Political signs provide an opportunity for residents to express themselves during an election. New Albany’s regulations are focused on the condition and placement of signs, rather than their content. The guidelines help keep signs from becoming deteriorated, creating safety concerns, or being placed in areas where they are not permitted. 

General Installation Regulations
Political signs may be displayed at any time, as long as they meet the following requirements: 

• Be no larger than 18 x 24 inches and no taller than 4 feet.
• Not be illuminated or placed on public property, streets, or rights-of-way (typically the area between the sidewalk and street).
• Be removed if they become deteriorated or are improperly placed.
• Not be attached to utility poles, fences, traffic signs, or other structures located on public property.

Political signs cannot be placed within streets or rights-of-way. 

Where Is the Right-of-Way?
In most residential and commercial areas, the right-of-way generally includes the area between the sidewalk and the street. In areas with a horse fence, the right-of-way typically extends from the front of the horse fence to the road. If there is no horse fence, utility poles can generally help identify the edge of the right-of-way.  

Removal of Signs
City staff may remove political signs that are deteriorated or placed in a location that does not comply with these guidelines. Signs removed by City staff will be available for pickup at the Public Service Department, 7800 Bevelhymer Road, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Additional Regulations
Homeowners associations (HOAs) may have additional or more restrictive rules regarding political signs. An HOA may remove signs that do not meet its requirements. If your sign is removed by your HOA, please contact the HOA directly to arrange for its retrieval.