How long does sign permit approval usually take?

Review time varies by project complexity and completeness; specific turnaround times are not specified on the cited page. Contact Planning/Building for an estimate.

Do I need a building or electrical permit for illuminated signs?

Yes, illuminated signs typically require electrical and possibly building permits in addition to a sign permit; confirm requirements with Development Services.

What if my sign is already installed without a permit?

Unpermitted signs are subject to enforcement actions including removal orders and fines; apply for a retroactive permit as soon as possible and contact Code Enforcement for guidance.

Sign Permit Checklist - Long Beach, CA

Signs and Advertising California 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

Long Beach, California property owners and businesses must follow both the city sign regulations and building permit rules before installing or altering signs. This guide explains the typical documents, review steps, enforcement pathways, and actions to complete a compliant sign permit application in Long Beach. It highlights who enforces sign rules, where to find official forms, and how to appeal decisions.

Required documents & eligibility

Prepare the items below before applying. Local zoning, sign area limits, and historic-district rules can change required materials.

Site plan showing property lines, building frontage, and sign location.
Scaled sign elevation and dimensions with materials and illumination details.
Structural calculations or engineer stamp for projecting or large signs.
Proof of payment for plan check and permit fees, if required.
Owner authorization or leaseholder consent when applicant is not property owner.

Confirm zoning setbacks and sign-face limits before final drawings are prepared.

Process overview

Typical steps: pre-application research, prepare drawings, submit application to Planning or Building, pay fees, plan check and corrections, obtain approval, get any required building/electrical permits, and schedule inspections.

Start at the City of Long Beach planning and permits pages for sign-specific submittal instructions and checklists Long Beach Planning permits^[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by Long Beach code enforcement and development services staff; fines and remedies vary by violation type and are defined in the municipal code. Where specific fine amounts, escalation steps, or time limits are not listed on the public page, they are noted below as not specified on the cited page and the municipal code link is provided for reference Long Beach Municipal Code^[2].

Fines: specific dollar amounts or per-day penalties for sign violations are not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, notice to abate, permit suspension, and court actions are available remedies under city authority.
Enforcer: Long Beach Development Services / Code Enforcement handles inspections, complaints, and notices to comply.
Appeals and review: appeal routes (for example hearings or administrative appeals) and time limits are not specified on the cited page; consult municipal code for deadlines and procedures.
Defenses and discretion: variances, permits, or design-review approvals may provide lawful exceptions; administrative discretion can apply depending on findings.

If you receive a notice to abate, act quickly to file appeals or apply for required permits to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes sign permit application instructions and the required forms on its permits pages; if a named form or fee is not shown, the city pages linked above include contact points for obtaining the current application and fee schedule Long Beach Planning permits^[1].

Common violations and typical outcomes

Unpermitted freestanding or wall-mounted signs — outcome: stop-work, removal order, fines (amounts not specified on the cited page).
Signs exceeding area or height limits — outcome: compliance order or ordered modification.
Illicit banners or sidewalk signs in public right-of-way — outcome: immediate removal or citation.

FAQ

How long does sign permit approval usually take?: Review time varies by project complexity and completeness; specific turnaround times are not specified on the cited page. Contact Planning/Building for an estimate.^[1]
Do I need a building or electrical permit for illuminated signs?: Yes, illuminated signs typically require electrical and possibly building permits in addition to a sign permit; confirm requirements with Development Services.^[1]
What if my sign is already installed without a permit?: Unpermitted signs are subject to enforcement actions including removal orders and fines; apply for a retroactive permit as soon as possible and contact Code Enforcement for guidance.^[2]

How-To

Verify zoning and sign standards for your property with Planning.^[1]
Prepare drawings, site plan, and any structural calculations required.
Submit the sign permit application and pay applicable plan-check fees via the city portal or permit counter.
Respond to plan-check corrections, obtain approvals, and secure any building or electrical permits.
Schedule inspections and complete final approval before sign activation or illumination.

Key Takeaways

Start with the Planning permit guidance to confirm required documents and submittal steps.
Illuminated or structural signs usually need building/electrical permits in addition to a sign permit.
Unpermitted signs can lead to removal orders and fines; address notices promptly.