Turlock, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

The City of Turlock regulates election signage in its zoning sign code. Per the City, a political sign is defined as a 'temporary sign designed for the purpose of expressing support for, or opposition to, a political candidate, campaign issue, or proposition at a public election.' Under Turlock Municipal Code 9-2-505(3), to remain exempt from a permit, political signs must comply with the height, location, and safety requirements of the sign chapter and Code, and 'shall not be displayed on traffic or street signs, utility poles, public property, parks, or rights-of-way or on private property without the owners' permission, and shall be removed within five (5) days after the election.' Signs placed in violation may be removed by the City without notice. The City's general sign standards also cap any sign at an overall height of twelve (12) feet in any district. Because political signs are constitutionally protected noncommercial speech, the City may regulate time, place, and manner (placement on private property with permission, the 12-foot height cap, and the five-day post-election removal window) but not the message itself. For homeowners in a community association, California Civil Code 4710 separately protects the right to display noncommercial signs, posters, and flags on the owner's property, subject only to reasonable size limits.