Beaufort County, SC Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback on 9 named major corridors
- 10 feet from right-of-way
- Setback on other roads
- Property line allowed
- Removal deadline
- 48 hours after election
- Permit required
- Yes, per candidate
- Signs per permit
- Unlimited
- Impound recovery fee
- $2.00 per square foot
Summary
Beaufort County lets freestanding political signs go up on private property anytime during an election year, but Community Development Code Section 5.6.60 requires a county sign permit, a 10-foot setback from major corridor rights-of-way, and removal within 48 hours after the election.
6.Political Signs.a.On private property along major corridors, freestanding political signs must be no closer than ten (10) feet from the highway right-of-way. Major corridors are US 21, US 17, US 278, SC 170, SC 802, SC 280, SC 46, SC 116, and SC 163. Sign placement on other roads may be placed on property lines.b.Political signs may be displayed or erected at any time within an election year. Political candidates are required to obtain a sign permit. All political signs must be removed within 48 hours after the election.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 55 Update 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 16).
Full Breakdown
Political signs are one of six categories the county classifies as temporary signs under Section 5.6.60 of the Community Development Code. Subsection A.6.a sets a location rule tied to the county's busiest roads: "On private property along major corridors, freestanding political signs must be no closer than ten (10) feet from the highway right-of-way. Major corridors are US 21, US 17, US 278, SC 170, SC 802, SC 280, SC 46, SC 116, and SC 163. Sign placement on other roads may be placed on property lines." Off those nine named corridors, a sign can sit right at the property line.
Timing and permitting come from Subsection A.6.b: "Political signs may be displayed or erected at any time within an election year. Political candidates are required to obtain a sign permit. All political signs must be removed within 48 hours after the election." A candidate wanting a sign in the state highway right-of-way must present SCDOT's approval when applying for the county permit under Subsection A.6.c. Subsection A.6.d allows a single permit to cover an unlimited number of signs for one candidate, but only candidates whose names will appear on the ballot may display signs at all.
Beyond the corridor setback, all temporary signs, political ones included, are capped by Subsection B at 80 square feet of total area and 10 feet of height measured from grade to the sign's highest point. A political sign left up past the 48-hour post-election window is subject to impoundment under Section 5.6.70.B, the same provision covering unpermitted or right-of-way signage generally.
Violations & Fines
Signs left up beyond 48 hours after the election, or placed without the required county permit, can be removed without notice by the Code Enforcement Department and impounded for ten days under Section 5.6.70.B. Owners recover an impounded sign by paying $2.00 per square foot before the ten-day window closes; unclaimed signs may be discarded or sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to the road can I put a political sign in Beaufort County?
When do political signs have to come down?
Do I need a permit for a political sign?
What happens if a political sign is left up too long?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Beaufort County
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