Political signs in Boston are regulated under the city's sign ordinance and zoning code. The city cannot ban political signs on private property due to First Amendment protections. Signs in the public right-of-way, on city property, utility poles, and traffic infrastructure are prohibited under the Boston Municipal Code.
Boston regulates signs through the zoning code and municipal ordinances. Political signs on private property are protected by the First Amendment and cannot be banned, though they may be subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions regarding size and placement. It is illegal to post signs of any kind on city buildings, poles, traffic light posts, trees, or other public property. In residential districts, temporary political signs are generally permitted without a permit if they comply with size restrictions (typically 6 square feet maximum per sign). Signs must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular sight lines. During election season, the city does not impose content-based restrictions on political signage. Signs in Boston Landmarks Commission historic districts may be subject to additional design review for permanent installations, but temporary political signs are generally exempt. Campaign signs should be removed within 30 days after the election.
Signs posted on public property or utility poles are subject to removal by the city without notice. Oversized signs or signs obstructing sight lines may be ordered removed by ISD. No specific fine for residential political signs that comply with size limits, but signs on public property are removed at the owner's expense.
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