---

political signs

Political signs are an important part of election campaigns, but laws regarding when and where they can be placed can differ within the state, the county, and the cities. So, before you begin to put up political signs, be sure you understand the rules for all types of roadways.

State of Oregon | Benton County | City of Adair Village | City of Albany

City of Corvallis | City of Monroe | City of Philomath

State of Oregon

734-060-0175

Location: Temporary signs may be erected on private property within view of state highways, or on city or county property, subject to the approval of the controlling authority and the conditions and provisions imposed by such authority. Such signs are not permitted on state highway rights of way, on trees, utility poles, on right of way fences, right of way fence posts, natural features, in protected areas of the interstate system, in designated scenic areas or park lands. Installing signs from controlled access highway rights of way is not permitted.

Size: Overall size shall not exceed 12 square feet. However, a person wishing to erect a temporary sign that exceeds 12 square feet may apply to the Department’s Outdoor Advertising Control Office for a variance from the 12 square foot restriction. The Department may grant the variance for good cause shown. Good cause may include a showing that the content of the sign will not be visible to the public if the sign is 12 square feet or less, or a showing of hardship caused by the inability to use a previously-manufactured sign that complies with former size restrictions for temporary signs. A variance will not allow a sign that exceeds 32 square feet.

Erection and Removal: Signs erected under this rule are subject to the following conditions: a) Signs must be removed within 60 days after the date of erection; and b) Regulations prohibit other than official traffic control signs or devices on state highway rights of way. Any temporary sign located on a state highway right of way will be removed without notice. Other non-complying signs will be removed in accordance with ORS 377.775.

Signs erected under this rule are subject to the provisions of ORS 377.720 and to applicable federal requirements. No person or organization shall erect a temporary sign for the purpose of receiving compensation or other consideration for the act of displaying the sign.

For more information call 541-757-4211

Back to Top

Benton County

Under Oregon law (ORS 368.942) it is illegal to post any sign on a public right of way outside of a city. It has been the longstanding policy of Benton County to remove political signs which are placed in the public right of way. If it appears to any road supervisor or authorized public works employee to be obvious that the sign is in the public right of way, the sign will be immediately removed, returned to the County Shop, and be available for candidates or PACS to retrieve within seven (7) days after the completion of the election. After that time the signs will be destroyed.

For more information call Benton County Roads Shop at 541-766-6821

Back to Top

City of Adair Village

Permitted Residential Sign Standards: One non-illuminated temporary sign not exceeding 6 square feet in area for real estate purposes, garage or personal property sales, or political advertisement.

For more information call the City of Adair Village at 541-745-5507

Back to Top

City of Albany

Signs shall be erected and maintained entirely on private property with the consent of the occupant of the premises, and be limited to an area of 4 square feet per face in a Residential Zone and 8 square feet per face in a Commercial or Industrial Zone and a maximum dimension or height of 3 feet in a Residential Zone and 5 feet in a Commercial or Industrial Zone. Billboards are excluded from this provision.

Signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way, such as sidewalks and the landscaping strips adjacent to them. Signs cannot be placed in the clear vision area adjacent to driveways and intersections. No signs shall be erected or maintained on utility poles or upon trees, rocks or other natural features. Signs shall not be erected prior to 45 days from the applicable election, and shall be removed within 7 days after the election. Violation of this ordinance shall result in enforcement procedures against the candidate or property owner.

For more information call the City of Albany at 541-917-7550

Back to Top

City of Corvallis

Political signs shall be erected and maintained entirely on private property with the consent of the occupant of the premises. No signs are permitted on public property including rights-of-way; streets; boulevards; bridges; rights-of-way to bridges and streets; medians; parks; planting strips in front of parks; and any other public property. The area between the sidewalk and the street is not private property; it is a public right-of-way and signs are not allowed.

Political signs shall not be erected prior to 90 days from the applicable election, and shall be removed within 15 days after the election.

For more information call the City of Corvallis at 541-766-6901

Back to Top

City of Monroe

For more information call the City of Monroe at 541-847-5175

Back to Top

City of Philomath

Temporary political signs are exempt from the sign permit requirements – However, for the purpose of advertising candidates or issues: In Residential and Industrial zones, they may not exceed 32 square feet per side. In Commercial zones, they may not exceed 10 square feet per side.

For more information call the City of Philomath at 541-929-6148

Back to Top