Long Beach Signage Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Long Beach Municipal Code Title 21, Chapter 21.44 (On-Premises Signs) establishes the city's comprehensive sign regulations. For residential properties operating under a Home Occupation Permit, the sign code interacts with home occupation rules to create an effective prohibition on all commercial exterior signage. The home occupation ordinance requires that the residential appearance of the premises not be altered, and that there be no exterior indication of the home business — this provision alone bars any signage identifying the dwelling as a business location, regardless of size.

Chapter 21.44 reinforces this prohibition with citywide prohibitions on specific sign types. No sign may project into an adjoining private property, into the public right-of-way, or into an established setback without an encroachment permit from the City Engineer. No sign may flash, shimmer, or glitter, nor give the appearance of doing so. No sign may rotate, oscillate, or otherwise move. No sign may emit audible sound, odor, or particulate matter. Streamers, pennants, balloons, flags, and similar decorative displays are expressly prohibited. Signs created by projecting light onto surfaces are also barred. Under Section 21.44.600, all of these prohibited sign types apply throughout the city, including in residential zones. Taken together, these provisions mean that even if a home business operator wanted to place a small, non-illuminated nameplate sign at their residence, the residential character requirement of the home occupation ordinance would still prohibit it — and any sign permit application for a home occupation address would be denied by the Building Division.

Home business operators who want to advertise their services should use online directories, social media, business cards, and print media. All advertising materials must direct clients to contact the business by phone, email, or at an off-site meeting location — not to the residential address. The Code Enforcement Bureau at (562) 570-2633 investigates complaints about unpermitted business signs and banners at residential properties and may issue immediate notices to remove offending displays.