Local zoning · Long Beach

Long Beach — Signage

Q: How long can a promotional banner stay up on a business in Long Beach?

A promotional activity sign permit is valid for 90 days (the 90 days may be split into up to two 45‑day periods or three 30‑day periods), and a single non‑renewable promotional sign is allowed per street frontage in a calendar year; illegal placement may face double fees or removal rules § 21.44.410 .

Q: Are billboard (off‑premises) signs treated differently than on‑premises signs?

Yes. Off‑premises billboards are regulated in Chapter 21.54 (Billboards) with separate screening, spacing, height and freeway‑oriented standards, and a different set of removal/nonconforming rules — see Chapter 21.54 § 21.54.270–280 and Table 54‑1 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Long Beach Zoning Regulations (Title 21) say about signs (on‑premises signage only). It focuses on the rules in Chapter 21.44 (Sign Regulations) — purpose, permitted sign types by zoning district, dimensional rules, temporary signs, electronic message centers (EMCS), prohibited signs, nonconforming sign rules, and signs on public property. For a one‑page orientation to city planning and zoning generally, see the Long Beach zoning & planning overview. § 21.44.010

Note on links used in this page: when I mention related topics below I link to the City's topic pages so you can jump to relevant procedures: the discussion below links to Long Beach Design Review, Long Beach Development Standards, Long Beach Parking, Long Beach Overlay Districts, Long Beach Historic Preservation, Long Beach Nonconforming Uses, and the California Building Standards Code.

Core rules and structure (what to read first)

Sign chapter purpose and applicability: § 21.44.010 (purpose) and § 21.44.020 (on‑premises signs are accessory uses) .
All sign design and general development/performance standards are in § 21.44.050 and § 21.44.060 (maintenance, measurement, visual/aesthetic and illumination rules) .
Major sign types and district allowances are summarized in § 21.44.100–105 and Table 44‑1 (see § 21.44.105) .
Temporary signs, promotional banners, and time limits are in § 21.44.400–410 (including a 90‑day promotional‑banner limit) .
Electronic Message Center (EMCS) standards (permit, area, spacing, brightness controls) are in § 21.44.835–850 and Table 44‑5 .
Prohibited signs (flashing, moving, inflatable, flag signs that function as signs, projected‑light signs, etc.) are listed in § 21.44.600 .
Nonconforming, amortization and removal rules are in § 21.44.710 and related subsections; billboards have additional rules in Chapter 21.54 (billboards) .
Signs on public property (permits, coastal zone restrictions) are in § 21.44.900 (coastal zone requires coastal development permit for many public‑property sign plans) .

District-by-district sign guidance (signage only)

Notes on approach: the Sign Chapter controls what sign types and dimensions are allowed in each zoning district. The Sign Chapter does not restate each district's full land‑use purpose or list all permitted land uses; where the sign chapter does not include a district purpose or use list I note "Not found in retrieved materials" and point you to the city's zoning map and the Long Beach Zoning page. For design/development standards that apply across districts see Long Beach Development Standards and the sign chapter citations below.

CNP (Commercial Neighborhood, Pedestrian)

Purpose / typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials in the sign chapter; see Long Beach Zoning.
Sign allowances (by type): Wall = permitted, Projecting = permitted, Freestanding = not permitted, Monument = permitted, Awning = permitted, Building Identification = permitted (Table 44‑1) — § 21.44.105 .
Key dimensional/other standards: follow general wall/projecting/monument standards in § 21.44.100–140 and the design standards in § 21.44.060 (measurement per § 21.15.2530) .
Where it applies: commercial neighborhood corridors — verify with the Zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction.

CNA (Commercial Neighborhood, Auto‑oriented)

Same sign‑type permissions as CNP/CNR: wall, projecting, monument, awning, building identification allowed; freestanding generally not allowed in CNP/CNA/CNR per Table 44‑1 § 21.44.105 .
Key rules: projecting signs limited in projection/clearance; wall signs limited to the signable area, projection limits, and height rules in § 21.44.120–130 and § 21.44.050–060 .

CNR (Commercial Neighborhood, Regional)

As CNP/CNA for sign types (see Table 44‑1) § 21.44.105 .

CCA / CCP / CCR / CCN (Community/Commercial / Core Commercial series)

Purpose / uses: Not in the sign chapter (see Long Beach Zoning).
Sign allowances: Wall, Projecting, Freestanding, Monument, Awning, Building Identification — all permitted § 21.44.105 and detailed in the Major Signs division .
EMCS (electronic) rules: EMCS may be conditionally allowed in some community commercial zones per Table 44‑5; check § 21.44.835–850 and Table 44‑5 for area/height/conditional use requirements (EMCS are often conditional) .

