San Ramon, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Political signs receive the highest level of First Amendment protection as core political speech. Under Reed v. Gilbert (2015) and City of Ladue v. Gilleo (1994), municipalities cannot treat political signs more strictly than other non-commercial yard signs, nor can they ban residential political signs outright. San Ramon's sign code is drafted to apply size, placement, and duration rules content-neutrally. 6) provides that a common interest development may not prohibit the posting of noncommercial signs, posters, flags, or banners on or in an owner's separate interest, though the HOA may adopt reasonable rules that: (1) limit signs to a size that does not exceed 9 square feet; (2) limit flags/banners to 15 square feet; (3) regulate materials (paper, cardboard, cloth, plastic, fabric); (4) prohibit signs made of lights, roofing, siding, paving materials, flora, or balloons; (5) time-limit election signs to approximately 90 days before an election and 15 days after.

Civil Code 712 separately protects a homeowner's right to display a For Sale sign. Signs in the public right-of-way (sidewalks, medians, public trees, utility poles) are prohibited regardless of message and are removed by Public Services; this is a content-neutral maintenance rule. San Ramon does not require permits for residential political signs. Candidates or campaigns posting signs without owner permission are subject to Penal Code 594 vandalism charges and Elections Code provisions on improper campaign activity. After the election, signs should be removed promptly; abandoned signs are abated as blight.