For the purpose of this Code, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be defined as follows:
BUILDING LINE For the purpose of this Chapter, a “property line” shall also mean a building line whose boundaries are established by a building line ordinance.

FACE OF BUILDING is the general outer surface, not including cornices, bay windows or other ornamental trim, of any main exterior wall of a building.

GROUND SIGN is a detached sign erected upon or supported by the ground.

PROJECTING SIGN is a sign other than a wall sign suspended from or supported by a building or structure and projecting out therefrom.

ROOF SIGN is a sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building or structure.

SIGN is a display board, screen, structure, object or part thereof, used to announce, declare, demonstrate, display or otherwise advertise and attract the attention of the public.

WALL SIGN is a sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of said wall. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.1 Scope. This Chapter is intended to regulate the construction, erection, alteration, repair and maintenance of all signs, and their supports in the unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles, except ground signs extending not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) above grade. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.2 Permits. A building permit as specified in Section 106 shall be required for every sign and sign structure regulated by this Chapter.
Where signs are illuminated by electric lighting, a separate electrical permit shall be obtained as required by the Electrical Code, Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.3 Plans. Two copies of plans and specifications shall be submitted with the application for permit for each sign except cloth and banner signs. Such plans shall show complete details, method of attachment or support, location, and materials to be used. Plans for supports of all roof signs and other signs subject to excessive stresses shall be accompanied by structural computations.
Sufficient data shall be submitted to show that the supporting surface and other members of an existing building to which a sign is to be attached are in good condition, and are adequately strong to support the load. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.4 Design and Construction. Sign frames and supporting construction shall be designed and constructed as provided in the Structural Engineering Design Provisions of this Code.

EXCEPTION: Structural steel members shall not be less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) thick if ungalvanized, and 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) thick if all members, including bolts and fastenings, are galvanized. Bolts and rivets used in sign structures, supporting signs 100 square feet (9.29 m2) in area or more, shall not be less than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in diameter. On such structures supporting signs less than 100 square feet (9.29 m2) in area, bolts and rivets shall not be less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) in diameter.

Supports shall be designed so that all loads and reactions shall be transmitted to the ground through the structural framework and walls of supporting buildings or structures.
Signs erected on buildings or structures shall be securely attached by means of adequate metal brackets, expansion bolts, through bolts or lag screws. No material, part, portion or equipment thereof or therefor shall be used which may become dangerous because of vibration, corrosion, disintegration or for any other reason whatsoever. Wire other than stranded cable shall not be considered as adequate fastening, except for cloth and banner signs.
If supports of an existing structure are found to be inadequate, they shall be adequately strengthened before the sign is erected. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.5 Projection and Clearance. Signs may project over a public street, public sidewalk or building line a distance as determined by the clearance of the bottoms thereof above the level of the sidewalk or grade immediately below, as follows:
Clearance less than 8 feet (2438 mm), 6-inch (152 mm) projection;
Clearance from 8 feet (2438 mm) to 10 feet (3048 mm), 1-foot (305 mm) projection;
And above 8 feet (2438 mm), for each additional 2-foot clearance (610 mm), an additional 1-foot (305 mm) projection;
Provided that no structure shall have a projection of more than 5 feet (1524 mm), and provided further that a projecting sign built above and in connection with a marquee may have such a projection of 5 feet (1524 mm) without clearance between sign and marquee; and provided further that no structure shall project beyond the curb line, regardless of clearance above grade.
Signs projecting more than 6 inches (152 mm) from the face of a building over private property used or intended to be used by the general public shall have a minimum clearance of 8 feet (2438 mm) above said sidewalk or grade. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.6 Materials. Signs and their supports may be constructed of any material allowed in this Chapter for the classification and location of sign to be erected.
Glass used in signs shall be of the size, thickness and type given in Table 65-1 of this Chapter.

EXCEPTION: Surfaces of signs not more than 55 feet (16764 mm) above grade may be of approved plastic material which has a flame-spread rating of 25 or less when tested in accordance with Standard 8-1, of the Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials, in the way intended for use.

