Ada County, ID Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Content-neutral
- No political-sign category
- Visible only on your lot
- Exempt, no permit
- Residential temp signs
- 6 per lot, 4 sq ft, 8 ft
- Rural temp signs
- 6 per lot, 32 sq ft, 12 ft
- Code section
- Ada County 8-3-12
Summary
Ada County's sign code is content-neutral, so it does not single out political signs. Temporary signs, including yard signs, are allowed without a permit: in residential districts up to six per property at 4 square feet and 8 feet tall each; any sign visible only from your own parcel is
Any sign that is visible only from the parcel where it is located.
D. Prohibited Signs: The following signs are prohibited:
1. Any sign or sign structure, other than approved County and highway signs in or on any street or highway right of way; and
2. Signs incorporating a rotating beam, beacon, or flashing illumination resembling an emergency light.
E. General Regulations:
1. Owner's Consent Required: A person may not place a sign or sign structure on private or public property without the written consent of the owner.
2. Illumination:
a. Illumination of signs is subject to the regulations in Section
Full Breakdown
Ada County Code Section 8-3-12 regulates signs by size, location, and type rather than message, expressly avoiding 'regulatory triggers or distinctions based on a sign's content,' and any sign with a non-commercial message may contain any other non-commercial message. Signs visible only from the parcel where they are located are exempt and need no permit. For signs visible from off-site, temporary signs are allowed without a permit under Table 8-3-12-11: in residential districts, up to six per property, each up to 4 square feet and 8 feet tall; in rural districts, up to six, each up to 32 square feet and 12 feet tall. One temporary sign may be displayed up to one year. Cities set their own sign rules.
Violations & Fines
Signs exceeding the temporary-sign number, area, or height limits, or placed in a public right-of-way, are prohibited and may be removed by Ada County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a political sign in my yard in unincorporated Ada County?
How long can a temporary sign stay up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ada County
Compare Ada County to another location·View the Idaho sign regulations overview
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