A. 
This chapter provides a reasonable system for the regulation of the location, size, type, illumination, and number of signs, with the goal of enhancing the quality of the City's visual appearance.
B. 
The intent of this chapter is to:
1. 
Recognize that the primary purpose of signage is to identify, locate, and encourage businesses and events;
2. 
Provide a balance between the City's economic needs and protecting the visual appearance of the community's character;
3. 
Eliminate potential traffic and safety hazards to motorists and pedestrians;
4. 
Preserve and maintain the attractiveness of the community and enhance the character of the City as a desirable place to live, work, play, and visit;
5. 
Promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents and business community of the City;
6. 
Protect public and private investments in structures and open spaces; and
7. 
Provide clear and unambiguous sign standards that enable fair and consistent enforcement.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
The requirements and development standards in this chapter shall apply to all zones in the City. Only signs authorized by this chapter shall be allowed in that zone unless otherwise expressly provided in this chapter.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Permits Required.
1. 
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, signs shall not be erected, re-erected, constructed, or altered until a sign permit for it has been issued by the Development Services Department, or until a Conditional Use Permit has been granted by the Planning Commission in instances in which a Conditional Use Permit is required.
2. 
A separate permit shall be required for each sign or group of signs in one location. In addition to the requirements identified in this section, applicable building and electrical permits shall be obtained in compliance with the Uniform Building Code and the Uniform Electrical Code.
B. 
Permit Application. Applications for sign permits shall be made in writing upon forms provided by the Department. The application shall be signed by the owner of the property or property manager where the sign is to be located. The sign permit application shall include all information specified on the application form. A sign permit and plan check fee for each sign permit shall be paid before the issuance of a Sign Permit. Permit fees shall be established by a resolution of the council.
C. 
Issuance of Sign Permit. The Director or designee shall determine whether the proposed sign and related discretionary approvals with respect to sign area, construction, location, color, and materials conform to applicable City regulations and the provisions of this chapter. In considering a sign permit application, the factors noted below shall be used in determining whether a submitted sign proposal furthers the intent and purpose established by this chapter and may or may not be allowed:
1. 
The proposed sign will be legible under normal viewing conditions, based on its location and the design of its visual content;
2. 
The proposed sign will not obscure from view or detract from existing signs based on its location, shape, height, color, placement, and the proximity of the proposed sign to adjacent properties and surroundings;
3. 
The proposed structure, sign, or display will be constructed so that it will not constitute a hazard to the public.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Sign permits shall not be required for exempt signs. The provisions and regulations of this chapter shall not apply to the following exempt signs, nor shall the area of these signs be counted toward the maximum allowable sign area for any premises or use. However, if a building permit is required in compliance with the building regulations of the City of Los Alamitos, appropriate building permits shall be secured before the construction of any such exempt sign.
1. 
Nameplates, directional, or informational signs, (e.g., "no trespassing," "no parking") and other warning signs, or signs intended for public convenience, provided that any such individual sign does not exceed three square feet in area, is no taller than six feet, is intended solely for directional or informational purposes, and is located entirely on the residential or business premises.
2. 
Interior signs located in a manner so that they are not to be visible (meaning capable of being seen, regardless of actually being read) outside the building or structure where the sign is located.
3. 
Window signs not exceeding 25 percent of the aggregate window area.
4. 
Signs exclusively regulated by the State; traffic, directional, warning, or informational signs required by any public body; signs required by law; railroad crossing signs; legal notices; and emergency or danger notices.
5. 
Signs used for the sole purpose of advertising a property for sale, lease, or rental, provided that:
a. 
The signs are posted on the subject private property only.
b. 
Signs shall not be permanent in nature and shall only be allowed for the time the subject property or structure is available for sale, lease, or rent.
c. 
Property with residential units for sale, lease, or rent may have one sign per street frontage erected solely for the purpose of advertising that property for sale, rent, or lease. The sign area shall not exceed the following dimensions:
i. 
Single-family residential use: six square feet in area and five feet in height.
ii. 
Multiple-family residential use: 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.
d. 
Developed or undeveloped land for sale in nonresidential zones may have one such sign per street frontage. More than one sign may be allowed for parcels with street frontages greater than 250 linear feet. Minimum distances between signs shall be 250 linear feet. These signs are limited to 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height.
e. 
Signs shall be maintained in a clean, orderly fashion and shall be removed upon the close of escrow or when the rental or lease has been accomplished, whichever occurs first.
6. 
The flag of the United States of America, State of California, the City, or corporate flag, provided that not more than three flags are displayed on any one site. Flags shall be maintained and displayed in a state of good repair and in compliance with appropriate protocol.
7. 
Memorial signs on tablets or plaques, including names of structures or sites, and dates of erection when cut into or attached to the surface or the facade of the building and which the Director deems to be a memorial sign.
8. 
Holiday decorations commonly associated with national or religious holidays, provided such decorations are displayed for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive calendar days and a maximum of 60 cumulative days per calendar year. Decorations shall be displayed in compliance with City fire and other safety codes.
9. 
