Unincorporated San Mateo County permits political signs on private property without permits, consistent with First Amendment protections and Reed v. Gilbert. Zoning Regulations §6408 sets general temporary sign limits. Signs in public rights-of-way and on County property are prohibited.
San Mateo County Zoning Regulations §6408 regulates temporary signs including political signs on private property without content-based restrictions. Residential zones allow up to 6 square feet per sign, commercial zones up to 32 square feet. No permit required for political signs on private property. Signs must be set back from the public right-of-way and not obstruct traffic sight lines at intersections or driveways. Signs are prohibited on utility poles, street trees, traffic signs, medians, and all County property. California Elections Code §18370 makes it a misdemeanor to place signs in Caltrans right-of-way. Per Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015), the County treats all temporary non-commercial signs under the same size/duration rules regardless of content. Typical practice allows signs 90 days before election and requires removal within 10 days after.
Signs in right-of-way: removed by Public Works without notice. Private property violations: warning then administrative fine $25-$100 per sign. Removal failure post-election: $25/day. Caltrans right-of-way: misdemeanor under Elections Code §18370.
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