Costa Mesa, CA Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)

Garage sale signs in Costa Mesa are regulated under the city's sign ordinance in Title 13, Chapter VIII of the Municipal Code. Signs advertising a garage or yard sale may be displayed on private property during the sale period. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, traffic signs, street lights, trees on public property, or medians. Each property may hold no more than two garage sales per year, and each sale may not exceed three consecutive days. Garage sale signs should be removed promptly after the sale concludes. In areas governed by homeowners associations such as LARMAC, additional sign restrictions may apply, including prohibitions on placing signs on center island medians or traffic circles. Costa Mesa does not require a permit for garage sales, though the city offers an optional online registration system. Signs must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular visibility at intersections or driveways. Handwritten or printed signs are acceptable as long as they comply with size and placement requirements.