Political Signs: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do political signs rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View allows political signs on private residential property without a permit. Size, placement, and timing rules must follow the content-neutral sign ordinance and First Amendment protections.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose regulates political signs as part of content-neutral temporary sign rules in SJMC Chapter 23. Residential properties may display temporary signs up to 8 square feet per sign without permits. Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited. The city rewrote sign rules after Reed v Gilbert to apply uniformly to all temporary signs regardless of message.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | No on private property | - |
| Typical size limit | 6 square feet per sign | - |
| Right-of-way placement | Prohibited | - |
| Removal deadline | 10 days after election | - |
| Legal framework | Content-neutral, First Amendment | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can my HOA ban political signs?
California Civil Code 4710 prohibits HOAs from banning non-commercial signs on a homeowner's separate property, though reasonable size limits are allowed.
Can I put a sign in the parkstrip?
No. The parkstrip is public right-of-way. Signs there can be removed by the City without notice.
San Jose FAQ
When can I put up a political sign in San Jose?
Any time. Content-neutral rules apply year-round. The 15-day post-event removal rule applies equally to political, real estate, and event signs.
How big can my sign be?
Up to 8 square feet per sign on residential property without a permit. Aggregate area limits apply per parcel.
Can I place signs on public property?
No. Placement on parkways, medians, sidewalks, utility poles, street trees, or any public right-of-way is prohibited and results in summary removal.
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