Election Sign Ordinances
Important Information: Each jurisdiction is responsible for their local sign ordinances. This list is a general guide. You must contact the local jurisdiction for further information, any updates or changes.
Rules for placement of political signs on state roads (I, M and US routes)
Each year, hundreds of political signs line roadsides across the state. Improperly placed signs can create safety hazards and interfere with a driver's vision along roadways. To maintain traffic safety while affording office-seekers the opportunity to inform the public, the following rules govern the placement of signs on state highways:
- Political candidates are responsible for obtaining approval from the adjacent property owner to place the signs.
- Signs must be removed within 10 days following an election.
- Signs must be more than 30 feet from the edge of the roadway (white line) for highways that do not have barrier-type curbs. For highways with barrier curbs, the signs must be more than three feet from the back of the curb.
- Signs are not permitted within areas used for clear vision at intersections or commercial driveways so they will not interfere with the sight distance of a driver. No signs may be placed within the limited access rights of way (freeways, including ramps).
- Any illegally placed signs will be removed. Signs removed by MDOT crews will be kept for seven days at a local MDOT office or maintenance garage, then discarded.
These are rules for state roads under MDOT jurisdiction (I, M and US routes), not local county, township or municipal roads. Below you will find a listing of communities within Saginaw County who may also have local ordinances that restrict sign placement.
Jurisdiction | No. Days Display Prior to Election | Size Requirement | No. Days Removal after Election | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cities | ||||
Frankenmuth City | 30 | 6 sq feet per sign and no greater than 4ft tall | 7 | No more than two signs per premises |
Saginaw City | None | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 7 |
Private property only with permission, and not on right-of-way. For full City of Saginaw ordinance see Chapter 94: Nuisances, Health and Safety Section 94.007 |
Zilwaukee City | None | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 14 | Signs only allowed on private property |
Villages | ||||
Birch Run Village | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq ft | 4 | On private property only, and not on right-of-way |
Chesaning Village | None | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 10 | |
Merrill Village | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 4 | |
Oakley Village | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 4 | Private property |
St Charles Village | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 4 | |
Townships | ||||
Albee Twp | None | None | None | Historically - no more than 30 days |
Birch Run Twp | 30 | None | 15 | |
Blumfield Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 7 | |
Brady Twp | 30 | None | 5 | |
Brant Twp | None | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 14 | |
Bridgeport Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 4 | |
Buena Vista Twp | None | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 4 | |
Carrollton Twp | None | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 5 | Shall be confined within private property |
Chapin Twp | None | None | None | |
Chesaning Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 4 | |
Frankenmuth Twp | None | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 14 | Private property only, and not on right-of-way |
Fremont Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 7 | |
James Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 14 | |
Jonesfield Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 4 | |
Kochville Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 4 | |
Lakefield Twp | 30 | None | 14 | Ordinance Section 506-6 Temporary Signs |
Maple Grove Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 7 | |
Marion Twp | None | None | None | |
Richland Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 7 | |
Saginaw Twp | 30 |
Maximum of 16 sq feet. Signs are not allowed on vacant lots. 1 sign per lot per candidate with property owner permission and not placed closer than 10 feet from the road. |
10 | Sign Ordinance Chapter 48 |
Spaulding Twp | None | None | None | No Sign Ordinance, but ask that candidates not place signs more than 30 days before and remove within 7 days following election. |
St Charles Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 4 | |
Swan Creek Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 7 | |
Taymouth Twp | None | Maximum of 32 sq feet | 10 | No closer than 15' to right-of-way. No limit on number of signs per yard. |
Thomas Twp | 30 | Maximum of 32 sq feet; 12 sq feet need temp permit | 5 | Signs must be confined to private property. |
Tittabawassee Twp | 30 | 6-32 sq feet - need permit | 4 | Less than 6 sq feet-no permit; should not be in road right-of-way and should be on property owners parcel and secure permission |
Zilwaukee Twp | None | None | None |