Lomita — Signage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Lomita controls signs through Article 67 of its Zoning Ordinance (Title XI, Chapter 1). The sign rules set permitted sign types and sizes by zone, define prohibited signs (including most animated/rotating and portable "A‑frame" signs), and require director or planning commission review for many commercial and freestanding signs. The sign chapter states its design and safety goals and applies citywide; see the zoning summary for where each zone applies in Lomita. § 11-1.67.01

Note: this page restricts itself to the Lomita zoning/planning ordinance text about signs (Article 67). For related topics see Lomita Zoning, Lomita Development Standards, and Lomita Parking.

What the ordinance covers (quick map)

• Intent and definitions: § 11-1.67.01 (intent) and § 11-1.67.02 (definitions) .
• General sign conditions and required review: § 11-1.67.03 .
• Zone‑specific permitted signs and size limits: § 11-1.67.04 (detailed list per zone) .
• Prohibited signs and LED rules: § 11-1.67.05 .
• Temporary sign rules (non‑residential): § 11-1.67.06 .

Where the code refers to development rules that affect signage (e.g., maximum wall sign area tied to building wall area, or freestanding sign area tied to lot frontage), those standards appear inside § 11-1.67.04 and related subsections; when a development standard outside Article 67 matters (setbacks, parking, screening), the Zoning Ordinance directs applicants to the appropriate articles — see Lomita Development Standards and Lomita Parking.

District-by-district breakdown (sign rules and context)

Note: the Zoning Ordinance identifies its zone list at § 11-1.20.01 (examples include R-1, R-2, R-3, DC, NC, CC, RC, M-C) — use the zoning map to confirm a parcel's zone. § 11-1.20.01

Each district subsection below summarizes (A) the ordinance purpose or context where the code provides it, (B) typical uses that inform sign expectations (from the zone purpose or permitted uses), (C) the sign rules or dimensional limits that apply, and (D) where the zone typically applies in the city (high‑level; verify parcel‑specific). For full zoning descriptions see Lomita Zoning and Lomita Land Use.

R-1 (Single‑family Residential)

• Purpose / context: R-1 is the low‑density single‑family residential zone listed in the zoning map, intended for single‑family homes. § 11-1.20.01
• Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory uses (see the residential articles for full permitted uses). Not a commercial zone. Notably, churches/schools/hospitals in residential zones get special sign allowances (see below).
• Key sign rules (per zone): only small, limited signs: one residential nameplate (maximum 2 sq ft) may be illuminated; one unlighted real‑estate sign up to 4 sq ft (plus 1 sq ft for riders) removed within 10 days of sale/lease; unlighted construction signs up to 16 sq ft; one no‑peddling sign up to 72 sq in. § 11-1.67.04(1)
• Where it applies: typical single‑family blocks; confirm exact parcel zone on the city zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific restrictions.

R‑V (Residential Variable)

• Purpose / context: the R‑V zone covers variable residential densities; for small properties the sign rules follow R‑1; for larger multi‑unit properties there are allowable building ID signs. § 11-1.67.04(2)
• Typical uses: buildings with multiple dwelling units (two or more).
• Key sign rules: on lots with three or fewer units, R‑1 signs apply; on lots with four or more units, one building identification sign flush to the wall (not projecting above parapet) is allowed at 1 sq ft per dwelling unit (max combined area 24 sq ft, minimum sign area not required to be less than 10 sq ft where applicable). Illumination limited to spotlighting or silhouette (no internally illuminated signs). Real estate and construction sign size caps are higher (see text). § 11-1.67.04(2)(b)(i–iii)

C‑G (Commercial General) and C‑R (Commercial Retail)

• Purpose / context: Commercial zones are intended for business and retail uses; the sign chapter groups C‑G and C‑R with the same wall/awning/freestanding sign formulas. See the commercial zone purpose statements in Article 40 (e.g., neighborhood, community, regional descriptions) for context. § 11-1.40.01 and district descriptions § 11-1.40 / Art. 40 and Art. 41 context in the code.

• Typical uses: storefront retail, offices, restaurants, service businesses; mixed‑use possible in some commercial designations.

• Key sign rules (high‑value items to decide):

  • Wall signs: allowed up to a percentage of the building wall face (examples: rear wall max 10% of rear wall area where it faces a street or parking area; side wall max 7.5% of side wall; corner lots allowed up to 15% of each frontage wall) — check the building‑wall percentage formulas in the code text. § 11-1.67.04(b)(ii–iv)
  • Hanging/canopy signs: minimum clearance 8 ft above sidewalk; max length not to exceed 2/3 of the projecting awning/canopy and max 2 ft height. § 11-1.67.04(b)
  • Freestanding / pole signs (shopping/service centers of 3+ stores): permitted one freestanding sign with area calculated at 1 sq ft per foot of lot frontage, but never more than 200 sq ft per face, and height limited to 30 ft above grade (minimum 10 ft); not to project more than 3 ft over public right‑of‑way. § 11-1.67.04(c)(i–ii)
  • Gas stations: one freestanding sign permitted; LED allowed only to display fuel price with strict monochrome and LED portion limited to 35 sq ft. § 11-1.67.04(c)(iii) and § 11-1.67.05(b)(1)
  • Permit requirement: signs in commercial zones and the M‑C zone require a permit from the City Clerk; fee set by resolution. § 11-1.67.04(B)(a)

• Where it applies: Lomita’s commercial corridors (see Lomita Zoning and the district map); commercial signs are frequently tied to frontage and building wall area, so frontage measurements and whether a site is a multi‑tenant shopping center matter.

