Local zoning · Cerritos

Cerritos — Signage

Q: Do I always need a sign permit in Cerritos?

Most signs that are not explicitly listed in § 22.48.400 as allowed without permit require a sign permit; the permit application goes to the Director of Community Development and must include plans that show size, height, location, materials and owner endorsement. See § 22.48.500 .

Q: What temporary sign limits apply for promotions or grand openings?

Temporary/promotional signage is limited to five promotional periods per year , each period up to 14 days ; flags and pennants have additional restrictions; total temporary sign area must not exceed the area allowed for wall mounted identification signs and permits are required for each period. See § 22.48.900(2) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Cerritos development (zoning) code says about signs: where signs are allowed, what types are prohibited, how area and height are measured, permit triggers, and special rules for residential, commercial/industrial, auto-dealership and overlay areas. The city’s sign rules live primarily in Chapter 22.48 (the Signs chapter) and related ADP/overlay chapters (for example ADP-5 / Cerritos Auto Square). See Cerritos Zoning for broader context. § 22.48.100 and related sections set policy and the basic framework.

(Links: first mention of related topics are inline — read the code in context at the city pages below.)

For zoning context see the Cerritos Zoning page above.
For sign construction and electrical requirements see the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) link later in this document.

Key rules at a glance (legal anchors)

Purpose and city policy for signs: § 22.48.100 (purpose) and § 22.48.150 (policies) — signs are to identify and direct, be restrained, harmonize with design, and avoid traffic/safety conflicts.
Definitions and measurement rules (e.g., “sign,” “sign area,” “height of sign,” “occupancy elevation”): § 22.48.200 (definitions) and associated definitions scattered through Chapter 22.48.
Prohibited signs (roof signs, billboards, animated signs unless explicitly allowed, bench signs, off‑premises commercial signs except specified categories): § 22.48.300.
Signs permitted without a permit (flags under limited conditions, civic event signs, small identification signs, address signs, certain window signs, construction signs within size limits): § 22.48.400.
Sign permits: required for all signs not explicitly allowed without a permit or specifically prohibited; application requirements and plan submittal to the Director of Community Development: § 22.48.500.
Residential-specific rules: residential parcels only get the “allowed without permit” sign categories plus subdivision, political, and limited identification signs for single-family and multifamily developments — see § 22.48.800. Multifamily identification area limits are spelled out there.
Commercial/industrial-specific rules: wall identification limits based on frontage (front elevation = 1 sq ft per linear foot; side/rear = 1 sq ft per 2 linear feet), temporary sign time-period limits and size limits, directory and planter sign rules, auto-dealership allowances — see § 22.48.900 and related subsections.
Nonconforming signs: phase-out and timelines for removal or bringing into conformance are set in § 23.50.500 (nonconforming signs).
Master sign programs and overlay rules: some ADPs (for example, ADP-5 / Cerritos Auto Square and drive-through permit rules) require or authorize a Master Sign Program to control district/directional/monument signs and ensure compatibility; see ADP text (e.g., § 22.15 ADP sections and § 22.61 for the Auto Square overlay).

Also consult the California building code for construction/structural and electrical standards for signs (Title 24 / IBC Appendix H).

District-by-district breakdown (where signage rules matter)

Below I focus on the Cerritos districts and overlays that the code explicitly references with sign language. Each subsection gives the practical picture for signage and the ordinance § that controls the rule.