Signs erected on private property for the purpose of announcing a garage sale. Such signs shall be removed on the final day of the sale. The maximum number of days such signs may be posted is three days every calendar year.
10. 
On a site for which an active building permit has been issued, one sign may be erected for the purpose of displaying information about the project under construction. In the R-1 zone, the sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and five feet in height. In all other zones, the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet in height.
11. 
Temporary signs displaying noncommercial messages shall not require a Temporary Sign Permit, provided such signs comply with the following:
a. 
No individual such sign shall exceed an area of 24 square feet and a height of eight feet.
b. 
No such sign shall be placed within or on, nor extend over, any public right-of-way, public property, public easement, or public utility pole. The City shall have the authority to assess a charge against the identified responsible party for the cost incurred in the removal pursuant to subparagraph e, below.
c. 
Permission of the property owner shall be required for placing such signs on private property.
d. 
For any such sign associated with a specific event, such sign shall be erected no more than 60 days prior to the event and shall be removed within seven calendar days of the conclusion of the event.
e. 
If the Director finds that any temporary noncommercial message sign has been posted or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this subsection, or has not been removed as required following the conclusion of an event, the person(s) responsible for the sign(s) shall be given notice to remove the sign(s) within 24 hours from the time of the notice. The notice shall include a brief statement of the reasons for requiring removal. If the person receiving the notification fails to correct the violation or remove the sign(s), the Director may cause the sign(s) to be removed without further notice. If the owner of the sign cannot in good faith be located within a reasonable time, the sign shall be deemed abandoned. The Director may cause the abandoned signs and signs which constitute an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without prior notice. The City shall have the authority to assess a charge against the identified responsible party posting or placing signs in violation of this subsection for the cost incurred in the removal.
B. 
Sign permits shall not be required in the following situations:
1. 
The changing of advertising copy or messages on announcement or bulletin boards and similar signs erected in conformance with this chapter, specifically designed for the use of replaceable or changeable copy, unless electrical alterations are made.
2. 
Repainting with existing colors and cleaning of a sign or advertising structure, unless a change in structure size, height, location, or paint color is made.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 21-02 § 19, 2021)
Signs that are not expressly allowed in this chapter shall be expressly prohibited, including those listed below.
A. 
Signs Not Specifically Allowed or Illegally Erected. A sign, sign structure, or advertising device that is not specifically allowed by the zone regulations in which the sign is located, or which may have been erected in violation of the laws in effect at time of erection, is prohibited.
B. 
Signs Constituting a Traffic Hazard. Persons shall not install or maintain or cause to be installed or maintained a sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design a traffic sign or signal, or which makes use of the words "stop, look, danger," or other words, phrases, symbols or characters that interfere with, mislead, or confuse vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
C. 
Signs on or Projection over a Public Property or Right-of-Way. Signs on a public property or anywhere on a public right-of-way are prohibited. Projecting signs shall not extend over or into a public right-of-way, except as may otherwise be permitted in this chapter.
D. 
Signs on Doors, Windows, or Fire Escapes. Signs shall not be installed, relocated, or maintained in any manner that prevents free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. Signs of any kind shall not be attached to a standpipe or fire escape, except those signs as required by other adopted codes.
E. 
Animated or Moving Signs. Signs consisting of any moving, swinging, rotating, flashing, blinking, indexing, scintillating, fluctuating, or otherwise animated light are prohibited, except for time and temperature displays and permitted LED signs.
F. 
Offsite Outdoor Advertising Signs (Billboards). Installed for the purpose of advertising a project, event, person, or subject not related to the premises upon which the sign is located is prohibited.
G. 
Vehicle Signs. Signs located on or affixed to trucks, automobiles, trailers, or other vehicles which advertise, identify, or provide direction to a use or activity not related to or being used for the bona fide deliveries or sales of merchandise or rendering of services from vehicles are prohibited.
H. 
Signs Blocking the Visibility of Other Signs. Signs shall not be placed that obscure visibility of signs on adjacent properties.
I. 
Inflatable Devices. Persons shall not anchor, tie, or secure an inflatable device to or on the ground or a structure and cause the inflatable device to fly, float, or remain suspended in the airspace over business premises or a part of the City as a sign or for the purpose of attracting or drawing the public to the property for commercial purposes. For the purposes of this subsection, other shapes capable of being inflated with air, helium, or other gaseous matter are prohibited.
J. 
Portable Signs. Portable signs including, but not limited to, animals, human beings, A-frames, and those of a similar nature.
K. 
Pennants and Banners. Temporary or permanent pennants and banners attached to poles or structures or on a pole stuck into the ground.
L. 
Roof Signs. Any sign wholly mounted on a roof above the roof eave line shall be prohibited unless approved as part of a planned sign program.
M. 
Audible Signs. Any sign which emits audible sounds shall be prohibited.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Content Neutrality. It is the City's policy to regulate signs in a constitutional manner that is content neutral with respect to both noncommercial and commercial messages. For the purposes of this chapter, a content-neutral regulation is a so-called "time, place, or manner" regulation, which, as the name suggests, does no more than place limits on when, where, and how a message may be displayed or conveyed.
