Garage Sale Signs: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do garage sale signs rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Garage sale signs in Chino are temporary signs regulated under Title 17 (Signs) of the Chino Municipal Code (codified through Supp. 37, Ord. 2025-002, March 18, 2025). On private residential property where the sale is held, a small temporary sign is generally permitted without a separate sign permit. Posting garage sale signs on public property — including utility poles, traffic signs, street trees, parkway strips, medians, and the public right-of-way — is prohibited under Cal. Penal Code §556 (misdemeanor) and may be removed without notice. Off-premises (directional) signs placed on other private property without owner consent and on state-highway right-of-way (SR-71, SR-83, SR-60) are also prohibited under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §5405. Signs must be removed promptly at the close of the sale.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino allows garage sale signs on private property up to about 6 square feet, but bans signs on utility poles, traffic signs, medians, and parkways. Signs must come down within 24 hours after the sale ends.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| City sign code | Chino Municipal Code Title 17 (Signs) | - |
| Codified through | Supp. 37 — Ord. 2025-002 (March 18, 2025) | - |
| Permitted location | On-site at the residence where the sale is held (private property) | - |
| Off-premises directional signs | Prohibited on public property (Cal. Penal Code §556); require consent on private property | - |
| Removal | Promptly at close of sale | - |
| Highway buffer | 660 ft from SR-71/SR-83/SR-60 ROW (Cal. BPC §5405) | - |
| Enforcement | City code enforcement; Caltrans for state-highway violations | - |
| On-site sign | - | About 6 square feet allowed at the sale |
| Off-site signs | - | Only on private property with written permission |
| Timing | - | 24 hours before to 24 hours after the sale |
| Right-of-way | - | Prohibited on poles, signs, medians, and parkways |
| Citation | - | Starting at 100 dollars per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I post garage sale signs on telephone poles in Chino?
No. Cal. Penal Code §556 makes it a misdemeanor to attach signs to public property — utility poles in the right-of-way, traffic signs, street trees, and medians are all covered. The city can remove these signs without notice. Off-premises directional signs cause most garage-sale sign violations in California cities.
Do I need a permit for a garage sale sign on my own front yard?
A temporary on-site garage sale sign at the residence where the sale is held generally does not require a separate sign permit under Chino's Title 17 sign code, but it must comply with the city's temporary-sign size, placement, and duration rules. Confirm current standards with Chino Development Services before posting.
When do I have to take the signs down?
Promptly at the close of the sale. Cities cite stale temporary signs as code-enforcement priorities, and signs left in the public right-of-way are removed by Public Works without notice. Removing the signs the same day prevents both citations and the loss of your signs.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I tape my sale sign on a telephone pole?
No. Signs on utility poles, light standards, traffic signs, and in the public right-of-way are prohibited and are removed by city crews. Repeat offenders can be cited.
How early can I put up my garage sale signs?
Up to 24 hours before the sale begins. Leaving them up beyond 24 hours after the sale ends violates the sign code and draws a blight complaint.
Can I place a sign at the entrance of my subdivision?
Only if that land is private and the owner (often the HOA) gives written permission. Signs placed in the public right-of-way or on HOA common area without consent are subject to removal.
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