Whittier, CA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

The incorporated City of Whittier regulates signs through its own zoning code (Whittier Municipal Code Title 18, Division II - Signs, Chapters 18.68 through 18.78, substantially updated by Ord. No. 3159 in November 2024), separate from Los Angeles County. Whittier's code is content-neutral and does not single out 'political signs' with a specific size or count. The key provision is the substitution clause, Section 18.72.050: 'Any sign authorized under Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter can contain noncommercial copy in lieu of any other copy. Signs containing noncommercial speech are subject to the same time, place, and manner regulations as commercial signs.' In practice this means a resident may display a noncommercial (including political or campaign) message wherever and to the extent the code would allow a comparable sign, and political messages may not be treated more restrictively than commercial ones. On private property, temporary on-premises signs are addressed in Section 18.76.080 (with size, number and time limits keyed to zone), and the code's prohibited-sign list (Sec. 18.72.060) bars pole signs, roof signs, animated signs, vehicle-mounted signs, balloon strings and similar regardless of message. Signs in the public right-of-way are tightly limited (Sec. 18.73.020/18.73.030). Importantly, California Government Code and First Amendment case law independently protect the temporary display of political/campaign signs on private property, and cities generally may not ban them outright or impose durational limits triggered solely by election dates. Because Whittier's outdoor advertising chapter (18.68) exempts signs erected by a public agency or political subdivision, governmental notices are handled separately. These are city ordinances; unincorporated Whittier areas follow LA County sign rules.