Political Signs

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Cary regulates temporary signs according to their size and placement and not their content. The following guidance on political signs is provided in response to requests from citizens for guidance on this topic.

View a map of roads in Cary to see which roads are state, Cary, or privately-maintained streets.

Political Signs on NCDOT Streets

Political Signs on State (DOT) Owned Roads

NC General Statute 136-32 Regulation of signs addresses political signs on State (DOT) owned roads.

Sections (b) & (d) below:

(b) Compliant Political Signs Permitted. – During the period beginning on the 30th day before the beginning date of "one-stop" early voting under G.S. 163-227.2 and ending on the 10th day after the primary or election day, persons may place political signs in the right-of-way of the State highway system as provided in this section. Signs must be placed in compliance with subsection (d) of this section and must be removed by the end of the period prescribed in this subsection.

(d) Sign Placement. – The permittee must obtain the permission of any property owner of a residence, business, or religious institution fronting the right-of-way where a sign would be erected. Signs must be placed in accordance with the following:

(1) No sign shall be permitted in the right-of-way of a fully controlled access highway.

(2) No sign shall be closer than three feet from the edge of the pavement of the road.

(3) No sign shall obscure motorist visibility at an intersection.

(4) No sign shall be higher than 42 inches above the edge of the pavement of the road.

(5) No sign shall be larger than 864 square inches.

(6) No sign shall obscure or replace another sign.

Political Signs on Cary Streets

Political Signs on Private Property

Political signs placed on individual properties

Political Signs on Property (Political Signs are Regulated as Temporary Signs – No Permit is Required)
Requirement	Residential Property	Non-residential Property
Maximum Number	8	4
Maximum Sign Area	5 sq. ft.	3 signs, 5 sq. ft. 1 sign, 16 sq. ft.
Maximum Sign Height	42 inches	42 inches
Setback from Property Line	5 ft.	5 ft.

Where can I pick up political signs removed by Cary staff that did not meet the above regulations?

Political signs can be picked up at Town Hall (316 N. Academy Street) on the 3rd floor of the parking garage in the storage shed. For questions please call 311 within Cary or (919) 469-4000 outside of Cary.