Lakewood, CA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Lakewood measures window signage two different ways depending on whether the code is granting a permit exemption or capping a permanent business sign's total area, and both use a 25 percent ceiling. Section 9502.42 defines a 'Window Sign' as 'any sign that is attached to or is intended to be seen in, on, or through a window,' and § 9502.41 defines the 'Window Area' that limit is measured against as glass or plexiglass area not permanently covered by an opaque material. Under the exempted-sign list at § 9504(I), the combination of temporary and permanent advertising signs placed on windows in a commercial or manufacturing zone 'shall not exceed 25% of the total area of the first 25 feet in height of the building elevation upon which they are placed,' which lets a business post window signage without a separate sign permit as long as it stays under that share of the elevation. Seasonal window decorations and perforated window screening that still allows a view of the interior are carved out of the percentage restriction entirely.

Once a window sign is permanent rather than temporary, it also counts toward the elevation's overall permitted sign area under § 9506(A)(4), and § 9506(A)(4)(d) sets a second, narrower cap: 'the total area of permanent window signs on a particular elevation may not exceed 25% of the total window area on that elevation,' measured against the glass itself rather than the whole building face. Both caps can apply at once to a storefront running permanent lettering or graphics on its windows, and the Community Development Department checks compliance with either limit at the time of sign review under § 9513.