Campaign Sign Rules & Permits - Long Beach, CA

Elections and Campaign Finance California 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

Long Beach, California regulates where and how campaign signs may be displayed during elections to protect public safety, traffic sightlines, and public property. This guide explains placement rules, who enforces them, how to apply for any needed approvals, and how to respond to notices or fines. It is written for candidates, campaign workers, and property owners in Long Beach seeking practical steps to comply with city rules and avoid removal or penalties.

Place signs on private property with the owner’s permission whenever possible.

Where You Can Put Campaign Signs

General rules distinguish private property, the public right-of-way, and city-owned spaces. Signs on private property are generally allowed with the property owner’s consent; signs in public rights-of-way, medians, and city-owned parks are restricted or prohibited. For the controlling sign regulations and definitions, consult the Long Beach municipal code and the City elections guidance.[1][2]

  • Private property: usually allowed with the owner’s permission and subject to size and setback limits.
  • Public right-of-way: often prohibited to prevent traffic hazards and obstructing sidewalks or sightlines.
  • Street medians and traffic islands: typically prohibited for safety reasons.

Permits, Time Limits, and Size Restrictions

Some sign types require permits or must meet temporary sign rules; others do not. The City publishes sign classifications and standards in its code and provides elections-specific guidance for campaign materials.[1][2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by City Code Enforcement and other departments depending on location and issue; the municipal code and city enforcement pages describe remedies and authority.[1][3]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence amounts or ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal of signs, abatement at owner’s expense, and administrative orders are available remedies as described by enforcement staff.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Code Enforcement accepts complaints and inspects alleged violations; contact information and online complaint submission are available from the City.[3]
  • Appeal and review: specific appeal procedures and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; contact Code Enforcement or the city department listed on the notice for appeal instructions.
If you receive a notice, act quickly to ask about appeal timelines and removal windows.

Applications & Forms

The City elections guidance addresses campaign sign placement and removal but does not publish a dedicated "campaign sign permit" form on the cited page; temporary sign permit or sign permit forms for other sign types are listed in the municipal code references and planning/permits pages.[2][1]

  • Published forms: specific campaign sign permit forms are not specified on the cited pages.
  • How to submit: contact Code Enforcement or the Planning/Building permit center for permit applications and fee schedules.

Common Violations

  • Placing signs in medians or within the public right-of-way.
  • Installing signs that obstruct sidewalks, driveways, or sightlines at intersections.
  • Failing to remove signs after the election or after a posted removal deadline.

Action Steps

  • Verify private property permission before posting signs.
  • Check the municipal sign code and the City elections guidance for location and size limits.[1][2]
  • If you receive a violation notice, contact Code Enforcement immediately to learn appeal steps and deadlines.[3]

FAQ

Do I need a permit to put campaign signs on private property?
Usually no formal campaign-sign permit is published on the City elections guidance page; obtain the landowner’s permission and follow size and setback rules in the municipal code.[2][1]
Can I place signs in the public right-of-way or on medians?
Signs in the public right-of-way or medians are generally prohibited for safety reasons; consult Code Enforcement guidance before placing any sign off private property.[3]
What happens if my sign is removed?
City staff may remove or order removal of unlawful signs; contact the department listed on the removal notice for recovery or appeal information.
Keep dated photos and property-owner permission to document compliance.

How-To

  1. Confirm the sign location is private property and obtain written permission from the property owner.
  2. Check the Long Beach municipal code and the City elections guidance for size, setback, and prohibited locations.[1][2]
  3. If in doubt, contact Code Enforcement or the Planning/Building permit center to ask whether a permit is required before installing signs.[3]
  4. Remove all campaign signs promptly after the election or by the posted removal deadline.

Key Takeaways

  • Prefer private-property placement with owner consent to avoid right-of-way violations.
  • Contact Code Enforcement for complaints, inspections, and to learn appeal steps.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Long Beach Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Long Beach - Campaign Signs guidance
  3. [3] Long Beach Code Enforcement

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