Local zoning · Glendale

Glendale — Signage

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

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Glendale Zoning Ordinance (Title 30) actually requires for signs: which sign types are allowed, dimensional caps, special rules for the downtown/overlay areas, and the permit/variance paths. It is narrowly limited to the zoning/planning sign rules in the code (Title 30); building-code (Title 24) and other permitting or housing rules are separate (see California Building Standards Code). The ordinance goals are stated up front: public safety, aesthetics, and traffic-safety protection under § 30.33.010.

District-by-district sign summary

Note: the zoning code applies sign rules to named districts (below). Where the code gives district‑specific numeric limits I cite the controlling section. For other district “purposes/uses” the ordinance often uses general district names (C1, C2, CA, etc.) rather than long narrative mission statements; where the code sets special sign rules for a district I list them and cite the §. Verify parcel-specific applicability with the city.

C1 (Neighborhood Commercial)

Where the sign rules apply: accessory ground signs and accessory wall signs are authorized for commercial uses; residential uses in nonresidential zones follow the C1 standards. § 30.33.080 and § 30.33.140 govern.
Key dimensional rules: accessory ground signs in C1 are limited to an aggregate of 40 sq ft and height 6 ft (per site frontage rules) under § 30.33.140.
Where it applies: citywide C1 zoned parcels as listed in the zoning map and code. Verify the parcel’s zoning map layer for absolute applicability.

C2 (General Commercial)

Rules: accessory ground signs allowed, with larger aggregate area than C1. § 30.33.140.
Key dimensional rules: aggregate ground-sign cap 75 sq ft and height 8 ft in C2 under § 30.33.140.

C3 / CR / CH / CA (Larger commercial / auto / regional)

Rules: accessory ground signs, wall signs; CA (vehicle sales) has special expanded allowances (extra wall signs, larger ground signs and banner allowances). See § 30.33.120, § 30.33.140, and CA-specific paragraphs.
CA special rules (vehicle sales, leasing, rental agencies): in the CA zone only, additional accessory wall signs and larger accessory ground sign area/height allowances apply (examples: up to 640 sq ft aggregate for accessory ground signs for certain CA sites; separate banner rules including temporary / non-temporary limits). Cite: § 30.33.120 (CA wall sign adjustments) and the CA ground‑sign/banners text in the accessory ground‑sign provisions.
Practical note: the CA rules are unusually permissive compared with C1/C2 but are explicit and must be followed exactly; measure frontage and count existing “secondary” signs per the CA clauses. Verify with planning staff before design.

MS (Medical Service) and TOD II (hospital signage)

Rules: hospitals in MS and TOD II have dedicated banner/height/clearance rules (banner max height 22 ft; clearance rules; mounting and mounting‑hardware requirements). See § 30.33.210(J).
Practical: hospital banners and special light-projection signs are permitted in limited fashion; detailed mounting and lighting requirements apply and must follow building-code standards as well.

DSP (Downtown Specific Plan) and the Downtown Core

Purpose: downtown sign policy emphasizes a pedestrian character and coordinated, pedestrian-scale identification while allowing the downtown to be active (goals in § 30.26.010 and sign chapter scope § 30.33.010).
Key rules: downtown-specific directory/identification signs, pedestrian‑oriented restrictions (ground signs, pedestrian signs and downtown business ID signs managed by Director approvals), and some downtown animated/creative sign allowances subject to ASOZ or sign‑program approvals. See § 30.26.050 and the downtown entries in Chapter 30.33.

ASOZ — Advertising Signage Overlay Zone (downtown advertising overlay)

Purpose and special path: an ASOZ can be adopted by ordinance to allow expanded advertising signage in a defined downtown area; it operates by overlay and requires findings and often a development agreement. The ASOZ purpose and criteria are in § 30.26.010–.040; regulations for signs allowed by ASOZ are in § 30.26.050.
Key restrictions inside ASOZ: ASOZ signs must meet compatibility standards, may include animated signs only where specifically allowed, have image-change frequency/brightness limits, and require director review and (for non‑accessory/animated signs) a development agreement before installation. See § 30.26.050 and § 30.26.090 (development agreement requirement).

