San Diego County, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary law
- Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 5405.3
- Maximum size
- 32 square feet
- Earliest posting
- 90 days before election
- Removal deadline
- Within 10 days after election
- Right-of-way
- Prohibited in highway ROW
- County sign sections
- Zoning Ord. 6200 / 6250
Summary
Temporary political signs in unincorporated San Diego County are primarily governed by California state law (Bus. & Prof. Code 5405.3), which allows signs up to 32 sq ft, placed no sooner than 90 days before an election and removed within 10 days after, and prohibits them in any highway right-of-way.
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.
Full Breakdown
California law strongly protects temporary political signs, and these statewide rules apply in unincorporated San Diego County. 3, a temporary political sign is permitted provided it is no larger than 32 square feet, is placed not sooner than 90 days prior to the scheduled election and removed within 10 days after that election, and is not placed within the right-of-way of any highway or within 660 feet of the edge of, and visible from, the right-of-way of a landscaped freeway. A statement of responsibility identifying who will remove the sign must be filed with the department for signs subject to the Outdoor Advertising Act.
The County's own sign regulations are found in the Zoning Ordinance (Off-Premise Sign Regulations commencing at Section 6200 and On-Premise Sign Regulations commencing at Section 6250). The Zoning Ordinance also separately allows, under Section 6118, a temporary political campaign office in a trailer coach on private property for up to one year, provided the trailer is removed within 15 days after the next general election. Signs in the public road right-of-way are regulated by the County Department of Public Works' community sign program and are not permitted without authorization.
Violations & Fines
A political sign placed in a highway or road right-of-way may be removed by the responsible agency. Sign violations of the County Zoning Ordinance are enforced under Section 7703 (misdemeanor up to six months and/or $1,000, or infraction $100/$200/$500). State right-of-way signs are subject to removal and cost recovery under the Outdoor Advertising Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a political sign be in unincorporated San Diego County?
When can I put up and take down political signs?
Can I place political signs along the road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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