San Diego treats political signs as temporary signs under SDMC §142.1245. Residential properties may post non-illuminated temporary signs up to 6 square feet per sign, with aggregate caps. No placement is allowed in the public right-of-way. After Reed v Gilbert, the city applies content-neutral standards to all temporary signs, removing prior election-only timing rules.
San Diego Municipal Code §142.1245 governs temporary signs including political signs. Residential properties may display temporary signs without a permit if each sign is no larger than 6 square feet and the aggregate area complies with code. Following Reed v Town of Gilbert (2015), San Diego removed message-specific election-window timing rules; signs are now regulated based on size, location, and physical characteristics rather than content.
Prohibited locations include any public right-of-way, parkways, sidewalks, medians, street trees, utility poles, traffic signal poles, and freeway-facing fences. Signs may not be illuminated, animated, or include audio. The Code Enforcement Division and General Services remove signs posted in the right-of-way without notice. Campaign committees are responsible for removing their signs after an election; sign owners face fines if signs remain in violation.
Civil penalties run $100 first violation, $200 second, up to $500 per sign for repeat violations within 12 months, plus removal at the owner's expense. Signs in the right-of-way are removed without notice and stored briefly before disposal.
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