Political Signs: Cary vs Raleigh
How do political signs rules compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Cary and Raleigh have similar restriction levels.
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 →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
Raleigh regulates signs through UDO Article 7.3. Political signs on private property are generally permitted and are treated as temporary signs. North Carolina law (G.S. §136-32) addresses political signs along highways, prohibiting them within state highway rights-of-way. Within Raleigh, political signs must comply with the UDO's temporary sign standards including size limits and placement rules. Signs may not be placed in city rights-of-way or on public property.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cary | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Posting begins | 30 days before early vote | - |
| Removal | 10 days post-election | Must be removed after election |
| ROW max size | 6 sq ft | - |
| ROW max height | 42 inches | - |
| Polling buffer | 50 ft (25 ft min) | - |
| Code Reference | - | UDO Article 7.3 — Signs |
| Private Property | - | Permitted as temporary signs |
| Right-of-Way | - | Prohibited in public ROW |
| State Law | - | NC G.S. §136-32 (highway sign restrictions) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Raleigh FAQ
Can I put political signs in my Raleigh yard?
Yes. Political signs are permitted on private property as temporary signs under the UDO. They must comply with size and placement standards and should not be placed in the public right-of-way.
When must political signs be removed in Raleigh?
Political signs should be removed within a reasonable time after the election. Signs in the public right-of-way may be removed by the city at any time.
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