Jefferson County adopts ordinance easing rules on temporary political signs

Jefferson County commissioners on the morning agenda approved Ordinance 2024-03, a zoning-code change that allows temporary political signs on private property provided they are taken down after the election.

The board moved quickly after a brief discussion about enforcement and private-property rights. Planning and zoning staff described the proposed edits as a simplification intended to make enforcement practicable; Speaker 4 told the board, “we allow political signs and that they need to be taken down after the election's over.” Speaker 6 moved to adopt the ordinance and Speaker 5 seconded the motion; a roll call vote produced unanimous ‘‘aye’’ votes and the measure passed.

Commissioners and staff said the prior rule — which required staff to collect signatures or track sign placement — had proved difficult to enforce when campaigns distribute many signs through volunteers. Several commissioners argued the change reduces enforcement burden while retaining the basic requirement that signs be removed after an election. Others raised private-property concerns and questioned whether candidates could remove signs placed on private property.

The ordinance was transmitted by planning and zoning with a recommendation after the commission’s review. The change will be incorporated into the county zoning code; commissioners did not set a separate effective date during the meeting. The measure replaces earlier, more prescriptive sign-location and signature requirements with a simpler removal rule.

The board took no immediate additional administrative steps at the meeting; staff said they will work with the county attorney as needed to finalize code text and enforcement guidance.