Political Signs: Apex vs Cary
How do political signs rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Apex has fewer restrictions than Cary.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Apex regulates political and other temporary signs in Section 8.7 of the Unified Development Ordinance. Any sign permitted by the UDO may display a non-commercial message, and non-commercial signs on residential property are expressly exempt from regulation (UDO 8.7.1, exemptions). All commercial and non-commercial signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way except as authorized by NCGS 136-32 (which governs political signs in state highway ROW). On-premise non-commercial temporary signs on non-residential property are capped at 16 sq ft / 4 ft high freestanding (32 sq ft if affixed to a building) for up to 60 days per permit. No Town permit fee is charged for a non-commercial temporary sign.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County UDO Article 18 governs political signs in unincorporated areas. Signs may be erected starting 30 days before early voting begins and must be removed within 10 calendar days after the election. Right-of-way signs are capped at 6 square feet and 42 inches high.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Apex UDO Sec. 8.7 (Signs); content-neutral non-commercial rule in 8.7.1 | - |
| Residential Yard Sign | Exempt — non-commercial signs on residential property not regulated | - |
| Non-Residential Temp Sign | 16 sq ft / 4 ft (freestanding); 32 sq ft (wall); 60-day permit | - |
| Permit Fee | $0 non-commercial; $50 commercial temporary sign | - |
| Right-of-Way | Prohibited except as authorized by NCGS 136-32 (state ROW only) | - |
| NCGS 136-32 Window | 30 days before early voting through 10 days after Election Day | - |
| NCGS 136-32 Size | Max 864 sq in (6 sq ft); max 42 in above pavement | - |
| Sight Triangle | Prohibited (UDO 8.7.2) | - |
| Posting begins | - | 30 days before early vote |
| Removal | - | 10 days post-election |
| ROW max size | - | 6 sq ft |
| ROW max height | - | 42 inches |
| Polling buffer | - | 50 ft (25 ft min) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Can I put a political yard sign in my Apex front yard?
Yes. Apex UDO Sec. 8.7.1 expressly exempts 'Non-commercial signs on a residential property' from the Section 8.7 standards, so a candidate sign in your own yard is not regulated by the Town as to size or number. The sign cannot, however, sit in the public right-of-way (the strip between the sidewalk and street) or in a sight triangle at an intersection — those are prohibited under UDO Sec. 8.7.2.
Can I put a campaign sign on a public street in Apex?
Only on state-system rights-of-way and only in the window authorized by NCGS 136-32 — from 30 days before the start of one-stop early voting through 10 days after Election Day. State law caps the sign at 864 square inches (6 sq ft) and 42 inches in height, requires the abutting property owner's consent, and prohibits placement on the roadway, shoulder, or in interstate ROW. Outside that window, Apex UDO Sec. 8.7.2 prohibits all signs in the public right-of-way.
Cary FAQ
Can I put political signs on my front lawn anytime?
On your own private property, the county does not limit duration. NC state law applies only to ROW. HOAs may impose limits.
Can I post signs on a state highway median?
Yes if the highway is state-maintained (not fully-controlled-access) and the sign is under 6 sq ft and 42 in tall and you have abutting-owner consent.
When must signs come down?
Within 10 calendar days after the election. NCDOT removes overdue signs after that date.
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