San Jose, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height (residential, freestanding)
- 6 feet, no setback
- Display window
- Nomination period opens through 10 days post-election
- Public property
- Prohibited entirely, removable without notice
- Private property
- Requires owner's authorization
- Small-sign exemption
- ≤10 sq ft exempt from time limits
Summary
San Jose regulates election signs as a distinct sign category, capping freestanding signs in residential zones at six feet, barring them from public property entirely, and limiting display to the nomination period plus ten days after the election.
A.Shall not be illuminated.B.If an attached sign, shall not extend above the eaves of the building or structure where located.C.If a freestanding sign:1.Shall not exceed six feet in height; and2.No setback shall be required.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code § 23.04.710 defines an election sign as any unreinforced cardboard, paper, or similar sign urging a vote for or against a ballot measure or candidate. Size and placement follow the standard temporary-sign rules for the zoning district, except signs of ten square feet or less are exempt from those time limits (§ 23.04.720). Residential-district signs cannot be illuminated, cannot extend above the eaves if attached, and are capped at six feet if freestanding, with no setback required (§ 23.04.750). Display runs from the day after the nomination period opens until ten days after the election, when signs must come down (§ 23.04.760). Public property is off-limits entirely (§ 23.04.730); private property requires the owner's authorization (§ 23.04.740).
Violations & Fines
Election signs on public property can be removed without notice under § 23.04.770. Anyone who runs a campaign is presumed responsible for illegal signs posted for that campaign under § 23.04.840.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a freestanding election sign be in San Jose?
When do election signs have to come down in San Jose?
Can election signs go on public property in San Jose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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Political Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle political signs.