How El Monte Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

El Monte maintains 146 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where El Monte falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Political Signs

Non-illuminated political and other noncommercial temporary signs are exempt from sign-permit requirements under EMMC §17.80.030(J), with size and height caps that lift entirely from 60 days before through 15 days after any local, state or federal election.

Key details: Code section: EMMC §17.80.030(J) (exempt temp noncommercial signs). Permit required: No. Residential size cap: 6 sq ft combined, 4 ft tall. Nonresidential size cap: 12 sq ft combined, 5 ft tall. Election window: 60 days before to 15 days after — caps lifted.

Per §17.80.130(B), each day a sign is in violation is a separate misdemeanor punishable under EMMC Chapter 1.24 (General Penalty). Civil enforcement uses administrative citations under EMMC Chapters 1.18 and 1.19 (§17.80.130(C)); sign violations are not eligible for a warning-only first notice, though the City Attorney may waive a first offense within 2 days of issuance (§17.80.130(C)(3)). Signs in the public right-of-way may be summarily abated and removed without notice (§17.80.130(D)(2)(a)). The violator is also liable for the City's labor, equipment and material costs to remove the sign (§17.80.130(E)).

El Monte is more permissive than most cities when it comes to political signs. That said, there are still limits.

Garage Sale Signs

EMMC §17.80.030(E) exempts garage- and yard-sale signs from sign-permit requirements, but the underlying sale itself is governed by EMMC Chapter 5.44 (Garage Sales) — and signs in the public right-of-way (poles, sidewalks, medians) are prohibited and may be removed without notice.

Key details: Code sections: EMMC §17.80.030(E) (exemption) and Chapter 5.44 (Garage Sales). Sign permit required: No. Allowed on private property: Yes, while sale is in progress. Right-of-way / utility poles: Prohibited (§17.80.040(L)). Illumination: Prohibited on temporary signs (§17.80.110(D)).

Under §17.80.130(B), display or maintenance of a non-conforming sign is a misdemeanor, with each day constituting a separate violation, punishable under EMMC Chapter 1.24 (General Penalty). Administrative citations are issued under EMMC Chapters 1.18 and 1.19 per §17.80.130(C), and sign violations are not eligible for warning-only first notices (§17.80.130(C)(2)(iii)). Signs posted in the public right-of-way may be summarily abated without notice (§17.80.130(D)(2)(a)), and the property owner is liable for City removal costs (§17.80.130(E)).

Holiday Displays

El Monte's sign code does not single out holiday decorations; non-commercial holiday displays fall under the content-neutral noncommercial-sign exemption at EMMC §17.80.030(J), so non-illuminated displays within the size caps need no permit, while illuminated commercial holiday displays require a Temporary Sign Permit under §17.80.110.

Key details: Code section: EMMC §17.80.030(J), read with §17.80.010(E) (content neutrality). Permit required (non-illuminated, noncommercial): No. Residential size cap: 6 sq ft / 4 ft tall (non-illuminated). Inflatables / windblown figures: Prohibited (§17.80.040(N)). Animated, flashing, blinking lights: Prohibited (§17.80.040(B)).

Per §17.80.130(B), each day a non-conforming display is in place is a separate misdemeanor punishable under EMMC Chapter 1.24. Administrative citations are issued under §17.80.130(C) referencing EMMC Chapters 1.18 and 1.19, with no warning for a first violation (§17.80.130(C)(2)(iii)), though the City Attorney may waive a first-of-the-year offense within 2 days of issuance. Inflatables, windblown figures and balloons are independently prohibited under §17.80.040(N) and may be cited regardless of duration. Displays affixed in the public right-of-way may be summarily removed (§17.80.130(D)(2)(a)), and the resident is liable for City removal costs (§17.80.130(E)).

El Monte is more permissive than most cities when it comes to holiday displays. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, El Monte gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that El Monte can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.