Local zoning · Bellflower

Bellflower — Signage

Signage under the Bellflower local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Bellflower regulates signage in Title 17 Zoning, Chapter 17.68 Signs. The chapter sets citywide time, place, and manner standards; requires permits for most signs; and then layers zone-specific allowances and limits by sign type (wall, window, awning, projecting, monument, pylon, etc.). A Master Sign Plan can coordinate multi-tenant or complex sites, with flexibility if the plan improves overall design quality (§§ 17.68.010, 17.68.040, 17.68.400–.420; ).

How the Bellflower sign code is organized

Chapter 17.68 covers definitions, permit triggers, general prohibitions, visibility triangles, temporary signs, special contexts (e.g., landscaped freeways, drive-throughs), design guidelines, and zone-by-zone allowances (§§ 17.68.010–.090, .130–.180, .200–.210, .500–.560; ).
A sign permit is required unless expressly exempt; noncommercial copy may be substituted on any allowed sign; deviations can be considered through a variance or CUP (§ 17.68.040; ). Many exterior sign changes are also subject to design review at plan check (§ 17.80.020(C)(7); ).
Compliance with the uniform building/electrical codes is also required for sign installation (§ 17.68.040(C)); for those technical standards, see the California Building Standards Code (§ 17.68.040(C); ).

Citywide sign rules you always apply

Permit required unless exempt; maintenance in safe condition is mandatory (§§ 17.68.040(A), 17.68.050; ).
General prohibitions include: no exposed angle-iron/guy-wire supports; no overhead power-line connections; lighting must avoid night-sky pollution; illuminated signs are prohibited unless expressly allowed (§ 17.68.070; ).
Visibility triangle: within the clear-sight triangle at intersections, signs may not exceed 36 in in height, except pole sign faces 8 ft or higher (§ 17.68.080; ).
Message substitution: any noncommercial message can replace commercial copy on any allowed sign without extra permit, so long as sign size/type stays the same (§ 17.68.040(B); ).

Sign types and key design standards

Bellflower provides design guidance by sign type (apply in addition to zone limits):

Wall signs: locate in a consistent horizontal band above storefronts; repair/paint walls when signs are removed (§ 17.68.500(A); ).
Projecting signs: ground-floor only; hang at 90°; mount between the second-floor window sills and first-floor heads; min. 8 ft clearance; specific projection and spacing limits apply to “major projecting” signs (§ 17.68.500(B); Table 480-2 excerpts; ).
Blade and pedestrian-hanging signs: pedestrian-scale, simple design, min. 8 ft clearance; cannot be illuminated; area typically 2 sf per face (blade) or 4 sf (hanging) (Table 480-2; ).
Awning signs: copy on the valance only; no backlit/internally illuminated awnings; size limits in Table 480-2 (§ 17.68.500(D); Table 480-2; ).
Window signs: maintain visibility into shops; neon allowed only as small accents (e.g., neon ≤ 4 sf per tenant) (Table 480-2; § 17.68.500(E); ).
Pylon/monument/pole/directional: quality materials; match building architecture; favor down-lighting and opaque fields; pole sign poles cannot be exposed (§ 17.68.500(F)–(J); ).

Temporary signs (businesses and properties)

General limits: max 3 temporary signs per business per calendar year; max display 120 days/year; any one sign max 60 days (except A-frames/chalkboards); must be stationary and unlit; no attachment to fences/trees; right-of-way requires an Encroachment Permit (§ 17.68.170(B); ).
A-frame: 1 per ground-floor business; max 42 in tall x 30 in wide; only during business hours; 1-year approval renewable (§ 17.68.170; Table 170-1; ).
Banners: up to 3; max 42 sf; securely affixed to the façade (§ 17.68.170; Table 170-1; ).
Chalkboard: 1; max 60 in x 42 in; affixed to building; business hours only (§ 17.68.170; Table 170-1; ).
Light-pole banners: up to 2 per pole; max 12 sf; min 8 ft clearance (§ 17.68.170; Table 170-1; ).
Event-based temporary signs (including inflatables): max 2 per event; up to 60 days/year; total area may not exceed otherwise-permitted wall sign area (§ 17.68.140; ). Remove within two business days after the event or permit expiration (§ 17.68.160; ).
Temporary yard signs (always allowed in addition to others): max 2 per lot; up to 6 sf in residential zones or 16 sf in other zones; max 4 ft height; front/side yard only; no illumination (§ 17.68.120(U); § 17.68.130; ).
Election season signs: allowed 45 days before and 7 days after an election; size limits 6 sf (residential) and 16 sf (commercial); stationary and unlit in residential; removal within 7 days after the election; placement and safety criteria apply (§ 17.68.155; ).

