Indoor large-format signs such as banner stands or posters placed within retail stores are not subject to the restrictions imposed on outdoor and window signs. Cities are concerned about the number of tacky signs advertising parties, auctions, and bazaars that are left abandoned, littering public streets. If you plan to display outdoor signs or use them on the inside of windows visible from the outside, contact your local city hall or planning division to inquire about ordinances. For a fee, third-party permit checking services like Sign Code, Inc. will research and summarize appropriate ordinances.
There may be rules that limit size, location and duration of temporary signs. Usually an application or permit fee (around $50) is required. Links are provided below, which may change as forms or department websites are updated. Use the Contact form to report broken links.
Culver City
(310) 253-5710 | 9770 Culver Blvd, 2nd Fl, Culver City CA 90232
- Four times per year, complete Sign Permit Application for 30-day duration, 18 square foot signs that occupy no more than 25 percent of retail window area. Signs that dangle, obstruct pedestrian traffic or are attached to nearby fences are not allowed.
El Segundo
(310) 524-2300 | 350 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
- Temporary temporary sign permit required. A sign advertising a special event or sale, up to a maximum size of one hundred (100) square feet for a specified maximum thirty (30) day period is allowed, which may be renewed up to a total of one hundred twenty (120) days. See Sign Code (PDF).
Hawthorne
(310) 349-2970 | 4455 W 126th St, Hawthorne CA 90250
- Temporary Sign Permit Application is available online. The City limits the amount of permanent signage on all businesses. The height, location, and the colors are all regulated. A Building Permit is required to alter, change, enlarge, add to, or remove any or all business signage.
Inglewood
(310) 412-5111 | One Manchester Blvd, Inglewood CA 90301
- Inglewood distinguishes banners, which do not need permits, from temporary signs that require a $50 fee. Review Q+A for more information.
Los Angeles
(213) 847-6000 | 1149 S Broadway St, 3rd Floor, Los Angeles CA 90015
- Banner Permits are handled by the Bureau of Street Services with online application submission available. The Los Angeles City Planning Commission is rewriting signage codes established in 1986. Follow the revisions on the City Planning site. Third-party commentary is available here.
- "The sign area of all temporary signs, when placed upon the interior surface of a window and any other window signs shall not exceed a maximum of 10 percent of the window area." (Draft C-21, March 26, 2009: Sec. 14.4.15.B.2)
- "Temporary signs that do not require a building permit may be installed for a period of greater than 30 days, provided that such signs shall not exceed a total of 90 days in any calendar year." They "may be tacked, pasted or otherwise temporarily affixed to windows and/or on the walls of buildings, barns, sheds or fences." (Sec. 14.4.15.C and D)
- A permit is also required for temporary signs on temporary construction walls. They have a maximum height of 8 feet with a total area that does not exceed 250 square feet for a period not to exceed one year. (Sec. 14.4.16.B - D)
- Venice is covered by Los Angeles law and there is heated debate among artists over the distinction between murals from signage in the proposed Sign Ordinance. The ban on murals has been removed, allowing them to be regulated as wall signs for the time being. Further regulations will be considered under a separate ordinance. (Draft C-21, March 26, 2009: page 2-3)
Manhattan Beach
(310) 802-5501 | 1400 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach CA 90266
- Adobe Acrobat forms are available by selecting "Planning Permits" on the home page. Temporary signs may be displayed for a maximum of 90 days per year.
Marina del Rey
(310) 305-9533 | 13837 Fiji Way Trailer #3, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
- Temporary signs, banners and tents are only permitted with Department approval. Temporary permits are granted for a period of 30 days, with the option for one additional 30-day extension. Temporary permits may be requested for events such as "grand openings" and special occasions, which may occur from time to time throughout the year. Temporary Permits are allowed at the discretion of the Planning Department; Design Control Board approval is not required. Permit application (PDF).
Redondo Beach
(310) 372-1171 | 415 Diamond St, Redondo Beach CA 90277
- Temporary Sign Permit Application can be completed online. Online submission costs more than printing and mailing.
Santa Monica
(310) 458-8411 | 1685 Main St, Santa Monica CA 90401
- Allows temporary signs without permits that are limited to 30-day duration, 16 square feet and no more than 20 percent of the 1st floor window area.
West Hollywood
(323) 848-6400 | 8300 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood CA 90069
- Draft Sign Ordinance is available online. A Comprehensive Sign Program is intended to integrate the design of the signs proposed for a development project with the design of the structures into a unified architectural statement. Specific fees are not outlined but there is a useful page on Sign Design.