Norfolk, VA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Temporary political signs, including campaign signs for candidates and ballot measures, are allowed in all Norfolk zoning districts on private property with the owners consent. Under the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015), Norfolk cannot regulate political signs more strictly than other temporary signs based on content. The citys sign ordinance permits temporary noncommercial signs without permit, typically up to 6 square feet in residential zones and larger in commercial zones, set back from the public right-of-way so they do not create a traffic hazard or sight distance issue. VA Code 15.2-109 protects the right of citizens to display political signs on their own property regardless of HOA covenants, within reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Signs must not be placed in public medians, rights-of-way, utility poles, or on public property, and they should be removed within 15 days after the election. Campaign signs blocking sight triangles at intersections can be removed by Public Works without notice.