Solano Registrar of Voters Issues Reminder of Campaign Sign Guidelines

Special to Dixon Patch

SOLANO COUNTY – With the Nov. 8 election rapidly approaching, campaign signs are popping up all over the county like mushrooms following the recent rains.

Candidates should be aware of local ordinances controlling the placement and size of signs.  Generally, signs on public property are prohibited or regulated by the respective cities.  If candidates or voters have questions or doubts, the first place they should go for information is the city clerk.

“A common rule of etiquette in placing signs is to request and receive permission of the property owner prior to placing a sign on private property,” said Lindsey McWilliams, Solano County Assistant Registrar of Voters.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has specific sign requirements for political signs, including a Statement of Responsibility, which must be completed before posting signs visible to state-maintained roadways.  For details, go to http://www.dot.ca.gov/oda/political_signs.htm.

Candidates and their campaigns should also be aware that signs are specifically prohibited from being posted on Solano County property. Any sign posted on County property will be removed and disposed of.

Solano County Ordinance Sec. 28.66.070(2) Campaign Signs details the guidelines for campaign signage. Campaign signs are allowed without a sign permit if:

• Signs are installed on private property with the property owner(s) consent.
• Signs are placed no more than 60 days prior to the election.
• The size of the sign does not exceed 12 square feet in an area within residential zoning districts and 32 square feet in an area within nonresidential zoning districts.

All campaign signs must be removed within seven days following the election.