Norfolk treats political yard signs as temporary signs under its zoning ordinance and cannot regulate their message. Signs are allowed on private property with size limits; placing them in public rights-of-way or on utility poles is prohibited.
Political signs on private property in Norfolk are protected speech, and after Reed v. Town of Gilbert the city may not treat them differently from other temporary yard signs based on content. The Norfolk zoning ordinance sets neutral size and placement limits for temporary signs in residential districts and generally requires no permit for a yard sign. Signs may not go in the public right-of-way, on medians, or on utility poles and traffic signs, where the city removes them. They must not block driver sight lines at corners. In the Ghent and Freemason historic districts, permanent signage needs architectural review, though temporary yard signs are typically exempt.
Signs in the right-of-way or on utility poles are removed by the city and may draw a fine. Signs that block sight lines at intersections must come down. Oversized signs get a notice to reduce.
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