Political Signs: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do political signs rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino allows temporary political signs on private property under Development Code 19.22, subject to size and timing limits. Signs in the public right-of-way or on utility poles are removed on sight.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 90 days before through 10 days after 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 | - |
| Max residential sign | - | Around 6 square feet per sign |
| Right-of-way | - | Prohibited; removed on sight |
| HOA rule | - | Cannot ban political signs under Civil Code 4710 |
| Citation | - | Starting at 100 dollars for violations |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I put political signs on my lawn in San Bernardino?
Yes. Political signs are allowed on private property with the owner permission, subject to the sign code size and timing limits, typically up to 6 square feet in residential zones.
What happens if my signs end up in the median?
Public Works removes signs from the right-of-way on sight, and campaigns or residents who repeatedly place signs in public areas can be cited under Chapter 8.30 and Chapter 19.22.
Can my HOA take down my candidate sign?
No, not entirely. Civil Code 4710 prohibits HOAs from banning political signs, though they may enforce reasonable size, number, and duration limits that are not more restrictive than the city code.
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