Commission approves temporary-signs rule: 60 days before, 10 days after an election

The Independence Planning Commission voted 6–0 on Jan. 27 to adopt UDO Amendment No. 79, adding time limits for temporary signs associated with public-interest events.

Staff said the amendment (case 26175-02) adds a timeframe to the city sign regulations so code enforcement has a clear standard: signs related to public-interest events may be placed beginning 60 days before an election and must be removed within 10 days after. "We did add a time frame for signs that are a public interest, removed 10 days after an election," staff said, and added that the 60-day window was chosen after surveying adjacent cities where 60 days is common.

Commissioners raised practical questions about enforcement and the right of way. Staff said the city would notify property owners when signs placed on private property exceed the time limit; code enforcement can remove signs in the city right of way but not in state right of way (for example along some highways) and would coordinate with MoDOT when necessary. Staff said no permit is required for these temporary signs and that enforcement would generally start with notice and could become a violation if not remedied.

One commissioner urged reducing the pre-election window to 30 days, saying the city already has many signs; staff replied that 60 days matched the practice in neighboring jurisdictions and that a PIO notice could alert residents if the code is adopted. After hearing no public opposition, the commission approved the amendment 6–0.

The amendment applies to election signage and other public-interest signs; staff said they will publicize the change if adopted and step up seasonal enforcement efforts during election periods.