Union City, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- No, if compliant
- Removal deadline
- 14 days after election
- Illumination
- Natural light only
- Placement ban
- ROW, medians, utility poles
Summary
Union City exempts temporary political signs from sign-plan review but bars them from rights-of-way, medians, and utility poles, requires natural illumination, and mandates removal within 14 days after the election.
Political Signs. Temporary political signs provided that such signs comply with the following conditions:
1. Such signs shall not be allowed on sidewalks, street medians, public rights-of-way, public parks or other property, or where they may interfere with vehicular or pedestrian sight distance, nor shall they be affixed to utility poles, street signs or any public utility company or railroad property without the specific permission of the utility, railroad, or public agency;
2. Such signs shall be naturally illuminated;
3. Such signs shall be removed within 14 calendar days following the election.
M. Government-Owned Signs. Governmental signs, which are owned by the City.
N. Signage indicating the presence of bicycle parking facilities.
O. No smoking signs that inform the public of the provisions listed in Chapter 7.13 of the Municipal Code. (Added during 7-93 supplement; Ord. 533-99 § 1 (2), 1999; Ord. 670-06 § 3, 2006; Ord. 683-07 § 6, 2007; Ord. 712-08 § 2, 2008)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4940544; v16 updated 2026-06-23).
Full Breakdown
Political signs promoting a vote in a scheduled election are exempt from Union City's sign application procedures under § 18.30.040(L), but three conditions apply: signs cannot be placed on sidewalks, street medians, public rights-of-way, parks, or other public property, or affixed to utility poles, street signs, or railroad property without permission; they must be naturally illuminated only, ruling out internal or spot lighting; and every sign must come down within 14 calendar days after the election, regardless of the outcome.
Violations & Fines
Political signs left up past 14 days post-election, illuminated by an artificial light source, or placed in the public right-of-way are subject to removal and citation as unpermitted signs under Chapter 18.30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a campaign yard sign in Union City?
When must political signs come down after an election?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
California rules heatmap·Compare Union City to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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Political Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle political signs.