Mountain View, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- No on private property
- Typical size limit
- 6 square feet per sign
- Right-of-way placement
- Prohibited
- Removal deadline
- 10 days after election
- Legal framework
- Content-neutral, First Amendment
Summary
Mountain View allows political signs on private residential property without a permit. Size, placement, and timing rules must follow the content-neutral sign ordinance and First Amendment protections.
4710. (a) The governing documents may not prohibit posting or displaying of noncommercial signs, posters, flags, or banners on or in a member’s separate interest, except as required for the protection of public health or safety or if the posting or display would violate a local, state, or federal law. (b) For purposes of this section, a noncommercial sign, poster, flag, or banner may be made of paper, cardboard, cloth, plastic, or fabric, and may be posted or displayed from the yard, window, door, balcony, or outside wall of the separate interest, but may not be made of lights, roofing, siding, paving materials, flora, or balloons, or any other similar building, landscaping, or decorative component, or include the painting of architectural surfaces.
Full Breakdown
Temporary political and ideological signs are permitted on private property in Mountain View under the City's sign ordinance, which must be content-neutral per Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Residential lots can display multiple signs, typically up to 6 square feet each in size, during campaign periods. Signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, on City property, or in street medians without a permit. They cannot obstruct sight distance at intersections or driveways. Placement in parkstrips (the strip between sidewalk and curb) is generally not allowed because that area is public right-of-way in Mountain View. Removal is typically expected within 10 days after the election. Illuminated or flashing signs, and signs larger than the residential limit, may require a permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA ban political signs?
Can I put a sign in the parkstrip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mountain View
California rules heatmap·Compare Mountain View to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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Political Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle political signs.