Sacramento's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Sacramento, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Political Signs

Sacramento regulates signs under City Code Chapter 15.148 (Sign Ordinance). Political signs on private residential property are broadly protected under the First Amendment and California Election Code §18370. The City cannot prohibit political signs on private property during election periods. Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited and subject to removal. There are no permit requirements for temporary political signs on private property.

Key details: Code Section: Sacramento City Code Chapter 15.148. Size Limit: Generally 6 sq ft per sign face in residential zones. Permit: No permit required for temporary political signs. Right-of-Way: Signs prohibited in public right-of-way. State Protection: Election Code §18370 protects political signs.

Signs placed in the public right-of-way may be removed by the City without notice. There are no penalties for political signs properly displayed on private residential property during election periods.

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

Garage Sale Signs

Sacramento regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs under the City's sign ordinance (Chapter 15.148). Garage sale signs are permitted on private property but are prohibited in the public right-of-way including on utility poles, street signs, and medians. Signs must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic sight lines.

Key details: Code Section: Sacramento City Code Chapter 15.148. Permit: No permit required on private property. Right-of-Way: Prohibited on public property, poles, and medians. Removal: Signs must be removed promptly after sale ends. City Authority: City may remove illegal signs without notice.

Signs placed illegally in the public right-of-way may be removed and disposed of by the City. Repeat violations may result in administrative citations. Property owners may be charged for removal costs.

Holiday Displays

Sacramento's sign ordinance (Chapter 15.148) generally allows temporary holiday displays and decorations on residential private property without a permit. Holiday lights and decorations are considered temporary and are not regulated as signs provided they are seasonal in nature. Displays must not create traffic hazards or electrical safety concerns.

Key details: Code Section: Sacramento City Code Chapter 15.148. Permit: No permit required for seasonal displays. Duration: Expected to be seasonal and temporary. Safety: Must not obstruct traffic or create electrical hazards. HOA Rules: HOAs may have additional timing/aesthetic rules.

Holiday displays that create safety hazards, obstruct public rights-of-way, or cause nuisance complaints may result in code compliance notices. Electrical hazards may be addressed by the Fire Department.

Sacramento 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, Sacramento 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.

This guide is based on Sacramento's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.