Bakersfield, CA Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max signs per residence
- 2: one on-site, one off-site
- Max sign area
- 3 square feet
- Max sign height
- 6 feet
- Illumination
- Not permitted
- Display duration
- 3 consecutive days per sale
- Annual cap
- 2 sales per residence per year
- Permit required
- No: exempt under § 17.60.020(B)(5)
Summary
Bakersfield's sign matrix caps garage, yard, and estate sale signs at two per residence, one on-site and one off-site, each no larger than 3 square feet and 6 feet tall, unlit, and barred from the public right-of-way. Off-site signs can't be affixed to any utility pole, street sign, or fence, must come down within 3 consecutive days, and a property gets no more than two sales a year.
v. Garage, Yard and Estate Sales: Freestanding; 2 per residence (1 on-site, 1 off-site); 3 sq. ft.; 6 ft.; No; Off-site sign shall not be placed within right-of-way and shall not be affixed in any manner to any utility pole, street sign, fence, etc.; a. No property shall be allowed signage for more than 2 sales per calendar year. b. The maximum duration of the use of these signs shall not exceed 3 consecutive days. c. Balloons, pennants, streamers and banners may be used in conjunction with on-site signs but not off-site signs.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 5221, passed July 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
060(B)(1) sets the actual rule: a freestanding sign, unlit ("No" under Illumination Allowed), limited to two per residence, one on-site and one off-site, each capped at 3 square feet in area and 6 feet in height. " The remarks column adds three hard limits: no property gets signage for more than two sales per calendar year, the signs can't stay up longer than 3 consecutive days per sale, and balloons, pennants, streamers and banners may only accompany on-site signs, never off-site ones. 060(B)(1). 110(A)-(C).
Violations & Fines
A garage sale sign that ignores these limits, placed in the right-of-way, wired to a utility pole, street sign or fence, left up past 3 consecutive days, or posted for a third sale in one calendar year, is a public nuisance under § 17.60.110(A). The building director issues a written notice to abate; if the owner doesn't remove it, city agents may enter the property, remove the sign, and place abatement costs as a lien against the property under Government Code §§ 38773-38773.7 per § 17.60.110(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a garage sale sign in Bakersfield?
How many garage sale signs can I put up?
Can I attach my sign to a stop sign or utility pole?
How long can a garage sale sign stay up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
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Garage Sale Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle garage sale signs.