Political Signs: Chino vs Rialto
How do political signs rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto regulates temporary signs (including political/campaign signs) under Title 18 Zoning, Chapter 18.78 Sign Regulations. Content-neutral standards apply to size, height, location, and removal. State law (Cal. Gov. Code §65850 and First Amendment case law, e.g., Reed v. Town of Gilbert) prohibits content-based discrimination, so political signs are generally treated as temporary signs subject to the same neutral time/place/manner rules.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| Code Section | - | Rialto MC Ch. 18.78 (Sign Regulations) |
| State Floor | - | Cal. Elec. Code §20008 (90 days pre / 10 days post) |
| Minimum Size Allowed | - | Up to 32 sq ft on private property |
| Right-of-Way | - | Prohibited; subject to removal |
| Content Neutrality | - | Required (Reed v. Gilbert, 2015) |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Can Rialto limit how long my political sign stays up?
Not on private property below the state floor. Cal. Elec. Code §20008 lets residents display political signs at least 90 days before an election and up to 10 days after on private property fronting a non-state highway.
Can I put a campaign sign on the public parkway strip?
No. Rialto MC Ch. 18.78 and §12 (Streets/Sidewalks) prohibit signs in the public right-of-way; they may be removed without notice.
Is there a size cap?
Rialto applies its temporary-sign size limits, but Cal. Elec. Code §20008 guarantees up to 32 sq ft regardless of local cap.
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