Boise regulates signs under Section 11-04-012 of the Development Code. Political signs are generally protected as free speech and subject to fewer restrictions than commercial signs. Idaho law and the First Amendment limit municipal authority over political sign content, though the city may regulate size, placement, and timing.
Political signs on private property are permitted without a sign permit in Boise. Signs must comply with general size limits and cannot obstruct visibility at intersections or be placed in the public right-of-way. Temporary political signs are typically limited to 6 square feet in residential zones and 32 square feet in commercial zones. Signs may not be placed on utility poles, traffic signs, or public property. Following the Reed v. Town of Gilbert Supreme Court decision, Boise regulates signs based on size and location rather than content.
Signs placed in the public right-of-way or obstructing traffic visibility may be removed by the city. Oversized signs may receive code enforcement notices. Political signs on public property may be confiscated. Penalties are typically warnings followed by removal rather than fines for residential political signs.
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