TOD / IMU / IMU‑R / SFMU / IND (Transit‑oriented / Mixed use / Industrial)

Rules: many sign types are permitted, but several sign types (projecting signs, window signs, high‑rise wall signs, sign‑program applicability) have special allowances in TOD, IMU-R, SFMU and DSP (for example, projecting signs can be up to 12 sq ft in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP). See § 30.33.180 and § 30.33.120–.130.
Sign programs (required on multi‑tenant new developments) apply in these zones: § 30.33.220 lists the zoning districts where sign programs are required (DSP, TOD, IMU, IMU‑R, SFMU, C1, C2, C3, CR, CH, CA, MS, IND).

Most decision‑relevant numerical rules (quick table)

Rule / sign type	Limit / requirement (glance)	Code Reference
Accessory ground sign — C1	Aggregate ≤ 40 sq ft; height ≤ 6 ft	§ 30.33.140
Accessory ground sign — C2	Aggregate ≤ 75 sq ft; height ≤ 8 ft	§ 30.33.140
Accessory ground sign — other zones	Aggregate ≤ 200 sq ft; height ≤ 25 ft (general)	§ 30.33.140
Accessory ground sign — CA (auto)	Aggregate up to 640 sq ft (CA special), height up to 57 ft in some locations (CA limited to 35 ft for certain Brand Blvd conditions) — see CA text	CA/ground sign clauses in accessory rules; see § 30.33.120 / accessory ground sign text.
Pedestrian / A‑frame sign (sidewalk)	Max height 48 in, width 30 in, area ≤ 10 sq ft (per face), permit & renewal required	§ 30.33.215 (pedestrian sign standards)
Projecting sign area	Normally 6 sq ft, 12 sq ft in IMU‑R, SFMU, TOD, DSP	§ 30.33.180
Marquee sign area	1 sq ft per linear ft of marquee; total max 100 sq ft	§ 30.33.160
Animated signs (image change)	Max change frequency: no faster than every 8 seconds; transition ≤ 1 sec; brightness no higher than ambient	§ 30.26.050(D) and animated limits in sign chapter § 30.33.040
Freestanding sign (DSP/downtown)	Max 10 ft tall and 5 ft wide (typical); downtown ground signs and directories have special director‑determined sizes	§ 30.26.050(H) and related downtown entries § 30.33.120
Permits required	A sign permit from the building official is required for most signs; exemptions listed in § 30.33.060	§ 30.33.050–.060

Practical guidance / synthesis (plain English, code‑driven)

Start by identifying the zoning of your parcel and any overlays (DSP, ASOZ, TOD, IMU‑R, CA, etc.). The code ties numeric sign allowances to those zones (for example, the C1 vs C2 ground‑sign caps in § 30.33.140).
Determine sign type (wall, ground, marquee, projecting, pedestrian/A‑frame, banner, animated). Each sign type has its own set of rules and permitted zones (see § 30.33.120–.220).
If your site is multi‑tenant or a new nonresidential development you will likely need a sign program; the list of zones where sign programs are required is in § 30.33.220.
If the property sits inside an ASOZ, additional signage (including certain animated signs and non‑accessory signs) may be possible but the code requires an ASOZ adoption, often a development agreement, and strict criteria in § 30.26.040–.100. Plan for extra review and possible development‑agreement obligations.
Pedestrian/A‑frame signs have tightly constrained sizes, construction materials, hours and permit renewal requirements; they are allowed only in pedestrian commercial districts or with merchant association approval, and must comply with clearance/path rules in the public right‑of‑way (see § 30.33.215 and sidewalk rules).
Animated signs are broadly prohibited except when allowed as a creative sign or specifically authorized in an ASOZ; when allowed they have image‑change and brightness rules (no faster than every 8 seconds; brightness ≤ ambient) — see § 30.33.040 and § 30.26.050(D).

While this page interprets the Glendale Zoning Ordinance for signs, always cross‑check the parcel zoning, overlay maps, and any active sign programs or development agreements that affect a site. See the city’s design review rules where design review is triggered for larger projects (design review references in the zoning title). For on‑site engineering and electrical compliance, confirm building‑code/Title 24 requirements separately.

