Burbank Sign Permits - Size, Height & Materials

Signs and Advertising California 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of California

Burbank, California regulates commercial and noncommercial signs through the city planning and building approval process. This guide summarizes how size, height and material standards are applied, when a permit is required, and how enforcement and appeals work. For official application requirements and submittal checklists, consult the City of Burbank Planning Division sign permits page Sign permits[1] and the municipal code cited below for zoning-specific limits.

Standards: Size, Height & Materials

Sign standards in Burbank vary by zoning district, frontage, and sign type (wall, freestanding, projecting, window, temporary). The municipal code and planning handouts set maximum sign area, maximum height for freestanding signs, and approved materials/attachment methods. For zoning-specific dimensional tables and definitions, consult the city code and planning resources. Municipal code[2]

  • Wall signs: maximum area often tied to linear frontage or percent of façade (see code tables).
  • Freestanding signs: height limits set by zoning district; base and landscaping requirements may apply.
  • Materials and attachments: structural anchoring and weatherproofing must meet building code and may require a building permit.
Check zoning-specific tables early to avoid redesigns.

Permits, Reviews & Inspections

Most permanent signs require both a planning sign permit and, where structural work is involved, a building permit from Building & Safety. Applications, plan reviews, and inspections are handled through the Community Development Department and Building & Safety; official permit procedures are described on the city's permit pages. Building and permits[3]

  • Apply: submit sign permit application, scaled plans, photos, site plan, and owner authorization.
  • Fees: plan review and permit fees apply; amounts are set by the city fee schedule (see permit page).
  • Inspections: structural and electrical inspections for illuminated or anchored signs are scheduled through Building & Safety.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces sign rules through code compliance and the Community Development Department. Specific fine amounts, escalation for repeat or continuing offences, and civil remedies are governed by the municipal code and enforcement procedures; if the cited page does not list numeric fines or escalation, it is noted below.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages; consult the municipal code or Code Compliance for current penalty amounts.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing violations and daily abatements are referenced in enforcement sections of the municipal code but specific ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, seizure or abatement of signs, and court action may be used.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Code Compliance and the Planning Division enforce sign rules; report violations via the city contact pages (see Resources below).
  • Appeals and review: appeals typically proceed to the Planning Commission or Building Official per appeal procedures; specific time limits for filing an appeal are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the department.
Unpermitted signs are often subject to immediate abatement and later permit requirements.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes sign permit application forms and submittal checklists on the Planning and Building pages; specific form names and numbers may change. If a printable or online form is required, the planning page and building permit pages list current instructions and fee schedules. Sign permits[1]

  • Form name/purpose: sign permit application and plans (see Planning Division page).
  • Fees: listed on the Building & Safety or fee schedule page; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited planning pages.
  • Submission: in-person or electronic submittal per the department instructions; check the planning page for online procedures.
Bring scaled drawings and structural details for faster review.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit for a sign in Burbank?
Most permanent signs require a planning sign permit; temporary signs have separate rules. See the Planning Division sign permits page for details. Sign permits[1]
Where are size and height limits published?
Dimensional limits are published in the city municipal code and zoning tables; they vary by zoning district and sign type. Refer to the municipal code for exact tables and definitions. Municipal code[2]
What happens if I install an unpermitted sign?
Unpermitted signs may be subject to removal orders, fines, and stop-work; specific fines and escalation are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with Code Compliance.

How-To

  1. Determine zoning and permitted sign types: check zoning district tables in the municipal code.
  2. Prepare plans: scaled elevation, site plan, materials, electrical details for illuminated signs.
  3. Submit application: use the Planning Division sign permit form and Building & Safety permit if structural work is required.
  4. Schedule inspections: follow Building & Safety inspection requirements for anchors and electrical work.
  5. Pay fees and obtain final approval before installing the sign.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign rules depend on zoning and sign type—always check the municipal code first.
  • Most permanent signs require both planning and building permits.
  • Unpermitted signs risk removal and enforcement action; confirm fees and penalties with Code Compliance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burbank Planning Division - Sign permits
  2. [2] Burbank Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  3. [3] City of Burbank Building & Safety - Permits

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