Political Signs: Rohnert Park vs Sonoma
How do political signs rules compare between Rohnert Park, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Rohnert Park and Sonoma have similar restriction levels.
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
In unincorporated Sonoma County, campaign signs may be erected no earlier than 90 days before an election and must be removed within 20 days after the close of the campaign, per the County Registrar's campaign guide and Chapter 26 Article 84 design standards. State law (B&P Code 5405.3) caps temporary political signs at 32 sq ft.
View full Rohnert Park rules →Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
Political signs in the City of Sonoma are regulated under Sonoma Municipal Code (SMC) §18.12.090(L) and may not be posted on public property under SMC §18.28.036. California Penal Code §556.1 requires owner consent before placing any sign on private property.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rohnert Park | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Earliest posting (county) | 90 days before the election | - |
| Removal (county) | Within 20 days of the close of the campaign | - |
| Design standards | Sonoma County Zoning Ordinance, Article 84 (Chapter 26) | - |
| State-highway cap | 32 sq ft (B&P Code 5405.3); remove within 10 days | - |
| Placement | Private property with owner permission; not on public land or rights-of-way | - |
| Governing code | - | SMC §18.12.090(L) and §18.28.036 |
| State law | - | Cal. Penal Code §556.1 (owner consent on private property) |
| Public-property posting | - | Prohibited (poles, hydrants, trees, sidewalks, fences, etc.) |
| Sign permit | - | Political signs addressed under SMC §18.12.090(L) |
| Enforcement chapter | - | SMC Ch. 18.44 (Abatement and Enforcement) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rohnert Park FAQ
When can I put up campaign signs in unincorporated Sonoma County?
No earlier than 90 days before the election, per the County Registrar's campaign guide. Signs must be removed within 20 days of the close of the campaign, and design standards in Zoning Ordinance Article 84 apply.
How big can a political sign be?
Along state highways, California's B&P Code 5405.3 limits temporary political signs to 32 square feet. Within the county, follow Article 84 design standards; signs may only go on private property with the owner's permission.
Sonoma FAQ
Can I put a campaign sign on a utility pole in Sonoma?
No. SMC §18.28.036 prohibits posting any sign on public-place fixtures including utility poles, lamp posts, hydrants, trees, sidewalks, and similar public property.
Can I put a candidate sign on someone else's lawn?
Only with the owner's permission. California Penal Code §556.1 makes it unlawful to place advertising on private property without the prior consent of the owner.
Where do the rules come from?
City rules are in Sonoma Municipal Code Title 18, especially §18.12.090(L) (political signs) and §18.28.036 (prohibited public locations). The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters also publishes a Campaign Posters and Sign Placements guide.
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