Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.44.500 Permit exempt signs.
21.44.500 - Permit exempt signs.
The classes of signs set forth in this section are exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements for on-premises signs, provided the exempt sign conforms to Table 44-4—Exempt Signs. This section shall not exempt such signs from other provisions of the Municipal Code, including but not limited to those that may require building or electrical permits.
Table 44-4
Permit Exempt Signs
Class of Sign | Maximum Size | Maximum Number | Other Conditions
1. Building directory sign identifying building occupants | 18 sq. ft. | 1 per parking lot entry and building entry | -If changeable copy used, must be glass encased -Must be visible from sidewalk or parking lot
2. Interior signs | Area of sign must be less than 25% of total area of window through which it is exhibited | 3 per window | -Must be located between 1 foot to 6 feet to the interior of any window from which sign is visible -Sign may not flash, rotate or exhibit any other prohibited characteristics
3. Public service and accessory signs identifying public conveniences (e.g., restrooms, telephones, hours of operation, vacancies) | Total area of all signs visible from any one street shall not exceed 10 sq. ft. | 1 per service, accessory, or convenience per street frontage | None
4. Theater outer lobby posters advertising current or coming attractions | 20 sq. ft. per poster | 2 posters per movie screen, per street frontage | Must be glass encased
5. Window signs | Total of all signs displayed in any one window may not cover more than 10% of total window area | 1 sign per 3 linear feet of window | -Each window shall be calculated separately -Must be placed in such a manner so as to not obstruct visibility into business
6. Any other non-prohibited sign, if less than 3 sq. ft. | Less than 3 sq. ft. | 1 sign per 10 linear feet of building frontage facing street(s) | No sign shall be placed in the public right-of-way or on vacant property
7. Construction sign identifying firms involved in construction site, future tenants, or announcing development | Height—15 ft. Area—16 sq. ft. | 1 per street abutting construction site | -Must be removed within 15 days of completion of construction -No illumination permitted
8. Flags | Length—9 ft. Width—6 ft. | 3 flags | -Flag pole height shall be limited to the established building height for each respective zoning district. -Flag signs are prohibited, as defined in Section 21.15.2510 -Decorative flags are prohibited; see Section 21.44.600
9. Garage sale signs | Height—4 ft. Area—6 sq. ft. | 1 per garage sale on same premises | No sign shall be placed on public property
10. Open house signs or flags/banners | Height—4 ft. Area—6 sq. ft. | 1 per 300 feet of street frontage | -May be used on temporary basis only when house is open for inspection without an appointment -May not be placed on public property
11. Real estate signs (on-premises) advertising sale, rental or lease of property | Height—8 ft. Area— a) Nonresidential use—16 sq. ft. b) Residential use—6 sq. ft. for first dwelling unit plus 1 sq. ft. for each additional unit up to 16 sq. ft. maximum | 1 per 300 feet of street frontage | -Types limited to non-illuminated wall, window, or freestanding signs -No signs may be placed on public property -Signs may be displayed only during the period the premises is held for sale, rental or lease, and for not more than 15 days thereafter -Signs must be maintained in good condition
12. Real estate banners | Height—same limitations as wall signs Area—16 sq. ft., or 6 sq. ft. plus 1 sq. ft. for each additional unit, whichever is less Aspect Ratio—maximum aspect ratio of 3.0 (3 units length to 1 unit height) | 1 banner in addition to 1 other real estate sign per 300 feet of street frontage | -Banners must be placed on a building wall and may not be mounted on poles, fences, above the roof deck/roof line, etc. -Banners may be displayed only during the period the premises is held for sale, rental or lease, and for not more than 15 days thereafter -Banners must be maintained in good condition, with current information, and must be replaced when worn or dilapidated
13. Single-family residential sign identifying resident | Not to exceed 2 sq. ft. | 1 per residence | None
14. Warning signs (e.g., "Danger," "No Dumping") | 3 sq. ft. per warning | As necessary per warning | None
15. Street address signs | No maximum if sign contains address only | 1 per address per street frontage | Minimum letter height of 4 inches
16. Signs painted on parking lot surface | ½ width of drive aisle | As necessary | Must contain parking or directional information only and no commercial message
17. Noncommercial promotional activity signs | 16 sq. ft per sign; not to exceed a maximum total area of 80 sq. ft. for all such signs on a lot or parcel whether such lot is zoned commercial, residential or industrial. | No limit on the number of signs provided the maximum area of 80 sq. ft. for each lot or parcel is not exceeded. | Signs shall not interfere with or be designed in such a manner that they will be confused with a traffic control signal or sign, or obstruct the vision of traffic. They shall not be placed on any public property or right of way or posted on any utility pole or device. Signs shall be removed from a premise no later than 5 days following the conclusion of the activity or event promoted by such sign
Abbreviations: sq. ft. = square feet ft. = feet
(ORD-13-0014 § 19(Att. A), 2013)