Discretionary processes.
Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.44.035
in effect21.44.035 - Discretionary processes.
A waiver from the provisions of these sign regulations may be considered through the procedures set forth in this Section. However, any prohibited signs, including those listed in Section 21.44.600 and any sign not specifically permitted, shall not be approved except through the provisions of Division III (Standards Variance) of Chapter 21.25—Specific Procedures.
A. Sign standards waiver. Repealed.
B. Creative sign permit.
1. This section establishes standards and procedures for the review and approval of Creative Sign Permits. The purposes of the Creative Sign Permit are to:
a. Encourage signs of unique design that exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness; and
b. Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the City, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs.
2. Applicability. An applicant may apply for a Creative Sign Permit in order to request approval of development standards that differ from the provisions of this chapter, but comply with the purpose and findings of this section. However, the Creative Sign Permit process shall not be used to allow any prohibited sign type or feature.
3. Application. A Creative Sign Permit application shall include all information and materials required by the Department, and the filing fee as specified in a fee resolution to be adopted by the City Council.
4. Approval authority. An application for a Creative Sign Permit shall be subject to review and approval or disapproval by the Site Plan Review Committee, under the procedures set forth in Chapter 21.25 (Specific Procedures), Division V—Site Plan Review.
5. Findings. The Site Plan Review Committee shall not approve a Creative Sign Permit unless the proposed sign meets the following design criteria (in addition to the findings required in Chapter 21.25—Specific Procedures):
a. Design quality. The sign shall:
i. Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and shall have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;
ii. Be of unique design, and exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness; and
iii. Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture.
b. Contextual criteria. The sign shall contain at least one (1) of the following elements:
i. Classic historic design style;
ii. Creative image reflecting current or historic character of the City; or
iii. Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.
c. Architectural criteria. The sign shall:
i. Utilize or enhance the architectural elements of the building; and
ii. Be placed in a logical location in relation to the overall composition of the building's facade and not cover any key architectural features and details of the facade.
d. Impacts on surrounding uses. The sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses.
C. Sign Program.
1. This section establishes standards and procedures for the review and approval of Sign Programs. The purpose of a Sign Program is to:
a. Ensure that all signs on a subject property are of complementary style and design, and are compatible with the architecture and theme of the property,
b. Provide a process for the review of said signs to ensure that new developments or major remodels achieve the highest quality of design by complementing the development with high-quality signs, and
c. Establish special sign criteria and standards for a given property when such additional regulation or waivers from the provisions of this chapter are considered appropriate and beneficial.
2. Applicability. Application for a Sign Program shall be required for the following:
a. Any sign application submittal for five (5) or more new or replacement signs (not including minor, exempt, or temporary signs) intended to be placed on a site,
b. Any new commercial, industrial or, institutional building(s),
c. Any new mixed-use development with three (3) or more nonresidential tenant spaces, and
d. Any residential project consisting of five (5) or more new dwelling units.
3. Application. A Sign Program application shall include all information and materials required by the Department, and the filing fee as specified in a fee resolution to be adopted by the City Council.
4. Approval authority. An application for a Sign Program shall be subject to review and approval or disapproval by the Site Plan Review Committee, under the procedures set forth in Chapter 21.25 (Specific Procedures), Division V—Site Plan Review.
5. Findings. The Site Plan Review Committee shall not approve a Sign Program unless the proposed Sign Program meets the following design criteria (in addition to the findings required in Chapter 21.25—Specific Procedures):
a. All signs in the Sign Program are designed in such a manner so as to be internally consistent, coordinated, and whole within themselves, and harmonious with any existing signs remaining on the site.
b. Any existing signs on the site, if they are to remain, are of high quality design and materials, and complement the existing or proposed building and architecture, and will be complemented by the new signs in the Sign Program as well.
c. All signs in the Sign Program will complement and enhance the architectural theme of the subject property.
d. All signs in the Sign Program comply with the standards of this chapter, unless specific exemptions have been granted in the interest of enhanced design and compatibility, and such exemptions are not contrary to the intent of this chapter.
6. Waiver of standards. A waiver from the development standards of this chapter may be granted for signs in a Sign Program if the findings required for a Creative Sign Permit are made by the Site Plan Review Committee, and the waiver will achieve the specified purpose of a Creative Sign Permit. However, prohibited signs shall not be approved through a Sign Program.
D. Neon Outlining or Architectural lighting of Buildings. Neon tubing lighting, stringed lighting, and other architectural lighting used to outline buildings or emphasize architectural elements of a building shall not be considered signs or sign illumination, but rather an architectural element subject to review and approval through the site plan review process as specified in Division V of Chapter 21.25—Specific Procedures.
(ORD-13-0014, § 19(Att. A), 2013)
Source: City of Long Beach, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/long_beach/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT21ZO_CH21.44EMSI_21.44.035DIPRFetched: 10/28/2026