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

Santa Barbara County's Sign Standards (Land Use & Development Code, Chapter 35.38) do not include a specific 'garage sale' or 'yard sale' sign category. A garage-sale sign is a temporary sign, defined in the code's glossary as a sign intended to be displayed for a limited period and capable of being viewed from a public right-of-way, parking area, or neighboring property. The code prohibits certain sign types in all zones (Section 35.38.020 lists portable signs, animated signs, marquee signs, and roof signs as prohibited), and signs generally must meet the height and setback rules of the zone in which they are located (Section 35.38.050). Because the County code lacks a tailored garage-sale provision, the practical limits are: keep signs on private property with the owner's permission, do not place them in the public right-of-way or attach them to utility poles, traffic signs, or other public structures, and remove them promptly after the sale. Posting in the public right-of-way can make a sign subject to removal. In the Coastal Zone, the certified Local Coastal Program sign provisions apply. For events near state highways, Caltrans rules against signs in highway right-of-way also apply. Verify any specific placement questions with Santa Barbara County Planning & Development.