Holiday Displays: Los Angeles vs Santa Monica
How do holiday displays rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Los Angeles and Santa Monica 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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Not required for residential | - |
| Lighting Exemption | Nov 25-Jan 15 per LAMC 93.0117 | - |
| Lumens | 300 or less per source exempt | - |
| Right-of-Way | Must not obstruct | - |
| Residential | - | Generally permitted |
| Safety | - | Must not create hazards |
| Lighting | - | SMMC §9.21.080 applies |
| Commercial | - | Sign code applies to businesses |
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.
Santa Monica 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.
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