Rancho Cordova, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Size limit
- 32 square feet per sign
- Setback
- 10 feet from public right-of-way
- Display window
- 90 days maximum per campaign
- Removal deadline
- 10 days after campaign ends
- Governing section
- RCMC § 23.743.040(A)(2)(e)
- Penalty backstop
- RCMC § 1.01.190 misdemeanor
Summary
Rancho Cordova exempts political, religious and civic campaign signs from a sign permit under RCMC Section 23.743.040, capping each sign at 32 square feet and a 90-day display window in any zone. The sign must sit on private property with the owner's consent, set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way, and come down within 10 days after the campaign ends.
2. Exempt Signs with Limitations. The following signs are exempt from zoning clearance; provided, that they meet the size, height, duration, and/or maximum number limitations listed: ... e. ... Political, religious, and civic campaign signs, not exceeding 32 square feet in size. Such signs shall be located on private property (with owner's consent) and set back a minimum of 10 feet from the public right-of-way. Such signs are authorized in any zone for a period not to exceed 90 days provided such signs are removed within 10 days following the conclusion of the campaign.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4660102; v2 updated 2026-03-02; through 03-02-2026).
Full Breakdown
040(A)(2)(e) carves out political, religious and civic campaign signs as one of the "exempt signs with limitations," meaning no permit is needed as long as the sign stays within the listed size, height, duration and placement limits. Those limits are a maximum of 32 square feet per sign, a minimum 10-foot setback from the public right-of-way, placement only on private property with the property owner's consent, and authorization in every zoning district, residential, commercial or industrial, for no more than 90 days, with removal required within 10 days after the campaign concludes.
040(A) specifies that a variance review may not evaluate the sign's message or graphic design, only its physical dimensions. The exemption from a sign permit does not excuse compliance with other applicable permits, such as an electrical permit if the sign is illuminated. Building-code amendments elsewhere in the code separately confirm that a political, religious or civic campaign sign is exempt from a building permit as well, unless it involves a structural change to an existing sign structure.
Violations & Fines
Rancho Cordova's zoning code does not carry a sign-specific fine schedule, so a political sign that violates the size, setback, duration or removal limits in Section 23.743.040 is enforced under the citywide penalty provision, RCMC Section 1.01.190. That section makes an uncorrected violation of any code provision, including this chapter, punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, and treats each day the sign remains in violation as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a political sign in my yard in Rancho Cordova?
How long can a political sign stay up in Rancho Cordova?
What happens if I leave a political sign up too long?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cordova
California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cordova to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Political Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle political signs.