |
|||
| 0' to < 50' of street frontage |
0 | 0 | |
| 50' to ≤ 200' of street frontage |
1 | 1 | |
| >200' to ≤ 400' of street frontage |
2 | 2 | |
| >400' to ≤ 600' of street frontage |
3 | 3 | |
| >600' ofstreet frontage |
+1 / 200' ofstreet fro |
+1 / 200' ofstreet fro |
|
| a | Area of individual projecting sign (max) |
300 SF per sign face |
48 SF per sign face |
| B | Projection from building face (max) |
8' | 5' |
| C | Clear height (min) | 8' | 8' |
| 4-170 |
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Roof Sign
i. Roof signs are allowed only when placed directly upon a roof that slopes downward toward and extends to or over the top of an exterior wall.
ii. The top of the roof sign shall be located at least two
feet below the highest point of the roof where the sign is located.
iii. Roof signs shall be located at least two feet from the
edge of the roof.
iv. Roof signs shall be located at least 10 feet from side
lot lines.
v. The plane of the sign face of a roof sign shall be
approximately parallel to the building face.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
| 4-171
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
||
|---|---|---|
| All other Use Districts | ||
| e. D | DIMENSIONAL STANDA | ARDS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Combined sign area for allroof sign: open |
2 SF per foot ofbuilding frontage |
|
| a | Area of individual roof sign: open |
80 SF |
| B | Sign display height (max height above roof-line or parapet) |
3' |
| C | Distance from (min) 15' |
Distance from (min) 15' |
| 4-172 |
i. Roof sign: open panel is only allowed in accordance with Sec. 13B.2.5. (Director Determination) . ii. In addition to the findings set forth in Sec. 13B.2.5.
(Director Determination), the Director shall not grant approval unless the Director also finds that the proposed sign contributes to the existing pattern and character of signs of the area within a 500 foot radius of the lot.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
- Wall Sign
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| 4-173
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
a. DEFINITION
A wall sign is a sign on the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of the wall, that has been attached to, painted on, or erected against the wall, projected onto the wall, or printed on any material which is supported and attached to the wall by an adhesive or other materials or methods.
b. GENERAL STANDARDS
i. For wall signs made up of individual letters that use the wall of the building as background, sign area allocated in Sec. 4C.11.5.C.2. (Total Sign Area Allowed) and Sec. 4C.11.5.C.3. (Sign Types Allowed) may be increased by 20 percent, provided there is no change in color between the background and the surrounding wall area.
ii. If any message is placed on the edge of a wall sign,
then that portion of the wall sign is regulated as a pedestrian sign or a projecting sign.
iii. A wall sign cannot extend above the top of the wall
of the building, except where there is less than three feet between the top of the wall and the top of a window, the wall sign may extend above the top of the wall by a maximum of three feet.
iv. The plane of the sign face of a wall sign shall be
approximately parallel to the face of the building.
v. Wall signs cannot be illuminated when installed on
a wall that faces the rear lot line or side lot line that is located within 30 feet of properties zoned with an Agricultural or Residential Use District (Part 5B.) and a Density District (Part 6B.) of 8 to 60 or 1L to 4L.
vi. No wall sign shall project over any public property
or any public right-of-way greater than that permitted in Sec. 4C.11.4.C.4. (Projection Over the Public Right-Of-Way) .
vii. Where a parking lot exists between a wall sign and
the street, and there is a freestanding wall or fence between the parking lot and the street, a sign may be placed on the wall or fence provided the sign does not project beyond the lot line. The sign is limited to that portion of the 2.5 feet and 3.5 feet in height above the wall or fencefnished i between grade at the base of the wall generally facing the street.
viii. In Sign Package 1, wall signs located 100 feet
above-grade are not allowed with the exception of those meeting the standards of a high-rise sign 1.
ix. In Sign Package 2, wall signs located 100 feet
above-grade are not allowed with the exception of those meeting the standards of a high-rise sign 2.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
||
|---|---|---|
| All other Use Districts |
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
i
| Col1 | Combined sign area for all wall signs (max) |
Col3 | Col4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
n/a | n/a | |
| All otherUse Districts |
|||
| Singlestory buildin |
2 SF per foot ofstreet fro each foot ofbuilding fr |
3 SF per foot ofbuilding fr |
|
| Multistory buildings |
2 SF per foot ofstreet fro each foot ofbuilding fro 10% for each additional story (not to of singlestory max) |
2 SF per foot ofbuilding fr |
|
| a | Area of individual wall sign (max) |
||
| All OS, A, & RG Use Districts |
20 SF | 20 SF | |
| All otherUse Districts |
n/a | 80 SF | |
| B | Projection from building face (max) |
2' | 1' |
| 4-174 |
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
The total area of all window signs shall not exceed
10 percent of the area of a single window pane or 10 percent of the aggregate area of all immediately adjacent window panes separated at most by a mullion, muntin or grid no thicker than six inches in width.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
| d. DIMENSIONAL STANDA | ARDS | Col3 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined sign area for allwindow signs (max) |
n/a | n/a |
| a Area of individual window sign (max) |
n/a | 32 SF |
| 4-175 |
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
Yard signs shall not have mechanical or moving parts and no electricity or other source of illumination or power may be attached or made a part of the sign.
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
= Sign type allowed = Sign type not allowed
| 4-176
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)
D. Measurement
- Sign Height
i
City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A
i
a. The height of all signs permitted by this Article (Development Standards), except for yard
signs, shall be measured as the distance in a straight vertical line from the top of the sign
to the sidewalk grade, or to the edge of roadway grade nearest the sign if there is no
sidewalk. Yard sign height is measured from finished grade at the base of the sign.
b. Any pole sign located at the street corner on a corner lot may use the greater of the two
intersecting street frontages for determining maximum sign height. A sign shall not exceed the maximum height specified in the applied Form District (Part 2B.) in which the sign is
located.
E. Relief
- A deviation from any dimensional standard pursuant to Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) 10 percent or
less may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.2. (Adjustment) .
- Deviation from any standard pursuant to Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) may be granted as a
variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .
i
Sec. 4C.11.6. (Sign Types) Last amended by Ord. 188,418 (Resolution), Eff. 06/18/2025
i
| 4-177
[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ]
Div. 4C.12. (Site Elements)