Santa Clara County, CA Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)

The Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance does not contain a sign category specifically for garage or yard sale signs. Under Section 4.40.070 (Other Signs), informational signs displaying only the name of the property, owner or lessee are allowed by right in any base district provided they do not exceed four square feet, and signs pertaining only to the sale, rental or lease of the premises are allowed up to eight square feet. There is no by-right allowance in the chapter for off-premises temporary directional signs advertising a private sale; directional and informational signs of a public or quasi-public nature require architecture and site approval under Section 4.40.070(B), and signs may not obstruct highways in violation of Division B17 of the County Ordinance Code. Separately, Section 4.20.080 regulates the sale activity itself rather than its signage: a yard or garage sale may run no more than three consecutive days, no more than four times per year, and not more than two consecutive weekends. Because the zoning ordinance does not expressly authorize temporary off-site garage-sale signs in the public right-of-way, residents should confirm placement rules with the County Department of Planning and Development and avoid placing signs on county roads, expressways or public right-of-way without an encroachment permit.