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Annapolis, MD Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Maximum size
32 square feet
Display period
Up to 60 days
Removal deadline
Within 7 days after event
Illumination
Not permitted

Summary

Annapolis exempts political signs from permits as temporary signs, capped at 32 square feet, displayed no more than 60 days, and removed within 7 days after the event ends.

Temporary signs up to thirty-two square feet for community or civic projects or special events for events of public interest such as carnivals, community gatherings, fairs, political events and other events of a similar nature. Temporary signs shall be displayed for a period not in excess of sixty days and shall be removed within seven days after the conclusion of the event.c.Construction site sign up to thirty-two square feet identifying the architect, engineer, and/or contractor.d.Garage or yard sale signs.e.Christmas tree, greens sales, and produce sales signs. One sign per street frontage up to six square feet is permitted.5.Window Displays. Signs erected or installed in the interior of a structure which form an integral part of a bona fide window display which is related to merchandise or services available within the structure or which are related to matters of public welfare or public interest.6.Public Signs.a.Permanent memorial signs and tablets lawfully displayed on public property or in cemeteries.b.Legal notices.c.Traffic and parking signs that bear no advertising. (Ord. O-1-04 Revised (part), 2005)

(Ord. No. O-9-18, § I, 7-23-2018; Ord. No. O-19-18, § I, 11-19-2018)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis City Code § 21.70.060.B.4.b classes signs for political events as temporary signs exempt from a sign permit, provided they meet the general standards for all signs plus the exemption's own limits: a maximum of thirty-two square feet, display for no more than sixty days, and removal within seven days after the event concludes. The same section bars illumination on exempt signs and bars any sign from projecting across the property line into a public way. The zoning code's definitions section separately classes a 'political sign' as a type of 'temporary sign.'

Violations & Fines

Signs over 32 square feet, illuminated signs, signs left up past 60 days or not pulled within 7 days after the event, or signs projecting into the public way lose the permit exemption under § 21.70.060 and require a sign permit under Chapter 21.70.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a political sign in Annapolis?
No. Political-event signs up to 32 square feet are exempt from a sign permit under City Code § 21.70.060.B.4.b if they meet the size, timing, and illumination limits.
How long can a political sign stay up in Annapolis?
Up to 60 days total, and it must come down within 7 days after the event or election it relates to ends.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

All Annapolis rules

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