Note: citywide sign rules are in Chapter 22.48; many ADPs and zone chapters reference and layer on top of Chapter 22.48. Always verify with parcel‑specific staff review. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Residential — RS-6500, RS-5000 (single-family residential) and multifamily zones

Purpose and where it applies: single- and multi-family residential areas across Cerritos (examples appear in area development plans that reference RS-6500 and RS-5000 as zone labels). See ADP references for parcel locations.
Typical permitted sign types: items allowed without a permit (civic event signs, governmental notices, one curb address sign, small owner/occupant signs), subdivision identification signs, political signs (subject to time/place restrictions), and block wall identification for single-family areas. Multifamily complexes have limited wall/entry identification sizes (8 sq ft for small complexes up to 32 sq ft for large complexes). See § 22.48.400 and § 22.48.800.
Key dimensional standards: multifamily sign area caps per complex size in § 22.48.800(2) (8 / 16 / 32 sq ft tiers). Flags: pole height and size limits are in § 22.48.400.
Practical note: for subdivisions or new multifamily developments the code repeatedly requires that “for sale/rent/lease” signage and identification be governed by a site Master Sign Program submitted with the precise plan (see ADP and precise plan sections). For large residential projects the ADP/precise plan language requires a master sign program as a condition of approval.

(See Planning and Design Review implications on a project at Cerritos Design Review and the Development Standards pages. Link to design review is provided above.)

Neighborhood / Community / Regional Commercial — CN, ADP shopping centers, regional centers

Purpose and where it applies: small‑ to large‑scale commercial centers across the city; some centers sit inside ADPs (for example ADP-2, ADP-5) or are designated neighborhood/community/regional on the Cerritos development (zoning) map.
Typical permitted sign types: wall-mounted identification signs (one per occupancy elevation), temporary banners/flags during limited promotional periods, planter signs (subject to precise plan approval), directory signs, and conditional allowances for courtyard/blade signs in large centers. See § 22.48.900 and planter sign rules.
Key dimensional standards:
- Wall signs: front elevation = 1 sq ft sign area per linear foot of front occupancy elevation; side/rear = 1 sq ft per 2 linear feet; industrial cap often 100 sq ft per occupancy frontage. § 22.48.900(1).
- Temporary/promotional periods: maximum five time periods per year, each up to 14 days; limits on number of banners/signs per period; total temporary sign area cannot exceed the front occupancy allowable area; permit required for each time period (director approval). § 22.48.900(2).
- Planter signs: typical 21 sq ft and height 7 ft, with a potential increase to 32 sq ft / 9 ft for qualifying centers (conditions apply). See § 22.48.900(5).
Master Sign Program: many shopping centers and the Cerritos Auto Square require or expect a Master Sign Program that locks materials/colors/locations; ADP texts and drive-through standards require submittal of a master sign program for the center/site. See ADP and drive‑through requirements (e.g., § 22.15 ADP sections and § 22.61 for Auto Square overlay).
Practical note: regional center (freeway-facing) identification signs are allowed only by precise plan and can be large (fixed copy up to 750 sq ft per face under strict siting, setback and sight-line study requirements). § 22.48.900(6).

Auto‑dealership / Auto Square area — ADP‑5 / ADP‑5.1 (Cerritos Auto Square overlay)

Purpose and where it applies: the Auto Square overlay (ADP-5.1) and the Auto Mall ADP control signage and design for dealerships and the district; the overlay sits along Studebaker Road between Artesia and I-605 and has tailored sign rules and a defined Master Sign Program requirement. § 22.61 and ADP-5/22.15 sections.
Typical permitted sign types: identification signs per occupancy elevation (per 22.48.900), dealership-specific allowances for promotional periods, allowances for additional window and directional signage (detailed provisions in § 22.48.900), and district/directional signs controlled by a Master Sign Program.
Key requirements: Master Sign Program definition and requirements exist to ensure district-scale compatibility; the ADP requires conformity with the Cerritos Auto Square Architectural Design Standards and master sign/directional standards. See the ADP language—Master Sign Program is defined and required.
Practical note: the Auto Square historically operates under stricter coordinated sign controls; taller electronic or regional signs require precise plan approval, sight-line/glare studies and director/commission review.

