§ 21.44.240. Residential neighborhood and commercial district identification signs.

The City recognizes the desire for unique communities within its boundaries, both residential and commercial, to positively identify themselves and their geographic boundaries. To this end, the following guidelines are established to control the design, content, and location of such identification signs on both private and public property. In addition to these standards, the provisions of Subsection 21.44.900.A.6 (Signs on public property) also shall apply to any such sign located on public property. Street-name-style Neighborhood Marker Signs mounted on street lights or traffic signal poles are not regulated by this chapter, and are administered by the Department of Public Works.

A.

Type of Sign. Limited to monument signs for residential neighborhood identification. Monument or freestanding signs are allowed for commercial district identification.

B.

Number of Signs. Each residential neighborhood or commercial district shall display no more than one (1) sign on each side, or corner, or boundary of the neighborhood or district. In cases of irregularly-shaped or unclear boundaries, the Zoning Administrator shall be authorized to determine if a given proposal conforms to this regulation.

C.

Maximum Height, Width, and Area. The maximum height, width, and area allowed for residential neighborhood and commercial district identification signs shall be as provided in Table 44-3.

Table 44-3
Height, Width, and Area Development Standards for Residential Neighborhood and Commercial District Identification Signs

Type of sign	Maximum Height (ft.)	Maximum Width (ft.)	Maximum Area (sq. ft.)
Monument	4	9	36
Freestanding	15	4	32

 

D.

Thickness. Minimum of three inches (3") to a maximum of one foot (1').

E.

Materials. Wood, stone, concrete, stucco, or metal or a combination of these materials.

F.

Lettering. Individual letters carved from display or bolted onto display. Fragile or glued-on lettering is prohibited.

G.

Lighting. Exterior light sources or internal illumination are allowed. External lights shall be aimed and shielded to prevent any light trespass into the adjacent roadway or adjacent properties.

H.

Prohibited. Cabinet signs are prohibited as residential neighborhood and commercial district identification signs, as well as any plastic or fabric panels or fascia.

I.

Identification. Each sign must indicate that the respective neighborhood or commercial district is part of the City of Long Beach, using the name "City of Long Beach" in at least three-inch (3")-tall letters. The purpose of this regulation is to avoid giving the impression that an area is a separate city or otherwise not a member of the City as a whole.

J.

Site Plan Review required. Prior to the issuance of a sign permit (and prior to issuance of a right-of-way permit by the Department of Public Works in the case of a sign located on public property), an identification sign for a residential neighborhood or commercial district shall be subject to review by the Site Plan Review Committee. A fee equivalent to the fee for a Creative Sign Permit, as specified in a fee resolution to be adopted by the City Council, shall be required.

K.

Waiver of standards. The Site Plan Review Committee may, at its discretion, waive the following development standards: type of sign, number of signs, height, length, thickness, materials, and lettering. The Site Plan Review Committee shall approve such waivers only if the findings required for a Creative Sign Permit are made, and the waiver will achieve the specified purpose of a Creative Sign Permit. However, prohibited sign types and materials shall not be approved through a waiver.

( ORD-13-0014 , § 19(Att. A), 2013)