§ 25.5-12. Additional signs authorized during election campaigns.

In the interest of promoting political speech which is the essence of representative democracy and the core of the First Amendment's free speech guarantee, it is the intent of the board of county commissioners to allow additional noncommercial signage during political campaigns. In addition to any other signs authorized by this chapter, during a period beginning no more than forty-five (45) days prior to the first election of the series of elections that determines a candidate or issue, additional unlighted noncommercial signs which do not otherwise meet the terms of this chapter may be erected on privately owned lots or parcels. Each such additional sign located in residential zoning districts and/or on residential lots or parcels shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area. The sum of the total sign area of such additional signs on non-residential lots or parcels shall not exceed the total sign area allowed for permitted signs for the applicable zoning district, road classification and road frontage, and shall further comply with height and setback restrictions applicable to permitted signs. Such additional signs shall be removed by the lot or parcel owner or persons acting on the owner's behalf within fourteen (14) days after the election. No zoning permit or certificate of use is required for such additional signs during such election period. For purposes of this subsection, "election" shall mean the single specific date of a primary, general or special election designated by law or ordinance and shall not mean or include any period in advance of such date during which voting other than at assigned precincts may be allowed.

(Ord. No. 2008-03, § 12, 2-5-08)