Arcadia, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

The City of Arcadia, California has no stand-alone political sign section. Election signs run through the temporary sign rules of § 9103.11.100, and the timing rule is the same in residential and nonresidential zones: for Federal, State and local government elections, temporary signs can be erected up to 90 days prior to the election and must be removed within seven days following the election. Subsection A.5 adds that a Temporary Sign Permit is not required for temporary signs associated with those elections. In residential zones, Table 3-14 limits a sign to 3 feet high or 12 square feet in area per face, or 12 square feet per face mounted on a post or arm with a 6 foot maximum height.

Only portable signs are allowed, on private property, at least 10 feet from adjoining premises, at least 3 feet from the sidewalk in the direction of the residence, or at least 5 feet from a paved road where no sidewalk exists. Signs must be non-illuminated with a non-reflective surface, cannot be made of canvas, fabric, vinyl plastic or similar material, and can only be ground-mounted or attached to a fence. In nonresidential zones, Table 3-15 allows up to 16 square feet per face, in freestanding, banner and portable types, on private property at least 10 feet from adjoining premises and in conformance with the vehicular visibility standards.

Those signs are also non-illuminated with a non-reflective surface and can be mounted on a pole, flush on a building wall, attached to a fence or placed on metal stands. Subsection A.2 bars temporary signs from awnings, canopies and public rights-of-way. Related rules: § 9103.11.030(D) lets any sign authorized by the section carry a noncommercial message in place of another message, without an additional permitting process unless a building permit is required, and § 9103.11.030(G) requires the property owner's consent. Section 9103.11.050(P) prohibits snipe signs tacked, nailed or attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, public benches or streetlights, or placed on public property or in the public right of way.