Political Sign Usage - City Codes
Cities in Johnson County provide this information for the convenience of candidates.
The Election Office assumes no responsibility for the contents. If you have
comments or questions about city codes for political signs, please direct
them to your City Hall.
De Soto, Edgerton, Fairway, Gardner, Lake Quivira, Leawood, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission, Mission Hills, Mission Woods, Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Shawnee, Spring Hill, Westwood, Westwood Hills.
De Soto
De Soto City Hall - (913) 583-1182
Zoning Regulations, Article 7 - Sign Regulations
(6) "Political Election Signs", not exceeding a total of 20 square feet in area on a lot of record zoned for non-residential purposes, or which is vacant and unplatted, regardless of the zoning district classification; and not exceeding a total of ten square feet on a lot of record in a residential zone district. Political election signs shall be displayed for no more than a 60-day period that may extend before, during and after a public election. Political election signs shall not be placed on or otherwise affixed to any public structure or sign, right-of-way, sidewalk, utility pole, street lamp post, tree or other vegetative matter, or any public park or other public property.
The City recognizes that the expression of political speech is an important and constitutionally protected right; that political election signs have certain characteristics that distinguish them from many of the other types of signs permitted and regulated by the City, including the fact that these signs generally do not meet the regular structural design of permanent signs, given their temporary nature; that political election signs therefore present a potential hazard to persons and property; and that the City must impose reasonable time limits on the display of political election signs for these reasons.
Edgerton City Hall - (913) 893-6231
No current regulations or rules. Removal of all signs, following the election, would be greatly appreciated.
Fairway City Hall - (913) 262-0350
Political Signs:
Article 3, Signs. Section 11-301-302-303. Prohibits any sign to be placed on public property or within the public right of way. No signs may be posted on utility poles or traffic signs. All signs placed in public right of way will be removed.
Article 1. Zoning Regulations, Section 15-107. Removal of Signs. Political signs are the same as for sale of property signs and the contractors advertising construction. All signs must be removed after the end of the election.
Article 1. Section 15-117. Signs in Business Districts must have prior Planning Commission and Council approval.
Political signs may be placed on a residential property with the property owner's permission. Excessive number of signs or large types of signs located on one lot that may create a nuisance are not allowed.
Gardner City Hall - (913) 856-7535
1201.11 - Temporary Signs.
All political signs, real estate signs, garage sale signs, or other signs of a temporary nature shall conform with the following requirements:
A. General Require - Temporary Signs:
- No temporary signs of any nature shall be attached to any public utility pole or shall be installed within the right-of-way of a public road or street.
- 2. No temporary sign shall be erected without the property owner's permission.
- 3. It shall be the responsibility of the person who causes the temporary sign to be erected to see that the temporary sign is removed within 30 days, unless specifically noted otherwise.
B. Political Signs
- 1. Political signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in face area.
- 2. Such sign shall be at least ten (10) feet from the property line.
- 3. Political signs designating a political event or particular person shall be no closer than seventy (70) feet apart.
- 4. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner who gives written permission for the use of his/her property for such signs, or the political party for the political candidate, to have these signs removed not later than five (5) days after the election or event to which they pertain and they shall not be erected earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the election or event to which they pertain.
Lake Quivira City Hall - (913) 631-5300
Political signs are not permitted at any time.
Leawood City Hall - (913) 339-6700
Section 4-5.14 of the Leawood Development Ordinance: Schedule of Sign Regulations
Informational Signs / Election Signs
- Maximum 5 square feet per sign.
- Maximum of one per event, issue, candidate or belief for any particular lot.
- Maximum of one sign allowed all year long. However an unlimited number will be allowed 50 days or less prior to a public election to be held in the City of Leawood.
- No sign shall be placed closer than 5 feet to the edge of the pavement or curb of the street.
Lenexa City Hall - (913) 477-7500
All political signs must comply with the following temporary sign regulations:
Section 4-1-E-4-I, Temporary Signs: Except as otherwise provided in this code, temporary signs do not require sign permits. Temporary signs that do not require a sign permit (political signs included), shall be allowed on any property of the same size as allowed for real estate signs. Temporary signs may be posted for ninety (90) days, at which time they shall be removed or replaced.
