Waltham allows temporary political signs on private property with owner permission. Size and placement must not obstruct visibility, and signs are prohibited on public rights-of-way and utility poles.
Waltham respects First Amendment protections for political speech and allows temporary political signs on private property with the owner's permission. Signs are typically limited in size (often 6-8 square feet in residential zones and larger in non-residential zones) and must be set back from the public right-of-way. Signs may not obstruct driver sightlines at intersections, driveways, or crosswalks. Placement on public property, including tree belts, medians, utility poles, traffic signs, and within the public right-of-way, is prohibited. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that content-based durational limits on political signs are constitutionally problematic, so Waltham generally does not restrict how long before or after an election political signs may remain. However, signs must be maintained in good condition and promptly removed after they become tattered or fallen. Signs on utility poles can also violate state law (MGL c.266 s.126A).
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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