B. 
Sign Removal or Replacement. When a sign is removed, all brackets, poles, and other structural elements that supported the sign shall also be removed, and any electrical components shall be removed and/or capped, and any resulting holes filled. Affected building surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the building.
C. 
Materials and Mounting Required.
1. 
Materials. Signs shall be made of sturdy, durable materials capable of withstanding weathering over the life of the sign with reasonable maintenance. Paper, fabric, cardboard, plywood, and other materials subject to rapid deterioration may only be used for temporary signs or as permitted awning signs.
2. 
Mounting Required. All permanent signs shall be firmly anchored, shall comply with all requirements for public safety, and shall satisfy all applicable safety codes and all other applicable governmental enactments, rules, regulations, or policies.
3. 
Quality Design. All permanent signs shall be designed by professionals (e.g., architects, building designers, landscape architects, interior designers, or those whose principal business is the design, manufacture, or sale of signs), or others who, in the opinion of the Director based on presented evidence, are capable of producing professional results.
4. 
Quality Construction. All permanent signs shall be constructed by persons whose principal business is building construction or a related trade, including sign manufacturing and installation businesses or others who, in the opinion of the Director based on presented evidence, are capable of producing professional results. The intent is to ensure public safety, achieve signs of careful construction, neat and readable copy, and durability to reduce maintenance costs and prevent dilapidation.
D. 
Sign Illumination. The following standards shall apply to all illuminated signs:
1. 
Shielding. Sign illumination shall not interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjacent properties, create a public nuisance, or create public safety hazards. Exterior light sources shall be shielded from view and directed to illuminate only the sign face.
2. 
Illumination. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
3. 
Residential Properties in Direct Line of Sight. The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness or directed in a manner that will negatively impact residential properties in direct line of sight to the sign.
4. 
Colored Lights. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner to be confused or construed as traffic control devices.
5. 
Bulb Face Exposure. Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed 15 watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so that the face of the bulb or lamp is exposed to a public right-of-way or adjacent property, unless approved by the Director. This provision does not apply to light-emitting diode (LED) signs.
6. 
Energy Efficiency. Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible.
7. 
No Flashing. Lights illuminating signs shall not flash, blink, flutter, include intermittent or chasing lights, or provide any illumination that is in motion or appears to be in motion. With regard to digital signs, see Section 17.26.080 (Digital Sign Standards).
E. 
Sign Maintenance. All signs and associated supporting structures shall be maintained in good condition, without rips, tears, and similar damage.
F. 
Deteriorated Signs. Any sign or sign structure that is sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed, broken, deteriorated, missing or has inoperative lights, or is in an otherwise dilapidated condition shall be promptly repaired, to the satisfaction of the Director, or removed.
G. 
Maintenance Standards. All parts, portions, units, and materials composing a sign, together with the frame, background, surface, support, or enclosure, shall be maintained in a safe condition, painted, and adequately protected from weathering with all braces, bolts, and structural parts, supporting frames, and fastenings reasonably free from deterioration, rot, rust, and loosening so that they do not create a hazard to persons or property or constitute a nuisance.
H. 
Address Numbers. Street addresses shall be on buildings and incorporated into new freestanding signs or shall be placed on the structure in a position that the address is visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. The numbers should be no less than six inches in height with a one-inch stroke, and shall be internally or externally illuminated.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019; Ord. 21-02 § 20, 2021)
A. 
Measuring Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the highest part of the sign, including any decorative features, to the height of the adjoining grade directly beneath the sign.
B. 
Measuring Sign Clearance. Sign clearance shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.
C. 
Measuring Building Frontage. Building frontage is the building facade that directly abuts a public street, private street, parking lot driveway, or parking spaces. For buildings with two or more frontages, the length of the wall and allowable sign area shall be calculated separately for each building frontage.
D. 
Calculating Sign Area: General. Supporting structures such as sign bases and columns are not included in the sign area, provided that they contain no lettering or graphics except for addresses or required tags. See Figure 3-08.
Figure 3-08: Calculation of Freestanding Sign Area
E. 
Calculating Sign Area: Single-Faced Signs (Four Sides or Fewer). For sign faces with four or fewer sides, sign area shall include the entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of one triangle, square, or rectangle (consisting of no more than four corners) that enclose the extreme limits of all sign elements, including but not limited to sign structures or borders, written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations, and color. See Figure 3-09 (Calculation of Sign Area on Single-Faced Signs (Four Sides or Fewer)).
Figure 3-09: Calculation of Sign Area on Single-Faced Signs (Four Sides or Fewer)
F. 
Calculating Sign Area: Single-Faced Signs (Five Sides or More). For sign faces with five or more sides, sign area shall include the entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles (consisting of horizontal and vertical lines and no more than 12 corners) that enclose the extreme limits of all sign elements, including, but not limited to, sign structures or borders, written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations, and color. See Figure 3-10 (Calculation of Sign Area on Single-Faced Signs (Five Sides or More)).
