National City, CA Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

Section 18.44.100 caps statuary structures and other lawn art at a maximum of three structures, with no piece exceeding four feet in height and two feet in depth, unless the planning division determines otherwise. The section is short, but it gives planning staff real leverage: staff can impose reasonable conditions or restrictions including neighbor notification, setbacks, and landscape screening as needed to secure the purpose of Title 18 and to assure compatibility with adjoining properties and those in the general vicinity, and can require guarantees and evidence that the conditions are being or will be met. The text of § 18.44.100 states no zone limit and names no exempt category, and it sits in Chapter 18.44 (Landscaping) alongside the plant, turf, and irrigation rules.

Two neighboring rules affect how lawn art is displayed at night. Section 18.46.060 says that for national flags, statues, public art, and other objects that cannot be illuminated with down lighting, upward lighting is allowed only in the form of two narrow-cone spotlights that confine the illumination to the object of interest. At single-family homes, § 18.46.110 discourages floodlighting and requires any floodlight to be shielded to prevent disability glare for drivers or pedestrians, light trespass beyond the property line, and light above a horizontal plane. It also states that 'Wallpack' type fixtures are not permitted.

Seasonal displays are treated separately. The definition of 'sign' in § 18.47.040 excludes holiday and cultural observance decorations displayed in season, including inflatable objects, on private residential property, provided they are on display for not more than forty-five calendar days per year (cumulative, per dwelling unit) and do not include commercial messages. Section 18.47.070 separately prohibits advertising or attention-getting devices that are inflatable, float in air or water, or are activated by wind or forced air.