Berkeley, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- BMC Title 20 sign rules
- Private property only
- No right-of-way signs
- Owner permission
- Required
- Sight lines
- Cannot obstruct traffic
- First Amendment
- Protects content
Summary
Berkeley allows political signs on private property with residents permission, subject to size and placement limits in BMC Title 20, and protected by the First Amendment from content-based restrictions.
4710. (a) The governing documents may not prohibit posting or displaying of noncommercial signs, posters, flags, or banners on or in a member's separate interest, except as required for the protection of public health or safety or if the posting or display would violate a local, state, or federal law. (c) An association may prohibit noncommercial signs and posters that are more than nine square feet in size and noncommercial flags or banners that are more than 15 square feet in size.
Full Breakdown
Political campaign signs are treated as temporary non-commercial signs under Berkeley's sign regulations in BMC Chapter 20 (Zoning Ordinance) and related Municipal Code sections. Residents may display political signs on their own property with the owner's permission. Typical limits include a maximum aggregate square footage per parcel, a height limit for freestanding signs, and a requirement not to block sight lines or obstruct sidewalks. Signs must be placed entirely on private property; placement in the public right of way, on utility poles, or on street trees is prohibited and subject to removal. Content-based time limits (such as requiring removal a set number of days after an election) are generally not enforced against political signs after Reed v. Town of Gilbert, but common practice is to remove signs within a reasonable period after the election.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a campaign sign in my yard?
Can the City make me take it down after the election?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
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Political Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle political signs.