Figure 3-10: Calculation of Sign Area on Single-Faced Signs (Five Sides or More)
G. 
Calculating Sign Area: Double-Faced Signs. Only one face of a double-faced sign shall be counted in computing the permitted area of the sign. Double-faced (back-to-back) signs shall be regarded as a single sign when the sign is mounted on a single structure and the distance between each sign face does not exceed two feet at any point. Where two faces of a double-faced sign are located more than two feet from one another at any point, both sign faces shall be counted toward sign area. Where the two faces are not equal in size, the larger sign face shall be used.
H. 
Calculating Sign Area: Multi-Faced Signs. On a three-faced sign, the combined sum of the area of two faces (the largest and smallest face) shall be counted in computing the permitted area of the sign.
I. 
Calculating Sign Area: Three-Dimensional Signs. On spherical, free-form, sculptural, or other non-planar signs, sign area equivalent to 50 percent of the sum of the areas using only the four vertical sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign structure, as shown in Figure 3-11 (Calculation of Sign Area on Three-Dimensional Signs), shall be counted in computing the permitted area of the sign.
Figure 3-11: Calculation of Sign Area on Three-Dimensional Signs
(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
Digital signs shall be allowed as freestanding permanent signs and as window signs in the C-O, C-G, and TCMU zones subject to the following standards:
A. 
No Flashing. Digital signs shall not flash, blink, flutter, include intermittent or chasing lights, or display video messages (i.e., any illumination or message that is in motion or appears to be in motion).
B. 
Display Change. Digital signs may display changing messages, provided that each message is displayed for no fewer than eight consecutive seconds. The transition or blank screen time between one display message and the next shall not exceed one second.
C. 
Night-Time Brightness.
1. 
Night-time brightness shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure foot-candles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance shall be measured with the electronic message off, and again with the electronic message displaying a white image for a full color-capable electronic message or a solid message for a single-color electronic message.
2. 
All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the electronic message at the following distance:
The difference between the off and solid message measurements shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at night.
D. 
Ambient Light Sensor. Digital signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions (e.g., photocell technology), or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 foot-candle requirement.
E. 
Turn Off. Digital signs located within 500 feet and in a direct line of sight of a residentially zoned property shall be turned off daily at the close of business, or at such a time as specified by the Development Services Director, and in no case shall be permitted to be turned on between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
F. 
Sign Types. Awning, canopy, and driveway/onsite directional signs shall not include digital copy.
G. 
Certification of Compliance. The owner of any digital sign shall arrange for certification by an independent contractor showing compliance with brightness standards.
(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
Tables 3-08 through 3-12, inclusive, identify the signs allowed in each zone. In addition to the regulations set forth in the tables, signs shall comply with other provisions of this chapter, except for those signs specifically addressed in Section 17.26.040 (Exempt Signs) and approved Planned Sign Programs. Where a contradiction in regulations exists, the more restrictive standard shall apply. In addition to the listed requirements, each sign shall comply with the requirements detailed in each specific zone and other applicable City standards and ordinances.
Table 3-08: Signs Allowed in R-1, R-2, R-3, and MH Zones
Allowed Sign Types
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign Area
Maximum Sign Height
Illumination Allowed?
Additional Regulations
1. Single Family Residential Subdivision Development
a. Monument or Wall
1 per street frontage or 1 on each side of main neighborhood entrance
1 square foot per linear foot of street frontage; maximum 50 square feet
6 ft
External illumination only
Permitted only at major entrances to projects or neighborhoods.
Maintenance responsibility shall be assigned to community association.
Digital signs not permitted.
2. Institutional and Places of Assembly Uses in Residential Zones
a. Monument
1 per front entrance
30 sf per sign
6 ft
Permitted
Changeable copy sign permitted.
b. Wall
1 per street frontage
24 sf per sign
Must be below eave line
Permitted
 
3. Multiple Family and Mobile Home Developments in R-2, R-3, and M-H Zones
a. Wall
1 per street frontage or 1 on each side of main entrance
Aggregate sign area: 1 square foot per linear foot of street frontage, not to exceed 32 square feet total
Must be below eave line
Permitted
Only a wall sign or a monument sign shall be permitted.
b. Monument
1 per street frontage or 1 on each side of main entrance
Aggregate sign area: 1 square foot per linear foot of street frontage, not to exceed 32 square feet total
 
Permitted
Only a wall sign or a monument sign shall be permitted.
c. Sign Provided for Sole Purpose of Identifying Tenants
1 sign total
10 square feet
N/A
Permitted
Sign must be located near main building entrance and oriented to pedestrians.
Table 3-09: CO, CG, P-L-I, and TCMU Zones—Katella Avenue and Los Alamitos Avenue
Allowed Sign Types
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign Area
Maximum Sign Height
Illumination Allowed?
