Political Signs

Why can't we ban offensive signs?

The First Amendment of the Constitution protects the right to free speech, which includes political speech. This means that restrictions on political signs that are deemed to be content-based or discriminatory could be seen as unconstitutional. There are certain legal protections in place for political speech, including the display of political signs.

No sign shall obstruct or interfere with traffic or traffic visibility

Section 1157.03(e)

• 1157.03(f) Temporary signs shall not be illuminated
• 1157.03(g) No sign may project, or be mounted over any public street, sidewalk or on any public right-of-way
• 1157.03(i) No sign shall be placed, displayed or erected in the public right-of-way or on public property without written approval from the City Manager
• 1157.03(j) No snipe signs shall be placed erected or displayed within the City
• 1157.02(64) Snipe sign means a temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, utility pole, fence, etc.
• 1157.03(o) No sign shall be erected or placed on any property without the consent of the owner.
• 1157.03(p) No sign shall be placed where it blocks or impedes sight lines for any person, pedestrian or operator of a vehicle on a public right-of-way, driveway or sidewalk.

Signs Permitted in all Districts without a Permit Code 

Section 1157.06

• 1157.06(e)(4) No temporary sign in any R-1, R-1A, R-2 or R-3 District shall exceed eight square feet per sign face. No temporary sign in any other district shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per sign face.
• 1157.06(e)(5) Signs designated to be moved on trailer wheels, skids or similar devices shall be permitted as temporary signage, providing they are otherwise in conformance.
• 1157.06(e)(6) Signs associated with a campaign, election or other civic affair provided that they do not exceed ten square feet, shall be located no closer than five feet from the right-of-way and are removed within five days after the affair.