Alhambra, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal deadline
- 14 days after the election
- Permit required
- No, if timely removed
- Zones allowed
- All zoning districts citywide
- Governing definition
- AMC § 23.21.020
- Regulatory approach
- Content-neutral (time/place/manner)
Summary
Alhambra defines a political sign as a temporary sign supporting or opposing candidates or issues in national, state, or local elections, initiatives, referendums, recalls and petitions. Political signs are exempt from the city's sign permit requirement, but only if removed within 14 days after the election they concern.
(C) Political signs removed within 14 days after the election to which it pertains if election related.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).
Full Breakdown
The Zoning Code defines POLITICAL SIGN at Section 23.21.020 as a temporary sign supporting or opposing political candidates or issues connected to national, state, or local elections, international issues, initiatives, referendums, recalls, and petitions. Section 23.21.040(C) exempts political signs from the chapter's permit requirements, provided the sign is removed within 14 days after the election to which it pertains, if election related. Table 23.21.080 confirms political signs are allowed (Y) in every zoning district in the city, from RL through the Central Business District, Industrial, and Public Facility zones, subject only to Section 23.21.040(C). Because the code regulates signs on a content-neutral basis under Section 23.21.030(B), a political sign that overstays the 14-day removal window loses its exemption and becomes subject to the chapter's general prohibitions, including the ban on unauthorized signs in the public right-of-way under Section 23.21.050(L) and (O), and the nonconforming-sign abatement and lien procedure at Sections 23.21.150 through 23.21.170.
Violations & Fines
A political sign left up past the 14-day post-election window forfeits its exemption and can be treated as a nonconforming or unauthorized sign, subject to abatement as a public nuisance under Section 23.21.160 and a lien for a late charge (city precedent cites $275) plus the city's actual abatement costs under Section 23.21.170. General code violations are punishable under Section 1.12.010 by a fine set by City Council resolution or up to six months' imprisonment, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a political yard sign in Alhambra?
How long can a campaign sign stay up after Election Day in Alhambra?
Are political signs allowed in every Alhambra zoning district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alhambra
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