Additional Regulations
1. Single Tenant Sites
a. Freestanding
1 per parcel or street frontage
1 square foot per linear foot of parcel street frontage, not to exceed 50 square feet
C-O: 8 feet
C-G:
Pylon—20 feet
Monument—8 feet
P-L-I: 15 feet
Permitted
a. Signs shall be placed within a landscaped planter or private parkway.
b. Where a parcel has more than 1 street frontage, 1 additional sign is permitted on the additional frontage. Signs shall be separated by 100 or more linear feet.
b. Wall, Canopy, Under Canopy, Projecting
Multiple signs are permitted but shall not exceed the aggregate maximum area permitted for wall signs based on linear building feet.
1 square foot of sign area per linear foot of building on a public right-of-way
Shall be located below the eave line
Permitted
Signs shall be affixed to a permanent wall.
c. Awning
1 per awning
1/2 square foot of sign area per linear foot of building on a public right-of-way
Shall be located only on the front of the awning and shall be wholly contained within the awning face
No
 
d. Menu Board (for permitted drive-through businesses only)
2 per business or as approved as part of a Planned Sign Program
48 square feet aggregated for all menu boards
6 feet
Permitted
a. Menu board signs shall be approved as part of a Planned Sign Program.
b. Signs shall be oriented and located in a manner that limits visibility from a public right-of-way.
c. Audible or noise-producing signs shall not exceed the standards in Chapter 17.20 (Noise).
2. Multiple Tenant Sites
a. Freestanding (Center Identification Sign)
1 per parcel or street frontage
1 square foot per linear foot of parcel street frontage, not to exceed 50 square feet total
C-O: 8 feet
C-G:
Pylon—20 feet
Monument—8 feet
P-L-I: 15 feet
Permitted
a. Signs shall be placed within a landscaped planter or private parkway.
b. Where a parcel has more than 1 street frontage, 1 additional sign is permitted on the additional frontage. Signs shall be separated by 100 or more linear feet.
b. Wall, Canopy, Under Canopy, Projecting
Multiple signs are permitted but shall not exceed the aggregate area permitted for wall signs.
1 square foot of sign area per linear foot of building on a public right-of-way, not to exceed 24 square feet per tenant
In the P-L-I zone, for industrial buildings over 50,000 square feet in size, up to 48 square feet total sign area is permitted
Below the eave line
Permitted
a. Signs shall be affixed to a permanent wall.
b. Aggregate area shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of area per linear frontage of the buildings or tenant lease, whichever is less.
c. Awning
1 per awning
1/2 square foot of sign area on an awning per linear foot of building on a public right-of-way
Shall be located only on the front of the awning and shall be wholly contained within the awning face
No
 
d. Menu Board (for permitted drive-through businesses only)
2 per business or as approved as part of a Planned Sign Program
48 square feet aggregated for all menu boards
6 feet
Permitted
a. Menu board signs shall be approved as part of a Planned Sign Program.
b. Signs shall be oriented and located in a manner that limits visibility from a public right-of-way.
c. Audible or noise-producing signs shall not exceed the standards in Chapter 17.20 (Noise)
e. Business Directory for Multiple Tenants
1 per site
24 square feet
Freestanding—6 feet
Wall—Below the eave line
Permitted
Signs shall be oriented and located in a manner that limits visibility from a public right-of-way.
Table 3-10: CO, CG, P-L-I, and TCMU Zones—Non-Arterial Roadways
Allowed Sign Types
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign Area
Maximum Sign Height
Illumination Allowed?
Additional Regulations
1. Single Tenant Sites
a. Freestanding
1 per parcel or street frontage
1 square foot per linear foot of parcel street frontage, not to exceed 32 square feet
C-O: 8 feet
C-G: 8 feet
P-L-I: 8 feet
Permitted
a. Signs shall be placed within a landscaped planter or private parkway.
b. Where a parcel has more than 1 street frontage, 1 additional sign is permitted on the additional frontage. Signs shall be separated by 100 or more linear feet.
b. Wall, Canopy, Under Canopy, Projecting
Multiple signs are permitted but shall not exceed the aggregate area permitted for wall signs
1 square foot of sign area per linear foot of building on a public right-of-way; not to exceed 24 square feet
Shall be located below the eave line
Permitted
Signs shall be affixed to a permanent wall.
c. Menu Board (for permitted drive-through businesses only)
2 per business or as approved as part of a Planned Sign Program
48 square feet aggregated for all menu boards
6 feet
Permitted
a. Menu board signs shall be approved as part of a Planned Sign Program.
b. Signs shall be oriented and located in a manner that limits visibility from a public right-of-way.
c. Audible or noise-producing signs shall not exceed the standards in Chapter 17.20 (Noise).
2. Multiple Tenant Sites
a. Freestanding (Center Identification Sign)
1 per parcel or street frontage
1 square foot per linear foot of parcel street frontage, not to exceed 50 square feet total
C-O: 8 feet
C-G: 8 feet
P-L-I: 8 feet
Permitted
a. Signs shall be placed within a landscaped planter or private parkway.
b. Where a parcel has more than 1 street frontage and more than 1 sign is proposed, signs shall be separated by 100 or more linear feet.
b. Wall, Canopy, Under Canopy, Projecting
Multiple signs are permitted but shall not exceed the aggregate area permitted for wall signs.
