Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Sign Regulations

Sign Regulations in Santa Monica, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Santa Monica or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Santa Monica has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Political Signs

Political and noncommercial signs are protected expression in Santa Monica. The sign code permits noncommercial signs provided they are not of prohibited types. Temporary signs on private property are generally allowed for political expression.

Key details: Protected: First Amendment expression. Private Property: Generally allowed. Prohibited Types: Certain sign types restricted. Code: SMMC Ch. 9.61.

Garage Sale Signs

Residents in Santa Monica can post temporary signs (including garage sale signs) in any residential zone without a permit, limited to two signs of 8 sq ft each (or one 16 sq ft sign) plus one 4 sq ft window sign at any time, with an additional 120-day annual allowance for extra signs.

Key details: Max size at any time: Two signs up to 8 sq ft each, or one sign up to 16 sq ft. Window sign allowance: One sign up to 4 sq ft. Extra annual allowance: Up to 120 days per year for additional signs. Illumination: Prohibited (light-bulb strings only exception). Prohibited placement: Trees, utility poles, traffic control devices, or public right-of-way.

Signs placed in the public right-of-way without authorization may be collected by the City. Signs not removed or repaired when damaged must be immediately addressed.

The rules around garage sale signs in Santa Monica lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica'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 Santa Monica is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Santa Monica 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.