Political signs on private property in Buffalo are protected speech with broad First Amendment protection, though size and time limits from the Unified Development Ordinance apply.
Under the US Supreme Court ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015), content-based sign regulations face strict scrutiny. Buffalo UDO treats political and other temporary signs neutrally. Residential political signs are allowed on private property without permits. Typical UDO limits: signs up to 6 square feet in residential zones, not placed in the public right-of-way (tree lawn, sidewalk), and removed within a reasonable period after the election. Signs cannot be placed on utility poles, city trees, or public property. Property owner consent is required. HOAs and condo boards may have their own restrictions subject to NY state law limiting their authority over political speech.
Signs in public right-of-way: removed by city. Oversized signs: violation notice. Signs on poles/trees: fine.
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