1 square foot of sign area per linear foot of building on a public right-of-way, not to exceed 24 square feet per tenant
Below the eave line
Permitted
a. Signs shall be affixed to a permanent wall.
b. Where individual buildings are located in a row perpendicular to a front property line, each building or tenant space to the rear of the building frontage may have wall signs affixed to the building side closest to the street. Aggregate area shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of area per linear frontage of the buildings or tenant lease, whichever is less.
c. Menu Board (for permitted drive-through businesses only)
2 per business or as approved as part of a Planned Sign Program
48 square feet aggregated for all menu boards
6 feet
Permitted
a. Menu board signs shall be approved as part of a Planned Sign Program.
b. Signs shall be oriented and located in a manner that limits visibility from a public right-of-way.
c. Audible or noise-producing signs shall not exceed the standards in Chapter 17.20 (Noise).
d. Business Directory for Multiple Tenants
1 per site
24 square feet
Freestanding— 6 feet
Wall—Below the eave line
Permitted
Signs shall be oriented and located in a manner that limits visibility from a public right-of-way
Table 3-11: CF and OA Zones
Allowed Sign Types
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign Area
Maximum Sign Height
Illumination Allowed?
Additional Regulations
a. Freestanding
1 per parcel or street frontage
1 per linear foot of street frontage, not to exceed 50 square feet per street frontage
10 feet
Permitted
a. Signs shall be placed within a landscaped planter.
b. Additional signage may be permitted subject to a Planned Sign Program (i.e., booster signs for sports fields).
c. Freestanding signs shall be of a monument type.
d. If more than 2 of any kind of signs are proposed, a Planned Sign Program shall be required.
b. Wall
1 per use or building frontage
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage, not to exceed 24 square feet total
Below eave line
Permitted
If more than 2 of any kind of signs are proposed, a Planned Sign Program shall be required.
Table 3-12: Service Station Permanent Signs
Allowed Sign Types
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign Area
Maximum Sign Height
Illumination Allowed?
Additional Regulations
a. Freestanding—Monument only
1 per parcel
24 square feet if the sign only contains identification and no changeable copy panels for pricing. If price information required by law is incorporated into the identification signs, the total square footage may be 32 square feet.
8 feet
Permitted
a. A Planned Sign Program shall be required for all new service stations.
b. Service stations with an associated convenience store shall be limited to 24 square feet for an identification sign.
c. Signs shall be of a monument type and shall be located within a planter.
d. The total square footage of all permanent signs shall not exceed 100 square feet in area cumulatively.
b. Wall or Canopy
1 per street frontage
1 square foot per 3 linear feet of building frontage
Wall—below the eave line
Canopy— confined to canopy fascia
Permitted
a. No other signs shall be permitted on the canopy or columns.
b. Signs encompassed within a fuel pump or required by State or Federal governments shall not be regulated by this chapter.
c. Safety Sign Provided for Purpose of Providing Operation Instructions
1 per canopy column
2 square feet per sign
Below the canopy roof line
Permitted
a. Shall be attached to island column or as approved by a Planned Sign Program.
b. No other signs shall be permitted on the canopy or columns.
c. Signs encompassed within a fuel pump or required by State or Federal governments shall not be regulated by this chapter.
d. No signs shall be permitted to be displayed on top of, attached to, or suspended from any pump.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
Notwithstanding the prohibition on offsite advertising signs (billboards) established in Section 17.26.050 (Prohibited Signs), off-site advertising signs shall be permitted on transit shelters and benches for transit operated by a public transit agency, subject to the following regulations.
A. 
All such signs shall be permanently attached to the transit shelter or bench.
B. 
A maximum of two signs per shelter/bench are permitted.
C. 
The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed 40 square feet.
D. 
The signage shall be wholly contained on the shelter structure or bench.
E. 
Transit advertising shelters and benches may be allowed within the public right-of-way or other location subject to the approval of the Director of Public Services/City Engineer.
F. 
All plans and specifications shall be approved by the Orange County Transit Authority and shall be maintained in accordance with the Authority's requirements.
G. 
Before the erection of any shelter or display, the applicant shall enter into a license and maintenance agreement with the City, which shall be subject to review and approval by the City Council.
(Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the Planned Sign Program is to provide flexibility from strict application of this chapter while encouraging good sign design, sign variety, and better visibility for multi-tenant developments that may not be visible from a right-of-way.
B. 
Applicability.
1. 
Mandatory Sign Program Required. A Planned Sign Program shall be required whenever a parcel will have permanent signs that exceed either five signs or an aggregate area of 200 square feet.
2. 
Optional Sign Program Allowed. Application under the provisions of a Planned Sign Program shall be at the option of the applicant whenever the application is not mandatory under this section and the site meets any of the following conditions:
a. 
The site to be considered consists of five or more separate business activities;
b. 
The area to be included for consideration consists of a parcel, a series of parcels, or parcels combined, which total a minimum of two acres;
c. 
The site to be considered consists of a parcel, or a series of parcels, or parcels combined, as provided below, which front on two or more publicly dedicated street rights-of-way;
d. 
