Holiday decorations and displays are generally permitted on residential property in LA without a permit. Decorative lights with individual sources of 300 lumens or less are exempt from the outdoor lighting ordinance (LAMC 93.0117) when installed between November 25 and January 15. Displays must not obstruct public rights-of-way or create traffic hazards.
Los Angeles allows holiday decorations on residential private property as a form of expression. No permits are typically required for standard residential displays. Decorations should not obstruct sidewalks, driveways, or sight lines at intersections. Electrical displays must use outdoor-rated equipment and not overload circuits. Inflatable decorations must be secured against wind. Some jurisdictions limit decoration installation to specific seasonal windows, typically 30 to 45 days before and 15 to 30 days after the holiday. Noise-producing decorations are subject to quiet hours. Rooftop installations should not damage the structure. HOA communities may have additional guidelines on display types, colors, and durations.
Obstruction of sidewalk or road: notice to correct. Electrical hazard: fire department may require removal. Excessive noise: noise ordinance enforcement. Displays left up past deadline: HOA fines possible.
Los Angeles, CA
Anyone caring for injured native wildlife in Los Angeles must hold a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit under Fish and...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles protects wild birds under LAMC §53.55 and emerging bird-safe building design guidance, layered atop California Fish and Game Code §3500-3516 and ...
Los Angeles, CA
Veterinary offices and small animal hospitals are allowed by-right in LA's C2 and C4 commercial zones under LAMC §12.13 and §12.14. Overnight boarding requir...
Los Angeles, CA
Pet grooming shops in Los Angeles need a city business tax registration and an LA County Department of Public Health animal-care facility permit. Mobile groo...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Front-yard structures must comply ...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday inflatables. Size, lighting, and motor noise are not separately regulated, though general LA...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle holiday displays.
See how Los Angeles's holiday displays rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.