City of Dubuque Issues Warning on Your Political Signs

Ah, yes, the political season is here. The time of year when everyone is agitated, no one is right, and your name on a ballot is the difference between "we won" and "the world is burning." I don't buy it. That being said, there are some local rules in place for those of you "stumping" for that local "hero" that's going to "change the world" (again, I don't buy it).

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The City of Dubuque would like to remind everyone that while your freedom of speech is alive and well, your sign size, shape, and placement are not without boundaries. Translation: put it where it belongs, or the City might move it for you.

Here’s the quick version. Your political sign can be big, but not billboard big. Thirty-two square feet is the limit. Anything more, and you’re not campaigning, you’re building an addition. Also, keep your masterpiece out of the public's right-of-way and those little visibility triangles at intersections. In other words, if your sign is blocking someone’s view of traffic, it’s going to take a little ride courtesy of the Public Works Department. And no, you can’t nail your favorite candidate’s name to a tree, slap it on a utility pole, or plant it in the median. Those are off-limits, too.

If you happen to “accidentally” stick your sign in the wrong place, don’t panic. The City might just scoot it back onto your property, and leave a friendly green slip to let you know. Ignore the rules, though, and you could get a notice of violation letter with a deadline to correct it.

So, campaign away if you must. I mean, when local people actually look to make a difference, it's a good thing... right? Well, I guess that all depends on which side of the aisle you sit (that's a story for another day). Just remember: yard signs don’t win elections, but they can definitely get you a note from the City.