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

Political signs on Durham roads are governed largely by North Carolina General Statute 136-32, which sets a statewide framework for signs in the public right-of-way. During the period beginning on the 30th day before the start of early voting and ending on the 10th day after the primary or election, signs are permitted in the right-of-way of the State highway system, with the abutting owner's permission and outside limited-access roadways. A sign may be no larger than 864 square inches, no closer than three feet from the edge of the pavement, and no higher than 42 inches above the pavement edge. On private property, Durham's UDO regulates temporary signs but cannot restrict them based on political content under Reed v.