El Monte, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

El Monte regulates signs under Title 17, Chapter 17.80 of the Municipal Code. Section 17.80.030(J)(1) exempts non-illuminated temporary noncommercial signs at any time, capped at a combined 6 sq ft area and 4 ft height in residential zoning districts and 12 sq ft area and 5 ft height in nonresidential zoning districts. Section 17.80.030(J)(2) suspends those caps during the election window: starting 60 days before a local, state or federal election and ending 15 days after, the amount of noncommercial temporary signage is unrestricted. The chapter's stated purpose (§17.80.010(E)) is to regulate signs in a content-neutral manner consistent with the First Amendment and the California Constitution, so 'political' signs are treated as a subset of noncommercial signs rather than singled out. Signs in the public right-of-way — sidewalks, medians, utility poles, traffic signs, street lights, retaining walls and similar structures — are prohibited under §17.80.040(L) and may be summarily removed by the City without prior notice under §17.80.130(D)(2)(a). The candidate or beneficiary featured on the sign is presumed to be its owner under §17.80.130(D)(2)(c).