Political signs in Fort Wayne are protected under First Amendment case law (Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 2015). The city cannot regulate political signs based on content. Reasonable time, place, and manner rules on size and location apply equally to all temporary signs.
Following Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 576 U.S. 155 (2015), Fort Wayne cannot impose content-based restrictions on political signs that differ from other temporary signs. The city sign code (Fort Wayne Unified Development Ordinance) regulates temporary signs with content-neutral standards: typically up to 6 square feet per sign in residential zones, set back from right-of-way, not attached to utility poles or traffic signs, and removed promptly after events. Placement on private property with owner permission is broadly protected. Signs in the public right-of-way (tree lawn between sidewalk and street) are generally prohibited for all temporary signs. Indiana Code 3-9-3 governs campaign finance disclosure on political advertising but does not authorize local content regulation. HOAs may impose additional restrictions on private property within their authority.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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