Sign Regulations in Long Beach, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Long Beach or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Long Beach has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Garage Sale Signs

Garage sale signs in Long Beach must be no more than 4 ft tall and 6 sq ft in area under LBMC Ch. 5.40. Signs cannot be placed on public property and must be removed at the end of the sale.

Key details: Max Height: 4 feet. Max Area: 6 sq ft. Public Property: Signs prohibited. Removal: Required after sale ends.

Signs on utility poles: removal and fine $25 to $50. Signs not removed after sale: fine $25 per day. Excessive signs: warning, then citation.

Holiday Displays

Holiday displays on private property in Long Beach are generally permitted as temporary decorations. The city's sign code under LBMC Ch. 21.44 does not specifically restrict seasonal or holiday displays on residential property.

Key details: Residential: Generally permitted. Temporary: Treated as seasonal decorations. Code: LBMC Ch. 21.44. Restrictions: No flashing/strobe lights toward roads.

Obstruction of sidewalk or road: notice to correct. Electrical hazard: fire department may require removal. Excessive noise: noise ordinance enforcement. Displays left up past deadline: HOA fines possible.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Long Beach gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

Political Signs

Political signs in Long Beach are protected expression under the First Amendment. The city's sign code LBMC Ch. 21.44 cannot prohibit flags or signs that constitute protected expression. Temporary political signs on private property are generally allowed.

Key details: Protected: First Amendment expression. Private Property: Generally allowed. Public ROW: May be restricted. Code: LBMC Ch. 21.44.

Signs in right-of-way: removal by city, possible fine $25 to $100. Oversized signs: notice to reduce. Failure to remove post-election: fines $25 to $50 per day after grace period.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Long Beach gives residents more flexibility on political signs.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Long Beach gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Long Beach's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.