San Francisco, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Private Property
- Permitted without a permit
- Public Right-of-Way
- Prohibited
- Removal
- Must remove after election
- Code
- SF Planning Code Article 6
Summary
Political signs in San Francisco are regulated under Planning Code Article 6. Temporary political signs related to elections are generally permitted on private property without a permit, consistent with First Amendment protections. Signs on public property or rights-of-way are prohibited.
4710. (a) The governing documents may not prohibit posting or displaying of noncommercial signs, posters, flags, or banners on or in a member's separate interest, except as required for the protection of public health or safety or if the posting or display would violate a local, state, or federal law. (b) For purposes of this section, a noncommercial sign, poster, flag, or banner may be made of paper, cardboard, cloth, plastic, or fabric, and may be posted or displayed from the yard, window, door, balcony, or outside wall of the separate interest... (c) An association may prohibit noncommercial signs and posters that are more than nine square feet in size and noncommercial flags or banners that are more than 15 square feet in size.
Full Breakdown
Temporary non-commercial signs, including political campaign signs, may be displayed on private property in all zoning districts. Signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on public structures. SF Planning Code restricts sign size in residential districts. Signs must be removed within a reasonable time after an election. Commercial-scale political billboards require a permit.
Violations & Fines
Signs placed on public property or rights-of-way are subject to removal by DPW. Oversized or improperly placed signs may result in code enforcement notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a political sign in my yard?
Can political signs be placed on sidewalks or utility poles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.