LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — With the November 5 election approaching, political lawn signs are becoming increasingly visible across Kalamazoo and Portage. As voter engagement ramps up, it’s important for residents to familiarize themselves with local regulations to ensure their displays comply with city rules.

In Kalamazoo, residents enjoy a relatively relaxed approach when it comes to displaying political signs. Classified as “temporary signs” under city ordinance Section 50-9.4, there are no restrictions on when these signs can be placed, allowing residents to display their political views well before Election Day. However, there is a post-election requirement: all signs must be removed within 31 days after the election. 

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This flexibility has contributed to a surge in political enthusiasm, according to Kalamazoo Democratic organizer, Luke Howell, who spoke with MLive. “I haven’t seen this sort of enthusiasm in Kalamazoo since 2008,” he said. 

Furthermore, when it comes to size, residential areas have a limit of 4.5 square feet without a permit, while commercial districts allow signs up to 6 square feet. Given that most standard political signs are around 3 square feet, they generally fall well within these guidelines.

In contrast, the City of Portage implements more specific regulations, particularly regarding the size and placement of temporary signs. While residents are free to display signs up to 6 square feet in size at any time during the year, the rules change slightly as the election approaches. 

In recognition of early and absentee voting, the Portage City Council recently expanded the allowable pre-election period for larger signs. Now, signs as large as 40 square feet can be displayed starting 45 days before the election, no permit required.

Both Kalamazoo and Portage share common ground when it comes to sign placement. Regardless of the city, signs must be placed on private property. They cannot be situated on public land, sidewalks, or the strip of lawn between sidewalks and roads, which is often considered a public right-of-way. This is intended to ensure that public spaces remain uncluttered and safe for pedestrians and motorists.

Additionally, residents should be mindful that placing signs on someone else’s property without permission is illegal and could be classified as vandalism. Conversely, removing signs from another person’s property is equally unlawful.