Helpful internal resources (first natural mention links):

Check required parking adjustments when your signs affect curb cuts or striping with Glendale Parking. Glendale Parking
Confirm setbacks and development metrics in Glendale Development Standards
Many sign projects in downtown require Glendale Design Review
Overlay procedures and the specific ASOZ rules are in Glendale Overlay Districts
Historic properties have extra restrictions; consult Glendale Historic Preservation
If you think your sign needs an exception, read Glendale Variances and Exceptions
Sign lighting must still meet building‑code electrical rules in the California Building Standards Code

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Verify the parcel zoning and overlay(s) and the page‑by‑page sign allowances for that zone (e.g., C1, C2, CA, DSP, ASOZ) — see § 30.33.140 and § 30.26.050.
Confirm sign type (wall, ground, marquee, projecting, pedestrian, banner, animated) and check the exact numeric caps (area, height, clearance) that apply to that sign type and zone (see § 30.33.120–.220).
For multi‑tenant / new nonresidential sites, prepare a sign program when required by § 30.33.220.
If in an ASOZ, confirm ASOZ adoption, development‑agreement obligations, and submit lighting/materials package per § 30.26.100.
Obtain a sign permit from the building official unless your sign is explicitly exempted by § 30.33.060; exemptions are limited and do not free you from other code provisions.
If placing anything in the public right‑of‑way (pedestrian signs, banners, downtown directories, ground/marquee in ROW), get encroachment or public‑works permits and meet the insurance/indemnity requirements. See the pedestrian‑sign right‑of‑way clauses and banner permit conditions.
If proposing animated signage, confirm it is allowed for that site (usually creative sign program or ASOZ) and meet the 8‑second change/brightness rules § 30.33.040 / § 30.26.050(D).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
ASOZ / development agreements	ASOZ permits non‑standard signage but typically requires a council ordinance and development agreement with negotiated conditions and public benefits — installation may be delayed or conditioned.	Confirm whether your property is inside an active ASOZ, whether a development agreement is required, and the precise ASOZ map/terms. § 30.26.040–.100.
CA zone “vehicle sales” exceptions	CA rules allow extra wall signs, larger ground signs and special banners — but the CA clauses are specific about wall length/frontage thresholds and Brand Blvd conditions. Mistaking the general C1/C2 caps for CA sites will under‑size permitted signage.	If site is CA, read the CA paragraphs (CA special provisions within accessory sign sections) and measure frontage per the CA formulas. § 30.33.120 and accessory ground sign text.
Animated signs and creative sign approvals	Animated signage is broadly prohibited unless approved via creative‑sign process or ASOZ. Changes to image frequency, brightness and content are tightly controlled and can trigger lighting studies.	Confirm whether proposed animated sign is allowed under § 30.33.040 and § 30.26.050, and be prepared to submit lighting measurements.
Pedestrian sign (A‑frame) placement in ROW	Pedestrian signs have precise clear path, merchant‑association limits, and indemnity/insurance obligations; misuse risks abatement.	Verify merchant association boundaries or BID status and meet § 30.33.215 standards and public‑works insurance/encroachment permit terms.
Sign program applicability	A required sign program changes how you allocate sign area across a multi‑tenant site and can restrict illumination methods.	Check § 30.33.220 to see if the site triggers a sign program and contact the Director for program submittal requirements.

Plain‑English Summary

Glendale’s zoning code controls what kinds of signs you can install, how big and how tall they can be, and where they can go — and it ties those limits to the parcel’s zoning and overlays (for example, C1, C2, CA, DSP, and ASOZ). Most signs need a sign permit; special downtown overlay rules and CA (auto‑sales) site exceptions change the usual caps. Look up your zone, confirm overlay status, and check the exact section numbers before you design or build. See § 30.33.010, § 30.33.050–.060, § 30.33.120–.220, and the ASOZ rules § 30.26.010–.100.

