Lake County, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Sec. 45.3(x), Zoning Ordinance
- Earliest Posting
- 90 days before the election
- Removal Deadline
- Within 10 days of campaign close
- Primary Winner Exception
- May keep signs for general election
- Where Allowed
- All zoning districts
- Right-of-Way
- Signs may not hang over or block ROW
Summary
In unincorporated Lake County, temporary political signs are permitted in all zoning districts under Section 45.3(x) of the Zoning Ordinance. No political sign may be erected earlier than 90 days before the election, and all must be removed within 10 days of the close of the campaign. Signs for a candidate who wins the primary may be retained for the general election.
1. No political signs shall be erected earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the election in which the candidate or measure will be voted upon.
2. All political signs shall be removed within ten (10) days of the close of the campaign. Signs on behalf of a political candidate who is successful in the primary election may be retained for the general election.
3. The maintenance and removal of political signs is the responsibility of the candidate or sponsor.
(y) Temporary grand opening signs and mobile searchlights for a period not exceed four (4) weeks. Grand opening signs are permitted during an on-site use's original opening, or upon a change in ownership of an existing on-site use or upon an expansion of an existing use or building.
(z) Signs which move or revolve, or display any moving or revolving parts, provided that signs larger than twelve (12) square feet shall require a minor use permit.
(aa) Airborne devices such as blimp or balloons if less than six (6) feet in size in major dimension.
(bb) Attention-attracting signs such as flags, banners, pennants, streamers and similar devices.
(cc) Self-illuminated signs.
(dd) Signs with variable lighting, provided that signs larger than twelve (12) square feet shall require a minor use permit.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Lake County regulates political signs in Article 45 (Signs and Billboards) of the Zoning Ordinance. ' The conditions are specific: (1) no political sign may be erected earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the election in which the candidate or measure will be voted upon; (2) all political signs must be removed within ten (10) days of the close of the campaign, except that signs for a candidate who is successful in the primary may be retained for the general election; and (3) the maintenance and removal of political signs is the responsibility of the candidate or sponsor.
1) that nothing in the article limits any right guaranteed by the First Amendment. 26 still apply, for example, a sign may not be placed within or hang over a public right-of-way, and may not be affixed to traffic signs, utility poles, or trees in a right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Political signs erected too early, left up more than 10 days after the campaign closes, or placed in a public right-of-way violate Article 45 and are the responsibility of the candidate or sponsor to correct. Lake County Code Enforcement may require removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I put up political signs in unincorporated Lake County?
When must Lake County political signs come down?
Are there limits on where political signs can go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
California rules heatmap·Compare Lake County to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.