Industrial / Manufacturing — MC zones (example: MC-2 referenced in site‑specific sections)

Purpose and where it applies: industrial/manufacturing areas across development area plans, with signage referenced to Chapter 22.48 and special allowances for industrial identification. Example MC-2 used in site development standards for body art business; signage for uses there must also meet Chapter 22.48.
Typical permitted sign types: identification wall signs tied to frontage-based square-foot formula and limited planter/sign types; industrial signs may have different caps (e.g., industrial signs not to exceed 100 sq ft per occupancy frontage). § 22.48.900(1).
Practical note: where an ADP replaces normal zoning standards, the ADP text controls signage (ADP language usually states: “All signs shall conform to Chapter 22.48” and then adds ADP exceptions). Always check the applicable ADP or precise plan.

Most decision-relevant standards (quick reference table)

Sign type / topic	Key standard (decision-relevant)	Permit required?	Code reference
Citywide purpose / policy	Signs should identify/directionally inform, be restrained in size and harmonize with design	n/a	§ 22.48.100, § 22.48.150
Prohibited signs	No roof signs, billboards, bench signs, animated signs (unless allowed), off‑premise signs (except narrow categories)	n/a (prohibited)	§ 22.48.300
Wall-mounted ID (commercial)	Front: 1 sq ft per linear foot of front occupancy elevation; Side/rear: 1 sq ft / 2 linear ft; director may allow larger in special cases	Yes (unless allowed in §22.48.400)	§ 22.48.900(1)
Window signs	Max 10% of window area per occupancy level, not to exceed 50 sq ft per occupancy level	Generally no (allowed without permit subject to limits)	§ 22.48.400(9)
Temporary / promotional signs	Max 5 promotional periods/year, each ≤ 14 days; limits on number per elevation and total area (cannot exceed allowed wall sign area)	Permit required for each promotional period	§ 22.48.900(2)
Service station canopy/pump signs	Max 2 signs per pump island; individual max 3 ft x 10 ft (max area 18 sq ft); total canopy/building signs limited	Yes/regulated	22.48.900 service station subsection (see text)
Planter signs (centers)	Typical ≤ 21 sq ft, top ≤ 7 ft; may increase to 32 sq ft / 9 ft for qualifying centers; planter containment must be ≥ double sign area	Precise plan approval	§ 22.48.900(5)
Regional center identification sign	Precise plan; zone & size thresholds; up to 50 ft height (or higher with conditions), large fixed copy allowable by plan	Precise plan & council approval	§ 22.48.900(6)
Nonconforming signs	Abatement timelines: smaller non‑illuminated signs shorter timelines; internally illuminated and billboards have staged removal windows — see table in code	n/a	§ 23.50.500
Permit submittal requirements	Plans (location, elevations, size/height/color/material; owner endorsement); director issues permit if conforming	Yes	§ 22.48.500

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for a new commercial sign)