Location of Signs:
- No sign may be located within the public right-of-way. (The right of way extends approximately 10 feet from the curb.)
- Signs must be setback at least 5 feet from the right-of-way line.
- Signs to be located at street intersection or driveway entrances to a public or private street shall be properly sighted to ensure a permanently safe sight distance.
Size of Signs:
- On a single-family lot or single duplex or multi-family unit, or on a multi-family tract of 1 acre or less: The sign must not exceed 6 square feet in area, 4 feet in height.
- On a multi-family parcel of greater than 1 acre: The sign must not exceed 16 square feet in area, 8 feet in height.
- On nonresidential parcels with less than 400 feet of public street frontage: The sign must not exceed 20 square feet in area, 8 feet in height.
- On nonresidential parcels with 400 feet or more of public street frontage: The sign must not exceed 32 square feet in area, 8 feet in height.
- On parcels with 800 or more feet of street frontage adjacent to freeway or frontage road right of way: The sign shall not exceed 64 square feet in area, 12 feet in height.
Merriam City Hall - (913) 322-5500
Merriam Municipal Code Section 5-93(I)
Political Signs:
(I) Political signs may be permitted on any property except public property which is defined for purposes of this Section as public right-of-way and City-owned property, subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 5-95A and D and subject to the following size restrictions:
- 1. On a single-family lot or single duplex or multi-family unit, or on a multi-family tract of 1 acre or less, the sign shall not exceed 6 square feet, 4 feet in height, and shall not be illuminated.
- 2. On a multi-family parcel of greater than 1 acre, the sign shall not exceed 16 square feet and no portion of the sign shall exceed 8 feet in height.
- 3. On non-residential parcels with less than 400 feet of public street frontage, the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and no portion of the sign shall exceed 8 feet in height.
- 4. On non-residential parcels with 400 feet or more of public street frontage, the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and no portion of the sign shall exceed 8 feet in height.
- 5. On parcels with 800 or more feet of street frontage adjacent to freeway or frontage road right-of-way, the sign shall not exceed 64 square feet in area and no portion of the sign shall exceed 12 feet in height.
Merriam Municipal Code Section 5-95(A) & (D)
Setback and Location of Signs:
- A. Not in Public Right Of Way: No sign, except government approved traffic-control signs, shall be located within the public right of way. A projecting sign located on a building abutting the right-of-way may extend into and over the right of way, provided such projecting sign shall not exceed 24 square feet and shall be mounted so that the lowest part of the sign is at least 8 feet above the adjacent grade.
- D. Signs Near Intersections: All signs at street intersections or driveway entrances to a public or private street shall be properly sited to ensure a permanently safe sight distance.
Mission City Hall - (913) 722-3685
Sign Ordinance No. 593
11-603-3. Exemptions: A permit shall not be required for the following listed signs. These exemptions, however, shall apply only to the requirement for a permit and shall not be construed as relieving the owner of such sign from the responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe condition.
11-603-3-8. Political signs not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area, which make known the name of and information concerning a political campaign of any nature: provided, that such signs shall not be placed or erected sooner than six (6) weeks before the applicable election or campaign and shall be removed no later than two (2) weeks after the general election, that no political sign shall be placed in or on the public right-of-way, that no political sign shall be placed or erected in or on any private property without the express permission of the owner or occupant of such property.
Mission Hills City Hall - (913) 362-9620
Political Signs in Mission Hills - Ordinance passed by the City Council - 02/12/01
What is a political sign?
- A political sign is any noncommercial sign or banner advertising a political party or candidate, issue, belief or social or charitable activity.
When may political signs be displayed?
- 30 days before the election date for any election being conducted in Johnson County by a governmental entity.
When is the election date?
- The election date is the last day on which a vote may be cast in person, by mail or other means. It is not the date on which a ballot may first be cast by mail or otherwise.
When must a sign be removed?
- All political signs must be removed within 2 days after the election date.
How many political signs are allowed in a homeowner's yard?
- 5 is the maximum number of political signs that may be displayed at any one time.
What size of political signs is allowed?
- Political signs are limited in size to 5 square feet in total area and may only be 2 1/2 feet across and no more than 3 1/2 feet off the ground.
