Do I need a permit for an A-frame on the sidewalk?

No permit is needed if the sign is fully on private property and does not obstruct the sidewalk; if placed in the public right-of-way an encroachment permit is typically required.

What if my sign is removed by the city?

Contact Code Enforcement or Public Works immediately to identify the reason and follow the appeals or retrieval process on the notice; time limits apply as stated on the notice.

Are fees published online?

Fees may vary by permit type; the encroachment permit page provides application guidance but does not list a universal fee schedule on that page.

Pasadena A-Frame & Sandwich Board Rules - Permits

Signs and Advertising California 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026

In Pasadena, California, businesses placing A-frame or sandwich board signs on public sidewalks must follow local rules to avoid removal, fines, or permit requirements. This guide summarizes the applicable permitting pathways, responsible departments, practical placement standards, and steps to apply or appeal. It draws on the City of Pasadena's official encroachment and public-rights-of-way guidance and the municipal code framework to help small businesses and property managers comply while keeping sidewalks accessible.

Placement & Basic Requirements

General expectations for A-frame and sandwich board signs on sidewalks include maintaining an unobstructed pedestrian path, ensuring signs do not block curb ramps or transit stops, and complying with size and visibility rules set by city departments. Specific dimensional allowances and spacing rules are administered through public-rights-of-way and encroachment policies; the city may require an encroachment permit for signs placed in the public-right-of-way. Encroachment permit information^[1]

Sidewalk signs often require an encroachment permit when placed in the public right-of-way.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by city departments charged with public-rights-of-way and code compliance. The City may remove unlawful signs, issue citations, or require corrective actions. Exact monetary fines, escalation amounts for repeat offences, and continuing daily penalties are not specified on the cited encroachment page; see official code pages or contact the enforcing office for precise figures.

Enforcer: Public Works / Code Enforcement division; inspections and complaints are managed through the city's Public Works or Code Enforcement contact points.
Escalation and continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: removal of signs, abatement orders, seizure and possible civil actions.
Complaints and inspections: submit via Public Works service request or Code Enforcement contact channels.

If you receive a removal notice act quickly to appeal within the time stated on the notice.

Applications & Forms

The primary application for placing a sign in the public right-of-way is an encroachment permit application administered by Public Works. The official encroachment permit page lists procedures and submission guidance but does not publish a flat, universal fee schedule on that page; some permits require plan drawings and proof of insurance. Visit the encroachment permit page for application steps and submittal contacts. Encroachment permit information^[1]

Form name: Encroachment Permit application (see Public Works page for application packet).
Fees: not specified on the cited page; fee may vary by scope and require deposit or insurance.
Deadlines/submittal: follow the Public Works online submission process or in-person permit counter instructions.

How To

Confirm whether the proposed location is within the public right-of-way or private property.
Prepare a permit application if the sign is in the public right-of-way, including a site plan and photos.
Submit the encroachment permit application to Public Works and pay applicable fees as instructed.
Comply with any conditions imposed by the permit (placement, anchoring, hours of display).
If cited, follow appeal instructions on the notice and request an administrative review within the stated time limit.

Keep documentation of your permit and approvals on site while the sign is displayed.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for an A-frame on the sidewalk?: No permit is needed if the sign is fully on private property and does not obstruct the sidewalk; if placed in the public right-of-way an encroachment permit is typically required. ^[1]
What if my sign is removed by the city?: Contact Code Enforcement or Public Works immediately to identify the reason and follow the appeals or retrieval process on the notice; time limits apply as stated on the notice.
Are fees published online?: Fees may vary by permit type; the encroachment permit page provides application guidance but does not list a universal fee schedule on that page. ^[1]

Key Takeaways

Signs in the public right-of-way generally require an encroachment permit.
Failure to comply can lead to removal and administrative penalties.
Contact Public Works or Code Enforcement early for guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] City of Pasadena - Public Works: Encroachment Permit information