Every election year, people want to know the City of Roseville’s rules about campaign and political signs, which are protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This Q&A addresses some of the top inquiries.
Does the City of Roseville regulate campaign or political signs?
The City of Roseville does not have special regulations for campaign or political signs, but instead treats them as non-commercial signs (meaning any sign that is not for a commercial/business purpose) and regulates them the same as all other non-commercial signs. This regulation of non-commercial signs includes political signs, campaign signs, and other signage that are not associated with a commercial or business purpose.
What are the City of Roseville’s size restrictions for non-commercial signs (including political or campaign signs) when it’s not election season?
Political or campaign yard signs, window signs and/or banners—like any non-commercial sign— can be displayed year-round on private property, as long as:
- Each individual sign/banner is 6 square feet or less; and
- There is not more than 6 total square feet of signage on their property.
For example: A person could have one 2x3 foot political sign on their property, or they could have two 1x3 foot political signs, or six 1x1 foot political signs, etc. They just cannot exceed 6 total square feet.
When does the City of Roseville allow more than the normal 6 square feet of signage and how much more?
Ninety days prior to and up to ten 10 days after an election, the City of Roseville allows more signage than the 6 square feet allowed during the rest of the year. In this time period, a property may have:
- Not more than 128 total square feet of signage on their property; and
- Each individual sign/banner cannot exceed 6 square feet.
What is the City of Roseville’s stance regarding political and campaign signs on private vehicles?
Political or campaign signs—like any non-commercial sign—are allowed, including magnetic car signs, bumper stickers, banners, magnets, wraps, etc., as long as they are for a non-commercial purpose (meaning not associated with any business or commercial purpose). Remember, however, that any improper or unsafe use of a sign may violate other vehicle codes (such as blocking a driver’s visibility, etc.) by interfering with the safe operation of the vehicle.
Are flags treated differently than non-commercial signs (including political and campaign signs)?
Yes, flags are treated differently. Flags must be on a proper flagpole. The flagpole must be:
- No taller than 35 feet (unless a building permit has been obtained);
- A minimum of 5 feet from any property line.
For a single family or two-family lot:
- Only one flagpole is authorized per lot;
- No more than two flags may be flown on one flagpole, including a flagpole attached to a house.
Flags not on a flagpole are considered freestanding signs and are regulated as such and require a permit.
Are political or campaign signs or any non-commercial signs permitted on public property, including along any public right of way adjacent to a roadway?
No. Political or campaign signage, along with other commercial or non-commercial signs, are not allowed on publicly owned property. Publicly owned property means any property owned by the City of Roseville (even if open to the public), including sidewalks, streets, landscape areas/medians, light poles, electric poles, traffic signals, parks, along any public right of way, etc.
Can I place campaign or political signs on open land or other private property without the owner’s permission?
No. Signs may not be placed on private property without the permission of the property owner or tenant.
Can campaign or political signs be placed in Districts other than the District where a candidate is currently running?
Yes. Roseville City Councilmembers are elected by district, but serve the entire City of Roseville. Campaign and political signs can be placed outside of the district where the candidate is running, so long as they are on private property (with the private property owner’s or tenant’s permission) and otherwise follow the regulations for non-commercial signage discussed above.
What happens if I find a campaign/political sign that violates these rules?
If you believe a sign exists in violation of the City of Roseville’s rules, please report it to the City of Roseville using the MyRSVL App or online.
If the City of Roseville is made aware of a potential violation, it will follow its normal Code Enforcement process to investigate and resolve the violation. This includes removing signage from publicly owned property or starting with an investigation and warning, potentially culminating in citations and monetary fines.
Once a sign has been removed by the City, it may be retrieved upon the payment of an administrative fine of $10 for each sign smaller than 9 square feet and $20 for each larger sign. In lieu of paying an administrative fine, a person may retrieve a sign upon signing an administrative citation. A sign that has been removed by the City may be considered abandoned if it is not retrieved within 15 calendar days after the date of such removal and may be disposed of by the City.