San Rafael, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Size cap
- 32 sq ft per site
- Duration
- 90 days per calendar year
- Post-election removal
- Within 10 days
- Permit
- None required
Summary
San Rafael caps noncommercial political and election signs at 32 square feet per site, 90 days display per year, with removal required within 10 days after the election: no permit needed.
B.Noncommercial Signs. Temporary signs bearing ideological, political or other noncommercial message, including, but not limited to, political and election signs may be located on a site or place of business. The total sign area permitted per site or place of business shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. Noncommercial signs may be displayed for a maximum of ninety (90) days per calendar year. Signs relating to an election shall be removed no later than ten (10) days following the election. No sign permit is required.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC §14.19.070(B) treats political and election signs as temporary noncommercial signs: no permit is required, but total sign area per site is capped at thirty-two square feet, and display is limited to ninety days per calendar year. Signs for a specific election must come down within ten days after that election. Separately, §14.19.022 says the sign chapter doesn't regulate message content, a political or ideological sign is allowed anywhere a commercial sign of the same size and type is allowed. Political signs placed on public property or in the public right-of-way, such as utility poles, remain prohibited under §14.19.080(N).
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 32-square-foot cap, displaying beyond 90 days per year, or failing to remove an election sign within 10 days after the election is a sign code violation, punishable under SRMC Chapters 1.40–1.46.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a political yard sign be in San Rafael?
When must election signs come down?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
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