Freestanding and special signs by zone

The table below distills Table 510-3 (Freestanding Signs) and related sections; always pair with design standards and any Master Sign Plan notes (§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3; ).

Zone	Pylon	Pole	Monument	Off-Premises	Billboard	Code Reference
A-E, SF, R-1	P****	P****	P****	NP	NP	§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3. Note P**** points to Master Sign Plan § 17.68.390(A)(6) (see §§ 17.68.400–.420 for process)
R-2, R-3	P****	P****	P****	NP	NP	§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3
S-C-H	NP	NP	P	NP	NP	§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3
C-G	P	P	P	CUP	CUP	§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3
M-1	P	P	P	CUP	CUP	§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3
TC	P	P	P	NP	NP	§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3
O-S	NP	NP	P	CUP	CUP	§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3
P	P	NP	P	CUP	CUP	§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3

P = Permitted; NP = Not Permitted; CUP = Conditional Use Permit; P**** = see Master Sign Plan note (verify applicability with the Director).

District-by-district guidance

Below, “purpose” focuses on the sign program’s role in each zone. For base-zone land uses, see Bellflower Zoning. Where district use purposes or where-applies geography are not in the retrieved sign ordinance, they are noted as not found.

SF (Single Family), A-E (Agricultural Estate), R-1 (Low Density Residential)

Purpose: Signs serve to identify major residential landmarks, neighborhood entrances, addresses; integrate with architecture/landscaping; illumination must avoid light trespass into dwellings (§ 17.68.520(A); ).
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional/sign standards:
- For multi-unit properties in these zones: one understated wall identification sign, max 18 sf; below eave line; project ≤ 8 in; letter height ≤ 8 in; cabinet signs prohibited (§ 17.68.520(B); ).
- Freestanding signs show as P**** in Table 510-3; consult Master Sign Plan provisions and the Director for applicability in residential contexts (§ 17.68.510; Table 510-3; ).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction (zoning map not in retrieved materials).

R-2 (Medium Density Residential), R-3 (Multiple Residential)

Purpose: Same residential identity focus as above (§ 17.68.530(A); ).
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional/sign standards:
- Buildings may install either a wall sign, an awning sign, or a monument sign and a directory sign, subject to standards (§ 17.68.530(B); ).
- Wall sign (multi-unit): max 18 sf; below eave line; ≤ 8 in projection; letter height ≤ 8 in; no cabinet signs (§ 17.68.530(B)(1); ).
- Awning sign: max 18 sf (§ 17.68.530(B)(2); ).
- Directory sign (≥10 units): max height 6 ft 6 in; area 26 sf; base ≤14 sf; min 5 ft setback; include approved site plan (§ 17.68.530(B)(4); ).
- Freestanding pylon/pole/monument entries show P**** in Table 510-3; verify with Master Sign Plan (§ 17.68.510; ).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

S-C-H (Senior Citizen Housing District)

Purpose: Same residential identity focus (§ 17.68.530(A); ).
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional/sign standards:
- Monument signs permitted; pylon/pole not permitted (Table 510-3; § 17.68.510; ).
- Directory sign standards as above for multi-building sites (§ 17.68.530(B)(4); ).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

C-G (General Commercial)

Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional/sign standards:
- Freestanding pylon, pole, and monument signs permitted; off‑premises and billboards by CUP only (Table 510-3; § 17.68.510; ).
- Building-mounted “secondary” signs (citywide standards): examples include window signs up to 25% of window area; limited neon (e.g., ≤ 4 sf per tenant); awning copy placement/size limits; blade/hanging sign size and clearance, typically unlit (Table 480-2; § 17.68.500; ).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

M-1 (Light Manufacturing)

Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional/sign standards:
- Freestanding pylon, pole, and monument signs permitted; off‑premises and billboards by CUP only (Table 510-3; § 17.68.510; ).
- Apply citywide design standards for pylon/monument (e.g., opaque fields; down‑lighting recommended; integral base) (§ 17.68.500(F)–(I); ).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

TC (TC District)

Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional/sign standards:
- Freestanding pylon, pole, and monument signs permitted; off‑premises and billboards not permitted (Table 510-3; § 17.68.510; ).
- Apply building sign standards from Table 480-2 (e.g., pedestrian-oriented projecting allowed with size/height limits; typically unlit) (Table 480-2; ).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

O-S (Open Space)

Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional/sign standards:
- Monument signs permitted; off‑premises and billboards by CUP only; pylon/pole not permitted (Table 510-3; § 17.68.510; ).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

P (Public)

Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional/sign standards:
- Pylon and monument signs permitted; pole not permitted; off‑premises and billboards by CUP only (Table 510-3; § 17.68.510; ).
- Note: Chapter 17.68 applies to public property not owned/controlled by the City; City‑controlled property may be subject to separate City policies (§ 17.68.020; ).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Master Sign Plans

When required or used, a Master Sign Plan must include scaled site drawings, sign illustrations (number, location, dimensions, area, materials, colors, illumination), structural/electrical details, and owner consent (§ 17.68.400; ).
Approval requires findings that the plan meets chapter purposes, harmonizes with development, allows for tenant changes, and uses flexibility only to achieve superior design and better meet the chapter’s purposes (§ 17.68.410; ).
The Director may refer approval to the Planning Commission and decisions are appealable (§§ 17.68.420–.430; ).
Table 510-3 notes “P**** See Master Sign Plan § 17.68.390(A)(6)” for certain zones; the referenced subsection was not in the retrieved materials—verify with staff (Table 510-3 note; ).

Special contexts

Landscaped freeways: Advertising displays primarily oriented to travelers on landscaped freeways are prohibited, with limited exceptions (on‑premises business ID, real estate signs per Civ. Code 713) (§ 17.68.540; ).
Drive-through restaurants: Up to 2 menu boards, each ≤40 sf and ≤7 ft high, oriented to on‑site customers; changeable copy allowed; illumination allowed (§ 17.68.550; ).
Automobile service stations: Section title present; detailed standards not found in retrieved materials (§ 17.68.560; ).

Quick reference: common building-mounted signs (citywide standards)

Sign Type	Key Limits	Code Reference
Window sign	Up to 25% of each window; small neon allowed; maintain visibility into store; neon ≤ 4 sf per tenant space	Table 480-2; § 17.68.500(E)
Awning sign	Copy on valance; backlit awnings not allowed; size e.g., up to 40% of awning face or 10 sf (per table excerpt)	§ 17.68.500(D); Table 480-2
Blade sign	1 per frontage; 2 sf/face; min 8 ft clearance; unlit	Table 480-2
Pedestrian projecting	1 per frontage; 4 sf; min 8 ft mounting height; unlit	Table 480-2
Major projecting	Min 8 ft clearance; must attach to 1st floor; projection 12 in–6 ft; spacing and setbacks apply	Table 480-2 excerpt

Checklist

Confirm your base zone on the zoning map and read the zone row in Table 510-3 for freestanding sign eligibility (pylon/pole/monument; CUPs) (§ 17.68.510; ).
Determine if a design review or Master Sign Plan is required for your site (§§ 17.80.020(C)(7), 17.68.400–.420; ).
Apply citywide rules: permit required; visibility triangle; illumination limits; structural/electrical compliance (§§ 17.68.040, .080; ).
Choose sign type(s) that fit the chapter’s design guidance (wall, awning, window, projecting, monument/pylon) and your zone (§ 17.68.500; ).
If temporary signs are planned, track number and duration caps; follow A‑frame/banner/chalkboard/light‑pole specifics (§ 17.68.170; ).
For any event/election signage, follow the special timing, size, and removal rules (§§ 17.68.140, .155–.160; ).
If near a landscaped freeway or a drive‑through, apply those special provisions (§§ 17.68.540–.550; ).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
P**** note in residential zone table	Table 510-3 shows P**** for certain freestanding signs in A‑E/SF/R‑1 and R‑2/R‑3; the referenced § 17.68.390(A)(6) text was not retrieved	Confirm with Planning whether a Master Sign Plan can authorize these, and under what circumstances (§§ 17.68.510, 17.68.400–.420)
Incomplete visibility into Table 480-2	Secondary building sign limits (some rows truncated) affect window/awning/canopy details	Bring the full Chapter 17.68.480 table to plan check to confirm exact dimensions and lighting limits (Table 480-2 excerpts)
Zone purposes/where-applies	This page is signage-specific; base zone land uses/geographies weren’t in retrieved sign sections	Check Bellflower Zoning and verify parcel zoning with the City
City-controlled public property	Different City policies may supersede Chapter 17.68 on City‑owned sites	Coordinate early if the sign is on/over City property (§ 17.68.020)
Nonconforming signs	Upgrades may trigger compliance	See Bellflower Nonconforming Uses and verify with staff

Plain-English Summary

Bellflower’s sign rules say what kind of sign you can have, how big it can be, and where it can go—varying by zone and sign type. Most signs need a permit; temporary signs are capped by number and days; lighting is limited, and clear-sight areas at driveways/corners must stay low. Multi-tenant sites can use a Master Sign Plan to coordinate a cleaner, more flexible package that still meets the code.

