Santa Monica Real Estate Sign Rules & Sign Ordinance
Santa Monica Real Estate Sign Rules & Sign Ordinance
🏠 'For Sale' Sign Rules
| Maximum size | 8 sq ft per sign (up to two), or one sign up to 16 sq ft (plus a window sign ≤4 sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Maximum height | Not separately specified (subject to visibility/sight rules) |
| Number allowed | Up to 2 temporary signs (or 1 at 16 sq ft) per parcel, plus 1 window sign |
| Illumination | Prohibited |
| When to remove | Faded/damaged signs removed immediately; no fixed post-sale window (an at-all-times allowance) |
📍 Open House & Directional Sign Rules
| Allowed? | On-site within the temporary-sign allowance; off-site directional in the right-of-way is not allowed |
|---|---|
| Maximum size | Same residential allowance (8 sq ft, or 16 sq ft single) |
| Maximum height | Not specified |
| Number allowed | Counts within the 2-sign residential limit |
| Permitted hours | No open house carve-out |
| Placement rules | No temporary sign may extend into or over the public right-of-way; A-frame and off-premises signs are prohibited citywide; not on trees, utility poles or traffic devices |
Permits & enforcement
Permit: No permit for temporary signs within the residential allowance; permanent signs need a sign permit
If a sign is removed: Temporary signs placed in the public right-of-way are collected by the City; recovery/disposition under § 9.61.280
City contact: Santa Monica City Planning / Community Development (310) 458-8341; Building & Safety (310) 458-8355
Coastal city — temporary real estate signs aren't a typical Coastal Development Permit trigger, but permanent/structural coastal-zone work can be. Content-neutral post-Reed: there is no 'real estate' or 'open house' category, so agents must fit within the generic temporary-sign limits. A-frames and off-premises/right-of-way signs are banned and subject to collection.
Official source:Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.61 (Signs); temporary signs § 9.61.160; prohibited signs § 9.61.180; signs on streets § 9.61.230
Ordinance reference: Current codified Ch. 9.61 (content-neutral; through Ord. 2857CCS, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Can I put an open house sign in Santa Monica?
In Santa Monica, open house signs are On-site within the temporary-sign allowance; off-site directional in the right-of-way is not allowed: max size Same residential allowance (8 sq ft, or 16 sq ft single), max height Not specified, Counts within the 2-sign residential limit. Hours: No open house carve-out. Placement: No temporary sign may extend into or over the public right-of-way; A-frame and off-premises signs are prohibited citywide; not on trees, utility poles or traffic devices.
How big can a 'For Sale' sign be in Santa Monica?
A residential for-sale sign in Santa Monica may be up to 8 sq ft per sign (up to two), or one sign up to 16 sq ft (plus a window sign ≤4 sq ft), with a maximum height of Not separately specified (subject to visibility/sight rules). You may post Up to 2 temporary signs (or 1 at 16 sq ft) per parcel, plus 1 window sign. Illumination: Prohibited. Removal: Faded/damaged signs removed immediately; no fixed post-sale window (an at-all-times allowance).
Do I need a permit for a real estate sign in Santa Monica?
No permit for temporary signs within the residential allowance; permanent signs need a sign permit. The governing rule is Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.61 (Signs); temporary signs § 9.61.160; prohibited signs § 9.61.180; signs on streets § 9.61.230.
What happens if my sign is removed in Santa Monica?
Temporary signs placed in the public right-of-way are collected by the City; recovery/disposition under § 9.61.280. For questions, contact Santa Monica City Planning / Community Development (310) 458-8341; Building & Safety (310) 458-8355.
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