Campaign Signage Rules and Regulations

Note: All outdoor displays of signs, to include election and campaign signs, for or against candidates or issues, are regulated by the Johnston County Planning department. The Planning department is responsible for approving, resolving, and enforcing all sign-related issues and questions. This includes issues such as size, placement, and timing. Please direct all signage questions to the Planning department.

Election and Political Sign Regulations

This information is provided to assist candidates and their campaign staff in the placement of political signs. The Johnston County Code of Ordinances regulates the posting of signs erected in connection with an election, referendum, or political event. All candidates must comply with City and County Ordinances regarding signs. Illegally placed signs are subject to removal and disposal by Zoning Enforcement Officers. The actual ordinance provisions regulating these signs can be found in Article IX of the Johnston County Ordinances.

Timing

Signs may be displayed 60 days before the election day of the election in which the candidate is running. For example, if the individual is running in the general election but not in the primary, the signs can be posted 60 days before the day of the general election but not 60 days before the primary. Signs may be displayed at any time on private property with the permission of the property owner.

Sign Area and Height

Signs should not exceed 48 square feet in area nor exceed 8 feet in height. Signs should not contain animated or moving elements.

Permitted and Prohibited Locations

Signs should not be placed on utility poles, light fixtures, utility boxes, or trees. Signs should not block a driver's vision at intersections or driveways. Place signs outside of the sight triangles identified below. Signs on State rights-of-way may require permission from the NC Department of Transportation. This includes State and Federal highways in the county and State Routes (SR) in the county.

Sight Triangles

No material that would impede traffic visibility is allowed within the sight triangles. Sight triangles are as follows:

• Corner lots: A sight triangle shall be formed by extending lines from the intersection of two streets (measured from the edge of the right-of-way) to points 25 feet from the corner lot of the intersecting rights-of-way of the intersecting streets and then connecting these two points.
  
  
• Driveways and Intersections: A sight triangle shall be formed by measuring 10 feet from the edge of the road right-of-way and extending 70 feet from the edge of each side of the driveway or intersection.

After the Election

Signs must be removed within 10 days after the election or cessation of candidacy. Please recycle the signs were possible, rather than placing them in the general waste collection.

For more information regarding campaign signage, please contact the Johnston County Planning department directly.