In an effort to support local restaurants and other businesses providing essential services during the COVID-19 outbreak, the City of South Pasadena (City) is relaxing temporary signage (banners, window signs, and sandwich boards) requirements for businesses to more effectively communicate with customers their location, available services, hours of operation and how to get take-out orders.

The City will provide a temporary waiver of some of the Sign Permit Requirements, and no fees would be required for the temporary signs.

However, businesses must obtain a no-cost encroachment permit to ensure that all temporary signage adheres to the following guidelines:

  • Sign width is not to exceed 6 square feet and sign height is not to exceed 48 inches.
  • Up to two temporary, on-site signs per business (only one can be located in the public right of way).
  • Signs located in the public right of way must maintain a minimum clearance of 36 inches on sidewalks and no obstruction to vehicular sight lines.
  • Temporary window signs are limited to 20 percent of the window area.
  • Temporary signs can remain in place for 30 days or until the Local Emergency Declaration ends.

To obtain a permit, businesses can contact the City’s Public Works Department at 626-403-7240 or publicworkspermits@southpasadenaca.gov. Permit applications can be accessed through the City’s website.

“We want to do everything we can to help promote our local businesses and restaurants that are open and provide essential services during this time,” said City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe. “We remind our community members who are visiting these businesses during this time to practice social distancing measures and wear a face covering while out to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

For more information, contact the City’s Planning Department at 626-403-7220 or askplanning@southpasadenaca.gov.