Signs for the site to be considered consist of three or more signs for a single tenant.
C. 
Permit Application. Permit application requirements shall comply with Chapter 17.26 (Applications, Processing, and Fees), and shall include a letter of justification identifying how the proposed sign program is consistent with the findings for approval and the intent of this chapter.
D. 
Review Procedures. The Director shall review the Planned Sign Program and shall make a recommendation to the Planning Commission to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the application.
E. 
Findings Required. Before approval of a Planned Sign Program, the Commission shall make the following findings:
1. 
The proposed signs complement and are in harmony with the design of the building; incorporate several common design elements (e.g., materials, letter style, colors, illumination, sign-type or sign shape); and incorporate materials, colors, or design motifs included in the structure or structures being identified;
2. 
The approval of a Planned Sign Program will not adversely affect surrounding land uses or obscure adjacent conforming signs.
F. 
Amendment of a Previously Approved Planned Sign Program. Application for the addition, modification, or replacement of signs requiring permits, within the boundaries of an area having a previously approved Planned Sign Program, shall be made in the following manner and shall be approved by the Director.
1. 
Whenever the total number of signs to be added, modified, or replaced total less than 25 percent of the number of allowed signs presently on the site, application shall be made under the provisions of a standard sign application.
2. 
When the total number of signs to be added, modified, or replaced total 25 percent or more of the number of allowed signs presently on the site, application shall be made under the provisions of a Planned Sign Program.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Applicability. All temporary signs shall comply with the standards provided in this section. A Temporary Sign Permit shall be obtained from the Development Services Director prior to the display of temporary signs, unless specified in Section 17.26.040 (Exempt Signs).
B. 
Purpose. In addition to the purpose of this chapter set forth in Section 17.28.010, the purpose of this section is to ensure that temporary signs do not create a distraction to the traveling public by limiting the proliferation of temporary signs. Further, the purposes of this section include eliminating aesthetic blight and litter in Los Alamitos that is detrimental to public health, safety, and general welfare.
C. 
General Standards for All Temporary Signs.
1. 
Number. The maximum number of temporary signs that may be displayed at the same time is subject to compliance with the applicable requirements of this section. The number and area of temporary signs shall not be included in the calculation of aggregate permanent sign area.
2. 
Materials and Maintenance.
a. 
Temporary exterior signs shall be made of durable, weather-resistant material. Only interior window signs may be made of nonrigid (e.g., paper) material.
b. 
Temporary signs shall be well maintained consistent with Section 17.26.060(E) (General Requirements for All Signs).
3. 
Illumination Prohibited. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
4. 
Sign Placement.
a. 
Temporary signs are allowed on private property only subject to permission of the property owner.
b. 
Temporary signs shall not be placed in any public right-of-way except as may otherwise be permitted by the Municipal Code.
5. 
Removal of Signs. Temporary signs and their components shall be promptly removed at the expiration of the applicable Temporary Sign Permit.
D. 
Temporary Sign Standards for the C-O, C-G, TCMU, P-L-I, CF, and OA Zones. Temporary signs are allowed in the C-O, C-G, TCMU, P-L-I, CF, and OA as provided in Table 3-10 subject to the following standards.
1. 
A business may be granted a permit to display on-site temporary signs for a maximum of 90 days within a 12-month period. This can be accrued in multiple or consecutive days up to 90 days.
2. 
Sign Area.
a. 
Total temporary signs for a single business on a single lot shall not exceed a total aggregate area of more than one square foot per lineal foot of building frontage on a public street and shall not exceed a total aggregate area of 32 square feet.
b. 
Building sites with 100 lineal feet of frontage or more on a public street may be allowed an aggregate area of temporary signs not to exceed 50 square feet.
c. 
Individual tenants or building sites with less than 24 lineal feet of building frontage may be allowed 24 square feet.
d. 
Individual tenants within a center may be allowed a total aggregate area of one square foot per lineal foot of store frontage at the main entrance and shall not exceed 24 square feet of total sign area.
3. 
One temporary sign only, per street frontage, shall be allowed for each business.
4. 
In no case shall a temporary sign obstruct an adjacent sign.
5. 
Temporary signs shall be erected or placed only upon the site in which they are intended to advertise. Off-site temporary signs shall not be allowed.
E. 
Calendar Year Permit.
1. 
Businesses may apply to the Director for a calendar year permit. If the Director approves the permit, the use of one temporary sign per business shall only be allowed for up to 90 days. Afterwards, a new temporary sign shall be used for each new event. In no event shall the same temporary sign be used consecutively. The applicant shall request a temporary sign for each event.
2. 
The Director may revoke or disapprove a year-long Temporary Sign Permit in the event that the sign is not removed in a timely manner or is not appropriately maintained.
F. 
Grand Opening/Business Closing Sign. In addition to the temporary signs permitted in subsection D of this subsection, on-site grand opening or business closing temporary signs in connection with a new business, new ownership, or closure of a business may be allowed and approved by the Director, subject to the provisions listed below. If approved, a temporary sign permit shall be issued to include the expiration date.