Confirm applicable zoning/ADP for the parcel (e.g., CN, ADP overlay, Auto Square/ADP-5.1). Verify ADP overlay mapping.
Confirm whether proposed sign is allowed without a permit under § 22.48.400; if not, prepare a sign permit application.
Prepare sign drawings: plan view, elevations, dimensions, materials, illumination type, structural support and anchorage, and exact sign area computation (include measurement of frontage/occupancy elevation per § 22.48.200 definitions).
If part of a center, determine whether a Master Sign Program or precise plan is required (many centers and ADPs require a program or master plan).
If illumination/electrical work is needed, plan to get applicable electrical/building permits and comply with Title 24 structural/attachment requirements. See California Building Standards Code (Title 24 / Appendix H).
For temporary/promotional signage, apply for a promotional period permit in advance and show compliance with the number of periods and area limits. § 22.48.900(2).
For planter signs, show precise plan approval / compliance with planter area/height/setback rules. § 22.48.900(5).
Verify nonconforming conditions and, if renovating/replacing, that any non‑conforming sign either be replaced with a conforming sign or reduced to remove the nonconformity (see nonconforming timelines). § 23.50.500.
For regional or freeway-oriented displays, include line-of-sight / glare study and precise plan materials (per code requirements). § 22.48.900 regional provisions.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Master Sign Program applicability	ADPs and large centers may require a city‑approved master sign program that supersedes simple per‑tenant calculations; installing signage without it can trigger denial or retrofit.	Verify whether the parcel is within an ADP or overlay (e.g., ADP‑5/ADP‑5.1 Auto Square) and whether a master sign program already exists or is required. See ADP/22.15 and § 22.61.
Which § controls a parcel (ADP vs. Chapter 22.48)	Some ADPs replace normal zoning or add exceptions — that changes what sign rules apply.	Check the applicable ADP language on the parcel; ADPs frequently say “All signs shall conform to Chapter 22.48” but add exceptions. If there’s a conflict, ADP language governs for that area. See ADP text.
Measurement of sign area / frontage for wall signs	Sign area and allowed area for wall signs depend on how “occupancy elevation” and linear frontage are measured. Mis-measurement changes allowed area drastically.	Confirm the measurement methodology with the Director of Community Development (definitions in § 22.48.200).
Freestanding signs / planter signs	Freestanding signs are broadly prohibited except narrow categories (planter, subdivision, monument, regional centers). Installing a ground sign where prohibited is a code violation.	Verify if the site qualifies under exceptions § 22.48.300(6) and planter sign standards § 22.48.900(5).
Electronic message displays / digital signs	Large EMCs have strict size, siting, glare, rotation and setback rules and usually require precise plan approval and a line-of-sight study.	Confirm EMC rules in § 22.48.900 (electronic message display subsections) and whether the director requires a glare study.
Nonconforming sign timelines	Nonconforming signs are subject to staged abatement — timing depends on sign size and illumination; failing to act can trigger abatement orders.	Review § 23.50.500 for the exact abatement schedule and appeal rights.

Plain-English summary

Cerritos’ sign code (Chapter 22.48) treats signs as identification and wayfinding tools, not billboards: small neighborhood and residential signs are tightly limited, commercial signs are sized to building frontage (front = 1 sq ft per linear foot), temporary promotions are time-limited, and big roadside or freeway-facing signs require precise plans and extra studies. ADPs/overlays like the Auto Square commonly require a Master Sign Program; nonconforming signs have removal schedules. Always file a sign permit unless the sign is explicitly allowed without one. § 22.48.100, § 22.48.400, § 22.48.900, § 23.50.500.

Source References

Cerritos Municipal Code — Chapter 22.48 (Signs): § 22.48.100 (Purpose), § 22.48.150 (Policies), § 22.48.200 (Definitions), § 22.48.300 (Prohibited signs), § 22.48.400 (Signs allowed without permit), § 22.48.500 (Signs requiring permit), § 22.48.600 (Political signs), § 22.48.800 (Residential signs), § 22.48.900 (Commercial & industrial signs).
Nonconforming signs / abatement schedule: § 23.50.500.
Master Sign Program / ADP references: § 22.15 ADP text, Master Sign Program definition and ADP‑5 / ADP‑5.1 (Cerritos Auto Square overlay) language.
Service station and planter sign specifics: Subsections of § 22.48.900 (service station/planter rules).
California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — signs and structural/electrical requirements (Appendix H of IBC / CBC sign provisions).

Additional Cerritos pages (internal links used above):

