Atlanta regulates political signs under the Sign Ordinance (Part 16, Chapter 28A of the City Code). Political signs on private property are generally permitted as a form of protected speech under the First Amendment, but must comply with size and placement requirements. The 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert limits content-based sign restrictions.
Political signs on private residential property may not exceed 12 square feet per sign face. Signs must be set back from the public right-of-way and must not obstruct sight lines at intersections. Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited and subject to removal by the city. There is no limit on the number of political signs on private property. Signs may not be illuminated except by ambient light. In historic districts, the Urban Design Commission may review sign aesthetics but cannot impose content-based restrictions. Signs must be removed within 7 days after the election to which they relate.
Signs placed in the public right-of-way are subject to immediate removal by the city without notice. Violations of the sign ordinance on private property may result in a citation and fines. The city's code enforcement division handles complaints. Content-based enforcement of political signs is limited by First Amendment protections as clarified in Reed v. Town of Gilbert.
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