Petaluma, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

100 governs political and campaign signs citywide and opens by declaring that no such sign is permitted except in conformity with its rules. In residential (R) districts, Subsection A allows stationary, unlighted, temporary signs on behalf of candidates or ballot measures, but each sign cannot be erected earlier than 90 days before the election and must come down within 15 days after, cannot exceed 20 square feet in area or, if detached, 6 feet in height, cannot sit closer than 5 feet to any property line, and cannot be a roof sign.

In the AG, C, MU, BP and I Districts, Subsection B permits one or more political signs per parcel on the same 90-day-before, 15-day-after election window, but caps the total area of all such signs on one parcel at 50 square feet, bars roof signs except on a legally existing sign structure, and allows signs for candidates who advance past a primary to stay up until 15 days after the general election provided they are kept in good condition. Subsection C places removal responsibility on the property owner within 15 days after the sign has served its purpose, and signs left up past that window may be abated by the City; erecting a sign that conflicts with the chapter is itself declared unlawful.

Subsection D bars political and campaign signs from public property or public utility property entirely, and the City may abate a sign found there without any prior notice to the owner. 100 from the sign permit requirement, so a conforming yard sign needs no permit application, only compliance with the timing, size and placement rules above.