Costa Mesa, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Costa Mesa regulates signs under Chapter VIII (Signs) of Title 13 of the Municipal Code, with sign regulations detailed in Articles 2 and 3. Noncommercial portable signs are defined as any sign that can be moved from place to place, is not permanently affixed to the ground or a building, and is not used for commercial purposes. Examples include signs promoting a political or religious viewpoint and signs commenting on public officials or matters of public discourse. These signs may be displayed on private property in compliance with CMMC Section 13-123. Political signs must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular visibility at intersections or driveways. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, traffic signs, or city property without authorization. Under California Elections Code, political campaign signs may generally be posted up to 90 days before an election and must be removed within 10 days after the election. Costa Mesa's sign ordinance was updated in recent years to align with First Amendment requirements following court decisions on content-neutral sign regulations. The city focuses enforcement on size, placement, and safety rather than the message content of signs.