Iowa Statewide Rule

Iowa Campaign Sign Attribution and Placement Rules Apply Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Iowa (2026)

Key Facts

Attribution statute: Iowa Code 68A.405
Yard sign statute: Iowa Code 68A.406
Attribution threshold: Over 32 square feet
Public property: Placement prohibited statewide
Enforcement: Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Iowa Legislature

Summary

Iowa Code 68A.405 and 68A.406 set uniform statewide rules for political sign attribution statements, placement, and size thresholds; these requirements apply regardless of city ordinance and govern all express-advocacy yard signs.

Campaign signs may be placed with the permission of the property owner or lessee on any of the following: a. Residential property. b. Agricultural land owned by individuals or by a family farm operation as defined in section 9H.1, subsections 9, 10, and 11. c. Property leased for residential purposes including but not limited to apartments, condominiums, college housing facilities, and houses if placed only on leased property space that is actually occupied.

Source: Iowa LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 68A.405 requires published material expressly advocating a candidate or ballot issue to display a paid-for-by attribution naming the responsible person or organization. Section 68A.406 specifically addresses campaign yard signs, exempting smaller signs from attribution but requiring it on signs over thirty-two square feet and on signs affixed to buildings or vehicles. The same section bans placement on state, county, city, or other public property including the right-of-way, and requires permission from the property owner or lessee. The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board enforces these rules statewide.

Violations & Penalties

Violations may result in civil penalties, removal orders, and complaints to the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board; signs placed in public rights-of-way may be removed by the relevant authority without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Iowa city ban political yard signs in residential zones?

No. Beyond First Amendment limits, Iowa Code 68A.406 establishes uniform placement rules. Cities may impose narrow time, place, and manner restrictions but cannot prohibit lawfully sized signs on private property with owner consent.

Do small yard signs need a paid-for-by line in Iowa?

No. Section 68A.406(3) exempts small campaign yard signs from the attribution requirement. Signs exceeding thirty-two square feet, or any sign affixed to a building or vehicle, must include the attribution statement.

Where can political signs not be placed in Iowa?

On state, county, city, or other political subdivision property, including the public right-of-way, and on any private property without the owner's or lessee's permission. Local authorities may remove non-compliant signs.

Sources

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