Redondo Beach, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Size exemption
- Political signs up to 16 sq ft exempt
- Legal basis
- Baldwin v. Redwood City, 540 F.2d 1360
- Public property
- Banned on sidewalks, poles, parks, Harbor Pier
- Removal fee
- $60.00 to reclaim a removed sign
- Unclaimed signs
- Destroyed after 45 days
- Cure period
- 24 hours to correct before removal
Summary
Redondo Beach exempts political signs from its regular sign permit process entirely, but only up to 16 square feet per sign, a limit the code ties directly to the federal appellate ruling in Baldwin v. Redwood City. Anything larger loses the exemption and falls under the standard commercial sign permitting rules in Article 6 of the zoning code.
§ 10-2.1804. Signs exempt from regulations. The following signs and other similar decorative devices shall be exempt from the provisions of this article: ... (g) Political signs not exceeding 16 square feet per sign, based upon the holding in Baldwin v. Redwood City, 540 F. 2d 1360.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4889554; v14 updated 2026-05-12).
Full Breakdown
1804 lists the categories the City exempts from that review entirely, and item (g) puts political signs on that list: "Political signs not exceeding 16 square feet per sign, based upon the holding in Baldwin v. Redwood City, 540 F. " Stay at or under 16 square feet on private property and no design review, sign permit, or Planning Division sign-off is required at all; go over that size and the sign drops out of the exemption and must be processed like any other sign under the article.
That private-property exemption is separate from the City's rules for public property. 202 separately bars attaching signs to utility, telephone or telegraph poles in the public right-of-way. 205.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 4-1.206, before a political sign posted on public property is removed the City must notify the candidate, campaign or other responsible party and give 24 hours to correct the violation; a sign taken to the City yard is returned on payment of a $60.00 removal fee and destroyed if unclaimed after 45 days, though small unframed paper signs of 22 by 28 inches or less may be removed on the spot without notice. Anyone disputing a removal can request an administrative hearing before the Director of Public Services under Section 4-1.206(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a political yard sign in Redondo Beach?
Can I put a political sign on a utility pole or street median in Redondo Beach?
What happens if the City removes my political sign from public property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redondo Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Redondo Beach 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 Los Angeles County handle political signs.