Special to 1808Delaware
Election season is beginning in the City of Delaware and the City has received several inquiries related to what is and what isn’t permitted related to political yard signs or temporary signs in general. Here are some general rules regarding temporary yard signs within the City of Delaware.
- Temporary signs should be no larger than 4 square feet and be no higher than 4 feet from the ground.
- No signs may be placed in the public right of ways or in public spaces. All
temporary signs placed in the right of ways are subject to immediate removal and
disposal. Public right of ways are generally areas between the sidewalks along a
street or roadway that includes the tree lawn area and the roadway. - Temporary freestanding signs shall be located at least ten (10) feet from a public
right-of-way or side lot line. - No signs should be placed in an area that would impair visibility at an intersection. Each residential lot or business lot is permitted to erect one (1) general temporary sign.
- Residential lots may erect additional general temporary signs simultaneously for a
period not to exceed forty-five (45) consecutive days during the general elections
in the Spring and Fall. - Banners being placed in non-residential lots will be required to obtain a
temporary sign permit through the City of Delaware Planning Department. Banners are limited to 32 Sq Ft in size. - Permitted temporary banners shall be 10’ from the right-of-way or highway
easement.
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.
Source: City of Delaware; Image: Creative Commons License
