Yard Signs Regulations

Temporary signs like garage sale, election, sports league and contractor signs are common in our neighborhoods. They're defined as any sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other similar materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a short period of time. They don't usually require a permit.

Keep in mind that if a sign in the right of way or on public property doesn't comply with City regulations, it can be removed by City staff or volunteers. To avoid this, make sure you're following the right rules for the current circumstances.

General temporary sign rules that always apply:

  • Signs may not be placed in public parks or on other public property.
  • Signs may not exceed 6 square feet in area or 4 feet in height.
  • Signs may not exceed 5 pounds in weight, including both the sign and its mounting system.
  • Signs may not be placed within the required sight-distance setback triangle (see the diagram at the bottom of this page).
  • Signs must be placed with the consent of the property owner.

When we aren't in an election period:

  • Signs are not allowed in the public right-of-way (see definition at the bottom of this page).;
  • Signs must be set back at least five feet from the public right-of-way line.
  • Signs must be removed once they've been posted for 90 days.

An election period is 45 days before and two days after any primary, general or special election. During this time:

  • Signs are allowed in the right of way but must be set back 6 feet from the back of the curb. They cannot be placed between the back of the curb and a sidewalk or trail.
  • They must be removed from the right of way before and after the applicable election period. They can remain in a yard for up to 90 days, as long as they are out of the right of way.

Right of Way

General rules for determining the public right of way:

  • On streets with sidewalks or trails, the public right of way line is considered 1 foot behind the sidewalk or trail.
  • If only one side of the street does not have a sidewalk or trail, the public right of way line should be measured a similar distance from the back of curb as the opposite side of the street containing the sidewalk or trail.
  • If the street does not have any sidewalk or trail, the public right of way line is considered 11 feet from back of curb.

Please note that the public right of way is not uniform throughout the city. If you are in doubt about a specific sign location in the public right of way, call Community Development at 913.477.7500.

 

Sight Distance Triangle

This diagram shows the sight distance triangle as defined by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Temporary signs are never allowed in this area, even during an election period.

AASHTO sight distance triangle

Back to top