Managing a property in Los Angeles means dealing with unauthorized access, parking violations, loitering, and liability exposure every day. The right property control signs don’t just communicate your rules — they create the legal foundation you need to enforce them. Here’s a practical guide to the signs every Los Angeles property manager should have posted.

What Are Property Control Signs?

Property control signs are any posted signage that establishes the rules of access, conduct, and parking on private property. In California, many of these signs have specific legal requirements — missing or non-compliant signage can void your enforcement rights and expose you to liability.

Property control signs fall into four main categories:

1. Access control — who can enter and under what conditions
2. Parking enforcement — who can park, where, and for how long
3. Security notices — surveillance, trespassing, and weapons restrictions
4. Conduct and safety — no smoking, no loitering, no soliciting

No Trespassing Signs — The Foundation of Property Control

A No Trespassing sign is the single most important property control sign for any Los Angeles property. Under California Penal Code Section 602, a properly posted No Trespassing sign establishes that unauthorized entry constitutes criminal trespass — giving law enforcement legal grounds to act.

For a No Trespassing sign to be legally effective in California:

• It must be posted at all reasonable entry points to the property
• It must be visible and legible from the entry point
• It must clearly communicate that entry is prohibited without authorization

For large properties, signs must be posted at intervals sufficient to provide notice to anyone approaching from any direction. Courts have consistently held that a single sign at the main entrance is insufficient for multi-acre properties.

Where to post: All gates, entrances, fences, and points where the property boundary is accessible — not just the main entrance.

Browse No Trespassing Signs →

Video Surveillance Signs — Required for CCTV Systems in California

If your property has security cameras, California Civil Code Section 1708.8 and related statutes create both an obligation and an opportunity. Posting clear video surveillance notices:

• Deters criminal activity before it occurs
• Establishes that recorded individuals had notice of surveillance
• Supports prosecution by confirming footage was obtained legally
• May reduce liability exposure by demonstrating reasonable security measures

For California commercial properties, surveillance signs should be posted at all camera locations and at all property entry points where people might reasonably expect some privacy.

Browse Video Surveillance Signs →

Keep Out Signs — Restricted Area Control

Keep Out signs serve a different function from No Trespassing signs. While No Trespassing establishes the outer boundary of authorized access, Keep Out signs restrict access within an already-entered property — to utility rooms, rooftops, mechanical spaces, construction areas, and other restricted zones.

For Los Angeles commercial and multi-family properties, Keep Out signs are required in:

• Electrical and mechanical rooms
• Rooftop access areas
• Pool and spa equipment enclosures
• Construction and renovation zones
• Loading dock and delivery areas where public access creates safety risk

Browse Keep Out Signs →

No Loitering Signs — Enforcing Conduct on Your Property

California Penal Code Section 647 addresses loitering, but enforcement requires that the property owner has provided clear notice. No Loitering signs support property managers in working with law enforcement to address chronic loitering issues at apartment complexes, commercial centers, and parking facilities.

Effective placement for No Loitering signs includes:

• Building entrances and lobbies
• Parking garage entries and stairwells
• Loading areas and service corridors
• Common areas adjacent to retail tenants

Browse No Loitering Signs →

No Soliciting Signs — Protecting Tenants and Customers

For commercial properties, retail centers, and apartment buildings, No Soliciting signs reduce unwanted vendor approaches, reduce tenant complaints, and provide legal grounds to remove persistent solicitors. California courts have upheld property owners’ rights to restrict solicitation on private property when proper notice is posted.

Browse No Soliciting Signs →

No Smoking Signs — California Law Requirement

California Health and Safety Code Section 118925 and related provisions require No Smoking signs at the entrances to enclosed workplaces and in various outdoor areas. For Los Angeles commercial properties and apartment complexes:

• No Smoking signs are required at all building entrances
• Multi-family properties are required to disclose smoking policies to tenants
• Many LA jurisdictions have expanded outdoor smoking restrictions beyond the state minimum

Bilingual No Smoking signs (English and Spanish) are particularly important for Los Angeles properties serving diverse communities, ensuring that all occupants and visitors receive equal notice of posted restrictions.

Browse No Smoking Signs →

No Weapons Signs — California AB 2571 and Related Requirements

California law restricts firearms in certain locations and requires posted notice in specific situations. For Los Angeles commercial properties, No Weapons or Firearms Prohibited signs are appropriate for:

• Childcare facilities and schools (legally required)
• Government offices (legally required)
• Businesses that choose to prohibit firearms on their premises
• Healthcare and medical facilities

Browse No Weapons Signs →

Parking Control Signs — The CVC 22658 Connection

Property control doesn’t stop at the building entrance — it extends through the parking lot. Unauthorized parking is the most common complaint at Los Angeles commercial and multi-family properties. Without the right signs posted in the right locations, you cannot legally tow violators.

California Vehicle Code Section 22658 requires specific tow-away signage before any vehicle can be legally removed from private property. This sign must include:

• A clear tow-away notice
• The name and phone number of the towing company under written authorization
• The phone number of the local traffic enforcement agency

Missing or non-compliant CVC 22658 signage means you cannot enforce parking on your property, regardless of how clear the violation is.

Read our complete CVC 22658 guide →

Browse Tow-Away Signs →

Complete Property Control Sign Packages from SignifyLA

SignifyLA supplies property control signs for apartment complexes, HOAs, commercial buildings, office parks, and retail centers throughout Los Angeles. All signs are printed on Maxmetal® aluminum, UV-resistant for California outdoor conditions, and available in standard California-compliant sizes.

Most orders ship within 2 to 3 business days from our Los Angeles location.

Browse All Property Signs →

Get a Quote for Your Property →

Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It reflects general California and Los Angeles legal codes as of the date of publication and does not account for the specific facts of your property, business, or local jurisdiction. Please consult a licensed attorney before making enforcement or compliance decisions.