Ames, IA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

The Ames Municipal Code does not carve out a distinct category for political, campaign, or election signs. Because they are neither permanent nor affixed structures, political signs fall under the general rules for 'temporary and/or portable signs' in Sec. 21.126: a political sign may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, the same cap that applies to any other temporary sign (banners get a separate 100-square-foot allowance), and it cannot remain displayed for more than ninety (90) consecutive days without being removed or replaced, unless it is affixed to a city light or utility pole with the city's permission.

As a nonelectrical temporary sign, a political sign is exempt from the permit that Chapter 21 otherwise requires for signs, under the exemption listed at Sec. 21.115(7), though it still must comply with the placement and safety rules that apply to all signs, such as the ban on obstructing doors, windows, or fire escapes in Sec. 21.116 and the prohibition on signs that create traffic hazards in Sec. 21.117. Political signs also cannot be placed on rocks, fences, trees, or utility poles under Sec. 21.114(7), and, like other temporary signs, may not extend over public right-of-way without City Council approval.

Because Chapter 21 has no sign-specific penalty clause, a violation of the size or duration limit defaults to the citywide municipal infraction schedule in Sec. 1.9, enforced by code enforcement staff: $30 for a first violation, $100 for a first repeat violation, and $200 for each subsequent repeat violation, with every day the oversized or overdue sign counted separately.