Source References

Bellflower Municipal Code Title 17 Zoning, Chapter 17.68 Signs: purpose, applicability, permits, message substitution, construction/maintenance, Director interpretations (§§ 17.68.010–.050; )
General prohibitions; clear-sight triangles (§§ 17.68.070–.080; )
Temporary signs: general, event-based, lot sales, election signs, removal, applications and standards (§§ 17.68.130–.170; Tables 170‑1; )
Administrative sign permits; additional permit requirements; single permit for multiple signs (§§ 17.68.180–.210; )
Master Sign Plans: applications, findings, PC referral, appeals (§§ 17.68.400–.430; )
Design guidelines by sign type; Secondary Building Signs (Table 480‑2) (§ 17.68.500; Table 480‑2 excerpts; )
Zone permissions for freestanding signs (Table 510‑3) (§ 17.68.510; )
Residential and S‑C‑H zone sign standards (§§ 17.68.520–.530; )
Landscaped freeways; drive-through restaurants; automobile service stations (§§ 17.68.540–.560; )
Development Review trigger for signage modifications (§ 17.80.020(C)(7); )

Information Gaps

Full text of § 17.68.390(A)(6) (Master Sign Plan note referenced in Table 510‑3) — Not found in retrieved materials.
Complete Table 480‑2 rows (some canopy/awning/secondary sign details truncated) — Not found in retrieved materials.
District purposes, typical permitted land uses, and where-applies geography for non-residential zones — Not found in retrieved materials.
Detailed standards for automobile service station signage (content of § 17.68.560) — Not found in retrieved materials.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Bellflower Zoning Code (§ 17.68.400.) High relevance
Bellflower Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
Bellflower Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Bellflower Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Bellflower Zoning Code (section do) Medium relevance
Bellflower Zoning Code (Section 17.68.390) Medium relevance
Bellflower Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
CPC § 6 (§ 6) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Bellflower code library

Frequently asked questions

Are illuminated signs allowed in Bellflower?

Illumination is limited: as a rule, illuminated signs are prohibited unless a section expressly allows them; where allowed, lighting must be steady and controlled to avoid glare and light pollution (§ 17.68.070; § 17.68.500; ). Monument signs may be internally lit with an opaque background, and small neon accents are allowed for certain window signs (Table 480‑2; § 17.68.500(H), (E); ).

How big can window signs be in Bellflower?

Window signs are generally limited to 25% of the window area, must preserve visibility into the shop, and may include only small neon elements (e.g., up to 4 sf per tenant) (Table 480‑2; § 17.68.500(E); ).

Are A-frame signs allowed on sidewalks?

Yes, 1 A‑frame per ground-floor business is allowed, up to 42 inches tall by 30 inches wide; it must be directly in front of the business, used only during business hours, and may need renewal annually (§ 17.68.170; Table 170‑1; ). If placed in or over the right‑of‑way, you’ll need an Encroachment Permit (§ 17.68.170(B)(3); ).

How many temporary signs can I have and for how long?

A business is limited to three temporary signs per calendar year, for a combined total display period of 120 days per year; any one sign can display for up to 60 days (except A‑frames/chalkboards) (§ 17.68.170(B)(1)–(2); ).

Can an apartment building in R-3 install a monument or directory sign?

Yes. In R‑2/R‑3/S‑C‑H, buildings may use a wall, awning, or monument sign and a directory sign, subject to size and placement rules; directory signs for larger developments have specific height/area/setback and content requirements (§ 17.68.530(B); ).

Are billboards or off-premises signs allowed?

Only in certain nonresidential zones and only with a Conditional Use Permit; they are not permitted in residential, TC, or S‑C‑H zones (Table 510‑3; § 17.68.510; ).

Do I need a Master Sign Plan?

You’ll need one when required by Chapter 17.68 or when using it to coordinate multi-tenant/large-site signs; approval hinges on findings about design quality and consistency (§§ 17.68.400–.410; ). Table 510‑3 includes entries flagged P**** that reference Master Sign Plan provisions—confirm applicability with the Planning Director (§ 17.68.510; ).

Can I place signs near driveway corners or intersections?

Signs in the clear-sight triangle can’t extend above 36 inches (except pole sign faces at least 8 feet above grade) to protect visibility (§ 17.68.080; ).

What are the rules for election signs?

Election season signs are allowed 45 days before and 7 days after an election; size is capped at 6 sf in residential areas and 16 sf in commercial areas; residential signs must be stationary and unlit; removal is required within 7 days after the election (§ 17.68.155; ).

Do sign changes trigger design review?

Most exterior sign installations or replacements trigger Development Review at plan check to ensure compliance, in addition to any sign permits (§ 17.80.020(C)(7); ). See Bellflower Design Review.

Ask about any Bellflower property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Bellflower zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial