In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 136-32.
(b-e), 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 NC DOT maintained roads. For reference, the following definition of “political sign” is given below in the general statute, and sign placement standards.
The City will be following the same guideline as stated above for City maintained right-of-ways. Based on interpretation of this ordinance and general statute, this provision will NOT apply to signs placed on private property and not located within the right-of-way.
(c) Definition. – For purposes of this section, “political sign” means any sign that advocates for political action. The term does not include a commercial sign.
(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.
For reference, early voting starts on February 17, 2022, with election day on March 8, 2022. Signs may be posted in NC DOT right-of-ways and City maintained right-of-ways from January 18, 2022 to March 18, 2022.