Holiday Light Rules: Glendale vs Pasadena
How do holiday light rules rules compare between Glendale, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena has fewer restrictions than Glendale.
Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 13.48 (Nonessential Energy Use) specifically authorizes Christmas decorations to be illuminated between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day, from sunset until one-half hour after business closing or midnight, whichever is later. Outside that window, decorative illumination falls under the chapter's broader nonessential-energy restrictions. Amplified outdoor audio must comply with the GMC noise ordinance.
View full Glendale rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena does not impose a citywide ordinance limiting how long residents may display holiday lights or specifying installation/removal dates. Holiday lighting is treated as a temporary residential decoration outside the scope of PMC Chapter 17.48 (Signs). Residents in Pasadena's Landmark Districts under PMC Chapter 17.62 should avoid permanent fixture changes; light trespass onto neighboring properties may trigger nuisance enforcement under PMC §8.50.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | GMC Chapter 13.48 (Nonessential Energy Use) | - |
| Illumination Window | Thanksgiving – New Year's Day | - |
| Hours | Sunset to midnight (or .5 hr after close) | - |
| Commercial String Lights | Nov 1 – Jan 15 only (GMC 30.33) | - |
| Noise Limits | GMC Title 8 (residential nighttime) | - |
| Display Time Limit | - | None citywide |
| Removal Deadline | - | None codified |
| Historic Districts | - | Temporary lights OK; permanent fixtures reviewed |
| Light Trespass | - | PMC §8.50 nuisance |
| Electrical Code | - | PMC Title 14, GFCI required |
| Permit | - | None for temporary lights |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
When can I leave my Glendale holiday lights on?
GMC Chapter 13.48 authorizes Christmas decorations to be illuminated between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day, from sunset to midnight (or one-half hour after business closing, whichever is later). Outside that window, lights fall under nonessential-energy curtailment provisions.
Can my business leave string lights up year-round?
No. GMC Chapter 30.33 (Signs) restricts commercial string lights to the holiday season of November 1 through January 15. Outside that period, commercial string lights are not permitted under the sign code.
Pasadena FAQ
How long can I leave holiday lights up in Pasadena?
There is no time limit in the Pasadena Municipal Code. Lights may be installed and removed on any schedule the homeowner chooses. The customary practice is November through mid-January, but no citywide ordinance regulates display duration.
Do holiday lights need approval in Pasadena historic districts?
Temporary holiday lights that do not require permanent fixture installation or alteration of character-defining features do not require approval under PMC Chapter 17.62. Permanent eave-channel or permanently mounted lighting systems may trigger design review — confirm with Planning and Community Development before installing.
Compare other topics
See how Glendale and Pasadena compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool