How Glendale Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Glendale maintains 154 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Glendale falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Holiday Displays

Glendale's sign code exempts holiday decorations from sign regulation, but only between November 1st and January 15th. Outside that window, string lights and similar decorative lighting used for a commercial premises count as regulated signage and are prohibited unless permitted.

Key details: Exempt display window: Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. Governing sections: Sec. 30.33.020(F); Sec. 30.33.040(C). Applies to: Holiday decorations, string lights. Permit needed in window: None. Late-display fine: $100 first offense (Sec. 1.20.010(B)).

Commercial string lighting or similar decorative displays kept up outside the November 1 - January 15 window are treated as a prohibited sign under Sec. 30.33.040(C). Because Sec. 30.33.040 is listed at Sec. 1.20.010(D), the infraction fine schedule in Sec. 1.20.010(B) applies: up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each additional violation in that year.

Window Signs

Glendale caps illuminated window signs at two per establishment and four square feet each under Municipal Code Sec. 30.33.210(B). Non-illuminated signs can cover up to 25 percent of a window's area, and neon-tube signs are capped at 25 percent or 100 square feet, whichever is less.

Key details: Illuminated signs per establishment: Maximum 2. Illuminated sign area: 4 sq. ft. max. Neon-tube signs: 25% of window or 100 sq. ft., less. Non-illuminated coverage cap: 25% of window area. Residential zone spillover limit: 2 foot-candles above ambient.

Exceeding the window sign counts or area limits in Sec. 30.33.210(B)(1)-(3) is an infraction under Sec. 1.20.010(D): up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each additional violation in that year, with misdemeanor exposure after three violations in one year.

Digital Billboards

Glendale bans digital and electronic billboards citywide. Municipal Code Sec. 30.33.040 outlaws both animated signs (video screens, LED message boards) and non-accessory signs, and a billboard is defined as a nonaccessory sign, so an off-site digital billboard is prohibited twice over outside a designated overlay zone.

Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code Sec. 30.33.040(N), (A). Billboard definition: Nonaccessory sign (Sec. 30.33.020). Overlay exception: ASOZ signs under Chapter 30.26 only. First infraction fine: Up to $100. Escalating fines: $200, then $500 within a year.

A digital billboard erected without ASOZ approval is cited as an infraction under Sec. 1.20.010(D): up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each further violation in that year, with a fourth violation charged as a misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 and six months in jail. The city attorney may also abate the sign as a public nuisance or pursue a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation under Sec. 1.20.050.

Compared to other cities, Glendale takes a harder line on digital billboards. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Political Signs

Glendale caps political campaign signs at six square feet and four feet tall on a residential lot, or 32 square feet and 12 feet tall in a commercial or industrial zone, under Municipal Code Section 30.33.210(I). No sign permit is required, but placing one on a sidewalk, parkway, utility pole or other public property is a declared nuisance the city can remove.

Key details: Residential zone limit: 6 sq ft, 4 ft tall. Commercial/industrial limit: 32 sq ft, 12 ft tall. Sign permit: Not required (exempt, § 30.33.060(A)(6)). Illumination: Must be non-illuminated. Public property placement: Banned, abatable as nuisance.

A first violation of the size, height or public-property placement rules is an infraction carrying a fine up to $100, rising to $200 for a second offense and $500 for a third, all within one year (Municipal Code Section 1.20.010(B), (D)). A fourth violation within that year becomes a misdemeanor under Section 1.20.010(A): up to $1,000 in fines, up to six months in jail, or both. Trained neighborhood services inspectors issue the citations, and a sign fastened to public property can be summarily removed as a nuisance without a hearing.

The Bottom Line

Glendale's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glendale is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Glendale's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.