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

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 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Garage Sale Signs

Temporary signs in Santa Monica must not extend into public right-of-way per the sign code. Signs cannot be attached to trees, utility poles, or traffic signs. Temporary signs must be kept neat and repaired or removed if damaged.

Key details: Public ROW: Signs prohibited. Trees/Poles: Cannot attach signs. Condition: Must be neat and in good repair. Removal: Required when damaged/faded.

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

Holiday Displays

Holiday displays on private residential property in Santa Monica are generally permitted as temporary decorations. Displays must not create safety hazards or violate lighting standards. The city's sign code primarily regulates commercial signage.

Key details: Residential: Generally permitted. Safety: Must not create hazards. Lighting: SMMC §9.21.080 applies. Commercial: Sign code applies to businesses.

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.

The rules around holiday displays in Santa Monica lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

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.

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.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Santa Monica 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 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.