Where may political signs be placed?
- Political signs may be placed anywhere in a yard, except they cannot be closer than 5 feet to the front curb or side property line.
Contact the Mission Woods City Clerk at (913) 236-8926 for information.
Olathe City Hall - (913) 782-2600
The Unified Development Ordinance for the City of Olathe allows the placement of political signs in accordance with the section 18.64.050 H. The following pertains exclusively to political signage placed within the city of Olathe, Kansas.
18.64.130 Temporary Signs
A. Findings:
- The Governing Body finds that temporary signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of noncommercial and commercial messages. In the case of certain noncommercial messages, temporary signs may provide the only effective and economically viable avenue of communication. However, if left completely unregulated, the proliferation of temporary signs constructed of non-durable materials could become a threat to public safety as a traffic hazard and a detriment to property values and the City's overall public welfare as an aesthetic nuisance. In order to accommodate legitimate needs of residents and landowners for temporary signs without compromising the City's interest in traffic safety, aesthetics and preservation of property values, temporary signs may be posted on property in the City, subject to the following requirements and those applicable provisions stated elsewhere in this chapter.
B. General requirements applicable to all temporary signs.
- 1. No temporary sign shall obstruct or impair access to a public sidewalk, public or private street or driveway, traffic control sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, or any other type of street furniture, or otherwise create a hazard, including a tripping hazard. In all cases such signs shall be placed outside the sight distance triangle.
- 2. Temporary signs shall be designed, constructed or mounted so as to be reasonably stable under all weather conditions, including high winds.
- 3. No temporary sign shall be illuminated or painted with light-reflecting paint.
- 4. Temporary signs shall only be posted with the consent of the property owner or occupant.
- 5. Except where more stringent time limitations are imposed elsewhere in this section, a temporary sign may be posted for a period of up to sixty (60) days, within the calendar year at which time the sign shall be removed or replaced.
- 6. No temporary sign shall advertise or promote any commercial enterprise or event not conducted on the same building lot.
C. Temporary signs in District AG and Residential Districts.
- 1. In addition to other signs permitted by this chapter, in District AG and all Residential Districts, a maximum of two (2) temporary signs may be displayed at any time. All such signs shall be yard signs and the total surface are of each sign face shall not exceed four (4) square feet per face. A maximum of two (2) sign faces is permitted for each sign.
- 2. Special Real Estate Signs: Special real estate events shall be allowed the use of pennants or flags under the following conditions:
- a. In conjunction with area-wide tour events.
- b. The opening of a new subdivision or the new phase of an existing subdivision. In this instance, pennants and business flags shall only be permitted for one (1), fifteen- (15)-day period every six (6) months.
- c. One (1) other special event similar to (a) above and limited to one (1), fifteen- (15)-day period per year such as open house or model house.
- d. No fee is required for these signs.
D. Temporary signs in Commercial Districts and Industrial Districts:
- 1. One (1) sign per street frontage or building.
- 2. The maximum size shall be no larger than that permitted for permanent wall signs.
- 3. Signs shall be permitted to be displayed a maximum of either one (1), sixty- (60)-day period per year or two (2), thirty- (30)-day periods per calendar year.
- 4. Pennants, banners or flags shall be permitted to be displayed a maximum of four (4), thirty- (30)-day periods per calendar year. In no case shall a thirty (30) day period be carried-over from month to month consequently.
- 5. Inflatable devices up to thirty (30) feet in height shall be permitted, except on roofs.
- 6. Searchlights shall be permitted from dusk to midnight.
E. Temporary Special Events:
- Temporary special events, such as sidewalk sales, civic club events, school activities, etc., shall be permitted to have temporary signs, banners, flags or pennants, after a sign permit is obtained, in accordance with Section 18.64.030. No fee is required for these signs.
F. Real Estate Sign:
- 1. Single-Family and Two-Family Districts: Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet per face, with two (2) faces per sign permitted. The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed six (6) feet. A maximum of three (3) signs per lot shall be permitted.
- 2. Multifamily, Commercial and Industrial Districts: Such signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area per face with two (2) faces permitted. The sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height. A maximum of two (2) signs shall be permitted for each project. In addition, one (1) real estate sign, not exceeding four (4) square feet per face, with a maximum of two (2) faces permitted, and a maximum height of six (6) feet shall be permitted.
