Checked October 19, 2026 against the official city and county codes. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Codes change, so confirm anything critical with the city before you rely on it. Spot something out of date? Tell us and we'll update it.
Who gets fined
- City of Los Angeles: the agent or broker whose name or phone number is on the sign is presumed responsible. Up to $100 for the first violation in a calendar year, $250 for the second, $500 for the third, plus removal costs; after that it's a misdemeanor. You can rebut the presumption with a sworn declaration or appeal to the Board of Public Works (LAMC 28.04(c)).
- Calabasas: a posted sign is evidence that the person named on it authorized it (CMC 17.30.040(K)).
- Beverly Hills, Burbank, Glendale, Malibu and West Hollywood use citations or infractions of about $100, $200 and $500 for repeat violations within a year.
- State law: a sign on public property without permission, or on private property without consent, is a misdemeanor (Penal Code 556, 556.1).
How to get your signs back
| City | What happens | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | No official procedure published. Removal costs are billed with the fine. Contact StreetsLA. | LAMC 28.04(c) |
| Beverly Hills | Not published. Call Community Preservation, 310-285-1000. | City handout |
| Santa Monica | Held at least 30 days; pay removal and storage costs to recover; then it may be sold. | SMMC 9.61.280 |
| West Hollywood | Held 30 days; pay removal and storage costs; after 30 days the City keeps it. | WHMC 19.34.130(C) |
| Malibu | Held at City Hall; claim within 10 days of the written notice. On PCH, Caltrans holds signs about 30 days at a maintenance yard. | MMC 17.52.080(F); Caltrans Maintenance Manual Ch. 9 |
| Pasadena | Held 45 days; pay removal and storage costs; then it becomes City property. | PMC 17.48.160(B) |
| Burbank | Signs worth under $50 may be discarded right away; others held 30 days, recovered by paying removal and storage costs. | BMC 5-3-207.5 |
| Glendale | No procedure in the code for real estate signs. | GMC 30.33.110 |
| Calabasas | No procedure in the code for right-of-way removals. | CMC 17.30.110 |
How to keep it from happening
- Know which cities allow directional signs at all, and when. Our open house sign guide has the limits by city.
- Stay off sidewalks, parkways, medians, poles and trees except where a city allows it (Glendale on weekends; Burbank with a permit).
- Get written consent for any sign on private property.
- Take signs down on time; several cities have strict hours.
- In Beverly Hills, put a current city sticker on every for-sale sign.
Questions
Will I be fined if the city takes my open house signs?
Possibly. In the City of LA, the agent or broker named on the sign is presumed responsible: up to $100, $250 and $500 for the first three violations in a calendar year, plus removal costs (LAMC 28.04). Other cities use administrative citations of about $100, $200 and $500.
How long do cities keep confiscated signs?
Pasadena holds them 45 days, Santa Monica and West Hollywood 30 days, Burbank 30 days for signs worth $50 or more, and Malibu asks you to claim them within 10 days of notice.
