POLITICAL SIGN INFORMATION – 2023 ELECTION

In Lansing, political yard signs for the 2023 Election can be placed beginning Sat., Sept. 23 - 45 days prior to the Nov. 7 election. On occasion, some political signs have been placed contrary to local regulations and City staff reminds candidates to be careful where they put their outdoor signage. The following is a guideline for candidates and supporters:    

1.   Political Signs: Political campaign signs, not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area in residential districts and sixteen (16) square feet in commercial districts, may be displayed no more than 45 days prior to, and two (2) days following an election.

2.  Oversized Signs: Signs larger than the permissible size must obtain a sign permit (no fee charged) for City staff to track locations of larger signs.

Now, there’s an easy way to apply for a political sign permit - http://permits.lansingks.org

Under building and codes, there’s an “Apply for a Sign Permit” that says: This application is for sign permits for the city of Lansing, including permits for new signage on existing buildings, and political signs during election seasons.

3.  Private Property: No sign shall be placed on any private property without the consent of the owner of the property.

4.   Prohibitions: While signs are now temporarily allowed in the road Right-Of-Way, they are not allowed in areas where they block motorists’ line of sight – within 300 feet of an intersection, for example. Signs found in these areas will be picked up and retained for a period of five (5) working days, then disposed of.

According to the sign ordinance, political signs are banned from being attached to traffic signs or devices, trees, stones, fence posts and utility poles. State statute also prohibits the placement of political yard signs and other campaign materials within a radius of 250 ft. of a polling location’s entrance.

When a sign is placed in a non-conforming location, the candidate or property owner, if readily available, will be contacted and asked to remove the sign. Should it not be removed or the responsible person not immediately available, city staff will remove the sign, which will then be stored for a short period of time, allowing the candidate a chance to retrieve it. If a sign is not retrieved, it will be disposed of.   

For questions about compliance, contact the Lansing Code Enforcement Officer at 913-727-5488.