- 3. Undeveloped Land for Sale Signs: In lieu of the signs permitted in paragraphs 1 and 2 above, undeveloped and un platted land over ten (10) acres in size shall be permitted two (2) "For Sale" signs not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area per face, with two (2) faces permitted. The signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
G. Removal or Replacement:
- 1. The person who has posted or directed the posting of a temporary sign is responsible for the removal or replacement of that sign in accordance with this chapter.
- 2. If that person does not remove or replace the temporary sign in accordance with this chapter, then the property owner or occupant of the building lot where the sign is posted is responsible for the sign's removal or replacement.
- 3. The zoning enforcement officer is authorized to remove any temporary signs posted in violation of this chapter that are not removed or replaced in accordance with the provision above. Temporary signs posted on private property in violation of this chapter shall be deemed a public nuisance, and the zoning enforcement officer may abate that nuisance in accordance with Section 18.64.
- 4. The zoning enforcement officer may immediately remove temporary signs posted on public property or rights-of-way in violation of this chapter.
- 5. All real estate signs shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the sale or occupancy of the property.
- 6. All other commercial temporary signs, including those announcing yard sales and special events to occur on one or more particular dates, shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the conclusion of the sale or event that the sign is promoting, provided that the sign shall not be posted for more than sixty (60) days in a calendar year.
Overland Park City Hall - (913) 895-6000
Ordinance No ZRR-2187 - Section 2 Overland Park Municipal Code Section - 18.440.130 Political Signs.
A. Political signs may be placed on private property only after permission has been granted by the owner of the property or his or her authorized agent. Political signs may be placed on the unpaved public right of way adjacent to private property, provided the owner or agent of the adjacent private property has granted permission, and such signs comply with all other applicable code provisions. Any such sign placed on public right of way adjacent to private property shall be included within the maximum number of signs permitted on that adjacent tract of land. No political signs are permitted on public right of way adjacent to public property.
B. Political signs shall be nonilluminated.
C. The maximum permissible area and number of political signs shall be as follows:
- 1. On land that is vacant and unplatted, regardless of the zoning, or on land that is zoned for industrial, commercial, office or business uses, such signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet per face with a maximum of three (3) signs per tract. If a tract shall include land meeting the requirements of both Sections 18.440.130 (C)(1) and (C)(2), the entire tract shall be entitled to the maximum number and size of signs as specified in (C)(1).
- 2. On land that is platted or developed for residential uses, such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet per face, with a maximum of three signs per lot.
D. It shall be unlawful for any person, to place or allow to remain on any private or public property within the City, any vehicle designed or used for the primary purpose of displaying a political sign in a stationary manner. A vehicle that is temporarily stationary or in motion may display political signs so long as such signs, as displayed when the vehicle is stationary, do not interfere with its ability to lawfully operate on the public right of way. A vehicle shall be considered temporarily stationary when such vehicle is engaged in the regular business, transportation or work of the owner, is temporarily parked or stopped between such usage, and is not used merely, mainly or primarily to display political signs.
E. No political sign shall be positioned in a manner which may cause a reduction in intersection sight distances or create any other hazard to life or safety.
F. Political signs shall not be placed, painted, marked, written, posted or otherwise affixed to or on:
- 1. Any public building or any public bridge.
- 2. Any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, paved portion of any street or highway, any street or highway interchange, or the median strip of any divided street or highway.
- 3. Any street sign or any traffic sign or signal or any railroad sign, signal or trestle.
- 4. Any telephone, telegraph, electric light, power, street lamp post or any other utility pole or line, or any fire hydrant.
- 5. Any tree or other vegetation on public property, including without being limited to those in the right of way.
- 6. Any public park or open space area, bench, drinking fountain, or other public property.
G. With respect to political signs relating to a political campaign, the candidate for such office shall be presumed to be the person responsible for the posting of such sign, unless written notice has been given to the City of the name, address, telephone number and signed consent of such other responsible person. All notices concerning campaign sign violations shall be given to the candidate, at the address listed on the election records, or to the other properly designated responsible person. Political signs relating to an identifiable group or individual shall be presumed to be the responsibility of the chairman of any organized political group publishing or represented by such sign, or any individual identified on the sign as its sponsor. All other political signs shall be presumed to be the responsibility of the owner or person in control of the private property where the sign is located.
