Holiday Displays: Los Angeles vs Pasadena
How do holiday displays rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Los Angeles and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Holiday decorations and displays are generally permitted on residential property in LA without a permit. Decorative lights with individual sources of 300 lumens or less are exempt from the outdoor lighting ordinance (LAMC 93.0117) when installed between November 25 and January 15. Displays must not obstruct public rights-of-way or create traffic hazards.
View full Los Angeles rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Holiday displays on private property in Pasadena are generally permitted as temporary non-commercial decorations. They are typically exempt from sign permit requirements under PMC Chapter 17.48. Displays should not create safety hazards.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Not required for residential | Generally not required |
| Lighting Exemption | Nov 25-Jan 15 per LAMC 93.0117 | - |
| Lumens | 300 or less per source exempt | - |
| Right-of-Way | Must not obstruct | - |
| Permitted | - | Yes, as temporary displays |
| Safety | - | Must not create hazards |
| Historic Districts | - | May have additional review |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
How early can I put up holiday decorations?
Most jurisdictions don't restrict timing for private property displays. Some HOAs allow decorations starting 30 to 45 days before the holiday. Check your HOA rules if applicable.
Can my HOA tell me to take down decorations?
HOAs can enforce reasonable rules about display duration, size, and type. However, they generally cannot prohibit holiday displays entirely. Check your CC&Rs and state HOA laws.
Pasadena FAQ
How early can I put up holiday decorations?
Most jurisdictions don't restrict timing for private property displays. Some HOAs allow decorations starting 30 to 45 days before the holiday. Check your HOA rules if applicable.
Can my HOA tell me to take down decorations?
HOAs can enforce reasonable rules about display duration, size, and type. However, they generally cannot prohibit holiday displays entirely. Check your CC&Rs and state HOA laws.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles 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