Political signs on private property are protected by the First Amendment. NYC zoning sign regulations (ZR Article VII) exempt non-commercial signs including political signs from permit requirements. Temporary political signs in windows and on private property have no size limit under free speech protections. Signs on public property are regulated.
The First Amendment broadly protects political signs, and NYC does not require permits for political signs on private property. The NYC Zoning Resolution's sign regulations (Article VII, Chapter 2) apply primarily to commercial signage, and political signs are exempt from size and permit requirements when displayed on private property. NYC Election Law and Admin Code do not restrict the content or size of political signs on private property. However, political signs cannot be placed on public property (sidewalks, lampposts, street trees, bus shelters) without permission — doing so violates Admin Code §10-119 (posting of handbills and signs on city property). The DOT removes unauthorized signs from public property. Condominium and co-op boards may have rules about signage in common areas and building facades, but generally cannot restrict signs in private windows. NY Election Law §17-130 prohibits posting political signs within 100 feet of a polling place on Election Day.
Signs on public property without authorization: $75 fine under Admin Code §10-119. Posting within 100 feet of a polling place on Election Day: NY Election Law violation. Co-op/condo board rules may impose fines for non-compliance in common areas.
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