Vista, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

The City of Vista regulates political signs under Vista Municipal Code Chapter 18, which covers all temporary signage. Political signs are permitted on private property without a permit in all zoning districts, subject to size and placement standards. In residential zones, individual political signs may not exceed 16 square feet in area. Signs must not obstruct traffic visibility at intersections or driveways. Signs may not be placed on public property, utility poles, traffic signals, or within the public right-of-way. Illuminated political signs are generally not permitted in residential zones. Property owners are responsible for ensuring signs on their property comply with code. Campaign signs may be posted starting 90 days before an election and must be removed within 10 days after the election. The First Amendment provides broad protections for political speech, and Vista's regulations focus on time, place, and manner restrictions rather than content. Multiple signs are permitted on a single property provided each meets the size requirements. Signs on commercial property may have different size allowances. The City does not regulate the content or viewpoint expressed on political signs.