Political Signs: Martinez vs San Ramon

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.

Political signs are strongly protected under the First Amendment and Civil Code 4710. San Ramon may not regulate them more strictly than other non-commercial signs and cannot ban them. HOAs also cannot ban political signs, though reasonable size and duration rules (posted 90 days before election, removed 15 days after) are enforceable.