Chula Vista, CA Holiday Decorations: Holiday Light Rules (2026)

The City of Chula Vista does not regulate residential holiday light installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness through the municipal code. Decorative lighting is permitted year-round at single-family and multi-family residences. Notably, CVMC Chapter 19.60 (Signs) generally prohibits intermittent, variable-intensity, or flashing illumination — but expressly excepts "holiday lights during the month of December." Although the sign code is principally aimed at commercial signage, this carve-out confirms the city's permissive posture toward holiday decorative lighting on residential property. Amplified holiday music or audio must comply with the residential noise limits — 55 dBA daytime (7 a.m.–10 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m.–10 p.m. weekends) and 45 dBA nighttime (10 p.m.–7 a.m. weekdays; 10 p.m.–8 a.m. weekends) — at the property line. Plainly audible amplified music after 10 p.m. can trigger Chula Vista Police citation. California Civil Code §4710 prohibits HOAs from banning religious displays smaller than 3 inches square affixed to entry doors; broader holiday displays remain subject to HOA covenant authority under Civil Code §5975. Master-planned community HOAs in Otay Ranch, Eastlake, Rolling Hills Ranch, and Sunbow commonly set display and removal dates.