Carroll County, GA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Carroll County Code § 78-9
- Permit required
- none
- Removal deadline
- within 15 days of election
- Late-removal fine
- $500.00
- Placement restriction
- kept off public rights-of-way
- Applies to
- unincorporated county only
Summary
Carroll County allows political signs in every zoning district ahead of an election under Code § 78-9, with no permit required, but bars placement in the public right-of-way. Signs must come down within 15 days of the election or the candidate's defeat, or the responsible person faces a flat $500.00 fine.
Political signs are permitted in all zoning districts prior to a duly authorized election date, as established by applicable federal, state or local law. Political signs shall be located off public rights-of-way. All political signs or other devices must be removed within 15 days of the candidate's (or issues') election or defeat. To assure the prompt and complete removal of such signs or other devices by the applicant within the prescribed time, failure to comply with this section will result in the assessment of a $500.00 fine against the individual or group responsible for erecting the sign(s).
Full Breakdown
Section 78-9 permits political signs, defined in section 78-5 as any sign advertising a candidate or a ballot issue, in all zoning districts of unincorporated Carroll County ahead of a duly authorized federal, state or local election. Unlike most other signage in chapter 78, a political sign does not require a permit from the sign administrator. § 21-1-1. After the vote, the clock starts running: all political signs and other campaign devices must be removed within 15 days of the candidate's or issue's election or defeat.
00 fine against the individual or group responsible for erecting it. This rule applies only within unincorporated Carroll County; Carrollton, Villa Rica, Temple, Bowdon, Whitesburg, Mount Zion and Roopville each set their own political-sign rules inside their city limits, so a sign compliant on a county road may still run afoul of a city's separate code once it crosses into incorporated territory.
Violations & Fines
Placing a political sign in the public right-of-way, or leaving one up more than 15 days after the candidate's or issue's election or defeat, violates section 78-9. The penalty is a flat $500.00 fine assessed against the individual or group responsible for erecting the sign, distinct from chapter 78's general $1,000.00 misdemeanor penalty for other sign violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a political sign in Carroll County?
How long can a political sign stay up after election day?
Is the fine for a late political sign the same as other sign violations?
Can I put a political sign in the road median or shoulder?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carroll County
Compare Carroll County to another location·View the Georgia sign regulations overview
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