Santa Monica, CA Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max size at any time
- Two signs up to 8 sq ft each, or one sign up to 16 sq ft
- Window sign allowance
- One sign up to 4 sq ft
- Extra annual allowance
- Up to 120 days per year for additional signs
- Illumination
- Prohibited (light-bulb strings only exception)
- Prohibited placement
- Trees, utility poles, traffic control devices, or public right-of-way
Summary
Residents in Santa Monica can post temporary signs (including garage sale signs) in any residential zone without a permit, limited to two signs of 8 sq ft each (or one 16 sq ft sign) plus one 4 sq ft window sign at any time, with an additional 120-day annual allowance for extra signs.
A. Basic Requirements Governing Temporary Signs.
1. Illumination. No temporary sign shall be internally or externally illuminated, except if the sign is a light bulb string authorized by this Section. ...
4. Placement. No temporary sign shall be attached to trees, shrubbery, utility poles, or traffic control signs or devices. They shall not obstruct or obscure primary signs on adjacent premises. ...
B. Authorized Temporary Signage in Any Residential Zone. In any residential zone, temporary signage shall be allowed for each and every parcel without issuance of a permit and shall not affect the amount of type of signage otherwise allowed by this Code as follows:
1. At any time, up to two temporary signs of up to eight square feet in sign area or one temporary sign of up to 16 square feet in sign area and one window sign of no more than four square feet in sign area;
2. At any time, light-bulb strings;
3. Up to 120 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) per calendar year, up to two additional signs of up to eight additional square feet of sign area or one sign of up to 16 square feet in sign area;
Full Breakdown
No permit is required for temporary signs in residential zones within the basic size limits. Signs must not be illuminated (except light-bulb strings), cannot be attached to trees, utility poles, or traffic control devices, and may not extend into the public right-of-way. An additional allotment of up to two 8 sq ft signs (or one 16 sq ft sign) is available for up to 120 days per calendar year (consecutive or nonconsecutive). Signs that are faded, torn, damaged, or unsightly must be immediately repaired or removed. The City may collect signs placed illegally in the right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Signs placed in the public right-of-way without authorization may be collected by the City. Signs not removed or repaired when damaged must be immediately addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a garage sale sign in my front yard?
Can I staple a garage sale sign to a telephone pole?
Can I place a directional sign at the street corner?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica 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.
Garage Sale Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle garage sale signs.