Santa Cruz County, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Santa Cruz County Code Section 13.10.583 (Temporary signs in all districts) governs political signs in the unincorporated County. The County's election office summarizes the rule: political signs are permitted without restriction as to size or location, provided they are not placed so as to constitute a traffic hazard and are removed not more than 10 days after the election to which they refer. Signs cannot obstruct sight lines at intersections, block fire hydrants, traffic signs, or signals, or be attached to traffic-control devices. For placement near state highways, California law (Outdoor Advertising Act) controls: temporary political signs are limited to a maximum of 32 square feet, may not be placed within a state highway right-of-way or within 660 feet of and visible from a landscaped freeway, and generally may be displayed no sooner than 90 days before the election and must be removed within 10 days after. Public Works may immediately remove signs that create a traffic hazard or obstruction; for other violations, staff typically attempt to contact the responsible party for relocation or removal. Property owners should also remember that placing signs on private property generally requires the owner's permission, and signs in the public right-of-way are restricted.