Hanford's Relaxed Approach to Sign Regulations: What's Allowed

Hanford maintains 36 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Hanford falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Political Signs

Political signs in Hanford are protected by the First Amendment and California Elections Code §19383. Local sign regulations cannot prohibit political signs on private property during election periods, but reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions may apply.

Key details: Protected Right: Political signs on private property protected by First Amendment and CA Elections Code §19383. Reasonable Restrictions: Size, placement, and post-election removal timelines may apply. Removal: Signs should be removed within 10 days after the election. Code: Hanford Municipal Code Title 17 (signs); CA Elections Code §19383.

Signs in right-of-way: removal by city, possible fine $25 to $100. Oversized signs: notice to reduce. Failure to remove post-election: fines $25 to $50 per day after grace period.

Hanford is more permissive than most cities when it comes to political signs. That said, there are still limits.

Garage Sale Signs

Garage sale signs in Hanford must not be posted on public utility poles, traffic signs, or in the public right-of-way. Signs on private property with owner permission are generally allowed. Signs must be removed promptly after the sale.

Key details: Prohibited Locations: No signs on utility poles, traffic signs, or in the public right-of-way. Private Property Signs: Allowed on private property with owner's permission. Removal: Must be removed by the end of the sale day. Code: Hanford Municipal Code Title 17 (sign regulations).

Signs on utility poles: removal and fine $25 to $50. Signs not removed after sale: fine $25 per day. Excessive signs: warning, then citation.

Hanford is more permissive than most cities when it comes to garage sale signs. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Hanford gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Hanford's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.