Political Signs: Chino vs Hesperia
How do political signs rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino regulates temporary signs (including political signs) through Title 17 (Signs) of the Chino Municipal Code, which the city codifies on Municode through Supplement 37 (Ord. 2025-002, March 18, 2025). On private residential property, temporary political signs are generally allowed without a permit subject to size, placement, and removal rules; state law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §5405.3) caps temporary political signs at 32 sq ft and requires removal within 10 days after the election. Posting political signs in the public right-of-way, on traffic signs, utility poles, or other public property is prohibited (Cal. Penal Code §556 makes unpermitted signs on public property a misdemeanor) and Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §5405 bars signs within 660 ft of state/interstate highways visible from the right-of-way (relevant to SR-71, SR-83, and SR-60 corridors through Chino).
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code Chapter 16.36 (Sign Regulations), implemented via Ord. 2007-05 and posted by the City Clerk, allows political/campaign signs to be placed no earlier than 60 days before an election and requires removal within 15 days after election day. Signs left up are removed by the city. California BPC §5405.3 caps state-highway temporary political signs at 32 sq ft and bars them from Caltrans right-of-way.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| State sign code | Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §5405.3 (political signs) | - |
| Maximum size | 32 sq ft (state ceiling under BPC §5405.3) | - |
| Posting window | Up to 90 days before election | - |
| Removal deadline | Within 10 days after the election | 15 days after election |
| Public-property posting | Prohibited — misdemeanor under Cal. Penal Code §556 | - |
| Highway buffer | 660 ft from state/interstate ROW (BPC §5405) — affects SR-71/SR-83/SR-60 corridors | - |
| City code | Chino Municipal Code Title 17 (Signs), codified through Supp. 37 (Ord. 2025-002) | - |
| HOA preemption | Cal. Civil Code §4710 limits HOA bans on noncommercial signs | - |
| Earliest placement | - | 60 days before election |
| City code section | - | Hesperia Dev. Code Ch. 16.36 (Ord. 2007-05) |
| State-highway cap | - | Cal. BPC §5405.3 — 32 sq ft, no right-of-way |
| Enforcement | - | Hesperia Code Enforcement 760-947-1343 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
How long before an election can I put up a political sign in Chino?
Under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §5405.3, temporary political signs may be displayed up to 90 days before the election and must be removed within 10 days after. On private property in residential zones, Chino's Title 17 sign code applies the same temporary-sign rules content-neutrally.
Can I put a political sign on a utility pole or in the street median?
No. Cal. Penal Code §556 makes it a misdemeanor to place any sign on State, city, or county property without permission. This includes utility poles, traffic signs, medians, parkway strips, and street trees. The city or Caltrans (for state highways like SR-71, SR-83, and SR-60) can remove the sign without notice.
Does my HOA in The Preserve override state political-sign rules?
No. Cal. Civil Code §4710 prohibits HOAs from blanket-banning noncommercial signs, flags, and banners on a member's separate property (yard, balcony, exterior wall, window). HOAs may impose reasonable size/material limits but cannot eliminate the right to display political signs.
Hesperia FAQ
When can I put up campaign signs in Hesperia?
No earlier than 60 days before the election. Signs must come down within 15 days after election day or the city removes them under Chapter 16.36 of the Hesperia Development Code (Ord. 2007-05).
Can I post a yard sign on my own property year-round?
Hesperia's 60-day rule applies to campaign signs city-wide, including private property visible from the right-of-way. Non-campaign political/ideological yard signs on private residential property are treated as constitutionally protected speech and are not subject to the campaign window, though §16.36 still limits size and placement.
What about signs along I-15 or US-395?
California BPC §5405.3 governs state highways. Signs must be ≤32 sq ft, off Caltrans right-of-way, with written owner permission, identify the responsible party, and be removed within 90 days. Caltrans District 8 enforces.
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