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

Garage-sale and other temporary signs in unincorporated Santa Cruz County fall under the sign standards in County Code Sections 13.10.580 through 13.10.587, including Section 13.10.583 on temporary signs in all districts. In the residential and agricultural zone districts (R-1, RB, RR, RA, RM, A, AP, CA), Section 13.10.580 allows, among other things, one non-illuminated sign no larger than 6 square feet pertaining to the sale, lease, rental, or display of a structure or land. The County's Signs guidance describes temporary signs as limited to about 6 square feet in residential zones (and 18 square feet in non-residential zones), required to be removed shortly after the event or use ends, and prohibited from creating traffic hazards. Signs and supports must be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the edge of the right-of-way or roadway and must not obstruct vehicular sight distance or pedestrian/bicycle circulation. Moving signs, flags, banners, sandwich-board signs, and flashing signs are not permitted, and illuminated signs are restricted in scenic corridors. Garage-sale signs placed in the public right-of-way or attached to utility poles, street signs, or traffic-control devices are generally prohibited and may be removed by the County. Always obtain the property owner's permission before placing a sign on private property.