West Covina, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Size cap
- 32 sq ft, 8 ft max in any dimension
- Earliest posting
- 90 days before the election
- Removal deadline
- Within 10 days after the election
- Location
- Residential/institutional property, owner permission needed
- Prohibited spots
- Roofs, protected trees, public right-of-way
- Permit needed
- None, if size/location limits are met
Summary
West Covina exempts political signs from its sign-permit process as "temporary noncommercial signs," capped at 32 square feet and 8 feet in any dimension on residential or institutional property, while a separate election-season rule bars posting a sign earlier than 90 days before an election and requires removal within 10 days after.
(a)Temporary noncommercial signs no larger than thirty-two (32) square feet in area and no longer than eight (8) feet in any dimension, on private residential zoned properties, properties used for residential, and/or institutional uses; review exempt signs must be free from tears, rips, rust, deterioration, or similar condition described within section 15-200 of this Code. No such sign shall be placed on the roof of any structure, City-protected trees, or on the public right-of-way. ... (f)Election season signs and posters subject to the following conditions:(1)No sign shall be erected earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the start of the closest future election date and each sign shall be removed within ten (10) days after that election.(2)No sign shall be placed within the public right-of-way or on public property.(3)No such sign shall be placed on private property without the property owner's permission and/or approval.(4)No such sign shall be placed on the roof of any structure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 94).
Full Breakdown
West Covina's Development Code defines a "Political sign" in Sec. " That classification matters because Sec. 26-100, the code's exempt-sign list, frees temporary noncommercial signs, and therefore political signs, from the sign-permit requirement in Sec. " Signs may not go on a roof, a city-protected tree, or the public right-of-way, and must stay free of tears, rips, or rust under the maintenance standard in Sec. 15-200. Sec. " The same subsection bars placement "within the public right-of-way or on public property" and requires the property owner's "permission and/or approval" before a sign goes up on private land.
Because political signs are treated as noncommercial speech rather than advertising, they are exempt from the city's sign-program and design-review process that applies to commercial signage under Sec. 26-99(c).
Violations & Fines
A political sign that exceeds 32 square feet, sits taller than 8 feet in any dimension, goes up on the public right-of-way or a city tree, or stays up beyond the 10-day post-election window loses its Sec. 26-100 exemption and becomes subject to the code's general sign-enforcement provisions, including removal at the owner's expense. Signs placed on private property without the owner's consent can be removed as an encroachment regardless of their political content.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put up a political sign in West Covina?
Do I need a permit for a yard sign supporting a candidate?
Can I put a political sign on the parkway strip in front of my house?
Can a landlord or HOA make me remove a political sign early?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Covina
California rules heatmap·Compare West Covina to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Political Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle political signs.