Garage Sale Signs: Hesperia vs San Bernardino
How do garage sale signs rules compare between Hesperia, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
San Bernardino has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code Chapter 5.56 (Garage Sales) requires a city-issued garage-sale permit and limits each sign to 4 square feet. Signs may only be displayed during sale hours, must be removed at sale close or nightfall (whichever comes first), and must show the permit number. Off-site directional signs require written permission from the property owner where the sign is placed.
View full Hesperia 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 | Hesperia | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Max sign size | 4 sq ft (Hesperia Code §5.56) | - |
| Display window | Sale hours only; down at close or nightfall | - |
| Permit required | Yes — number must appear on every sign | - |
| Off-site signs | Written owner permission required | Only on private property with written permission |
| Right-of-way | Prohibited — removed on sight (§16.36) | Prohibited on poles, signs, medians, and parkways |
| On-site sign | - | About 6 square feet allowed at the sale |
| Timing | - | 24 hours before to 24 hours after the sale |
| Citation | - | Starting at 100 dollars per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I staple my garage-sale sign to a utility pole?
No. Hesperia Municipal Code Ch. 16.36 prohibits signs on utility poles, traffic signs, and other public right-of-way structures. Code Enforcement removes them on sight.
Do I need a permit just to hold a yard sale in Hesperia?
Yes — Hesperia Municipal Code Chapter 5.56 requires a garage-sale permit, and every sign you post must show the permit number. Applications are available through the City.
How big can my garage sale sign be?
No more than 4 square feet under Ch. 5.56 — that's roughly a 2-foot square. Larger signs are non-conforming and subject to removal.
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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