Political Signs: Lodi vs Tracy
How do political signs rules compare between Lodi, CA and Tracy, CA?
Lodi and Tracy have similar restriction levels.
Lodi, CA
San Joaquin County
Lodi regulates temporary signs, including political signs, under LMC Chapter 17.34 (Signs), as amended by Ordinance No. 1922. The ordinance is content-neutral and applies the same time, place, and manner rules regardless of message content.
View full Lodi rules →Tracy, CA
San Joaquin County
Political signs on private property in unincorporated San Joaquin County are protected as core political speech under the First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Development Title §9-1040 allows signs up to 32 square feet in residential zones during campaign periods, prohibits placement in the public right-of-way, and requires removal within 10 days after the election. Stockton, Lodi, and Manteca have parallel rules in their respective sign codes.
View full Tracy rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lodi | Tracy |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LMC 17.34 (Ord. 1922) | - |
| Right-of-Way | No signs allowed | Prohibited |
| Content-Neutral | Yes (post-Reed v. Gilbert) | - |
| Removal | Owner responsibility | - |
| Permit | - | Not required |
| Max Size | - | 16 sf residential / 32 sf other |
| Post-Election | - | Remove within 10 days |
| Authority | - | Dev. Title §9-1040 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lodi FAQ
Can I put a political yard sign in Lodi?
Yes, on private property with permission. LMC 17.34 applies content-neutral size and placement limits. Signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way.
Can Lodi remove my campaign sign?
Yes — signs in the public right-of-way (parkway strip, utility poles, traffic islands) may be removed by Public Works without notice under the city sign ordinance.
Tracy FAQ
Can the county make me take down my campaign sign?
Only if it is in the public right-of-way, exceeds the size limit, or has not been removed within 10 days after the election. Content-based removal of political yard signs on private property is unconstitutional under Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015).
Can I put signs along Highway 99?
Not within Caltrans right-of-way. Streets & Highways Code §5200 restricts outdoor advertising on state highways, and political signs placed on the shoulder or in the median will be removed and may trigger fines.
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