Pasadena does not impose a citywide ordinance limiting how long residents may display holiday lights or specifying installation/removal dates. Holiday lighting is treated as a temporary residential decoration outside the scope of PMC Chapter 17.48 (Signs). Residents in Pasadena's Landmark Districts under PMC Chapter 17.62 should avoid permanent fixture changes; light trespass onto neighboring properties may trigger nuisance enforcement under PMC Β§8.50.
Pasadena's Zoning Code (PMC Title 17) and Sign Code (PMC Chapter 17.48 - Signs) regulate signage and on-site commercial displays but do not restrict residential holiday decorative lighting. There is no citywide installation date, no required removal deadline, and no maximum number of lights or wattage cap in the Municipal Code as of the date of this article. Standard practice in Pasadena is November through mid-January, but residents may keep lights up longer without violating any code. Pasadena's Landmark Districts and individually designated historic properties under PMC Chapter 17.62 are subject to design review for permanent alterations β temporary holiday lights that do not require new electrical fixture installation, drilling into historic fabric, or alteration of character-defining features do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness. However, permanent in-eave channel light systems or permanently mounted RGB systems may trigger review in Landmark Districts. Light trespass β excessively bright displays that shine into a neighbor's bedroom windows or impair driver vision β can be addressed under PMC Β§8.50 (general nuisance provisions) and California Civil Code Β§3479. Electrical safety follows the California Electrical Code adopted in PMC Title 14: outdoor displays must use UL-listed outdoor-rated lights, GFCI-protected circuits, and proper weatherproof connections. Pasadena Water and Power may issue advisories during stage-driven energy alerts.
Holiday lights themselves rarely generate citations in Pasadena. Nuisance-level light trespass into neighboring properties can result in PMC Β§8.50 enforcement after a complaint, with notice-and-cure procedures. Permanent fixture installation in a Landmark District without a Certificate of Appropriateness violates PMC Chapter 17.62. Electrical hazards (overloaded circuits, non-GFCI outdoor outlets) can trigger Pasadena Fire Department compliance orders under PMC Β§14.28.
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena restricts overnight street parking in certain posted areas. Vehicles left on public streets for 72+ hours may be cited as abandoned per CA Vehicle C...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena has extensive metered and permit parking. Vehicles may not remain parked in one spot on a public street for more than 72 hours. Residential permit p...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena requires EV-ready infrastructure in new construction per California Green Building Standards (CALGreen). Pasadena Water & Power offers EV charging p...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena enforces 100 ft defensible space per CA PRC 4291 in fire hazard zones. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) and Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requirements apply. Annual brush clea...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena allows recreational fire pits in approved containers at least 15 feet from structures. Gas-fueled fire pits are preferred. Wood-burning pits are sub...
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena prohibits open burning under South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 and the California Fire Code. Burning trash, yard waste, and debri...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle holiday light rules.
See how Pasadena's holiday light rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.