Salt Lake County, UT Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Size limit
- 16 square feet maximum
- Height limit
- 6 feet maximum
- Driveway setback
- at least 10 feet
- Removal deadline
- 15 days after final voting day
- Building permit
- not required under §19.82.070
- Definition section
- Salt Lake County Code §19.82.020
Summary
Political signs in unincorporated Salt Lake County don't need a building permit, County Code §19.82.070 exempts them along with property signs and nameplates, but they still face real limits: 16 square feet maximum, 6 feet tall, at least 10 feet from a driveway, and removal within 15 days after the final voting day under Table 19.82.190.
"Political sign" means a sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office, or a political party, or a sign urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by ballot. ... Building permits are required for signs except for property signs, political signs and nameplates conforming to the provisions of this chapter. (See Section 19.82.050(B).) ... Political 16 sq. ft. maximum, 6 ft. max., On private property and not closer than 10 ft. to a driveway, Shall be removed 15 days following the final voting day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 49).
Full Breakdown
020 as "a sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective office, or a political party, or a sign urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by ballot," language broad enough to cover candidate yard signs, party signs and ballot-measure signs alike. 070 lists "property signs, political signs and nameplates" as the specific exceptions to the rule that a building permit is required for signs. 190 sets the same size, height, placement and duration standards that apply in every zone, a maximum of 16 square feet, a maximum height of 6 feet, placement on private property no closer than 10 feet to a driveway, and a removal deadline of 15 days following the final day of voting.
160 lets the development services director order removal and recover costs from the owner if a sign is left up past its window. The rule applies only in the unincorporated county and townships, not inside Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Sandy or the valley's other incorporated cities, each of which sets its own political-sign timing rules.
Violations & Fines
A political sign left up past the 15-day post-election deadline, oversized, or placed within 10 feet of a driveway is a sign-code violation under Chapter 19.94: the county can send written notice and, if not corrected, remove the sign and bill the owner for the cost under §19.82.160(C), in addition to Title 19's general civil-penalty schedule and Class C misdemeanor exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a political sign in Salt Lake County?
How long can a political sign stay up after an election?
How big can a political sign be on my property in the unincorporated county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake County
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