CHW (Highway Commercial / Freeway‑oriented commercial)

Signs: all major sign types are allowed; billboards and freeway‑oriented EMCS have separate billboard rules in Chapter 21.54 (screening, spacing, height and free‑way spacing) — see Chapter 21.54 and the EMCS rules § 21.54.270–280 and Table 54‑1 for billboard standards .
EMCS: allowed conditionally under Table 44‑5 with specific spacing and maximum area/height limitations § 21.44.850 and Table 44‑5 .

IL / IM / IG / IP (Industrial / Manufacturing / Industrial Park)

Sign types: all major sign types (wall, projecting, freestanding, monument, awning, building identification) are permitted per Table 44‑1 § 21.44.105 .
Billboards and EMCS: Chapter 21.54 controls billboards; EMCS allowed conditionally in some industrial districts with Table 44‑5 limits § 21.44.835–850 and Chapter 21.54 .

R‑1 and R‑2 (Single‑family and two‑family residential)

Sign types: Wall/Projecting/Freestanding/Monument/Building Identification: only Awning signs are permitted in R‑1 and R‑2 as a major sign; see Table 44‑1 (R‑1 and R‑2 zones = N for most major sign types, but Y for awnings in limited cases*) § 21.44.105 .
Residential neighborhood and commercial district identification signs (monument/freestanding for neighborhoods) have their own numeric limits and design standards in § 21.44.240 and Table 44‑3 (max heights/width/area: Monument 4 ft/9 ft/36 sq ft; Freestanding 15 ft/4 ft/32 sq ft) § 21.44.240; Table 44‑3 .
Mixed‑use ground‑floor commercial in multi‑family projects must follow nonresidential sign standards § 21.44.062 .

R‑3, R‑4, RM (multi‑family residential/mixed)

Sign types: limited — awnings and building identification signs permitted; freestanding/wall/projecting typically not allowed unless associated with commercial uses (see Table 44‑1) § 21.44.105 .
Mixed projects: ground‑floor commercial complies with nonresidential sign standards § 21.44.062 .

I / P / PR (Institutional, Public, Public Recreation)

All major sign types are permitted per Table 44‑1 § 21.44.105; parks and public institutions have special allowances (e.g., park freestanding sign up to 100 sq ft per street frontage and monument 24 sq ft for vehicle entrances) in Chapter 21.35 and § 21.35.245 .

Planned Development Districts (PDs) — Residential and Mixed‑use PDs; Commercial and Industrial PDs

In PDs, the individual PD ordinance controls signage where it differs. The sign chapter explicitly states PD sign regulations take precedence; the Zoning Administrator will decide which standards apply if subareas differ § 21.44.105 (notes) . See Long Beach Overlay Districts for examples and the PD ordinance text. Verify with the PD ordinance and the Zoning Administrator.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant sign allowances

Decision item	Rule / limit (plain English)	Code reference
Major sign types allowed by district (wall, projecting, freestanding, monument, awning, building identification)	Table 44‑1 lists Y/N by district (e.g., CNP/CNA/CNR permit wall/projecting/monument/awning/building ID; R‑1/R‑2 generally do not permit major signs except awnings)	§ 21.44.105; Table 44‑1
Measurement of sign area	Measured per the definition of "sign area" in § 21.15.2530 and Figure 44‑1	§ 21.44.050.B; § 21.15.2530
Projecting sign projection/clearance	Max projection 4 ft; min distance 2 ft to curb; vertical clearance 8' (pedestrian) / 15' (vehicular)	§ 21.44.130; § 21.44.050.G
Wall sign max projection/placement	Wall signs must stay within signable area, not above parapet/mansard, projection max 14" in many places; channel letters preferred	§ 21.44.120 (design/placement); § 21.44.120.E–G
Electronic Message Centers (EMCS)	EMCS permitted only in specified districts; area/height/spacing limits by Table 44‑5; dusk‑to‑dawn luminance limit 0.3 fc above ambient; message duration and no video/motion rules apply	§ 21.44.835–850; Table 44‑5
Promotional banners (temporary)	One banner per frontage; max 1 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage up to 100 sq ft; 90‑day permit limit and not renewable in same calendar year	§ 21.44.410
Prohibited signs (general)	No flashing, moving, audible, odor‑emitting, projected‑light, inflatable, or vehicle‑as‑sign signs; flag signs that function as signs are prohibited	§ 21.44.600
Historic signs	Historic landmark signs may be exempt from height/illumination/location/area/material rules if maintained as historic; see historic sign provisions	§ 21.44.250
Signs on public property / Coastal Zone	Private signs on public property require public‑property permit; in Coastal Zone many public‑property signs require a coastal development permit and a comprehensive sign plan	§ 21.44.900; Coastal specific rules in § 21.44.900.C

