Long Beach, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- LBMC §§ 21.44.420, 21.44.500, Table 44-4 item 17
- Special political-sign rule
- None: treated as noncommercial promotional sign
- Max size per sign
- 16 sq. ft.
- Max total per lot/parcel
- 80 sq. ft.
- Permit
- Not required (permit-exempt class)
- Removal deadline
- 5 days after the promoted event/election
- Enforcement
- Infraction under Penal Code §17 (LBMC §1.32.060)
Summary
Long Beach doesn't carve out a special political-sign category. LBMC § 21.44.420 says campaign signs "are not regulated as a separate class of signs." They fall under the general noncommercial promotional-activity exemption in Table 44-4, capped at 16 square feet per sign and 80 square feet total per lot, with no permit required.
21.44.420 - Political signs. Political campaign signs are not regulated as a separate class of signs. ... Table 44-4 item 17: Noncommercial promotional activity signs -- 16 sq. ft per sign; not to exceed a maximum total area of 80 sq. ft. for all such signs on a lot or parcel whether such lot is zoned commercial, residential or industrial. No limit on the number of signs provided the maximum area of 80 sq. ft. for each lot or parcel is not exceeded. Signs shall not interfere with or be designed in such a manner that they will be confused with a traffic control signal or sign, or obstruct the vision of traffic. They shall not be placed on any public property or right of way or posted on any utility pole or device. Signs shall be removed from a premise no later than 5 days following the conclusion of the activity or event promoted by such sign.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
500 exempts that class from the application, permit and fee requirements otherwise imposed on on-premises signs, provided it conforms to Table 44-4. Item 17 of that table sets the numeric ceiling: 16 square feet per sign, with no limit on the number of signs as long as the total on a lot or parcel, commercial, residential or industrial, doesn't exceed 80 square feet. The "Other Conditions" column adds real restrictions: signs can't interfere with or be confused with a traffic control signal or sign, can't obstruct the vision of traffic, and can't be placed on public property, in the right-of-way, or posted on a utility pole or device.
They must come down no later than five days after the activity or event they promote concludes, for a campaign sign, that ties removal to the election itself. "
Violations & Fines
Chapter 21.44 has been enforced as an infraction under California Penal Code § 17 since January 1, 1992, per LBMC § 1.32.060.B.1.a, rather than under the Code's default misdemeanor penalty. A sign that exceeds the 80-square-foot lot cap, sits on public property or a utility pole, or isn't removed within five days of the promoted event's end is subject to citation and removal by the City regardless of its political content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Long Beach have a special ordinance for campaign yard signs?
How big can a political sign be on my property?
When do I have to take my campaign sign down?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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