Richland County, SC Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max size
- 32 square feet
- Max height (freestanding)
- 6 feet
- Display window
- 60 days before election
- Removal
- Within 7 days after election
- Prohibited spots
- Right-of-way, poles, public property
Summary
Political signs in unincorporated Richland County may not stand in a public road right-of-way or be attached to trees, utility poles, or public property. They cannot be illuminated, cannot exceed 32 square feet or 6 feet in height (if freestanding), may go up 60 days before an election, and must
Political signs shall not be located within a public road right-of-way and shall not be attached to trees, utility poles, or publicly owned property. Such signs shall not be illuminated and shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, and six (6) feet in height if the sign is freestanding. Political signs may be displayed during a period beginning sixty (60) days prior to an election, but must be removed within seven (7) days after the election or referendum has been decided.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-24: This supplement is current through Ordinance No. 033-25HR).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 26-180(d)(4) of the Land Development Code lists political signs among signs exempt from a permit, subject to fixed limits. Signs may be displayed starting 60 days before an election and must be removed within 7 days after the election or referendum is decided, with removal the candidate's responsibility. Size is capped at 32 square feet and, if freestanding, 6 feet tall; the sign may not be illuminated or placed in a road right-of-way or on public property. Because the U.S. Supreme Court's Reed v. Town of Gilbert restricts content-based sign rules, timing enforcement can be limited, but placement and size limits still apply. Cities set their own sign rules.
Violations & Fines
Signs placed in rights-of-way or on public poles may be removed by the county; violations of the sign code are enforced by the Planning Department under the LDC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave a campaign sign up?
Can I put a political sign on the road right-of-way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
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