By Kieran J. Purcell, Esq.
As political races heat up, you may notice more political signs in the community, which leads to questions such as: Can homeowners display political signs? If so, where can they post them? Perhaps most importantly, how soon after the election can we make them take down their signs?
You may find answers to these questions in your association’s governing documents, the California Civil Code, and local ordinances. The bad news is that you may not like the answers.
News flash: An association has the authority to restrict the placement of political signs in the common areas, while owners are generally permitted to display them on their separate interest property. Typically, an association’s CC&Rs grant the board of directors exclusive control over the common areas, including the placement of signs. Some CC&Rs may state that no signs are allowed to be displayed in the common area without permission from the board.
Nevertheless, some CC&Rs allow specific signage. For example, placing one (1) sign that follows customary and reasonable dimensions promoting a condominium for sale or lease.
Consequently, does this mean a board has no say in determining whether an owner may put political signs in the common area? Additionally, if an owner does place a political sign in the common area but fails to remove it promptly the association can remove it, correct? The answer to the first question is NO, and the answer to the second question is YES. To learn more about this, read Civil Code Section 4710.
Summarizing Civil Code Section 4710 “in a nutshell,” a homeowner may post political sign(s) not larger than nine (9) square feet made of statutorily permitted materials in or on his or her separate interest property. However, Civil Code Section 4710 does not grant a homeowner the right to post signs in the common area.
Supplemental Read >> Learn more about political signs, implications, and what associations can do about it here!
How long can a political sign be displayed before and after an election?
While CC&Rs rarely address time limitations for signs, many cities and counties have ordinances that specify time ranges during which political signs may be posted; for example, ninety (90) days before and ten (10) days after an election. It would be reasonable for an association to adopt a rule with similar time limitations for owners to post political signs within their association. Civil Code Section 4710 permits an association to restrict posting noncommercial signs on an owner’s separate interest property if it violates any applicable laws. Therefore, if an association would like to impose time limitations, an association may want to consider adopting rules that align with the time limitations set out in local ordinances with the help of legal counsel.
Okay, we have to let someone post a political sign. But just one! Right?
Maybe. Civil Code Section 4710(a) says governing documents may not prohibit noncommercial signs, posters, flags, or banners, all plural. Unless prohibiting the sign(s) serve(s) to protect public health or safety or if the posting or display violates a local, state, or federal law. For instance, (a) if an owner were to display an excessive number of flags near the street, obstructing drivers’ view of other vehicles, (b) if the city mandates a permit for a flagpole of a specific height and the owner has no permit, or (c) if the city imposes restrictions on the number of signs allowed on private property at any given time.
Needless to say, it is essential to carefully review an association’s CC&Rs before drafting or revising rules governing signs’ displayed in your communities and properties. If we can assist you in this process, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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