Source References

Chapter 30.33 (Signs) — purpose, scope, definitions, permit requirements, prohibited signs, and the specific sign‑type rules: § 30.33.010; § 30.33.020; § 30.33.030; § 30.33.040; § 30.33.050; § 30.33.060; § 30.33.120–30.33.220.
Accessory ground sign specifics (C1/C2/other heights, areas): § 30.33.140.
CA zone vehicle‑sales and CA‑zone banner/ground‑sign variations: CA‑specific clauses in accessory sign sections; see accessory ground sign and vehicle sales provisions (CA) within § 30.33.120 / accessory sign text.
ASOZ (Advertising Signage Overlay Zone) rules, criteria, and development‑agreement/permit rules: § 30.26.010–.100 and ASOZ regulations § 30.26.050.
Pedestrian signs / sidewalk A‑frame standards (sizes, permit, renewal and public‑ROW conditions): § 30.33.215 (referenced text of pedestrian sign rules).
Animated sign timing/brightness rules and creative sign program: § 30.33.040 and § 30.26.050(D).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Glendale Zoning Code (§ 34) High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
CEC § 27 (§ 27) High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
CEC § 200 (section shall) High relevance
CEC § 21 (§ 21) High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (Chapter 30.33.) High relevance
California Building Code High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
CEC § 200 (section shall) High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (§ 30.26.050.) High relevance
CEC § 45 (§ 45) High relevance
CEC § 200 (section shall) High relevance
CBC § 30.33.030 (§ 30.33.030.) High relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Glendale Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Glendale code library

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a permitted wall sign in Glendale?

Accessory wall signs are allowed in all non‑residential zones (and non‑residential uses in mixed use zones) subject to the per‑frontage area cap (generally 1 sq ft per linear foot of frontage, with minimum allowances) and mounting/height constraints; see § 30.33.120.

How large can a ground/monument sign be on a C1 vs C2 parcel?

In C1 the aggregate accessory ground‑sign area is capped at 40 sq ft with height 6 ft; in C2 the aggregate cap is 75 sq ft and height 8 ft, per § 30.33.140.

Are sidewalk A‑frame (pedestrian) signs allowed in Glendale and what are the rules?

Yes, where allowed (pedestrian commercial areas, BIDs or merchant association zones, DSP, CR). They are limited to 48 in tall, 30 in wide, 10 sq ft area (per face), require a pedestrian sign permit and annual renewal, and cannot block a 4‑ft clear path; see § 30.33.215.

Can I use animated/digital signs in Glendale?

Animated signs are generally prohibited unless approved as a creative sign or explicitly allowed in an ASOZ; where allowed they must not change images faster than once every 8 seconds, transitions ≤ 1 sec, and not exceed ambient brightness — see § 30.33.040 and § 30.26.050(D).

If my project is multi‑tenant, do I need a sign program?

Probably. Sign programs are required for many new nonresidential multi‑tenant developments and where alternative accessory wall signs are proposed; the list of applicable zones and when a sign program is required is in § 30.33.220.

What special rules apply to car dealerships (CA zone)?

The CA zone has specific allowances (additional accessory wall signs if walls/frontage meet length thresholds; accessory ground sign area/height and special banner rules including maximum aggregate 640 sq ft for certain ground signs and banner height/clearance requirements). See the CA text in the accessory sign sections (CA zone clauses) — cross‑check § 30.33.120 and the accessory ground sign paragraphs.

Do I always need a sign permit?

Yes — it is unlawful to construct/alter/relocate a sign without a permit from the building official except for limited exemptions (temporary signs other than banners, identification ≤ 2 sq ft, political signs, residential noncommercial signs, pump top signs at gas stations, etc.). See § 30.33.050–.060.

Where are downtown directional/directory signs regulated?

Downtown business identification signs and directories are regulated under the downtown/downtown specific plan entries and ASOZ rules — they must be designed and approved by the director and follow the downtown special rules; see § 30.26.050(F) and downtown clauses.

If my property is in an ASOZ, what extra steps are required?

ASOZ designation requires a city ordinance and findings; ASOZ sign permits often require a development agreement and a final lighting/materials package and director approvals before permits are issued per § 30.26.040–.100.

How are political and residential signs treated?

Political and residential noncommercial signs are allowed with limited sizes: residential noncommercial sign ≤ 6 sq ft and height ≤ 6 ft; political signs have separate small allowances in residential vs commercial/industrial zones — see § 30.33.060 and associated political sign rules.

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