Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®

Sign Ordinance Update

The Santa Barbara City Council has adopted updates to the City’s sign ordinance that directly affect the use of temporary off-site signs, including “Open House” directional signs.

Under the revised rules:
• Signs may only be placed in the parkway (the area between sidewalk and curb).
• Signs are allowed only on weekends, from 6:00 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
• Signs must be freestanding and no more than 42 inches tall.
• Signs must not block sidewalks, curb ramps, or pedestrian paths.
• Off-site signs continue to be prohibited in the El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District.
• The City may remove any non-compliant signs without notice.

Please ensure you are complying when placing Open House signage. For questions, contact the SBAOR staff or review the full ordinance here.