1. 
Banners, pennants and flags shall be allowed for a period not to exceed 45 days.
2. 
Banners, pennants, and flags shall not exceed a total aggregate area of more than one square foot per lineal foot of building frontage on a public street. The banners, pennants, and flags shall not exceed an aggregate area of 32 square feet.
G. 
Nonprofit Organizations. Temporary signs advertising a special event occurring on site, including civic, public, religious, educational, or philanthropic events, may be granted a Temporary Sign Permit for no longer than 30 days per occurrence unless a longer time period is established by the Director in the Temporary Sign Permit. Temporary banners, pennants, and flags shall be allowed. Sign area, specific locations, colors, and materials shall be submitted for review by the Director. If approved, a temporary sign permit shall be issued including the expiration date.
H. 
Temporary Signs during Elections and on Residential Property. See Section 17.26.040 (Exempt Signs) for regulations pertaining to temporary signs during elections and on residential properties during times when a residential activity is occurring, such as a yard sale or a property is advertised for sale, rent, or lease.
I. 
Abatement of Illegal Temporary Signs. An unlawful portable or temporary sign may be impounded by the City and held pending notification of the owner by the City. Unlawful signs located within the public right-of-way or on public property may be removed without notice. Abated signs shall be retained at City Hall for a period of minimum three working days; after three days, the signs may be discarded. The owner may obtain the signs from the City upon payment of an impound and storage charge in an amount established by the Council.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
An existing sign, because of its character, age, influence, or cultural or historical significance, may be exempted from the regulations detailed in this chapter. The Director shall have the authority to determine whether a particular sign meets these criteria. These signs shall be subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit in compliance with Chapter 17.32 (Administrative Use Permits and Conditional Use Permits).
B. 
In approving a sign of special significance, the Commission shall make the following findings.
1. 
The sign contributes to the positive architectural, cultural, or historical character of the City, State of California, or the United States;
2. 
The sign would not create confusion to the public or to public safety officials in response to emergencies;
3. 
The sign would not adversely affect the health, safety, or general welfare of the community;
4. 
The documentation of the history of the sign and site has been provided to the City for archive purposes. Documentation shall include:
a. 
Date in which the sign was erected,
b. 
Documentation of originality of historic or cultural value, and
c. 
Documentation showing that the sign has been maintained in original form and significant text as when it was originally constructed.
5. 
The sign(s) fulfill the purpose and intent of this chapter in compliance with Section 17.26.010 (Purpose).
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Nonconforming Signs—General. A sign or other advertising device or structure of whatever type or nature, other than an illegal sign, which was legally established but has become nonconforming due to the establishment of new standards may continue, provided such nonconforming sign complies with the provisions of this section.
B. 
Abandoned Signs. An advertising device that was lawfully erected that does not now conform to the provisions of this chapter, but whose use has ceased, or the structure upon which the display exists has been abandoned by its owner, for a period of minimum 180 consecutive days, shall be removed, altered, or replaced so as to conform to the provisions of this chapter within six months from the date of receipt of a written order of abatement from the Director requiring the abatement. Costs incurred by the City in removing an abandoned display shall be borne by or charged to the legal owner of the real property upon which the sign is located.
C. 
Remodeled Nonconforming Signs. A sign that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, whose owner, outside of a change of copy, requests permission to remodel and remodels that advertising display, or expands or enlarges the structure or intensifies the land use upon which the advertising display is located, and the display exceeds 50 percent of the cost of reconstruction of the structure, shall remove, alter, or replace the sign so as to conform to the requirements of this chapter in conjunction with the project.
D. 
Agreement to Remove Nonconforming Signs. A sign that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter for which there has been an agreement between the sign owner and the City for its removal as of any given date shall remove the sign in compliance with the provisions of the agreement.
E. 
Traffic Hazard. A sign that is determined by the City Engineer to constitute a traffic hazard not created by the relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the City shall be removed, altered, or replaced so as to conform to the requirements of this chapter as provided in the written order of abatement from the City official requiring removal or alteration.
F. 
Minor Repairs and Repainting. Nonconforming signs may be removed for the purpose of repairing or repainting and may be replaced upon first obtaining a sign permit.
G. 
Change of Ownership. Upon change of ownership of the business advertised by the nonconforming sign, the sign as originally approved, including text, may remain on site.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A sign or other advertising device regulated by this chapter that is deemed by the Director or other authorized individual to be unsafe or hazardous to the public health, safety, or welfare or that has been constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions outlined in this chapter or other applicable code shall be considered a public nuisance. The property owner or responsible person(s) shall be given written notice to correct and/or remove the sign violation within 30 days from the date of receipt of a written order of abatement from the Director requiring the removal or alteration. If the responsible person(s) or property owner fails to alter or remove the structure to comply with the regulations detailed in this chapter within 10 days, the unsafe or unauthorized sign may be removed or altered by the City at the expense of the responsible person(s) or owner. A sign or advertising device that presents an immediate threat to the public safety may be removed without notice.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)