How Pasadena Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Pasadena maintains 170 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Pasadena falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Digital Billboards

Pasadena's Zoning Code bans electronic message signs and off-site outdoor advertising billboards in every zoning district. Municipal Code Section 17.48.130 lists them among prohibited sign types citywide, with a narrow exception for signs that display only the time and/or temperature, and no permit path exists to authorize either use.

Key details: Electronic message signs: Prohibited citywide except time/temperature displays. Billboards: Off-site outdoor advertising signs banned in all districts. Permit path: None; use is flatly prohibited, not permitted. Illegal sign removal: City stores sign 45 days, bills owner, then tax lien. Penalty: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail.

Operating or installing a prohibited electronic message sign or billboard is a misdemeanor under Pasadena Municipal Code Section 1.24.020, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in city jail for up to six months, or both, with the City Attorney able to instead pursue it as an infraction carrying escalating fines of $100, $200, and $500 for repeat violations within a year. The City may also remove the sign administratively under Section 17.48.160 and bill the owner for removal and storage.

This is one of the stricter rules in Pasadena's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Window Signs

Pasadena limits how much of a storefront window can be covered by signage. Municipal Code Section 17.48.120(B) caps combined permanent and temporary window signs at 25 percent of any window, and promotional window signs displayed under a Temporary Sign Permit carry the identical 25 percent cap under Table 4-22.

Key details: Window coverage cap: 25% of window area, permanent plus temporary combined. Promotional window signs: 1 per window, same 25% cap, Table 4-22. Permit needed: Temporary Sign Permit for promotional window signs. Duration: Up to 3 periods per year, 30 days each. Material rule: Only interior window signs may use nonrigid paper.

Exceeding the 25 percent window coverage limit is enforced as a Zoning Code violation, prosecutable as a misdemeanor under Pasadena Municipal Code Section 1.24.020 with a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in city jail, or charged instead as an infraction with escalating fines of $100, $200, and $500 for repeat violations within a year. Promotional signs installed without the required Temporary Sign Permit are additionally subject to removal as illegal signs under Section 17.48.160.

Garage Sale Signs

Pasadena allows one yard or garage sale sign per street frontage, capped at 3 square feet and 4 feet tall, displayed for only two days within any 30-day period, and placed solely on the property where the sale is held, under Zoning Code Section 17.48.120's temporary sign table.

Key details: Signs allowed: 1 per street frontage. Max size: 3 sq. ft.. Max height: 4 ft.. Display window: 2 days within a 30-day period. Placement: Only on the property where sale is held.

A yard sale sign left up beyond the two-day window, placed off the sale property, posted in the public right-of-way, or illuminated violates Section 17.48.120; the City can remove noncompliant signs from the public right-of-way and bill the owner for removal and storage costs, and repeat off-site postings can be treated as illegal signs subject to the Municipal Code's administrative remedies under Section 17.48.160.

Political Signs

Political signs on private property in Pasadena are protected under CA Elections Code 18310. The city regulates temporary noncommercial signs under PMC Chapter 17.48 but cannot prohibit political signs on private property.

Key details: Private Property: Protected by state law. State Law: CA Elections Code 18310. Sign Code: PMC Chapter 17.48. Temporary Signs: Regulated under 17.48.120.

The Bottom Line

Pasadena's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Pasadena is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Pasadena 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.