Code Compliance & City Ordinances

402 - Sign Ordinance

Any proposed new or modified business sign requires review and approval from the City of Santa Monica 's Planning & Community Development Department prior to installation. The process may include review by the Architectural Review Board and issuance of a sign permit.

"Signs 2000" was a special enforcement program that brought certain nonconforming sign types into compliance with the city's sign code. Many freestanding, roof, upper level, projecting and off-premises signs were removed or replaced with conforming signs. Over 100 signs identified as nonconforming signs were deemed "meritorious" for their historic significance and were allowed to remain. The city's code compliance section has an on-going enforcement effort to bring any remaining nonconforming signs into compliance.

For more information about the Sign Ordinance and permit application requirements, please visit the City Planning Division public counter in Room 111 at City Hall, 1685 Main Street, where you can also pick up a copy of the "City of Santa Monica Sign Handbook," or call (310) 458-8341, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  After hours and on weekends, you may leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day.