Campaign Sign Rules & Permits - San Bernardino

Elections and Campaign Finance California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

In San Bernardino, California, campaign signs are regulated by the city's municipal code and enforced by City departments. This guide explains where signs may be placed, when a permit or approval is required, who enforces the rules, and how to comply with local time, size, and location limits. Read the municipal code and contact the Planning or Code Enforcement offices before installing signs on public property or in sensitive zones to avoid removal or citations.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of San Bernardino enforces sign rules through its Planning Division and Code Enforcement. Specific monetary fines for sign violations are not specified on the cited municipal code page; see the enforcement contacts below for current fee schedules and citation practices.[1]

  • Enforcer: City of San Bernardino Planning Division and Code Enforcement (complaints and inspections handled by these departments).
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; the municipal code refers enforcement to administrative citations and penalties in other chapters.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offenses are handled via administrative citation, abatement, or civil action — specific escalation amounts or ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal of signs, abatement at owner expense, stop-work or removal orders, and referral to code compliance hearings or court.
  • Inspection & complaints: file a complaint with City Code Enforcement or Planning; use the city complaint/contact pages listed in Resources.
Remove campaign signs promptly after elections to reduce the risk of abatement or citation.

Applications & Forms

The municipal code indicates when sign permits are required but does not publish a specific form or fee schedule on the cited code page. Applicants should contact the Planning Division or use the City Planning/Permitting portal for the Sign Permit application and fee information.[1]

Rules at a Glance

  • Placement: signs are generally not allowed in the public right-of-way, within traffic sight triangles, or on public utility poles unless expressly permitted.
  • Time limits: temporary campaign signs often have posting and removal time limits tied to election dates; check the Planning Division for local timeframes.
  • Permits: a sign permit or administrative approval may be required for certain sizes, locations, or commercial uses.
  • Size and number: municipal code sets dimensional limits and quantity restrictions by zoning district; verify for the property location.

FAQ

Can I place campaign signs on private property?
Yes, with the property owner's permission; you must still follow local size, location, and setback rules listed in the municipal code.
Are campaign signs allowed in the public right-of-way?
No, signs placed in the public right-of-way, on medians, or attached to public infrastructure are generally prohibited unless a permit or special authorization is explicitly granted.
What happens if my sign is removed by the city?
The city may abate and remove unauthorized signs and may issue administrative citations; retrieval and any associated fees or fines depend on the enforcement action and are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Check the City of San Bernardino municipal code for sign regulations and zoning-specific limits.
  2. Contact the Planning Division to confirm whether a sign permit or temporary sign authorization is required for your location.
  3. If a permit is required, submit the Sign Permit application, pay any fees, and wait for approval before installing signs.
  4. Place signs off the public right-of-way, outside sight triangles, and with proper setbacks; follow size and quantity rules for the zoning district.
  5. After the election, remove all campaign signs by the deadline; if signs are removed or cited, contact Code Enforcement to resolve the matter.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check the municipal code and consult Planning before posting signs.
  • Many sign placements require a permit or approval; failure to obtain one can lead to removal or citation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of San Bernardino Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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