Political Signs: Castro Valley vs San Leandro
How do political signs rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Castro Valley has fewer restrictions than San Leandro.
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Alameda County allows political signs on private property with First Amendment protections. Signs in public right-of-way are prohibited. No permit required for residential political signs.
View full Castro Valley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro caps political signs at 16 square feet on private property and requires a Declaration of Intent filed with the City Clerk at least 2 days before installation. Signs are prohibited on all City property; on Caltrans/state highway property they may be posted no earlier than 90 days before the election and must be removed within 10 days after.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Not required on private property | - |
| Size Limit | Typically 6 square feet in residential | - |
| ROW Ban | Prohibited in public right-of-way | - |
| HOA | Civil Code 4710 protections | - |
| Max size (private property) | - | 16 sq ft |
| Declaration of Intent | - | Required, file with City Clerk 2+ days before install |
| On City property | - | Prohibited |
| Caltrans timing | - | Post 90 days before, remove within 10 days after election |
| HOA preemption | - | Civil Code §4710 — up to 9 sq ft signs / 15 sq ft flags protected |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley FAQ
Can I put a political sign in my yard in Castro Valley?
Yes, without a permit, subject to size limits in the zoning code and a requirement to remove within 10 days after the election.
Can my HOA prohibit political signs?
No. California Civil Code 4710 prevents HOAs from prohibiting noncommercial signs and flags on member-owned property with only reasonable restrictions.
San Leandro FAQ
Do I need a permit to put a campaign sign in my yard in San Leandro?
You do not need a building/sign permit for a residential political sign on private property, but the campaign or installer must file a Declaration of Intent with the City Clerk at least 2 days before installation, and the sign cannot exceed 16 square feet.
Can my HOA in San Leandro ban political signs?
No. California Civil Code §4710 (part of the Davis-Stirling Act) prohibits HOAs from banning noncommercial signs (including political signs) up to 9 sq ft displayed within an owner's separate interest. HOAs may only impose content-neutral time/place/manner restrictions.
When do I have to take my campaign signs down?
Signs on Caltrans-controlled state highway property must be removed within 10 days after the election. The City's Declaration of Intent also requires the filer to remove any non-compliant signs; in practice, campaign signs should come down promptly after election day to avoid removal at the campaign's cost.
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