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Howard County, MD Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Residential max
9 sq ft per premises
Commercial/industrial max
32 sq ft
Location
Private property only
From pavement
At least 15 feet
Display window
60 days before, 7 after

Summary

Howard County allows political campaign signs up to nine square feet total per premises in residential districts and 32 square feet in commercial or industrial districts. Signs must be on private property, at least 15 feet from pavement, and may be displayed 60 days before through 7 days after the

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Howard County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Signs announcing candidates seeking public political office and other data pertinent thereto shall be permitted up to a total area of nine square feet for each premises in a residential district and 32 square feet in a commercial or industrial district. These signs shall be located only on private property...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 91 | Zoning: Supplement 25).

Full Breakdown

Howard County Code Section 3.503(f) permits signs announcing candidates for public political office up to a total area of nine square feet per premises in a residential district and 32 square feet in a commercial or industrial district. Such signs must be located only on private property, no less than 15 feet from the nearest edge of pavement and no less than 100 feet from the nearest curb intersection. They may be displayed 60 days before and up to seven days after the election. Political signs are prohibited in County rights-of-way and may not be attached to utility poles or trees.

Violations & Fines

Signs placed in County rights-of-way, on utility poles, or on trees may be removed and discarded by the county. Removal after the display window is expected of candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a campaign sign on the road median or grass strip?
No. Political signs must be on private property. Signs placed in County rights-of-way or attached to utility poles or trees are prohibited and may be removed and discarded.
How large can my yard's political sign be?
In a residential district the code allows up to nine square feet total per premises, though the county currently does not enforce size limits on private-property signs after recent court rulings.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Howard County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsWindow SignsSome RestrictionsFreeway-Facing SignsSignificant RestrictionsGarage Sale SignsSome RestrictionsDigital BillboardsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Howard County rules

Compare Howard County to another location·View the Maryland sign regulations overview

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