Lake County, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Lake County regulates political signs in Article 45 (Signs and Billboards) of the Zoning Ordinance. Section 45.3 lists 'special purpose signs' that are permitted uses in all zoning districts, and subsection (x) covers 'Temporary political signs,' defined in Section 45.2(o) as a temporary sign 'announcing or supporting political candidates or issues in connection with any national, state or local election.' 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. The ordinance expressly states (Section 45.1) that nothing in the article limits any right guaranteed by the First Amendment. Performance standards in Section 45.26 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.