Where Can I Put Yard Signs? A Guide to Legal and Effective Placement
By: eSigns | February 14, 2025
Yard signs have many uses, from promoting real estate properties and businesses to spreading awareness and announcing political support. These signs are typically placed on a street-facing lawn to catch the attention of passersby.
Although you’d probably want to display your yard signs in the most visible, high-traffic locations, certain rules and guidelines may prohibit you. So, to avoid hefty penalties and legal issues, eSigns.com shares some tips to help you determine where to put your signs legally and effectively.
1. Check your local zoning laws
If you are planning to install a yard sign on your private property, it is still important to check the local zoning laws and ordinances. Some municipalities regulate signs even on personal properties to protect the public’s safety and maintain community character.
For example, the local government could prohibit the use of yard signs that create a safety hazard by obstructing the view of motorists and pedestrians.
Local Regulations for Signages Resources:
- Local government website - Look for zoning information or “Sign Regulations” pages.
- Municipal code libraries - Some local communities offer databases that are accessible to the public.
- Zoning department hotlines - Call your local zoning hotline to get quick answers.
2. Check HOA regulations.
If you live in a neighborhood governed by the homeowners’ association, check their guidelines for the use of signs. Note that your dealings with the HOA are a contract between private bodies, thus your Constitutional rights to free speech (which includes the right to display signs on private property) may not always apply.
Although the HOA may impose restrictions on signs that the government cannot, the rules must be enforced uniformly. For example, it could not prohibit you from displaying the political signs of Candidate A but would allow other residents to display the campaign signs of Candidate B. In this scenario, the sign ordinance is unconstitutional.
3. Avoid using yard signs on public right-of-way.
Don’t use yard signs on public roads, sidewalks, and other public rights-of-way to avoid hefty fines and other penalties. Also, refrain from attaching signs to roadside trees that could obstruct visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
However, some cities allow temporary sign placement on sidewalks if you apply for a permit, which may entail these requirements:
- • Signs must be displayed in front of your business and on the same side of the street.
- • They should not be attached to street trees.
- • They must not obstruct the main building’s entrance and exit.
- • They should not cause significant obstruction to the pedestrians using the sidewalks.
4. Avoid attaching signs to public infrastructure.
Attaching signs to public infrastructure like utility poles, subway stairs, and park benches is prohibited unless you secure the necessary permits.
If you want to use signs in public places or infrastructures, look for community spaces that permit temporary signages for events and announcements.
5. Respect other people’s private property.
If you need to place a sign on someone else’s property, whether it is a commercial or residential area, always ask for the owner’s permission first.
Most cities and municipalities allow residents to display signs in their yards or on their personal property provided the signs stay within the property line, meet reasonable requirements, and do not cause public safety hazards.
6. Follow election laws for political signs.
Many cities impose time limits on political signs on public properties. Some local ordinances also require the removal of event-specific signs after a certain period of time (usually 30 days following the event).
Although cities and municipalities have their own regulations for political signs, there are some common restrictions and limitations that are worthwhile to mention:
- • Even on your own personal property, there are limits to how your yard signs are displayed. For example, if the signs are causing visual obstruction for the motorists or blocking firefighter access, the city could take them down.
- • Although some states do not allow HOAs to fully ban political signs, they may allow restrictions based on size and number of signs.
- • You cannot install political signs on roads, sidewalks, and rights-of-way.
- • Many states restrict the use of political signs within 50 feet to 200 feet of any polling site entrance.
7. Prioritize visibility.
Yard signs are best seen at a 90-degree angle from viewers and with no obstructions. They should also be used in high-traffic areas like intersections and street corners (only if permitted), near business entrances, storefronts, parking lots, and event venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep my yard sign up?
Political and event-specific signs may have time limits. Check your local regulations to ensure that your yard signs adhere to them.
Do I need a permit for my sign?
You may not need a permit for signs to be used on your personal property. However, displaying them on public roads and infrastructure typically requires permits. Check with your zoning department.
What are the rules for political signs?
Cities and municipalities have different requirements and restrictions on political signs. Check the local ordinances to make sure you adhere to them.
Can I place yard signs on public utility poles?
No. This is illegal and may pose safety hazards.
Conclusion
Understanding local regulations and ordinances and following best practices can make the use of yard signs effective, visible, and legal.
If you need yard signs but don’t know where to begin in terms of the design process, eSigns offers free templates for different industries, themes, and events.
eSigns also offers three types of yard sign stakes, including spider, standard wire, and heavy-duty wire stakes. The ideal mounting option is determined by a few factors, such as the yard’s size, location, weather, and duration of use.