Campaign Signage Rules and Regulations

Note: All outdoor displays of signs, to include election and campaign signs, for or against candidates or issues, are regulated by the Johnston County Planning department. The Planning department is responsible for approving, resolving, and enforcing all sign-related issues and questions. This includes issues such as size, placement, and timing. Please direct all signage questions to the Planning department at 919-989-5150. 

Election and Political Sign Regulations

Political Signs and Littering Statute Fact Sheet

 

Signs at the Polling Places 

Signs may be placed at a voting place at least 36 hours prior to the opening of the voting place.  The signs must be retrieved  at least 36 hours after the close of the voting place unless a special agreement is made with a non-public building.

Permitted and Prohibited Locations

Signs should not be placed on utility poles, light fixtures, utility boxes, or trees. Signs should not block a driver's vision at intersections or driveways. Place signs outside of the sight triangles identified below. Signs on State rights-of-way may require permission from the NC Department of Transportation. This includes State and Federal highways in the county and State Routes (SR) in the county.

Sight Triangles

No material that would impede traffic visibility is allowed within the sight triangles. Sight triangles are as follows:

• Corner lots: A sight triangle shall be formed by extending lines from the intersection of two streets (measured from the edge of the right-of-way) to points 25 feet from the corner lot of the intersecting rights-of-way of the intersecting streets and then connecting these two points.
  
  
• Driveways and Intersections: A sight triangle shall be formed by measuring 10 feet from the edge of the road right-of-way and extending 70 feet from the edge of each side of the driveway or intersection.

After the Election

• Committees are responsible for picking up their signs within 10 days following an election to adhere to state and local regulations.

• Any inquiries about signs in DOT right-of-way (state roads) should be referred to the district office for Johnston.

For more information regarding campaign signage, please contact the Johnston County Planning department directly.