First mention links I used inline in the page: Cerritos Zoning, Cerritos Development Standards, Cerritos Parking, Cerritos Design Review, Cerritos Overlay Districts, Cerritos ADUs, California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Cerritos Zoning Code (chapter have) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code High relevance
CEC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 6.20) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.61) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 27295) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.48.) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CBC § H103 (SECTION H103) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.48.) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.48.) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.48.) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.48.150.) High relevance
CEC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.48.150.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Cerritos Municipal Code — Chapter 22.48 (Signs): **§ 22.48.100** (Purpose), **§ 22.48.150** (Policies), **§ 22.48.200** (Definitions), **§ 22.48.300** (Prohibited signs), **§ 22.48.400** (Signs allowed without permit), **§ 22.48.500** (Signs requiring permit), **§ 22.48.600** (Political signs), **§ 22.48.800** (Residential signs), **§ 22.48.900** (Commercial & industrial signs). (Chapter 22.48)
Nonconforming signs / abatement schedule: **§ 23.50.500**. (§ 23.50.500)
Master Sign Program / ADP references: **§ 22.15** ADP text, Master Sign Program definition and ADP‑5 / ADP‑5.1 (Cerritos Auto Square overlay) language. (§ 22.15)
Service station and planter sign specifics: Subsections of **§ 22.48.900** (service station/planter rules). (§ 22.48.900)
California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — signs and structural/electrical requirements (Appendix H of IBC / CBC sign provisions). (Title 24)
First mention links I used inline in the page: Cerritos Zoning, Cerritos Development Standards, Cerritos Parking, Cerritos Design Review, Cerritos Overlay Districts, Cerritos ADUs, California Building Standards Code.
Cerritos_ZoningCode.md
2025 California Building Code.md

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a sign permit in Cerritos?

Most signs that are not explicitly listed in § 22.48.400 as allowed without permit require a sign permit; the permit application goes to the Director of Community Development and must include plans that show size, height, location, materials and owner endorsement. See § 22.48.500.

How much wall sign area can a retail tenant have on their storefront?

For commercial occupancies the front wall sign area is limited to 1 square foot per linear foot of front occupancy elevation; side/rear elevations are limited to 1 sq ft per 2 linear feet. The Director can allow more in special cases. See § 22.48.900(1).

What temporary sign limits apply for promotions or grand openings?

Temporary/promotional signage is limited to five promotional periods per year, each period up to 14 days; flags and pennants have additional restrictions; total temporary sign area must not exceed the area allowed for wall mounted identification signs and permits are required for each period. See § 22.48.900(2).

Are freestanding or freeway-facing signs allowed?

Freestanding signs are generally prohibited except for narrow categories (subdivision signs, planter signs, regional identification signs, etc.). Freeway-facing “regional center identification signs” are allowed only by precise plan and are subject to specific height, setback, and size limits and line-of-sight/glare studies. See § 22.48.300(6) and § 22.48.900(6).

Can my shopping center adopt its own coordinated sign program?

Yes — many ADPs and large centers are required or strongly encouraged to submit a Master Sign Program that controls district/directional/monument signs, materials and colors; the code defines this tool and ADP language requires it for centers such as the Auto Square. See the Master Sign Program definition and ADP references (e.g., § 22.15 ADP sections and § 22.61 overlay).

What happens if I have a nonconforming sign?

Nonconforming signs are subject to staged abatement timetables in § 23.50.500 (shorter timeframes for small non-illuminated signs, longer for large or illuminated signs; certain particularly offensive categories are expedited). Replacement/alteration rules allow only replacement by conforming signs or diminution of nonconformity. See § 23.50.500.

Can I use LED or electronic message center (EMC) signs?

EMC or electronic message displays are allowed only under narrow, prescribed conditions (size, setback, no rotation, approved intensity/glare controls) and often require a precise plan and director approval (line-of-sight and glare studies are commonly required). See EMC provisions in § 22.48.900.

Do the sign rules differ for ADP/overlay areas like the Auto Square?

Yes — overlays and ADPs often layer additional standards (master sign programs, district directional signs, unique size allowances) on top of Chapter 22.48; ADP text usually states signs must conform to Chapter 22.48 but then provides district exceptions or additional requirements. Check the specific ADP (for Auto Square see § 22.61/22.15 ADP language).

Are political signs allowed? Where can they go and for how long?

Political signs are allowed without a sign permit on private property with the owner’s consent, but they are prohibited on public property and rights-of-way except in limited parkway areas; the political sign rules and time/place limits are in § 22.48.600.

Does the city count double-faced signs twice when calculating sign area?

Except for subdivision signs, the code excludes the reverse side of a double‑faced sign from sign area calculations provided the reverse side is no larger than the front; see the “sign area” definition in § 22.48.200.

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