Political Signs: San Ramon vs Walnut Creek

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.

Walnut Creek treats political signs the same as other temporary yard signs under content-neutral rules: 6 sq ft aggregate on private property. California Elections Code §18370 and constitutional free speech protections prohibit the city from imposing election-specific time limits or content restrictions.