Long Beach Campaign Sign Rules & Time Limits

Signs and Advertising California 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

Long Beach, California regulates where and when campaign signs may be displayed to protect public safety, sight lines and right-of-way access. This guide summarizes common placement rules, typical time limits, enforcement pathways and practical steps for candidates, committees and volunteers. It is written for residents and campaign teams who need to comply with local requirements and avoid removal or penalties.

Where you may place campaign signs

Rules in Long Beach generally distinguish between signs on private property with owner permission and signs on public property or within rights of way. Common restrictions include setbacks from sidewalks and intersections, prohibition on attaching signs to public fixtures, and limits within public medians or traffic islands.

Always get written permission from private property owners before placing signs on private land.

Display periods and time limits

Time limits often apply to how early signs may go up and how long they must be removed after the election. Many local rules allow signs only during an established campaign period and require removal within a set number of days after election certification; specific days are set by ordinance or administrative rule.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sign rules in Long Beach typically falls to Code Enforcement or the Development Services/Planning department. Penalties for violations can include fines, notice to remove, and removal at the owner's expense. Specific monetary amounts are not specified on the official pages linked below when amounts are not provided by the City.

  • Enforcing office: Code Enforcement Division, Development Services/Planning.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the official pages linked below.
  • Escalation: details for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the official pages linked below.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, administrative abatement, and potential court action are possible enforcement outcomes.
  • Inspections and complaints: report sign violations to Code Enforcement through the City's complaint portal or contact numbers listed below.
If a sign is on public property it can be removed without prior notice in many cases.

Applications & Forms

Some sign types require permits or prior approval; others (temporary campaign signs) may be permitted without a formal application. If the City publishes a specific campaign sign permit or form, that form and related fees are listed on the Development Services or City Clerk pages linked below; if no form is published, no official campaign-sign-specific application is specified on those pages.

Common violations and action steps

  • Placing signs in the public right-of-way (sidewalks, medians, street furniture) — may result in removal.
  • Attaching signs to trees, traffic signals or utility poles — typically prohibited.
  • Leaving signs in place past allowed post-election removal deadline.
  • Installing signs without required permit in restricted zoning areas.
Common violations are often resolved first by a notice to remove before fines are assessed.

Action steps for candidates and volunteers

  • Confirm private property owner permission in writing before placement.
  • Check the City of Long Beach sign rules and zoning limitations for your address.
  • Note official display windows and schedule sign removal promptly after results are certified.
  • Report removal requests or dispute a removal through Code Enforcement or the contact point listed below.

FAQ

Can campaign signs be placed on public sidewalks?
Generally no; signs on the public right-of-way are commonly prohibited and may be removed by the City.
How long after the election must signs be removed?
Removal deadlines vary; if the City has not published a specific timeframe on its official pages then a post-election removal requirement is not specified on those pages.
Who do I contact to report an illegally placed sign?
Contact Long Beach Code Enforcement or the Development Services complaint portal as listed in the Resources section below.

How-To

  1. Confirm property permission: obtain written consent from private property owners where signs will be placed.
  2. Check local rules: review Long Beach sign regulations and any zoning restrictions that apply to the location.
  3. Install safely: keep signs off sidewalks, trees, traffic signals and avoid blocking sight lines.
  4. Track display period: note the earliest installation date allowed and the required removal deadline after the election.
  5. Respond to notices: if you receive a removal notice, remove or relocate signs promptly and contact Code Enforcement if you dispute the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain owner permission for private property placement.
  • Do not place signs in public rights of way or attach to public fixtures.
  • Remove signs promptly after the election per City guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data