Pismo Beach, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

The Pismo Beach Municipal Code prints two zoning codes under Title 17, and each has a sign chapter with a political sign exemption.

1983 Zoning Ordinance, § 17.111.050(D): political signs pertaining to an election for public office, or to a ballot measure to be placed before the voters in a federal, state, or local election, need no sign permit and do not count toward the maximum sign area for a site, if they are in place prior to or on the day of the election and meet five conditions. Total sign area cannot exceed three square feet per sign in all zoning districts, including signs attached to or displayed from a vehicle or trailer on private property. Signs cannot be illuminated. They cannot be located within one hundred feet of any polling place on election day. Adhesive signs cannot go on structures anywhere other than a glass surface. No sign can be placed without the written consent of the property owner.

1998 Zoning Code, § 17.36.060(D): the same opening rule and the same conditions apply, and the 1998 Zoning Code adds a timing rule. The signs cannot be installed more than forty-five days before the election and must be removed within seven days after the election. The 1983 text as printed carries no installation or removal deadline, so do not assume the 1998 timing rule applies to a 1983 citation.

Both codes separately prohibit signs on public property or in or over a public right-of-way, with narrow exceptions, and signs attached or placed adjacent to any utility pole or traffic sign or signal. Signs outside the exemption need a sign permit and must meet the sign standards for the site.

Pismo Beach uses two adopted zoning codes. The city's Zoning and Land Use page states that properties inside the Coastal Zone are regulated by the 1983 Zoning Code, and properties outside the Coastal Zone are regulated by the 1998 Zoning Code.