Political Signs: El Cerrito vs Martinez
How do political signs rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Martinez, CA?
El Cerrito and Martinez have similar restriction levels.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Political signs receive same treatment as other non-commercial signs — up to 6 sq ft, no permit, on private property with owner consent. Content-neutral after Reed v. Gilbert; cannot single out election signs.
View full El Cerrito rules →Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Political and other non-commercial signs are strongly protected in Martinez and may be posted on private residential property at any time, with no pre-election or post-election duration limits. Under Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) and California Elections Code section 18370, political signs are treated the same as other temporary non-commercial signs, generally limited to 6 square feet and 4 feet tall when freestanding.
View full Martinez rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Martinez |
|---|---|---|
| Max size | 6 sq ft | - |
| Permit | Not required | - |
| Polling place rule | 100-ft buffer (election day) | - |
| Public property | Prohibited | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Do I have to take political signs down after an election?
The County cannot compel removal based on content/timing alone post-Reed, but abandoned or deteriorated signs may still be cited as blight.
Can I put a political sign in my apartment window?
Generally yes — landlords may impose reasonable rules but cannot categorically ban political expression in private dwellings.
Martinez FAQ
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See how El Cerrito and Martinez compare on other ordinance categories.
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