Brentwood, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

California Elections Code section 20 does not comprehensively regulate political signs, but California Vehicle Code sections 5402 and 21467 and Outdoor Advertising Act (Business & Professions Code 5200 et seq.) set certain limits on signs near highways, and Caltrans has specific rules for signs along state routes including Vasco Road (Route 580) and Highway 4. Brentwood Municipal Code Chapter 17.610 is written content-neutrally following Reed v. Gilbert, so political campaign signs are treated identically to other temporary non-commercial signs: allowed on private property with owner's consent, subject to size limits (typically 6 sq ft in residential zones, up to 32 sq ft in commercial zones), must be set back from the right-of-way, and must be removed within 10 days after the election. State law (Government Code 12023) and various court decisions protect the right to post temporary campaign signs but permit reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Signs in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, medians, and street signs are prohibited and will be removed by Public Works; campaigns that repeatedly violate may be invoiced for removal costs. Signs cannot obstruct sight lines at intersections or driveways, cannot be illuminated in residential zones, and must be maintained in safe condition. The First Amendment prevents the city from discriminating based on political content, and enforcement must be uniform across candidates and causes.