Temporary political signs displaying noncommercial messages are regulated by
San Marcos Municipal Code 20.320.060.
City-owned properties map
Helpful tips for political sign placement
- No permit required: No permit is required for placing temporary political signs.
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Pre-election period: Begins 35 calendar days before an election and ends 10 calendar days after the election.
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Sign placement:
- Total display area of all signs is limited to 16 square feet on any property before the pre-election period.
- During the pre-election period, an unlimited number of signs are allowed per property with the property owner’s permission.
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Sign size: Maximum size of any sign during the pre-election period is 32 square feet.
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Sign removal: Must be removed no later than 10 calendar days after the election.
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Get permission: Signs must be placed on private property only with the owner’s consent. Owners may remove unauthorized signs without advance notice.
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Keep views clear: Signs must not obstruct vehicle sight distance or impede pedestrian/vehicular movement. Do not attach to traffic signals, street lights, utility poles, or stop signs.
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Avoid public property: Signs must not be placed on public property, including road right-of-way areas, guardrails, or fencing around drainage structures.
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Keep it simple: Illuminated, flashing, or rotating signs are prohibited. Loudspeakers or sound amplifiers for political advertising are not permitted.
Authorized removal
Signs placed on public or private property that endanger safety or interfere with sight distance will be removed by City staff, and the candidate will be billed for the removal cost.
Signs on public property that do not pose an immediate hazard may be removed after notice if the responsible party does not comply. Public right-of-way typically extends 10 feet from the curb. Center islands are also public right-of-way. Private property owners may remove signs at any time without notice.
Prohibited locations for political signs
Political signs are prohibited on public property, including:
- Landscaped medians in the center of roadways
- Street right-of-way areas (usually 10 feet from the curb)
- Guardrails, drainage structures, or fences
- Traffic signals, stop signs, and utility poles
- San Marcos Post Office (Twin Oaks Valley Road)
- California State University, San Marcos campus
- Palomar Community College campus
- San Marcos Unified School District properties
- Vallecitos Water District properties
- City-owned properties
Abatement Procedures
From Rights-of-Way and Public Property
Signs may be removed on sight if a hazard exists. No notice is required. If possible, the City will provide a 72-hour notice before removal. Unclaimed signs will be destroyed 30 days after removal. Costs for removal after the notice period will be billed to the candidate.
From Private Property
A Notice of Violation will be issued to the responsible party, with a reasonable compliance timeframe. If the issue is not resolved, a citation may be issued.
