Walnut Creek, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Following Reed v. Town of Gilbert (576 U.S. 155, 2015), cities cannot single out political or ideological signs for special regulation. Walnut Creek's sign code applies the same rules to political signs as to other temporary noncommercial signs: maximum 6 square feet aggregate area per residential property, 4 feet in height, placed entirely on private property. Unlike the pre-Reed era, there is NO election-specific window for political signs — they may be displayed year-round subject to the standard size/location limits. California Elections Code §18370 makes it a misdemeanor to remove or deface another person's political signs. Posting political signs on utility poles, street trees, traffic signs, or in public rights-of-way is prohibited under general sign rules and subjects signs to summary removal. Tenants' rights: California Civil Code §1940.4 prohibits landlords from restricting tenant display of political signs in windows or on doors during the 90 days before an election, provided signs do not exceed 6 sq ft and do not threaten building safety. HOAs similarly cannot ban political signs under Civil Code §4710. Signs must not be illuminated or include audio.