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

Modoc County's sign regulations are in Zoning Code Section 18.110.070, which applies in all zones. Subsection (A)(1) addresses noncommercial and official signs, stating that 'signs proclaiming religious, political, or other noncommercial messages limited to one per abutting street provided each sign area does not exceed sixteen square feet' are not regulated by Title 18. In practical terms, a political sign on private property does not need a County sign permit, but it is subject to the one-per-abutting-street and 16-square-foot limits in this provision. The code's general sign standards still inform placement: no blinking, flashing, rotating or animated signs are allowed (Subsection F); illuminated signs may not be positioned to interfere with or be confused with traffic-control devices (Subsection G); and no sign may be placed in or over a public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit is obtained, except attached signs on buildings located within the right-of-way (Subsection K). Freestanding signs may not exceed the maximum building height of the zone (Subsection I). Nonappurtenant (off-site) signs are additionally subject to the California Outdoor Advertising Act. Because the County treats political and noncommercial messages within a content-neutral framework, the same one-per-street, 16-square-foot allowance applies regardless of the message. California Elections Code Section 20008 separately governs the timing and removal of temporary political signs placed along certain state highway rights-of-way.