Residential political signs are protected speech in Palo Alto. Signs may be posted on private property without a permit but must follow size and placement rules under the sign code and Reed v. Town of Gilbert.
Palo Alto permits political, ideological, and campaign signs on private residential property without a permit, consistent with First Amendment protections and the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, which prohibits content-based regulation of non-commercial signs. Under the Palo Alto Municipal Code sign regulations, temporary non-commercial signs on residential property are generally limited to six square feet per sign face in single-family zones and must not exceed an overall height of about six feet. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way (parkstrips, medians, sidewalks, or utility poles), obstruct sight lines at driveways or intersections, or be illuminated in a way that disturbs neighbors. Signs must be maintained in good condition and removed within a reasonable time after the election or campaign concludes (commonly within 10 days). Posting signs on public property, light poles, or trees is prohibited and will be removed by Public Works.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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