Irvine sign permit requirements

Yes, a sign permit is required for permanent business signs; certain sign types less than six feet in height are exempt from a sign permit (e.g., permanent window signs, directional signs), and signs six feet or taller require a permit.

“Certain sign types less than six feet in height are exempt from requirements for a sign permit prior to placing, erecting, moving, reconstruction, changing copy on, altering, or displaying the sign types identified in this section. Signs six feet in height or taller require a sign permit.”

1 square foot per lineal foot of building frontage, up to 200 square feet and up to 80% of building frontage (general commercial / retail wall sign, not in a residential village)

“1 square foot per lineal foot of building frontage up to 200 square feet and up to 80% of building frontage.”

Wall sign may cover up to 80% of building frontage

“1 square foot per lineal foot of building frontage up to 200 square feet and up to 80% of building frontage.”

On private property, 10-foot minimum from face of public street curb, 2-foot minimum from back of sidewalk; minimum 100 feet from another ground sign unless separated by roadway or project entry

“On private property, 10-foot minimum from face of public street curb, 2-foot minimum from back of sidewalk. Outside of sight distance triangle. Minimum 100 feet from another ground sign, unless sign is separated by roadway or project entry.”

Retail blade sign: minimum 7 feet 6 inches above ground level; maximum 20 feet above ground level or the parapet, whichever is less

“Min. Seven feet six inches above ground level. Max. Twenty feet zero inches above ground level or the parapet, whichever is less.”

Wall signs may be internally- or externally-illuminated; exposed neon generally prohibited (allowed only at retail/entertainment uses if not facing a residential project, or via sign program); exposed raceways prohibited. Signs causing roadway glare are prohibited.

“Internally- or externally-illuminated. Exposed neon is only allowed at retail and entertainment uses, if not facing a residential project located in a residential village. Exposed raceways are prohibited.”

Electronic message centers require a sign program and must be approved by the Planning Commission. (A specific full-color LED digital display is authorized only for the Auto Center pylon sign, with min. four-second message duration and instant transitions per Caltrans regulations.)

“A changeable copy system that is controlled by an electronic computer. An electronic message center sign shall be incorporated into a sign program and must be approved by the Planning Commission.”

Business/retail centers may display a temporary event banner for up to four periods per year, not to exceed a total of 40 calendar days per year; a separate permit is required for each period. Max 30 square feet.

“Business or commercial centers may display a temporary banner (Sign Types #39 and #40 inclusive) for up to four periods per year not to exceed a total of 40 calendar days per year. A separate permit is required for each period a temporary banner is displayed.”

Prohibited signs include: animated/moving/flashing/rotating signs; off-premises commercial signs; vehicle signs; rooftop signs; cabinet/canned signs with translucent or transparent faces (except individual channel letters); pole signs (except Auto Dealer EMC); signs in public right-of-way; and advertising devices.

“Rooftop signs. Signs painted or mounted on roofs, unless required by the City Security Code, are prohibited.”