Encinitas, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

California law strongly protects temporary political signs, and these statewide rules apply in unincorporated San Diego County. Under California Business and Professions Code Section 5405.3, 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.