Nonconforming electronic message center signs.
Long Beach Municipal Code § 21.44.870
in effect21.44.870 - Nonconforming electronic message center signs.
It is the intent of this section to recognize that the eventual elimination of existing electronic message center signs that do not conform to this chapter is as important to City-wide aesthetic and health, safety and welfare as is the prohibition of new signs that would violate the provisions of this chapter. It is also recognized that electronic message center signs typically require a much higher initial investment than other classes of signs, and do not recycle with the frequency of other classes of signs. Consequently, separate regulations for nonconforming EMCS are necessary to ensure that legal nonconforming EMCS are addressed as fairly as possible in a manner that avoids any unreasonable invasion of established property rights. Therefore, existing, legally-established electronic message center signs may be used and maintained as legal nonconforming signs, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 21.44.710 (Nonconforming signs), subject to the following restrictions:
A. A nonconforming EMCS shall not be:
1. Enlarged or otherwise altered to increase its display area,
2. Increased in height,
3. Changed to another type of nonconforming sign,
4. Structurally altered to extend its useful life,
5. Converted to a billboard (electronic/digital or otherwise), or
6. Reestablished after damage or destruction of more than fifty percent (50%) of the value of the sign at the time of such damage or destruction.
B. The display surface and fixed sign copy of a nonconforming EMCS may be altered and upgraded without affecting the nonconforming status of the sign, provided that such alterations comply with the requirements of Section 21.44.850 regarding brightness, display, copy, and message.
C. Upon change of the primary land use for which the EMCS was constructed, the new owner or operator shall be required to obtain a new Conditional Use Permit in order to maintain the EMCS at the site. The Planning Commission may, at its discretion, require upgrades to the display surface, fixed copy, and other elements of the nonconforming EMCS to bring it into compliance with the requirements of Section 21.44.850. If a new Conditional Use Permit is not obtained, the EMCS shall be removed immediately.
(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_DIVVIIIELMECESI_21.44.870NOELMECESIFetched: 10/28/2026