The City of Sonoma does not impose a specific ordinance limiting residential holiday displays. Outdoor decorations are generally treated as accessory to a residence and not as regulated 'signs' under Sonoma Municipal Code Title 18; however, public-right-of-way and nuisance rules still apply.
Sonoma Municipal Code Title 18 (Signs and Display Advertising) regulates 'signs' as defined in SMC Chapter 18.50, and residential holiday lighting and seasonal decorations are not commercial advertising signs requiring a Title 18 permit. There is no dedicated City of Sonoma ordinance setting calendar windows for putting up or removing holiday decorations. General requirements still apply: SMC §18.28.036 prohibits placing decorations or signs on public-place fixtures (lamp posts, utility poles, trees, hydrants, sidewalks), and any encroachment into the public right-of-way requires an encroachment permit under Title 12 of the SMC. Temporary commercial displays of merchandise on sidewalks separately require compliance with SMC §12.04.040 and, where applicable, a temporary use permit under SMC §19.54.030.
Decorations placed in the public right-of-way without a permit, or attached to public fixtures in violation of SMC §18.28.036, may be removed by the City under SMC Ch. 18.44 abatement procedures. Holiday lighting that creates a nuisance (excessive glare, traffic hazards, or noise) can be addressed under the City's general nuisance abatement authority.
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