When the Director of Planning and Development Services shall determine that any political sign is in violation of the provisions of this section, he/she shall cause personal, telephonic or written notice of such violation to be given to the responsible party by the most expedient means feasible. All such signs must be abated, removed or made to conform to the provisions of this section within twenty-four (24) hours after such notice is given, and this information must be given as part of the notice. In addition, such notice shall indicate that unless an objection is received from the responsible party within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of that notice, all political signs that remain in violation shall be deemed to have been abandoned, and will be subject to removal by the City without further notice or procedure. Provided, however, that the City may cause any sign which is in violation of subsection 18.440.130 F to be removed summarily and without notice. The City may cause any political sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to make any person liable, criminally or civilly, for any sign posted by persons unknown to him or her, or by persons over whom he or she has no control.
H. The Governing Body makes the following findings of legislative purpose and intent:
- 1. That the expression of political speech is an important and constitutionally protected right.
- 2. That, under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to restrict or regulate the time, place and manner of the expression of such speech in order to advance and protect other significant legitimate interests of local government.
- 3. That political signs have certain characteristics that distinguish them from many of the other types of signs permitted and regulated by the City. These characteristics include the fact that many of such signs, intended to be temporary in nature, do not meet the regular structural and installation requirements necessary to prevent them from being affected by weather and other natural forces and presenting a potential hazard to persons and property. Severe weather conditions, including, without limitation, thunderstorms with accompanying high winds, tornados, ice accumulation and flooding, are characteristic of local weather conditions.
- 4. That the primary purpose of political signs placed along a roadway is to attract the attention of drivers and distract them from their primary responsibility of constant attention to traffic and road conditions. This concern is especially acute in residential areas where young children present a significant potential hazard for drivers. With respect to residential areas, with their lower speed limits, it is concluded that a maximum number of three (3) square feet, each with a maximum area of three (3) political signs, is adequate to convey most political messages. Although it is recognized that certain individuals may wish to express political thoughts that require a larger area to adequately convey them, a greater number of or larger and more complex messages would further distract driver's attention, presenting an unacceptable safety risk, and there exist in the community adequate other means of conveying such messages. In nonresidential areas motorists frequently see and reasonably expect to see larger signs, so their attention is not as easily distracted, and higher speed limits, larger lot areas, and competing distractions require a larger size sign to adequately convey political messages, and a larger size sign can be allowed consistent with safety requirements. Further, since permitted signage in residential areas is minimal, the aesthetic impact of signs in residential areas is much greater than in nonresidential areas.
- 5. That in addition to the safety and traffic interests affected by political signs, the Governing Body concludes that the unrestricted proliferation of political signs would create visual clutter and blight, have an adverse effect on the aesthetic quality of the City, with accompanying adverse economic effects, and detract from the desirable visual environment that the City has made a strong effort to create through its land use regulations.
- 6. That the Governing Body concludes that the interests to be protected by this regulation are sufficiently substantial to justify the content-neutral regulation of political speech represented by this section, and that this section represents a reasonable accommodation of the City's interests with First Amendment rights.
Prairie Village (913) 381-6464 or (913) 385-4605 or e-mail: mfradinger@pvkansas.com
19.48 - L. Political Signs (Prairie Village Municipal Code)
L. Informational Signs.1. Purpose and Findings
The City of Prairie Village is enacting this Ordinance to establish reasonable regulations for the posting of informational signs on public and private property.
The City finds that informational signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of noncommercial messages. However, left completely unregulated, Informational signs can become a threat to public safety as a traffic hazard and detriment to property values and the City's overall public welfare as an aesthetic nuisance.
By implementing these regulations, the City intends to:
a. balance the rights of individuals to convey their messages through Informational signs and the right of the public to be protected against the unrestricted proliferation of signs;2. Regulations:
b. further the objectives of the City's comprehensive plan;
c. protect the public health, safety and welfare;
d. reduce traffic and pedestrian hazards;
e. protect property values by minimizing the possible adverse effect and visual blight caused by signs;
f. promote economic development;
g. ensure the fair and consistent enforcement of the Informational sign regulations specified in the following.
