Know the rules for real estate and open house signs

Real estate sign rules

If you're placing a real estate sign in Yountville—whether it's a "for sale" sign or an open house sign—there are specific rules you need to follow. These regulations help maintain the look and safety of our streets, especially in key areas of town.

What you need to know

One sign per property: Only one "for sale" sign is allowed per structure or lot.
Size limits: "For sale" signs can be up to 6 square feet.
Time limits: Remove signs within 15 days after the property is sold, rented, or leased.
No lighting: All signs must be non-illuminated.
No decorations: Do not attach balloons, banners, feather flags, or other similar items to signs or place them along routes to the property.

Open house signs (no permit required)

You may place up to 3 temporary off-site signs per open house.
Allowed for up to 12 hours per day and 3 consecutive days.
Best practice: Put signs out no more than 30 minutes before the open house and take them down within 30 minutes afterward.

Where you can and can’t place signs

Allowed locations:

In planting strips within the public right-of-way.
On private property with owner permission.

Prohibited areas:

Signs that block sidewalks, crosswalks, ramps, or driver visibility.
Public property such as poles, benches, fences, or traffic signs.
Gateway areas:
California Dr. (Solano to Washington)
Madison St. (Highway 29 to Washington)
Intersections of Yountville Cross Rd. and Yount St.
The “Point” where Washington and Yount Streets meet.

Neighborhood signs:

One sign per real estate company at each intersection on the most direct route to the property (starting from the first residential street off Washington or Yount Streets.).

Enforcement

Signs that violate these rules may be removed by the Town. Unclaimed signs can be discarded after 30 days. Repeated violations may result in a public hearing before the Town Council.