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

Merced County addresses political signs in Section 18.44.090(D)(3) of the Zoning Code (Temporary Off-site Signs). Temporary off-site political signs are allowed in any zone subject to several limits: signs must comply with the County's campaign handout materials for posting and removal; sign area may not exceed eight square feet in residential zones or 32 square feet in non-residential zones; signs are prohibited within a street intersection, sight-distance triangle, or any location where they may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with a traffic sign; and signs may not be nailed or affixed to trees, fences, or utility poles, nor placed in the public right-of-way, parkway, or on publicly owned land. While the Zoning Code requires a Sign Permit for most temporary signs, courts have held that content-based time limits and permit requirements on noncommercial political signs raise First Amendment concerns, so the County's campaign handout governs timing. A 2024 zoning text amendment (ZCTA24-001) was proposed to update the exempt-sign standards for noncommercial temporary and political signs, reflecting evolving free-speech law. Property owners on private land generally retain broad rights to post political messages.