Temecula, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Temecula Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning, Sign Regulations) allows temporary political/campaign signs as a category of temporary signs without a sign permit. Typical rules: maximum size of 6 square feet per sign in residential zones (16-32 sq ft in commercial zones), maximum height of 6 feet, must be on private property with owner consent, and may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, traffic signs, public buildings, or in median strips. Signs are typically allowed up to 90 days before an election and must be removed within 7-10 days after. The city may not regulate political sign content under U.S. Supreme Court precedent (Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 2015) which prohibits content-based sign rules; restrictions must be content-neutral time-place-manner regulations. Signs in the public right-of-way are routinely removed by city staff regardless of message and may be discarded after a holding period. HOAs cannot prohibit political signs entirely — California Civil Code §4710 protects homeowner rights to display non-commercial signs (including political) but allows reasonable HOA rules on size, location, and duration. Code Enforcement (951) 694-6444 handles complaints; election-period violations are typically resolved by warning before citation given First Amendment sensitivity.