Lake County, CA Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Category
- Treated as 'rummage sale' (Sec. 27.3(n))
- Signs Allowed (individual)
- 2 signs, 2 sq ft each, non-illuminated
- Signs Allowed (non-profit)
- Up to 32 sq ft, non-illuminated
- Display Period
- Only during the sale
- Permit Trigger
- More than 6 sale-days per year
Summary
Unincorporated Lake County has no sign category specifically named 'garage sale signs.' Garage and yard sales are addressed as 'rummage sales' in the Zoning Ordinance, which limits a private individual to two non-illuminated signs of two square feet each, displayed only during the sale. Frequent sales (more than six days a year) require a zoning permit.
Two (2) signs shall be permitted for individuals limited to two (2) square feet in area each, non-illuminated, and in-place only during the sale; signs for non-profit organizations shall be limited to thirty-two (32) square feet in area, non-illuminated, and in-place only during the sale.
6. Applicants shall provide a parking plan which provides for sufficient numbers of parking spaces, adequate access and circulation, for review and approval by the Planning Director.
7. A rummage sale shall not reduce the number or usability of parking spaces for other uses on the site below the minimum required by the base zoning district or as required by use permit, unless such sale is conducted during a time when all other uses on the site are closed to the public.
8. The rummage sale zoning permit shall be valid for one (1) calendar year or twelve (12) days of actual sale, whichever occurs first. The permit may be extended on a year to year basis upon submittal of an application for extension. The Planning Director may require application for a use permit for extension of a zoning permit if after inspection or complaints indicate that the use may be objectionable by reason of production or emission of noise, offensive odor, smoke, dust, bright lights, vibration, unusual traffic, or involve the handling of explosives or dangerous materials.
(o) Special outdoor event, non-profit:
Full Breakdown
Lake County does not list garage-sale signs as a distinct category in Article 45. 3(n)). That provision treats garage and yard sales that occur more than six days per calendar year (and up to twelve days) as a permitted use requiring a zoning permit. For signage, the ordinance is explicit: two (2) signs are permitted for individuals, limited to two (2) square feet in area each, non-illuminated, and in place only during the sale; signs for non-profit organizations may be up to thirty-two (32) square feet, also non-illuminated and only during the sale.
), prohibit amplified music, and require the site to be cleared of litter afterward. 26), garage-sale signs placed on public poles or in the roadway are prohibited regardless of size.
Violations & Fines
Posting more than two garage-sale signs, oversized or illuminated signs, signs left up after the sale, or signs nailed to utility poles or placed in the right-of-way violate the rummage-sale and Article 45 standards. Lake County Code Enforcement may require removal and may cite repeat sales lacking a zoning permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many garage sale signs can I put up in unincorporated Lake County?
Can I attach garage sale signs to utility poles or street signs?
Do I need a permit to hold a yard sale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
California rules heatmap·Compare Lake County to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.