Westminster, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal deadline
- Within 30 days after the election
- Location
- Private property, with owner's permission only
- Setback
- At least 5 feet from public right-of-way
- Permit
- None required
- Max size
- 40 square feet
- Bracing rule
- UBC footings/bracing required over 3'x3'
- Citation
- Westminster Code § 17.330.025(B)(1)(e)
Summary
Political signs in Westminster need no city permit, but they must come down within 30 days after the election, sit only on private property with the owner's permission, keep a 5-foot setback from any public right-of-way, and stay under 40 square feet in area, per Westminster Code § 17.330.025(B)(1)(e). Larger freestanding signs need proper footings and Uniform Building Code bracing.
Political signs. All political signs shall be removed within 30 days after the election without leaving debris. Political signs shall only be located on private property with the permission of the property owner. All such signs shall maintain a setback of at least five feet from any public right-of-way. Political signs shall comply with all requirements of this Chapter applicable to temporary signs except that they shall not be required to obtain a permit from the City. A political sign with dimensions greater than three feet by three feet constructed of paper, vinyl, cloth, or plastic may be mounted to a light-weight framework of wood or metal to provide rigidity or support. A free-standing political sign with dimensions of three feet by three feet or larger, and mounted upon, attached to, or painted on a solid wood, plastic, metal or plaster sheet or backing may be erected in the City, provided that the sign has the proper depth of footings and is properly braced per the Uniform Building Code according to the design characteristics of such sign. A political sign shall not exceed 40 square feet in area.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4982734; v10 updated 2026-06-10).
Full Breakdown
Westminster's temporary sign chapter (Ch. 330) lists political signs among the permitted temporary sign types on private property, alongside banners, pennants, tract-directional signs and 'for rent'/'for lease' signs, but treats them differently from the rest of that list. 025(B)(1)(e), a political sign must be removed within 30 days after the election without leaving debris, may only go up on private property with the owner's permission, and must keep at least a five-foot setback from any public right-of-way. 025(B)(2) confirms they are also excused from the dimensional table (Table 3-11) that governs other temporary signs.
Size is still capped: a political sign cannot exceed 40 square feet in area. Construction standards kick in above 3 feet by 3 feet: a sign that size or larger made of paper, vinyl, cloth, or plastic may be mounted to a light-weight wood or metal frame for rigidity, and a freestanding sign of that size mounted on solid wood, plastic, metal, or plaster backing must have proper footing depth and bracing consistent with the Uniform Building Code. 035.
Violations & Fines
Sign violations fall under the City's general penalty provision, § 1.12.010: a violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, unless the city attorney elects to charge it as an infraction, which carries fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each further violation. Each day a noncompliant sign remains up counts as a separate offense. The City may also pursue civil abatement, and an enforcement officer may issue an administrative citation under Chapter 1.14 instead of filing a criminal complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a political sign in Westminster?
How long can I keep a political sign up after an election?
Can I put a political sign in the street right-of-way or parkway?
What size can a Westminster political sign be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
California rules heatmap·Compare Westminster 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 Orange County handle political signs.