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Buncombe County, NC Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

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

Key Facts

County yard-sign rule
None (private property)
Right-of-way governed by
NCGS 136-32
Max height in ROW
42 inches
Max size in ROW
864 square inches
Distance from pavement
At least 3 feet

Summary

Buncombe County's zoning ordinance regulates only commercial/institutional signage, not residential yard signs, so political signs on private property in the unincorporated county are largely unregulated. Signs in state road rights-of-way are controlled by North Carolina statute NCGS 136-32, which limits timing, size, and placement.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

During the period beginning on the 30th day before the beginning date of early voting under G.S. 163-166.40 and ending on the 10th day after the primary or election day, persons may place political signs in the right-of-way of the State highway system.

Full Breakdown

Chapter 78 sets signage limits only for specific uses (for example, a single sign no larger than eight square feet for bed-and-breakfasts or day nurseries); it does not impose a general political-sign ordinance on residential yards. On private property you place signs at the owner's discretion. In the right-of-way of the State highway system, NCGS 136-32 controls: signs are allowed only from the 30th day before early voting through the 10th day after the election, must be at least three feet from pavement, no higher than 42 inches, and no larger than 864 square inches. Inside a town, that town's sign rules apply.

Violations & Fines

Stealing, defacing, or unlawfully removing a lawfully placed political sign is a Class 3 misdemeanor under NCGS 136-32; NCDOT may remove non-compliant signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Buncombe County limit political signs in my yard?
No. The county's zoning ordinance regulates only specific commercial/institutional signage, not residential political signs on private property. Towns may have their own rules.
Can I put a sign along the highway?
Only under NCGS 136-32: within the permitted election window, at least three feet from pavement, no taller than 42 inches, and no larger than 864 square inches.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Buncombe County

All Buncombe County rules

Compare Buncombe County to another location·View the North Carolina sign regulations overview

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