El Monte's sign code does not single out holiday decorations; non-commercial holiday displays fall under the content-neutral noncommercial-sign exemption at EMMC §17.80.030(J), so non-illuminated displays within the size caps need no permit, while illuminated commercial holiday displays require a Temporary Sign Permit under §17.80.110.
EMMC Chapter 17.80 contains no separate 'holiday display' category. Section 17.80.010(E) requires the entire chapter to be applied in a content-neutral manner consistent with the First Amendment, so seasonal displays carrying a noncommercial message (e.g., a 'Happy Holidays' yard sign, a Menorah, a Nativity, a flag) are regulated under §17.80.030(J) — non-illuminated temporary noncommercial signs are exempt, capped at 6 sq ft / 4 ft tall in residential zones and 12 sq ft / 5 ft tall in nonresidential zones, with caps lifted during the 60-day pre-election / 15-day post-election window. Three-dimensional displays such as inflatables, lighted figures and projection lights raise additional issues: §17.80.040(N) prohibits 'Windblown Devices and Balloons' (including those fixed on posts and freestanding); §17.80.040(H) restricts illumination, capping unshielded light bulbs visible from the street or a property line at 25 watts per lamp; §17.80.040(B) prohibits animated, flashing, blinking, reflecting or revolving signs; and §17.80.110(D) bars any internal or external illumination on temporary signs. Commercial holiday banners and storefront promotions need a Temporary Sign Permit (§17.80.050(B)(4)) and must comply with §17.80.110(A)–(B): window-sign copy must change every 60 days and stay under 30 sq ft or 25 % of window area; banners are limited to 30 days within any 180-day period and 32 sq ft.
Per §17.80.130(B), each day a non-conforming display is in place is a separate misdemeanor punishable under EMMC Chapter 1.24. Administrative citations are issued under §17.80.130(C) referencing EMMC Chapters 1.18 and 1.19, with no warning for a first violation (§17.80.130(C)(2)(iii)), though the City Attorney may waive a first-of-the-year offense within 2 days of issuance. Inflatables, windblown figures and balloons are independently prohibited under §17.80.040(N) and may be cited regardless of duration. Displays affixed in the public right-of-way may be summarily removed (§17.80.130(D)(2)(a)), and the resident is liable for City removal costs (§17.80.130(E)).
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