With election season underway, the cities of Bellefontaine and Urbana are reminding residents that political signs are subject to local rules.
Bellefontaine officials say campaign and issue signs are welcome on private property, but they cannot be placed in the street lawn or boulevard — the area between the sidewalk and the street.
Signs placed in the boulevard may be removed by the city without notice.
The rule applies regardless of the candidate, issue, or message.
Urbana has similar restrictions.
The city’s sign code says political signs may only be placed on private property with the owner’s permission and prohibits them from being placed in public rights-of-way.
Signs found in a right-of-way can be removed without advance notice.
Code also limits political signs to the 45 days before an election and requires them to be removed within five days after the election.
Both cities say the restrictions help keep public rights-of-way clear and safe while allowing residents to display political signs on private property.
