Highland, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

HMC § 16.56.050 defines a temporary political sign as a noncommercial sign that names or pictures a person seeking election or appointment to public office, or refers to a clearly identified ballot measure, and that relates to a forthcoming public election. Table 16.56.050.C sets the limits: one temporary political sign per candidate per parcel, with a maximum area of 32 square feet.

Timing is fixed by the code. No temporary political sign can be posted more than 45 days before the election, and every one must be removed within 10 days after the election. A temporary sign permit from the community development department is required for any political sign that exceeds 6 square feet in area, and signs larger than 6 square feet are not permitted at all in residential zoning districts. In a residential district in the City of Highland, that makes 6 square feet the ceiling.

Height and location follow the zone the sign sits in. The applicant must self-certify approval from the property owner before placing, erecting or maintaining the sign, and § 16.56.020(D) makes political signs the one exception to the written owner authorization every other sign needs. Under § 16.56.050(B), no temporary sign or banner, regardless of size or length of time on display, can be affixed to trees, rocks or fences, and none can be erected on a parkway or median or within the public right-of-way, except street banners in the city's approved street banner program.

Where a permit is issued, it must be displayed on the premises and produced upon request. Section 16.56.020(C) adds that in each instance where the chapter permits a sign, a noncommercial sign built to the same physical dimensions and character is permitted in its place, and § 16.56.020(E) assigns review of temporary signs to the community development director.