(Ord. 2010-0053 § 74, 2010; Ord. 2007-0108 § 25, 2007; Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.7 Prohibited Locations. No sign shall project into any alley whatsoever below a height of 14 feet (4267 mm) above grade or more than 6 inches (152 mm) when over 14 feet (4267 mm).
No sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe, or obstruct any required ventilator, door or stairway. No sign shall obstruct the free use of any window on the same premises.
No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.8 Combination Signs. Each portion of a sign which is subject to more than one classification shall meet the requirements for the classification to which such portion is subject. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.9 Identification. Every sign shall have an identifying number, and except for ground signs, the weight of the sign, plainly placed on the exterior surface of the sign body in a location where such information will be readily visible after installation and erection. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6502.10 Maintenance. Signs and sign structures shall be maintained at all times in a state of good repair, with all braces, bolts, clips, supporting frame and fastenings free from deterioration, termite infestation, rot, rust or loosening. At all times they shall be able to safely withstand the wind pressure for which they were originally designed, and in no case less than 15 pounds per square foot (718.2 N/m²). (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

Ground signs of wood shall have all members which extend into the ground protected with an approved preservative.
Approved plastic as defined in Chapter 26 may be used for surface of signs exceeding 55 feet (16 764 mm) in height providing the sign is constructed of noncombustible materials. (Ord. 2010-0053 § 75, 2010; Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

Projecting signs attached to a building shall be of noncombustible materials, or of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction as specified in Chapter 7.
The thickness of any such sign shall not exceed the following:
For a maximum projection of 5 feet (1524 mm), a thickness of 2 feet (610 mm).
For a maximum projection of 4 feet (1219 mm), a thickness of 2 feet 6 inches (762 mm).
For a maximum projection of 3 feet (914 mm), a thickness of 3 feet (914 mm). (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

Wall signs exceeding a height of 15 feet (4572 mm) above grade shall have a surface of noncombustible material, but may have ornamental moldings and lattice work of combustible material. No wall sign shall have a projection over any public street, other public property or building line, as defined herein, greater than 24 inches (610 mm). No wall sign shall extend above the roof or highest parapet wall immediately adjacent thereto. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6506.1 Access. Passages clear of all obstructions shall be left under all signs exceeding a height of 4 feet (1219 mm) above the roof thereunder or immediately adjacent thereto. There shall be one such passage or access opening for each building covered and at least every 50 feet (15 240 mm) in the length of the sign, and when such signs are at right angles to a face of the building, within 20 feet (6096 mm) of parapet or exterior walls. Such passages shall not be less than 3 feet (914 mm) wide and 4 feet (1219 mm) high and shall be at the parapet or roof level. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6506.2 Height. No solid roof sign or solid portion of a roof sign on a Type II, III, IV or V building or structure shall exceed a height of 30 feet (9144 mm) above the top of the parapet wall nearest the sign, or above the highest point of the roof directly under the sign in case there is no parapet wall, unless constructed integral with the building or structure or unless its supporting frame extends directly to the ground. The height above a Type I structure is unlimited. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6506.3 Construction. Roof signs shall be designed as required in Section 6502. They shall be of noncombustible material, except that wood moldings and 2-inch (51 mm)-thick plank walkways may be used.
Blocks, angles or supports fastened to the roof shall be so located as not to interfere with the drainage of the roof and, where necessary, flashing or counter flashing shall be placed. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6507.1 Marquee Signs. Signs may be placed on, attached to or constructed in a marquee and such signs shall, for the purpose of determining projection, clearance, height and material, be considered a part of and shall meet the requirements for a marquee. Projecting signs attached to a building may also be attached to a marquee. (Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)

6507.2 Cloth and Banner Signs. Cloth and banner signs placed on buildings shall be strongly constructed and securely attached flat against the building. They shall be removed as soon as torn or damaged.

For: 1-inch = 25.4 mm, 100 square inch = 0.064516 m²

(Ord. 99-0040 § 67 (part), 1999.)