San Mateo, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Private Property
- Protected: cannot prohibit
- Posting Period
- 90 days before election
- Removal
- 10 days after election
- State Law
- CA Elections Code §18310
- HOA
- CC §4710: must allow signs
Summary
Political signs in San Mateo are protected by the First Amendment and California Elections Code Section 18310. Signs on private property cannot be prohibited. Under state law, political signs may be posted up to 90 days before and must be removed within 10 days after an election.
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, but may not be made of lights, roofing, siding, paving materials, flora.
Full Breakdown
Political signs in San Mateo are strongly protected under the First Amendment and California Elections Code Section 18310. The city's sign code cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict political signs on private property. Political signs may be posted up to 90 days before an election and must be removed within 10 days after. Signs on public property may be restricted. HOAs are limited by California Civil Code Section 4710 from prohibiting political signs. The city maintains content neutrality in sign regulation per Reed v. Town of Gilbert. Political signs are exempt from sign permit requirements.
Violations & Fines
The city cannot enforce against political signs on private property. Signs on public property may be removed. HOA violations of CC 4710 are challengeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can San Mateo restrict political signs?
When can I post political signs?
Can my HOA ban political signs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.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 San Mateo County handle political signs.