Skip Navigation

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   Maximum of 32 sq ft 1 Political signs, provided that the property contains a single or multiple residential structure; the signs are not placed within the public street right-of-way line (the Zoning Administrator shall be consulted regarding placement) at least ten feet apart, and do not exceed 32 square feet for each parcel the signs are removed within one business day following the election for which they are erected. 
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 None Maximum of 32 sq feet with a set back of 3 ft from road right of way, not more than 5 ft high    
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 None None 5 Signs need to conform to five foot (5’) out of the front and side setbacks when placed.
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