Portland regulates signs under Title 32 (Signs and Related Regulations). Political signs are protected speech and face minimal regulation. They are exempt from sign permits in residential zones. Oregon state law also protects the right to display political signs on private property.
Political signs on private property do not require a sign permit in residential zones under Title 32. There are no content-based restrictions on political signs. Size limits for residential zone signs generally apply (typically 6 square feet per sign face). Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or in sight-distance triangles at intersections. Signs should not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. After elections, campaign signs should be removed within a reasonable timeframe.
Signs placed in the public right-of-way are subject to removal by the city. Signs obstructing sight lines at intersections may be removed for safety. Content-based enforcement of political signs would violate First Amendment protections.
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