California Civil Code Section 4710 universally prohibits homeowner associations from banning noncommercial political signs on owner-occupied separate interest property, overriding any local HOA covenant.
Civil Code Section 4710, part of the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, prohibits HOAs from banning noncommercial signs, posters, flags, or banners on a member's separate interest property except when made of non-durable materials, larger than 9 square feet, displaying signs more than 15 square feet, or posing a safety or rule violation. The statute applies statewide to all common interest developments. Public agency sign codes still apply, but no HOA may contract around this baseline. Government Code Section 65850 also limits how cities regulate temporary political signs based on content.
An HOA enforcing a prohibited sign restriction can be sued for declaratory and injunctive relief plus attorney fees under Civil Code Section 5975. Members may also recover damages for wrongful fines or covenant enforcement actions.
See how Sonoma's political signs rules stack up against other locations.
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