Election season is in full swing and the City has received a number of inquiries related to what is and what isn’t permitted related to political yard signs.
The City’s sign ordinances allow for the following:
- One ground sign per development unit (your yard) may be displayed year-round.
- During the election cycle, additional ground signs are permitted up to, but not more than, the total number of candidates and ballot issues for which a voter in the City may cast a ballot.
- Yard signs are limited to a maximum of 15 square feet.
- Yard signs may not be illuminated.
- No signs are permitted to be placed in the public right of way, including tree lawns.
- Signs cannot be posted within 15 feet of a side lot line.
- Temporary signs are not permitted on commercial properties where a ground sign already exists.
Sign content is protected under the First Amendment. Although a message may be considered disagreeable, it is a matter of free speech. Signs are also considered personal property. Trespassing, as well as theft and/or destruction of yard signs are punishable offenses.
Let’s continue to respect each other’s right to free speech as well as property for the duration of this election season.
Read the full text of the sign ordinance at CHAPTER 1171 Signs (amlegal.com).
If you have additional questions on what is permissible, or if you wish to report a nonconforming sign, please contact the Code Enforcement Department at codeenforcement@cityofmentor.com.