Multnomah County, OR Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 6 months from erection
- Lawn sign max area
- 3 square feet
- Lawn sign max height
- 42 inches
- Attachment
- No permanent attachment allowed
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Multnomah County treats campaign and election signs as temporary signs: six-month time limit, no permanent attachment, and a three-square-foot cap for lawn signs under the zoning code's sign standards.
(A) Time Limit. Temporary signs and support structures, if any, must be removed within six months of the date of erection.
(B) Attachment. Temporary signs may not be permanently attached to the ground, buildings, or other structures.
(C) Lawn Signs. Lawn signs may not be greater than three square feet in area and may not be over 42 inches in height.
(D) Banners. One banner is allowed per primary building frontage and may not exceed 60 square feet. Additional temporary flags and pennants are allowed, but may not extend into the right-of-way.
(E) Temporary Rigid Signs. The following standards apply to temporary, rigid signs:
(1) Type - Rigid signs may be freestanding or placed on building sides.
(2) Size - The maximum size of a rigid sign is 32 square feet.
(3) Number - One rigid sign is allowed per site frontage.
(4) Height - Rigid signs on buildings may not be placed above roof lines. The maximum height free standing is eight feet.
(5) Extensions into the Right-of-Way Rigid signs may not extend into the right-of-way.
(6) Lighting and Movement - Rigid signs may not be illuminated or have moving or rotating parts.
Full Breakdown
Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village have their own sign codes and are not covered here. In the unincorporated county, the Zoning Code's temporary-sign rule governs political yard signs: they must come down within six months of being put up, can't be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or any structure, and as lawn signs are capped at three square feet in area and 42 inches in height. One banner per building frontage is separately allowed at up to 60 square feet. These are the same content-neutral limits that apply to any temporary sign, not a rule written specifically for campaigns.
Violations & Fines
Signs left up past the six-month limit or oversized lawn signs are zoning violations under the Enforcement Code (MCC 39.1500s): the county issues a written Notice of Violation with assessed fines, and unresolved cases go to a Compliance Hearings Officer with fines assessable per violation per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these limits apply inside Portland?
How big can a political yard sign be in unincorporated Multnomah County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon sign regulations overview
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