Tehama County, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

A review of Tehama County's Title 17 zoning code finds no section that specifically regulates political or campaign signs in the unincorporated area; the County's sign provisions in Title 17 are tied to commercial and on-premises business signs within specific zoning districts (for example, the C-1 aggregate fifty-square-foot limit in Section 17.24.020(G) and on-premises sign limits in the combining districts). Because there is no County political-sign rule, temporary political signs on private property are primarily governed by California state law and the First Amendment. The California Outdoor Advertising Act, particularly Business and Professions Code Section 5405.3, exempts temporary political signs from many of the rules that apply to other outdoor advertising, but it sets standards for signs placed within sight of state highways: they may not exceed 32 square feet, must not be placed in the highway right-of-way or on a structure within the right-of-way, must have the name and address of the responsible party, and must be removed within 10 days after the election. A common guideline is that political signs should not be posted more than about 90 days before an election. Courts have repeatedly limited local governments' ability to restrict the duration or content of political signs on private property. Property owner consent is required to place a sign on private land. Always confirm any local placement or right-of-way restrictions with Tehama County before posting.