Hollywood Political Sign Rules - City Bylaw Guide
In Hollywood, Florida, campaign committees and volunteers must follow city sign regulations that govern placement, size, duration, and removal of political signage on public and private property. This guide summarizes where to find the controlling provisions, how enforcement works, what permits or approvals may be required, and practical steps to comply during election cycles. For legal certainty, consult the city code and contact Code Compliance or Building officials before installing campaign signs to avoid removal or enforcement actions.[1]
Overview
The City of Hollywood regulates signage through its municipal code and administrative rules that address permanent, temporary, and political signs. The code distinguishes between signs on public right-of-way and private property, and typically requires property-owner consent for signs on private land. Specific measurements, allowed locations, and time windows for temporary or political signs are set in the sign chapter of the municipal code; consult the ordinance language for exact limits.[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the City of Hollywood Code Compliance Division and Building/Planning staff. The municipal code or city enforcement pages set the procedures for notices, abatement, and administrative hearings. Fine amounts and schedules for political sign violations are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with Code Compliance.[1] For immediate complaints about signs on public rights-of-way or hazards, contact Code Compliance or call the city non-emergency number; see resources below for official contacts.[2]
- Enforcer: City of Hollywood Code Compliance Division and Building/Planning staff.
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code or contact Code Compliance for current penalty amounts.[1]
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence handling not specified on the cited page; administrative hearing processes may apply.[1]
- Appeals: the municipal process for appeal or review (Code Enforcement Board, administrative hearing) is referenced in city procedures but time limits are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary actions: removal orders, abatement at owner expense, seizure of illegal signs, and court enforcement are possible remedies per city procedures.
Applications & Forms
Some political signs may be treated as temporary signage requiring no special building permit if placed on private property with owner permission, while other sign types or installations (e.g., permanent mounts, electrical components) require a sign permit from Building Services. The specific form name/number, fee schedule, and online submission method are not specified on the cited page; contact Building Services or Planning for the current sign-permit application and fee information.[2]
- Permit forms: not specified on the cited page; inquire with Building Services for the sign permit application and instructions.[2]
- Submission: typically submitted to Building Services or online via the city portal if available; confirm current process with the department.
Compliance checklist and common violations
- Obtain property-owner permission before placing signs on private property.
- Avoid placing signs in medians, sidewalks, or within vehicular sight triangles unless expressly allowed.
- Remove signs promptly after the election or event; failure to remove may trigger abatement.
- Do not attach signs to city poles, trees, traffic signs, or utility infrastructure.
FAQ
- Do campaign committees need a permit for political signs?
- It depends on the sign type and location; temporary signs on private property often do not need a building permit but may be subject to size, placement, and time restrictions under the municipal sign code. Contact Code Compliance or review the municipal code for specifics.[1]
- Where am I allowed to place political signs?
- Signs are generally allowed on private property with owner permission; placement on city-owned property, rights-of-way, medians, or utility structures is typically restricted and may be prohibited. Verify allowed locations with Code Compliance.[2]
- What happens if signs are left after an election?
- Leftover signs may be subject to removal and abatement; any fines or fees for removal are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with Code Compliance.[1]
How-To
- Review the City of Hollywood sign chapter in the municipal code to identify rules for temporary and political signs.[1]
- Contact Code Compliance or Building Services to confirm whether your planned signs need a permit and to obtain any required forms.[2]
- Obtain written permission from private property owners before placing signs on private land.
- Install signs in allowed locations, observe size and setback rules, and note removal deadlines tied to the election event.
- Document placements with photos and contact information in case of disputes; if you receive a violation notice, follow the notice instructions and use the appeal route provided by the city.
Key Takeaways
- Check the municipal sign code before installing campaign signs.
- Contact Code Compliance for enforcement procedures and clarity on permits.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Hollywood Code Compliance Division
- City of Hollywood Planning & Zoning / Building Services
- City of Hollywood Municipal Code (Municode library)