M‑C (Manufacturing‑Commercial)

• Purpose / context: M‑C is a mixed manufacturing‑commercial zone with its own development standards and note that commercial sign rules apply here too (permit required). § 11-1.50 and § 11-1.67.04(B)
• Typical uses: mixed industrial, auto‑oriented uses, service uses; many uses in M‑C require planning commission review or conditional use permits. § 11-1.50.03–.04
• Key sign rules: on‑premises signs are allowed pursuant to Article 67 (the same formulas for wall and freestanding signs apply), but certain uses (outdoor advertising signs, for example) require planning commission review or are limited by other Articles. § 11-1.50.05(E) and § 11-1.67.04(B)

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Practical guidance / interpretation (plain English)

• Always check whether your parcel is in R‑1, R‑V, C‑G, C‑R, M‑C (or another zone) on the city zoning map; the allowable sign types and sizes come from the zone‑specific list in § 11-1.67.04. § 11-1.20.01 and § 11-1.67.04
• Most commercial signs need a permit from the City Clerk; design or illumination decisions may be subject to the planning director or planning commission review per the general conditions in § 11-1.67.03 and the permit rules in § 11-1.67.04(B). § 11-1.67.03 See Lomita Design Review for when design review could be triggered.
• If you propose an illuminated, LED, or non‑standard sign (freestanding, over 35 sq ft LED component, moving elements), expect a higher level of review or an explicit prohibition; rotating/flashing signs are prohibited except for temporary civic events. § 11-1.67.05
• Historic signs: signs identified by the city as historic can be exempted from Article 67 controls if approved by the planning commission; they may even retain original flashing or movement under strict conditions. § 11-1.67.?? (Historic signs) — see the historic sign provision in Article 67. Verify details with Lomita Historic Preservation.
• When sign area is calculated as a percentage of building wall, measure against the wall face that the sign will attach to — corner lots get separate allowances per frontage. § 11-1.67.04(b)(iv)

Checklist (applicant must satisfy)

• Confirm zoning for the parcel (zoning map / § 11-1.20.01) and the sign rules that apply to that zone. § 11-1.20.01
• Determine whether the sign is a permitted type in that zone (residential nameplate, wall sign, freestanding, temporary, etc.) as listed in § 11-1.67.04. § 11-1.67.04
• Calculate sign area per the code method (parallelogram/triangle enclosing device) and verify it does not exceed the zone cap (sq ft or percent of wall). § 11-1.67.02
• If commercial or M‑C, submit a sign permit application to the City Clerk (fee per resolution). § 11-1.67.04(B)(a)
• If the sign is illuminated, confirm allowed illumination method and meet illumination standards (single‑color halo, single color per face for monument signs) and avoid glare/hazard. § 11-1.67.03(G)
• For temporary signs in non‑residential zones, submit the written request with display dates/locations, and ensure the sign is attached to the building where required. § 11-1.67.06
• If proposing LED messaging or any sign that is unusual (mural vs. sign, historic sign, animated elements), check the specific exceptions and obtain planning commission review where required. § 11-1.67.05(b) and historic sign provisions

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English summary

Lomita’s zoning code (Article 67) limits what kinds of signs you can have by zone: small nameplates and real‑estate signs in single‑family areas, limited building ID signs for multiunit properties, and formulaic wall and freestanding sign allowances in commercial and M‑C areas; animated/flashing and portable A‑frame signs are generally banned and many commercial signs require a permit and staff or commission review. § 11-1.67.01–.06

Source References

• Article 67 (Signs), Lomita Zoning Ordinance: § 11-1.67.01 (intent/purpose)
• Article 67 (Signs), Lomita Zoning Ordinance: § 11-1.67.02 (definitions) and § 11-1.67.03 (general conditions)
• Zone‑specific sign rules: § 11-1.67.04 (R‑1, R‑V, C‑G, C‑R, M‑C sign provisions)
• Prohibited signs & LED rules: § 11-1.67.05
• Temporary sign rules (non‑residential): § 11-1.67.06
• Zone list and definitions (where zones are named): § 11-1.20.01 (List of zones)
• M‑C zone uses and development standards (context for M‑C signs): § 11-1.50.03–.05
• Murals (treated separately from signs): Sec. 11-1.68.12 (murals)

If you want the municipal code online, these citations come from the Lomita Zoning Code (Title XI) document provided with this request; for parcel‑specific application or to pull permit forms, verify with the City of Lomita planning office.

Retrieved passages

• Lomita Zoning Code (section 11-1.67.05) High relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (section 11-1.70.07) High relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (Article subject) Medium relevance show source text
• CPC § 300 Medium relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (article 70) Medium relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (Title XI) Medium relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance show source text
• Lomita Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Article 67 (Signs), Lomita Zoning Ordinance: **§ 11-1.67.01** (intent/purpose) (Article 67)
• Article 67 (Signs), Lomita Zoning Ordinance: **§ 11-1.67.02** (definitions) and **§ 11-1.67.03** (general conditions) fileciteturn1file1turn0file8 (Article 67)
• Zone‑specific sign rules: **§ 11-1.67.04** (R‑1, R‑V, C‑G, C‑R, M‑C sign provisions) (§ 11-1.67.04)
• Prohibited signs & LED rules: **§ 11-1.67.05** (§ 11-1.67.05)
• Temporary sign rules (non‑residential): **§ 11-1.67.06** (§ 11-1.67.06)
• Zone list and definitions (where zones are named): **§ 11-1.20.01** (List of zones) (§ 11-1.20.01)
• M‑C zone uses and development standards (context for M‑C signs): **§ 11-1.50.03–.05** (§ 11-1.50.03)
• Murals (treated separately from signs): Sec. **11-1.68.12** (murals)
• Lomita_ZoningCode.md

• Official Lomita code library