Informational signs may be posted on property in all Zoning Districts of the City, subject to the following requirements:
a. The total square footage for Informational signs in any district, in the aggregate, shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet, with no individual sign exceeding sixteen (16) square feet. The total square footage of a sign is measured to include all of the visible display area of only one side of the sign and only the area of one side of a double sided sign is included in the aggregate calculation.3. Removal or Replacement of Informational Signs:
b. Informational signs shall not display obscene, profane or indecent material.
c. Signs shall be placed on private property.
d. Signs shall not exceed five (5) feet in height measured from the average grade at the base of the sign.
e. No sign shall obstruct or impair access to a public sidewalk, public or private street or driveway, traffic control sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, or any other type of street furniture, or otherwise create a hazard, including a tripping hazard.
f. Signs shall be designed to be stable under all weather conditions, including high winds.
g. No sign shall be illuminated or painted with light-reflecting paint.
h. A sign shall only be posted with the consent of the property owner or occupant. Signs posted in the public right-of-way may only be posted with the permission of the abutting property owner.
i. An Informational sign may be posted for a period of up to ninety (90) days, at which time the sign shall be removed or replaced except that those signs tied to an election shall be removed immediately after the date of the election.
j. Signs shall not advertise or promote any commercial enterprise or event.
k. Signs shall not be posted on trees, utility poles, and other similar structures within the rights-of-way.
a. The person who has posted or directed the posting of the sign is responsible for the removal or replacement of that sign.
b. If that person does not remove or replace the sign in accordance with these regulations, then the property owner or occupant of the building or lot where the sign is posted is responsible for the sign's removal or replacement.
c. The Code Enforcement Office is authorized to remove any signs posted in violation of these regulations. (Ord. 2122, Sec. IV, 2006; Ord. 1946, Sec 1, 1998)
Roeland Park City Hall - (913) 722-2600
Ordinance #679, Section 16-514
Political Signs:
- (a) Political Signs may be placed on private property only after permission has been granted by the owner of the property or his or her authorized agent.
- (b) Political Signs shall not be Directly Illuminated Signs.
- (c) The maximum permissible area of Political Signs shall be as follows:
- (1) On land that is platted or developed for residential uses, and on land that is vacant and unplatted, but shown on the City's Comprehensive Plan as residential, such signs shall not exceed three square feet of Sign Surface area per face.
- (2) On land that is zoned for commercial, office or business uses, and on land that is vacant and unplatted, but shown on the City's Comprehensive Plan as commercial, office or business, such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet per face. If a tract shall include land meeting the requirements of both Sections C1 and C2 hereof, the entire tract shall be entitled to the maximum sign size as specified in this subsection C hereof.
- (d) Political Signs may be Pole or Pylon Signs, Snipe Signs, Non-Affixed Signs, Detached Signs and/or Temporary Signs.
- (e) It shall be unlawful for any person to place or allow to remain on any private or Public Property within the City, in a stationary manner, any vehicle designed or used for the primary purpose of displaying a Political Sign. A vehicle that is temporarily stationed or in motion may display a Political Sign so long as such sign, as displayed when the vehicle is stationary, does not interfere with its ability to lawfully operate on the public streets. A vehicle shall be considered temporarily stationed when such vehicle is engaged in the regular business, transportation or work of the owner, is temporarily parked or stopped between such usage, and is not used merely, mainly or primarily, to display a Political Sign.
- (f) No Political Signs shall be positioned in a manner that may cause a hazard to life or safety.
- (g) Political Signs shall not be placed, painted, marked, written, posted or otherwise affixed to or on Public Property. Political Signs may be placed on the unpaved area between the Street Lines of any street adjacent to private property that is not owned or leased by a public entity, provided the owner or agent of the adjacent private property has granted permission, and such signs comply with all other applicable Code provisions.
