Council moves to allow limited campaign signs at polling places, sets timing and safety limits

Staff returned to the council with proposed changes to city code governing campaign and other temporary signs and sought direction on timing and placement around polling places and early-voting sites.

Staff proposed retaining a broad prohibition on signs on city property except during specific election-related windows, and to add clear language about early voting. Council members agreed that signs should be allowed at designated polling locations starting the afternoon before voting begins and removed by midday on the day after voting ends. After discussion the council chose a specific timing window: signs may be placed beginning at 4 p.m. the day before the polling location opens and must be removed by 12 p.m. the day after the polls close.

The council also directed staff to allow signs in the public right-of-way immediately adjacent to the polling location property during those windows, subject to safety and accessibility restrictions: signs must not obstruct sidewalks, ADA access, or line of sight at intersections. Staff recommended a maximum sign size of 6 square feet for temporary campaign signage and retained the city's authority to designate off-limit zones near poll entrances and within the statutory 50-foot buffer in front of polling entrances.

Council asked staff to update both the municipal code and the land-development code to reflect the changes and to prepare clear guidance for election workers and volunteers. The council did not adopt an ordinance at the work session; the direction was to prepare formal amendments for a future ordinance or code update.