Guidelines for Posting Election Signs

As the political season approaches, below are helpful reminders regarding political signs:

• Applications and fees are not required to post a sign on your own private property if the sign complies with the following standards for signs not requiring a permit.
• Signs on public property or placed in the public right-of-way are subject to removal and possible fine.
• Signs placed in the public right-of-way require approval by the City Engineer.
• The City recommends obtaining written consent of a property owner before placing a sign on their private property.

Signs Not Requiring a Permit

According to the Oregon City Municipal Code, (OCMC) Chapter 15.28, the following signs may be erected and maintained without a permit:

One temporary sign per street frontage of property under a single ownership provided such sign does not cause a public safety hazard or nuisance, has no more than two faces, and that no sign face exceeds four square feet in area.

A single sign where the display surface area does not exceed two square fee; and

Window signs situated on the indoor-side of a window or door.

“Temporary sign” means a sign that will become obsolete after the occurrence of an event or series of events.

All signs placed on city, county, or state streets or road rights-of-way will be removed. Please keep the placement of your signs on private property.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has strict regulations regarding the erection of political signs. Contact the Permit Specialist at ODOT for further information at 503-229-5002.

Signs Requiring a Permit

Signs must comply with the OCMC as described in Chapter 15.28. Signs larger than 4 square feet may be permitted if compliant with OCMC Chapter 15.28, though they require a permit. You may contact the Planning Division at 503-722-3789 for further information, or access the City Code at www.orcity.org - under Online Services. The cost for a valid sign permit that meets the above criteria is $168 + 5% of the construction cost.

Sign permit application