Dunn Loring Sign Regulations: Political Signs Rules (2026)

Political signs in Fairfax County receive constitutional protection under the First Amendment and are treated identically to other noncommercial signs under the County's content-neutral sign regulations, consistent with Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 576 U.S. 155 (2015). The Zoning Ordinance does not single out political signs for favorable or unfavorable treatment; they must comply with the standard residential sign rules (typically 2 signs per parcel, 4 square feet each, no illumination, setback from property lines, no placement in public right-of-way). Virginia Code 55.1-1820.1 specifically protects political campaign signs in common interest communities (HOAs and condominiums), requiring associations to allow at least one political sign of reasonable size on a lot or unit during election seasons (typically from the time candidates are nominated through a reasonable period after the election). Associations may impose content-neutral rules on size, number, and placement but cannot prohibit political signs entirely. Signs in the public right-of-way (medians, utility poles, traffic signs) remain prohibited regardless of message; candidates and campaigns who place signs in rights-of-way risk removal by County staff. Commercial property owners may display political signs subject to commercial sign rules. Electioneering within 40 feet of a polling place on Election Day is restricted under Virginia Code 24.2-604.