How Pasadena Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Pasadena 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 Pasadena falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Garage Sale Signs

Signs advertising yard/garage sales in Pasadena are regulated as temporary signs under PMC Chapter 17.48. Signs must not be placed in the public right-of-way. Permit conditions for garage sales may include sign restrictions.

Key details: Regulation: PMC Chapter 17.48. Public ROW: Signs not permitted. Temporary Signs: Subject to code standards. Permit: Yard sale permit required.

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

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.

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.

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

Holiday Displays

Holiday displays on private property in Pasadena are generally permitted as temporary non-commercial decorations. They are typically exempt from sign permit requirements under PMC Chapter 17.48. Displays should not create safety hazards.

Key details: Permitted: Yes, as temporary displays. Permit: Generally not required. Safety: Must not create hazards. Historic Districts: May have additional review.

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 Pasadena gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Pasadena 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 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.