Forsyth County, NC Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- UDO base limit
- 2 square feet (county rule)
- Winston-Salem residential
- Up to 6 square feet allowed
- Other Winston-Salem districts
- Up to 32 square feet
- Placement
- Private property, owner permission
- State roads
- Governed by N.C.G.S. 136-32
Summary
Under the Forsyth County/Winston-Salem UDO, the base rule limits political signs to two square feet, but Winston-Salem does not enforce that cap for noncommercial signs: instead allowing up to 6 square feet in most residential districts. Signs go on private property with the owner's permission and out of the
Political Signs. Political signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet in size.
Full Breakdown
UDO Section 3-2.1(B)(1)(e) states political signs shall not exceed two square feet, and this applies across Forsyth County and its municipalities (except Kernersville). Since August 1, 2013, Winston-Salem does not enforce the 2-square-foot cap and instead regulates all noncommercial signs, allowing a maximum of 6 square feet in the YR, AG, MH, RS and RM (residential) districts and 32 square feet in other districts. Political signs are allowed in any zoning district on private property with the property owner's permission and generally must be placed outside the right-of-way and not attached to utility poles. Signs in state-maintained road rights-of-way are governed by N.C.G.S. 136-32.
Violations & Fines
Signs placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or that create a traffic-safety hazard may be removed by the city; oversize or improperly placed signs are UDO violations subject to removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a political sign be in Winston-Salem?
Can I put a campaign sign in the road right-of-way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina sign regulations overview
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