Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do garage sale signs rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View and Palo Alto have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View allows small temporary garage sale signs on private property but prohibits posting on utility poles, trees, traffic signs, or public right-of-way. All signs must be removed after the sale.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Garage sale signs may be posted on private property during an active sale but are prohibited on utility poles, trees, and in the public right-of-way. Signs must be removed immediately after the sale.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size limit | 4-6 square feet | - |
| Post up to | 72 hours before sale | - |
| Remove by | 24 hours after sale | - |
| Prohibited locations | Poles, trees, traffic signs, right-of-way | - |
| Citation | Around 100 dollars per sign | - |
| Allowed location | - | Private property with permission |
| Prohibited | - | Poles, trees, right-of-way |
| Size | - | About 4-6 sq ft |
| Removal | - | Within 24 hours after sale |
| Damage to fixtures | - | Additional fines |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I staple signs to utility poles?
No. California Public Utilities Code 17560 and Mountain View code prohibit attaching signs to utility poles. Crews remove them routinely.
What if a friend posts signs for me?
You are still responsible as the property owner advertised. Make sure any helpers know the rules and remove signs promptly.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I staple garage sale signs to telephone poles?
No. Attaching signs to utility poles, streetlights, or trees in the public right-of-way is prohibited in Palo Alto and signs will be removed.
Where can I put garage sale signs?
On your own private property and on other private property with the owners permission, as long as they do not block sight lines.
How soon must signs come down?
Garage sale signs should be removed immediately after the sale ends, generally within 24 hours, to avoid blight citations.
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