Milpitas, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Milpitas's sign rules live in Municipal Code Title XI, Chapter 10, Section 24 (Signs). The City's Sign Surface Requirements (Section XI-10-24.04) include Table XI-10-24.04-2, the Matrix of Temporary Sign Types, which lists 'Political Signs' with a maximum size of 32 square feet and a maximum height of 6 feet from grade; the matrix does not impose a separate permit or fixed display duration for political signs in that row. The City's elections webpage links residents to the local code requirements for posting political signs and to the state framework. Under California's State Outdoor Advertising Act (Streets and Highways Code Section 5405.3), temporary political signs are exempt from normal outdoor-advertising rules if they are placed no sooner than 90 days before the election and removed within 10 days after, are no larger than 32 square feet, and have a filed statement of responsibility for removal; such signs may not be placed in a highway right-of-way or within 660 feet of a classified landscaped freeway. Because content-based restrictions on signs raise First Amendment concerns (Reed v. Town of Gilbert), cities generally apply size, height, placement, and time-manner standards rather than banning political messages outright. Signs may not be posted on public property, utility poles, or within the public right-of-way, and Caltrans regulates signs along state highways.