Trinity County, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

All of Trinity County is unincorporated, so the county sign code applies countywide. The county's draft Zoning Code Chapter 17.70 (Public Review Draft, April 2026), which carries forward the adopted Title 15.08 sign rules, treats political and campaign signs as 'noncommercial signs.' Under Section 17.70.060, noncommercial temporary signs are allowed without a permit in any zone, provided they meet the stated standards. They may not be illuminated, directly or indirectly. General noncommercial signs may not be displayed for more than 90 calendar days in a 12-month period, but if the sign is related to a specific event such as a political campaign, it must be removed within 14 days following the event date; signs not removed within that period may be removed by the county. On residential uses, up to four temporary noncommercial signs are permitted per dwelling unit, with each sign not exceeding six square feet; on nonresidential uses, up to six signs per parcel, each not exceeding eight square feet. The chapter's intent (Section 17.70.010) is content-neutral - it states the rules are not meant to control or regulate the content of signs. Prohibited-sign rules in Section 17.70.070 still apply: signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, affixed to trees, rocks, or utility poles, or located to obstruct traffic visibility. Separately, along state highways the California Department of Transportation enforces the state Outdoor Advertising Act and Vehicle Code limits on temporary political signs.