Campaign Signage Requirements
Political campaign /
Polling Places
- Unlighted, non-commercial, temporary signage
- Size: No larger than 4.5 sq. ft. in area, no higher than 4 ft.
- Installation: Erected the day before or day of an election, for a period not to exceed 24 hours
- Removal: Within 24 hours of election
- Zoning Ordinance: §13.4.1
Roadway Median Strips
- Location: Only in median; not on the sides of roads or on any other public property
- Unlighted, non-commercial, temporary signage
- No more than one sign per candidate, political issue, ticket, or other entity (individually or in combination with other candidate / issue) per median strip
- Contact Info: Each sign must clearly indicate the person or entity that placed the sign, a contact phone number and the date of placement
- Size: No larger than 4.5 sq. ft. in area, no taller than 4 ft. from the ground
- When allowed: Erected no more than 45 days before the last day of scheduled in-person voting for an election
- Removal: Within 5 days after the election
- Zoning Ordinance: § 13.11.2.A, B, C and §13.11.2.E.1
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a complaint?
To file a complaint with Zoning Enforcement, email zoningenforcement@arlingtonva.us and include the location and alleged violation.
Do I need to include contact info on my signage?
Yes. Each sign must clearly indicate the person or entity that placed the sign, a contact phone number and the date of placement.
Does the County remove median signage proactively or only as a result of complaints?
Both.
Does the County remove median signage if it’s in violation of the Zoning Ordinance?
Yes, County staff may remove any sign in violation of the Zoning Ordinance – proactively or as a result of complaints.
Will median signage be removed if it lacks the required contact info?
Yes.
If County staff notices 10 of the same signs in the same median, how do they enforce the regulations?
Staff would remove nine of the signs, leaving one (as long as it's in compliance with Zoning Ordinance §13.11.2.E).
What does the County do if signage is in the median of a state-owned road?
Refer your complaint to VDOT, which manages state-owned roads: 1-800-367-7623
How do I contact political party leaders about signage?