Costa Mesa, CA Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

Costa Mesa's sign ordinance under Title 13, Chapter VIII of the Municipal Code focuses primarily on commercial and permanent signage. Seasonal and holiday decorations on private residential property are generally permitted without a city permit. However, displays must comply with general safety standards: they may not obstruct pedestrian sidewalks or vehicular visibility at intersections and driveways, create electrical hazards, or constitute a fire hazard. Inflatable displays and large structures should be properly secured to prevent wind damage. Lighting displays must comply with the city's general nuisance standards and should not unreasonably disturb neighbors. Animated or illuminated displays with sound components may be subject to the city's noise ordinance, which restricts loud sounds during nighttime quiet hours. Homeowners associations in Costa Mesa may impose additional restrictions on holiday displays, including timing requirements for installation and removal, size limits, and aesthetic standards. The city does not set specific dates for when holiday decorations must be installed or removed, though leaving them up year-round may trigger property maintenance code enforcement.