Government-Politics
We all like to support our favorite candidates for office but did you know there are rules about political signs? Have you ever had a sign go missing? Depending on where you live the oversight can be either the State of Montana or the municipality that you live in.
In a recent letter from Patrick Hurley, the Administrative Officer covering Outdoor Advertising Control at the State of Montana… Political campaign committees, and candidates are being reminded again about restrictions on where their signs can be placed as per 75-15-113, MCA. (When you get a sign to display, the candidates should be giving you advice on how to do so.)
Signs on highway fences, utility poles, and otherwise on state right-of-ways are not allowed, and are being removed by Department of Transportation crews.
With landowner’s consent, political signs may be placed alongside the highway on privately owned land. Many signs are being placed in ditches or on the highway side of fences. State crews must remove them, and store them until the owners pick them up. Candidates, and their supporters should make sure their signs are placed on private property.
Federal law requires that any sign intended to be read from the highway must be regulated by the state. In Montana, as in other states, controlling signs is the responsibility of the Department of Transportation. Failure to control signs brings the threat of federal sanctions, and can disrupt highway improvement projects. Eeek!
A reminder, it is unsafe, and illegal to drive or park in a ditch along a highway to install or remove a sign on private property.
Within 30 days following the applicable election the signs should be removed.
The candidates’ cooperation in adhering to the regulations, and statutes will improve the safety of the Department of Highways, and the taxpayers of Montana.
Livingston has its own city-zoning ordinance Sec 30.50. It is applicable to the locale of the city not including Park Street and the Park Street Right-Of-Way (ROW), which is under the jurisdiction of State; therefore the City does not control signage along Park Street or any other state-owned/maintained ROW. In Livingston here are the rules:
Right-of-way setback: A city ordinance passed in August 2024 established a rule that temporary signs, including political signs, cannot be placed within 15 feet of a city right-of-way. This is also enforced for yard sale signs.
Political signs must be removed within 7 days after an election.
No sign shall be erected in such a manner that a portion of the sign or their supports are attached to or will interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or standpipe, or obstruct any required stairway, door, ventilator or window.
No sign shall be attached to any tree.
Visibility at Corners, Alleys and Driveway Approaches must have a triangular clear vision zone. Please see the ordinance for specifics.
City removal: For signs in violation of city ordinances, such as the 15-foot setback, city staff can remove them without explanation or notice.
Here in Livingston for clarification on specific local guidelines and enforcement details you can contact the City of Livingston’s Planning Department by emailing planning@livingstonmontana.org or calling 406-222-4903.
If you find that your sign is missing from your yard—it might be the placement of the sign and not an opposing candidate fan.