- (h) With respect to Political Signs, the candidate for such office shall be presumed to be the person responsible for the posting of such sign, unless written notice has been given to the City of the name, address, telephone number and signed consent of such other responsible person. All notices concerning violations shall be given to the candidate, at the address listed on the election records, or to the other properly designated responsible person. Political Signs relating to an identifiable group or individual shall be presumed to be the responsibility of the chairman of any organized political group publishing or represented by such sign, or any individual identified on the sign as its sponsor. All the Political Signs shall be presumed to be the responsibility of the owner or person in control of the private property where the sign is located.
- (i) When the Building Inspector shall determine that any Political Sign is in violation of these regulations, the Building Inspector shall cause personal, telegraphic or written notice of such violation to be given to a responsible party by the most expedient means feasible. All such signs shall be abated, removed or made to conform to these regulations within twenty-four (24) hours after such notice is given. Such notice shall indicate that unless an objection is received from a responsible party within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of that notice, all Political Signs that remain in violation shall be deemed to be Abandoned Signs and are subject to removal by the City without further notice or procedure. There shall also be a presumption that any Political Sign concerning a scheduled public election campaign that remains after the day of that election shall be considered an Abandoned Sign and subject to summary removal. The City may cause any Political Sign that is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to make any person liable, criminally or civilly, for any Political Sign posted on such person's property without his or her permission by persons unknown to him or her, or by persons over whom such person has no control.
Shawnee City Hall - (913) 631-2500
City Code (05.64) that establishes the regulations of political signs.
Political Signs - Municipal Code 5.64The City of Shawnee regulates the placement and size of political signs. Political signs may not be placed in street or highway rights-of-way. On streets with a sidewalk the sign must be placed behind the sidewalk. On streets or on the side of the street without a sidewalk, signs must be placed at least ten feet behind the curb with some exceptions as noted. On K-7 Highway, I-435 and Shawnee Mission Parkway, signs shall be placed behind the Frontage Road or fence line. On Blackfish Parkway, the right-of-way on the north side of the street west of Park Street is approximately twenty feet in width.
Signs may not be placed on City-owned property (parks, Old Shawnee Town, Fire Stations, etc).
The maximum size sign placed on residentially zoned property and agriculturally zoned property with a residence shall be six (6) square feet. The maximum size on commercial, industrial, office zoned property, as well as agriculturally zoned property without a residence is twenty (20) square feet.
The candidate must have permission from the property owner to place their sign on private property. Property owners may remove signs placed on their property without permission.
Municipal Code 5.64
5.64.054 Political/ Non-Commercial Point of View Signs.
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter 5.64 to the contrary, any sign that is or would be allowed as a commercial or business sign may express a political on non-commercial point of view or message in lieu of the commercial or business message. Excepting as to the content of the message, the sign shall in all other respects comply with this Chapter. Excepting for signs to which the foregoing sentence applies a permit will not be required for political and non-commercial point of view signs, however, it shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from complying with the requirements of this chapter in the areas of placement and appearance.
B. Maximum size six square feet per face on residentially zoned properties and agricultural properties used solely for residential uses, and twenty square feet per face on commercial, office and industrially zoned properties and on agriculturally zoned properties developed with non-residential uses;
C. Location:
- 1. Ten feet from curb or edge of pavement in residential districts and agricultural districts with permission of owner;
- 2. Ten feet from curb or edge of pavement in commercial, office and industrial districts unless the building is less than ten feet from the curb or edge of pavement in which case the sign may be located at the building line with permission of owner;
- 3. Prohibited on street or highway rights-of-way;
D. Signs shall be removed within 30 days following the election.
E. Any political sign found by the director of planning to be in violation of the provisions of this section shall be abated, removed or made to conform with the provisions of this section within twenty-four hours of after notice of such violation is given to the candidate, candidate's representative or political organization.
F. Non-commercial viewpoint, ideological or political signs may be displayed inside window areas at any time.
Spring Hill City Hall - (913) 592-3664
Political Signs:
B. 9. Temporary signs for special events for public, charitable, religious or fraternal organizations, subject to the following limitations:
- a. May be located on premises or off premises, subject to approval of the Zoning Administrator.
- b. These signs are prohibited on public property and public right-of-way.
- c. May be placed prior to the event, and removed after the event's completion.
Contact the Westwood City Hall at (913) 362-1550 for information.
Contact the Westwood Hills City Hall at (913) 262-6622 for information.
Last Updated: March 19, 2010 3:39 PM
