San Diego County, CA Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Exemption cap
- 60 days per 12-month period
- Nightly curfew
- Off 11 p.m. to sunrise
- Governing law
- Light Pollution Code, Ch. 2
- Scope
- Unincorporated San Diego County only
- Enforcement
- Planning & Development Services Building Division
Summary
Unincorporated San Diego County exempts holiday lighting from its Light Pollution Code, but only if displays run no more than 60 days a year and switch off between 11 p.m. and sunrise.
An outdoor luminaire in any of the following categories is exempt from the requirements of this chapter: ... b) A luminaire used for a holiday decoration, provided it is used for no more than 60 days in a 12-month period and is off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and sunrise.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
The county's Light Pollution Code (County Code Chapter 2, Sections 51.201-51.213) regulates outdoor luminaires countywide in unincorporated areas. Section 51.212 carves out an exemption for holiday decoration luminaires so residents don't need a lighting permit or shielding compliance for seasonal displays, but the exemption only holds if the lights run 60 days or fewer in any 12-month period and are switched off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise.
Violations & Fines
A display left up past 60 days or left on past 11 p.m. loses its exemption and becomes subject to the chapter's full shielding, wattage and permitting standards, enforced by the Director of Planning & Development Services (Building Division).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lighting permit for holiday decorations in unincorporated San Diego County?
What happens if my holiday lights stay up longer than 60 days?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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