Placement Requirements For Election Signs In Wauwatosa

From the City of Wauwatosa:

February 13 2020

Here are the local rules about where and when election signs can be in yards.

• You can have an election sign in your yard 60 days prior to an election
• Signs should be removed within seven days after the election
• You can have one sign per issue and per candidate
• Signs over six square feet in size must be set back at least five feet from any lot line
• No election signs should be placed in the public right of way (in other words - there should be no signs in medians, grassy areas between your sidewalk and street, or on any public property like a park)

These apply to the typical election sign on a residential property. Larger signs may have additional requirements, as outlined in our municipal code.

If the sign does not meet these requirements, City officials may issue an order to the property owner to correct the sign's placement. Otherwise, we remove the sign.

Also - please do not remove any signs on private property. You can report a sign that violates these rules through our online property maintenance request form.

Why do we enforce regulations about signs?

Our regulations about signs relate to public safety, preservation of property values, and general welfare of the city. They are intended to help traffic control and not distract drivers, lessen congestion of land and air space, and establish reasonable standards for which people can use signs to express free speech.

This press release was produced by the City of Wauwatosa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.