Synthesis & Practical Guidance (what applicants need to know)

Start with the district table (Table 44‑1, § 21.44.105) to confirm whether the sign type you want is allowed where the building sits. If your site is in a PD, check the PD ordinance first — the PD controls where it conflicts with Chapter 21.44 § 21.44.105 .
Design rules are citywide: follow § 21.44.050–060 for measurement, maintenance, clearance, and aesthetic/illumination limits before you design artwork or order fabrication; measurement references the definition in § 21.15.2530 .
Electronic signs and digital billboards are regulated tightly: check Table 44‑5 and § 21.44.835–850 (EMCS brightness, message duration, spacing, and conditional use requirements) — many EMCS installations require a Conditional Use Permit § 21.44.850 .
Temporary banners and promotional activity signs have short time windows (90 days total per calendar year, prorated rules apply) and permit/fee consequences for illegal placement § 21.44.410 .
Historic signs are treated specially; a historic sign may be exempt from many standards if it's designated and maintained § 21.44.250 . Consult Long Beach Historic Preservation early.
Some signs require building permits (e.g., projecting signs require a building permit in addition to a sign permit) and must comply with structural/seismic and electrical rules in the California Building Standards Code / Title 24 — verify with the Building Official and the California Building Standards Code. See § 21.44.130.G and Appendix/Title 24 for building/electrical requirements .

Links for related topics used above: Long Beach Design Review, Long Beach Development Standards, Long Beach Parking, Long Beach Overlay Districts, Long Beach Historic Preservation, Long Beach Nonconforming Uses, California Building Standards Code.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before a sign permit is issued)

Confirm the zoning district and whether the PD ordinance overrides Chapter 21.44 (Table 44‑1) § 21.44.105 .
Confirm sign type is allowed in that district (wall/projecting/freestanding/monument/awning/building ID) § 21.44.105 .
Calculate sign area per the "sign area" definition § 21.15.2530 and Figure 44‑1 § 21.44.050.B .
Design to meet aesthetic/illumination/maintenance and projection/clearance rules § 21.44.060; § 21.44.050.G .
For EMCS, prepare a photo/lighting study showing compliance with dusk‑to‑dawn luminance limits and photocell controls § 21.44.850 .
If requesting any waiver/creative sign permit or sign standards variance, prepare materials for Site Plan Review or Creative Sign Permit findings (Site Plan Review Committee jurisdiction) § 21.25.503 .
Secure building permit where required (projecting signs and many freestanding sign foundations) and comply with Title 24/California Building Standards Code for structural and electrical work § 21.44.130.G and CA Building Code (Appendix H/Sign rules) .
If sign is on public property or in the Coastal Zone, obtain the required public‑property permit and/or coastal development permit and comprehensive sign plan § 21.44.900 .
Pay applicable fees and follow policies for temporary/promotional signs (90 days rules) § 21.44.410 .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
PD precedence/PD sign rules	PD ordinance can replace Chapter 21.44 standards; applying wrong standard can trigger denial or later forced revisions	Check the specific PD ordinance for the property; ask the Zoning Administrator which PD subarea rules apply § 21.44.105
Exact definition / measurement details (e.g., "sign area")	Sign area measurement affects whether you are over limits; measurement rules are referenced elsewhere	Confirm measurement method in § 21.15.2530 and confirm how three‑dimensional signs are measured § 21.44.050.B
EMCS brightness and measurement method	Wrong brightness spec or measurement method can lead to denial or retrofit orders	Follow § 21.44.850 brightness limits and measurement standard citations (IESNA TM‑11) and verify with Planning/Building; verify if any special freeway/Caltrans requirements apply
Historic signs vs. Chapter standards	Historic signs may be exempt; treating them as standard signs can prevent appropriate preservation	If sign is designated historic, follow § 21.44.250 and consult Historic Preservation early
Public property / Coastal Zone rules and coastal permits	Public or beach‑adjacent signs may need Coastal Development Permit / comprehensive plan	If in Coastal Zone or on City land, confirm coastal rules in § 21.44.900.C and permit requirements § 21.44.900
Fees, timelines, and application forms	Chapter references fees but does not carry fee rates; missing fee info stalls permit	Fee amounts and forms are set by separate fee resolution and permit office — Verify current fee schedule with the City (Not found in retrieved materials)

Plain‑English Summary

Long Beach’s sign rules live in Chapter 21.44 of the zoning code. They specify which sign types are allowed where (see Table 44‑1), set size/height/projection/illumination rules (general design and maintenance standards), restrict flashing/moving/air‑blown signs, and apply tight controls to electronic message centers; PD ordinances and historic sign designations can change the result — always confirm the site’s PD status and the signable area before you design or order fabrication. Key citations: § 21.44.010, § 21.44.050–060, § 21.44.105, § 21.44.835–850 .

