Political and noncommercial signs in unincorporated Orange County are regulated under the County Zoning Code and must comply with temporary sign provisions. Political signs may be displayed up to 90 days before an election and must be removed within 10 days after the election. Signs not removed may be taken down by enforcement officers without notice.
Under the Orange County Zoning Code, political and campaign signs in unincorporated areas are treated as temporary noncommercial signs. They may be posted up to 90 days before an election on private property with the owner's consent. Signs must be removed within 10 days after the election. After the 10-day grace period, enforcement officers may remove signs without prior notice. Signs may not be placed on public property, utility poles, traffic signs, or within public rights-of-way. The County follows First Amendment protections for political speech, so content-based restrictions are avoided; regulations focus on size, placement, and duration. Residential zones typically limit temporary signs to 6 square feet per face, while commercial zones may allow larger signs. Signs must not obstruct traffic sight lines or create safety hazards.
Signs remaining after the 10-day post-election removal period may be removed by County enforcement without notice. Placing signs on public property or rights-of-way may result in immediate removal and potential fines through OC Development Services code enforcement. Repeated violations can lead to civil citations.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle political signs.
See how Midway City's political signs rules stack up against other locations.
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