Stockton allows temporary political signs on private property in any zoning district with the owner's permission, but they may not be placed earlier than 90 days before the election and must be removed within 7 days after the election (Stockton Municipal Code §16.76.040). Signs larger than 5 square feet require a statement of responsibility filed with the City Clerk.
Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 16.76 (Sign Standards), Section 16.76.040 lists temporary political signs among the signs exempt from a sign permit, provided they comply with the chapter's standards. Political signs are allowed on private property in any zoning district subject to the owner's permission, but they cannot be located in a public right-of-way, easement, or on other governmental property dedicated to a public purpose, and they cannot be attached to utility or telephone poles. When attached to a wall, fence, or structure, the sign may not project more than 6 inches from the supporting surface. Every political sign exceeding 5 square feet in area must have a corresponding statement of responsibility filed with the office of the City Clerk identifying the person or committee responsible for the sign. Posting is restricted to the 90 days before the scheduled election, and all political signs must be removed within 7 days following the election. California Outdoor Advertising Act (Bus. & Prof. Code §5405.3) further protects temporary political signs along state highways subject to size limits (up to 32 square feet) and posting windows.
Sign violations are enforced under Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 1.24 (Code Enforcement—Administrative Provisions) and Chapter 1.32 (Administrative Citations). Code Enforcement typically issues a Violation Warning Notice first; if not corrected by the compliance date, an Administrative Citation issues. Subsequent administrative citation fines are set by City Council resolution (commonly $100 first / $200 second / $500 third or subsequent per occurrence under the SMC framework), plus a 10% late penalty and 1% per month if unpaid. Illegally posted signs in the public right-of-way may be removed by the City without notice.
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