Source References

Long Beach Zoning (Title 21) — Chapter 21.44 (Sign Regulations): § 21.44.010 (Purpose) .
General design/performance/measurement/maintenance of signs: § 21.44.050–060 .
Major sign types, district allowances: § 21.44.100–105 and Table 44‑1 (Zoning Districts for Major Signs) .
Wall, projecting, and freestanding sign development standards (dimensions, projection, placement): § 21.44.120–140 and Figures 44‑1 through 44‑9 .
Residential neighborhood and commercial district identification signs and Table 44‑3 (height/width/area): § 21.44.240; Table 44‑3 .
Promotional temporary signs (banners): § 21.44.400–410 (90‑day rules) .
Prohibited signs list: § 21.44.600 (flashing, moving, inflatable, projected light, flags-as‑signs) .
Electronic Message Center/brightness and EMCS tables: § 21.44.835–850 and Table 44‑5 (Zoning, Height, Area Standards for EMCS) .
Nonconforming signs and amortization: § 21.44.710 and related subsections; billboard specifics in Chapter 21.54 (billboards) .
Signs on public property and coastal zone requirements: § 21.44.900 (public property; coastal development permit requirements) .
Site Plan Review / procedural authority references (Site Plan Review Committee jurisdiction over sign waivers): § 21.25.503 (jurisdiction of Site Plan Review Committee) .
California Building Standards Code / Title 24 (construction, electrical, structural requirements that interact with sign permits): California Building Code Appendix H (Signs) — see CA Building Code excerpts for structural/electrical rules (Title 24) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 19) High relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 19) High relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 19) Medium relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (Section 21.44.062.) Medium relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 19) Medium relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (Section 21.15.2720) Medium relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (§ 19) High relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (section on) Medium relevance
Long Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 21.25) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Long Beach code library

Frequently asked questions

What sign types are allowed in the CNP, CNA and CNR zones in Long Beach?

The sign code lists allowed major sign types by district in Table 44‑1: CNP, CNA, CNR generally permit wall signs, projecting signs, monument signs, awning signs, and building identification signs, but not freestanding pole signs for typical parcels; check Table 44‑1 and § 21.44.105 for exact allowed combinations and exceptions .

Do I need a building permit as well as a sign permit for projecting (blade) signs?

Yes — a projecting sign requires both a sign permit and a building permit; the sign chapter specifically states no sign permit for a projecting sign will be issued unless a building permit is also obtained § 21.44.130.G .

What brightness limits apply to electronic message center (EMC) signs in Long Beach?

Dawn‑to‑dusk brightness is unrestricted, but from dusk to dawn the EMC display must not exceed 0.3 foot‑candles above ambient or the IESNA recommended level for the size/location, and brightness must be controlled by a photocell or light sensor § 21.44.850.A.2–3 .

Are flashing or moving signs allowed in Long Beach?

No. Flashing, shimmering, glittering, rotating or otherwise moving signs are prohibited under the sign code; historic signs previously designed to move may be exempted under conditions § 21.44.600; § 21.44.250 .

How long can a promotional banner stay up on a business in Long Beach?

A promotional activity sign permit is valid for 90 days (the 90 days may be split into up to two 45‑day periods or three 30‑day periods), and a single non‑renewable promotional sign is allowed per street frontage in a calendar year; illegal placement may face double fees or removal rules § 21.44.410 .

What happens to a nonconforming sign in Long Beach if the business vacates the site?

Permanent nonconforming signs are subject to amortization rules: when the business/building the sign serves is vacated, the nonconforming sign must be removed or brought into compliance per the nonconforming sign provisions § 21.44.710 .

Are billboard (off‑premises) signs treated differently than on‑premises signs?

Yes. Off‑premises billboards are regulated in Chapter 21.54 (Billboards) with separate screening, spacing, height and freeway‑oriented standards, and a different set of removal/nonconforming rules — see Chapter 21.54 § 21.54.270–280 and Table 54‑1 .

Can a historic neon sign that flashes be maintained in Long Beach?

Historic signs that are designated as historic may be exempt from the chapter’s normal restrictions on movement and illumination provided they are maintained in functioning, historically intended condition; see the historic sign provisions § 21.44.250 .

If my parcel is in a Planned Development (PD), which sign standards apply?

PD ordinances can override Chapter 21.44. The sign chapter states that in PDs the PD’s sign regulations take precedence; where there’s doubt the Zoning Administrator determines which standard applies § 21.44.105 .

Where is "sign area" defined and how do I measure it?

The sign chapter directs you to the definition of "sign area" in § 21.15.2530 and Figure 44‑1 (measurement diagrams). Always use that definition for calculating compliance with area limits § 21.44.050.B .

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