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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County sign code
Title 17, Chapter 17.34 (signs)
State highway law
Bus. & Prof. Code 5405.3
Max size (state highways)
32 square feet
Posting window
90 days before to 10 days after election
Right-of-way
No signs in highway right-of-way
Protection
Noncommercial speech; no content-based bans

Summary

On private property in unincorporated Tuolumne County, signs are regulated under Title 17, Chapter 17.34. Political signs are protected noncommercial speech, so content-based bans are not enforceable. Along state highways, California Business and Professions Code Section 5405.3 controls: temporary political signs are limited to 32 square feet, posted no sooner than 90 days before an election, and removed within 10 days after.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Tuolumne County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

rticle 1 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 180, Sec. 2. ) 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.

Source: Tuolumne County Code ComplianceView official code

Full Breakdown

Political (campaign) signs in unincorporated Tuolumne County are governed on two tracks. 62). Because political signs are noncommercial speech, the County cannot apply content-based restrictions or favor commercial signs over political ones; size, height, and duration limits must be applied in a content-neutral way, and many jurisdictions allow temporary political signs without a sign permit. 3 exempts temporary political signs from normal outdoor advertising permitting but requires that each sign encourage a particular vote in a scheduled election, be no larger than 32 square feet, be placed no sooner than 90 days before the election, and be removed within 10 days after the election.

A statement of responsibility must be filed with Caltrans identifying who will remove the sign and reimburse removal costs. No political sign may be placed within the right-of-way of any highway, or within 660 feet of and visible from a landscaped freeway. Signs may never be posted on utility poles, traffic-control devices, or other public structures. 34 sign standards with the Community Development Department, since Title 17 was comprehensively updated in 2024.

Violations & Fines

Posting political signs in a highway right-of-way, exceeding 32 square feet along state highways, failing to remove signs within 10 days after the election, or placing signs on public poles and traffic devices can result in removal by Caltrans or the County and recovery of removal costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a political yard sign in unincorporated Tuolumne County?
Temporary political signs on private property are noncommercial speech and are typically allowed under the County's Title 17 sign rules (Chapter 17.34) without a separate sign permit, subject to content-neutral size and duration limits. Confirm the current standards with the Community Development Department.
Can I put a campaign sign along the highway?
Not in the right-of-way. Under Business and Professions Code Section 5405.3, temporary political signs near state highways must be no larger than 32 square feet, posted no sooner than 90 days before the election and removed within 10 days after, with a statement of responsibility filed with Caltrans. Signs may not be placed in any highway right-of-way.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tuolumne County

All Tuolumne County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Tuolumne County to another location·View the California sign regulations overview

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