EMC Sign Laws – Los Angeles County, California
The great news is that LED and Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Los Angeles County, provided they meet the county’s building, electrical, and zoning requirements. Properties within commercially zoned or public-institutional districts are typically eligible for illuminated or digital signage with the proper permits.
In Los Angeles County, signs must comply with strict placement and clearance standards—maintaining at least 8 feet of clearance above sidewalks and 14 feet above alleys, with projections limited to no more than 5 feet from the building face. All signs must be constructed from approved, noncombustible materials and must not obstruct fire escapes, exits, or ventilation openings.
Illumination is allowed only by electrical means in accordance with the Los Angeles County Electrical Code (Title 27). A separate electrical permit is required for all illuminated or EMC signs. Brightness and wiring must meet safety standards, and grounding of metal components is mandatory.
Below are detailed EMC and sign construction standards, including height, setback, illumination, and electrical requirements.
In short: LED signs are allowed in Los Angeles County, as long as they follow county code and permitting procedures.
EMC / Illuminated Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, permitted with restrictions.
EMC or illuminated signs must comply with building, electrical, and zoning codes, including clearances, projection limits, and lighting safety standards.
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Signs must not block fire escapes, doors, windows, or ventilation openings (Sec. H103.1).
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Roof signs, wall signs, and projecting signs are regulated separately by material, height, and clearance.
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Any illumination must comply with the Los Angeles County Electrical Code (Title 27) and require an electrical permit (Sec. H106.1–H106.2).
Location & Clearance Standards
| Category | Standard | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fire safety | No sign may block or attach to fire escapes, exits, or ventilation openings. | Sec. H103.1 |
| Minimum sidewalk clearance | 8 ft minimum from grade; signs projecting beyond the wall must follow this clearance. | Sec. H103.2 |
| Projection allowance | 1 ft projection allowed at 8 ft clearance; add 1 ft for every 2 ft additional clearance. Max projection 5 ft. | Sec. H103.2 |
| Alley clearance | No projection below 14 ft above grade; projection beyond 6 in. limited above 14 ft. | Sec. H103.2 |
| Encroachment | No projection beyond the curb line. | Sec. H103.2 |
Identification & Construction
| Requirement | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | Signs requiring permits must show installer name, weight, and permit number. | Sec. H104.1 |
| Construction materials | Must comply with Chapter 24 for glass and structural code for loads/stresses. | Sec. H105.1 |
| Roof signs | Must be noncombustible, grounded, and provide 6 ft vertical clearance above roof. | Sec. H110.1 |
Illumination & Electrical
| Category | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting type | Only electrical illumination allowed. No open flames or spark displays. | Sec. H106.1 |
| Permit | Separate electrical permit required for any illuminated sign. | Sec. H106.1–H106.2 |
| Code compliance | Must follow Electrical Code (Title 27) standards for wiring, circuits, and grounding. | Sec. H106.2 |
Roof & Structural Sign Standards
| Feature | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Roof signs must be metal or other approved noncombustible material. | Sec. H110.1 |
| Clearance above roof | Minimum 6 ft between roof level and lowest part of sign. | Sec. H110.1 |
| Support clearance | Minimum 5 ft between vertical supports. | Sec. H110.1 |
| Projection | Must not extend beyond exterior wall. | Sec. H110.1 |
| Drainage | Supports must not interfere with roof drainage; flashing required where penetrations occur. | Sec. H110.1 |
Quick Compliance Checklist
✅ Ensure no blockage of egress routes or fire escapes.
✅ Maintain 8 ft sidewalk clearance, 14 ft alley clearance, max 5 ft projection.
✅ Display permit number and sign weight on each permitted sign.
✅ Construct using approved, noncombustible materials.
✅ Obtain separate electrical permit for illumination.
✅ Ground all metal components.
✅ For roof signs: 6 ft clear height, no projection beyond wall, noncombustible frame.