Salisbury, MD – Election day is fast approaching and with that comes the bloom of political signage across the City of Salisbury. While civic engagement is a key part of the City’s success, it is important that property owners, campaign workers, volunteers and candidates all take note of the City’s rules regarding political signage.
“With the campaign season in full swing, we wanted to provide some guidance on sign placement on public/city property, utility easements, and other spots that campaigns and supporters often place signs, and how we will respond when we receive complaints about signs,” Director of Housing and Community Development Muir Boda said. “We are approaching this in a manner that will be consistent and fair, so if you receive communication about a sign that we request to be removed or moved into compliance, we ask that you and your campaign team react to the requests within 24 to 48 hours. If we notice that the sign has not been abated, HCDD will either abate (place the sign in compliance) or we will remove the sign and notify the campaign that signs may be picked up during HCDD office hours Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 207 W. Main St., Suite 102.”
Political means a sign which is designed to influence the action of the voters either for the passage or defeat of a measure appearing on the ballot at any national, state or local election or which is designed to influence the action of the voters either for the election or defeat of a candidate for nomination or election to any public office at any national, state or local election.
Also as a reminder, City of Salisbury Zoning Code, Section 17.216.200B.11. states that the following signs do not require a permit.
“One or more political campaign signs which, in aggregate, do not exceed a total of thirty-two (32) square feet in area, set back at least fifteen (15) feet from the curbline, on any privately owned lot, except where a building is located less than fifteen (15) feet from the curbline and, in that event, the setback is the lesser of fifteen (15) feet or the distance between the building and the curbline. Each such sign may not be erected more than ninety (90) days prior to the nomination, election or referendum and must be removed within seven days after the election or referendum, except that the candidates who won the primary may continue to display their signs until the final election”
