Tulare County, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- On County property
- Prohibited - County Code section 2-09-1005
- State highway signs
- Max 32 sq ft; B&P Code section 5405.3
- Timing
- No sooner than 90 days before, removed within 10 days after election
- Right-of-way
- Not within highway ROW or 660 ft of a landscaped freeway
- Private property
- Governed by County Zoning Ord. 352 sign standards
- Removal
- Illegally posted signs removed at violator's cost (section 2-09-1025)
Summary
Political signs on private property in unincorporated Tulare County are governed by the County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 352) and California law. Posting campaign signs on County property, poles, trees, or structures is prohibited by County Code section 2-09-1005. Along state highways, temporary political signs must follow Business and Professions Code section 5405.3.
No person, except a public officer or employee duly authorized by the County Administrative Officer or Board of Supervisors, shall ... affix, any card, banner, handbill, campaign sign, poster, sign, advertisement, or notice of any kind ... on any curbstone, lamppost, pole, bench, hydrant, bridge, wall, tree, sidewalk or structure in or upon any County property.
Full Breakdown
Temporary political and campaign signs are subject to a layered set of rules in unincorporated Tulare County. On County-owned property, the County Ordinance Code flatly prohibits posting campaign material: section 2-09-1005 makes it unlawful for anyone other than an authorized public officer to affix 'any card, banner, handbill, campaign sign, poster, sign, advertisement, or notice of any kind' to any curbstone, lamppost, pole, bench, hydrant, bridge, wall, tree, sidewalk or structure on County property. Signs posted in violation may be removed under section 2-09-1025, with the responsible person liable for removal costs.
3 exempts temporary political signs from normal display requirements only if the sign is no larger than 32 square feet, is placed no sooner than 90 days before the election and removed within 10 days after it, is not within any highway right-of-way or within 660 feet of a landscaped freeway, and has a statement of responsibility on file. On private property, signs are regulated by the County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 352); courts generally protect temporary political yard signs as free speech, but size, placement, and duration standards in the zoning ordinance still apply. Property owners should confirm specific private-property sign standards with the Resource Management Agency.
Violations & Fines
Posting campaign signs on County property, poles, trees, or structures is unlawful under County Code section 2-09-1005 and the signs may be removed at the violator's expense (section 2-09-1025). Placing oversized political signs, signs within a state-highway right-of-way, or signs outside the allowed election window violates Business and Professions Code section 5405.3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put campaign signs on utility poles or county road signs in unincorporated Tulare County?
When can I put up political signs near a state highway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulare County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tulare County to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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