Los Angeles Neighborhood Signs

The City of Los Angeles posts neighborhood signs to identify the geographic boundaries of different neighborhoods.^[1]

LAist stated that these signs indicate “official L.A. neighborhood” designation^[2]^[3] and in 2008 estimated that Los Angeles had 185 neighborhoods with an official "blue sign.”^[4]

Design

Wilshire Vista Neighborhood Sign

The standard neighborhood sign is rectangular and features white letters on a blue background.^[1] The city seal is displayed on the sign.

Alternative colors and shapes are possible upon request provided they comply with federal and state law. Example: octagonal signs painted red are reserved for stop signs.

Process

The Los Angeles City Council adopted a policy on January 31, 2006 (Council File No. 02-0196), which provided a process to either change a neighborhood name or create one where none previously existed. A written application, including a petition, must be filed with the City Clerk to initiate the process.^[5] The application must have 500 signatures or, if the population of the neighborhood is less than 2,500 residents, then the petition should contain signatures from 20% of the population. A legal description (street boundaries) of the area must also be included. A map of the proposed area must be also attached. After concurrence from the local councilman's office, the neighborhood signs are then posted by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT).^[1]

Other types of signage

In addition to the blue neighborhood signs, the city also offers signage for neighborhoods of historical significance and places of cultural significance (designated as such by a federal or state agency or by resolution of the City Council).^[1]

Wilshire Park Los Angeles Historic Preservation Overlay Zone sign

Patriotic Hall Sign explaining the building's significance