How Glendale Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Glendale maintains 118 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 Glendale falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Political Signs

Political signs on private property are protected under CA Elections Code 18310 and the First Amendment. Glendale cannot prohibit political signs on private property. Size and placement may be regulated under the zoning code's temporary sign provisions.

Key details: Private Property: Protected by state law. State Law: CA Elections Code 18310. Size Limits: May apply per zoning code. Public ROW: May be restricted.

Signs in right-of-way: removal by city, possible fine $25 to $100. Oversized signs: notice to reduce. Failure to remove post-election: fines $25 to $50 per day after grace period.

The rules around political signs in Glendale lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Garage Sale Signs

Garage/yard sale signs are prohibited in Glendale. No signs may be posted on private property or in/on public areas to advertise sales. This applies to all sign types including temporary directional signs.

Key details: Signs: Prohibited for garage sales. Public Areas: No posting allowed. Private Property: No posting allowed. Enforcement: Code Compliance.

Signs on utility poles: removal and fine $25 to $50. Signs not removed after sale: fine $25 per day. Excessive signs: warning, then citation.

Compared to other cities, Glendale takes a harder line on garage sale signs. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Holiday Displays

Holiday displays on private property in Glendale are generally permitted as temporary decorations. They are typically exempt from sign permit requirements as non-commercial, temporary displays. Displays should not create safety hazards or violate lighting standards.

Key details: Permitted: Yes, as temporary displays. Permit: Generally not required. Safety: Must not create hazards. Lighting: Should not cause light trespass.

Obstruction of sidewalk or road: notice to correct. Electrical hazard: fire department may require removal. Excessive noise: noise ordinance enforcement. Displays left up past deadline: HOA fines possible.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Glendale gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Glendale 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.

These rules come from Glendale's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.