Reedley, CA Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

Reedley does not have a specific ordinance regulating holiday displays on private residential property, and seasonal decorations are generally permitted without permits or city approval. This permissive approach is consistent with First Amendment protections for religious and secular expression, which protect homeowners' rights to display holiday decorations reflecting their personal beliefs and traditions. Seasonal decorations including string lights, LED displays, illuminated figures, inflatable yard decorations, nativity scenes, menorahs, Kwanzaa displays, lawn ornaments, wreaths, and other holiday items may be placed on residential property without requiring a building permit, sign permit, or other city approval. Electrical components of holiday lighting and animated displays must be UL-listed and specifically rated for outdoor use to prevent fire hazards and electrical shock. Extension cords used for outdoor holiday displays should be heavy-duty outdoor-rated cords with proper grounding, and should not be daisy-chained beyond manufacturer recommendations. Temporary wiring for holiday displays should comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 590, which governs temporary wiring installations. While most residential holiday lighting is considered low-risk, extensive commercial-grade displays with significant electrical loads may warrant consultation with a licensed electrician to ensure the home's electrical system can safely support the additional demand. Displays must not obstruct the public sidewalk, street, bike lanes, or right-of-way, as the city maintains these areas for safe public passage and emergency vehicle access. Lights and illuminated displays should not create excessive glare that impairs visibility for drivers on adjacent streets, particularly at intersections and along curves. Sound components of holiday displays, such as music, animated sound effects, or amplified greetings, must comply with the city's noise regulations. Displays that create persistent excessive noise during nighttime hours may be subject to noise complaints and code enforcement action. Displays that generate unreasonable noise, light pollution, or traffic congestion that interferes with the quiet enjoyment of neighboring properties may be subject to nuisance enforcement under RMC Section 4-2-3, which provides broad authority to address conditions detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of residents. Commercial-scale holiday displays on residential property that attract hundreds or thousands of visitors may create traffic and parking impacts that exceed what residential streets can safely accommodate, and the city may require traffic management plans or other mitigation measures in extreme cases. Reedley, known as the World's Fruit Basket, is a close-knit agricultural community in the San Joaquin Valley where holiday celebrations are an important part of community life. The city hosts various seasonal events and community gatherings throughout the year. There is no city-mandated removal deadline for residential holiday decorations, though extended display of severely deteriorating decorations (broken lights, deflated inflatables, faded materials) over many months could potentially trigger property maintenance concerns under the nuisance provisions. Contact the Community Development Department at (559) 637-4200 for any questions about holiday display regulations.