When must campaign signs be removed after an election?

Campaigns should remove signs promptly after the election; the city treats unattended signs on public property as illegal and may remove them as part of cleanup activities.

Who removes signs from the sidewalk or median?

The Streets Department removes signs found in the public right-of-way; complaints can be filed on the city report page.

Do I need a permit for a political sign on private property?

Depends on size and type; consult the Department of Licenses & Inspections sign permit guidance for permit thresholds and application procedures.

What fines will I face for leaving signs up?

Specific fine amounts and escalation are not specified on the cited city pages; contact the enforcing department for exact penalty amounts.

Philadelphia Campaign Sign Time Limits and Removal

Signs and Advertising Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026

· By Emily Carter

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, campaign signs are regulated by city departments that control placement, duration and removal on public and private property. This guide explains typical time limits, who enforces removals, how to report signs left after an election, and steps campaigns should take to comply with city rules and permits.

Where rules apply

Rules differ for public right-of-way (street trees, sidewalks, medians) versus private property and for signs that require a permit. Signs on public property are routinely treated as illegal litter and are subject to removal by city crews; signs on private property may require a permit from Licenses & Inspections.

Key rules and practical limits

Local practice: signs left in the public right-of-way are often removed by Streets maintenance crews after elections.
Permit requirement: some sign types on private property require a sign permit through Department of Licenses & Inspections. Sign permits^[1]
Campaigns are expected to remove temporary political signage promptly after the election; unattended signs on public property can be removed as a public cleanup.

Remember to remove signs promptly after election day to avoid removal as litter.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is split: the Streets Department removes signs from public rights-of-way as part of litter control, while the Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) handles permits and code violations on private property. Specific monetary fines and escalation amounts for campaign sign violations are not detailed on the cited city pages; see the linked departments for complaints and permit information. Report illegal signs^[2]

Fines: not specified on the cited pages.
Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence escalation not specified on the cited pages.
Non-monetary sanctions: removal of signs, orders to abate or remove signs, and referral to court where applicable.
Enforcers and complaint pathways: Streets Department for signs on public property; Department of Licenses & Inspections for permits and private-property code enforcement. Use the department report or permit pages to file complaints or applications. L&I sign permits^[1]
Appeals/review: time limits and appeal routes are not specified on the cited pages; contact the enforcing department for appeal instructions.
Defenses and discretion: property owner permission, valid permit, or authorized special event signage may be acceptable—check L&I permit rules.

Applications & Forms

The Department of Licenses & Inspections publishes sign permit guidance and application steps on its sign permits page. If no permit is needed for temporary political signs on private property, the L&I page will indicate requirements; if the L&I site lacks a specific form for political signs, state "not specified on the cited page." See the L&I sign permit page for current forms and fee information. Sign permits^[1]

Action steps for campaigns and property owners

Remove signs from public property immediately after election day to avoid removal by city crews.
Check L&I permit requirements before installing larger or permanent campaign signs on private property. Apply or check rules^[1]
To report signs in the right-of-way or request removal, use the Streets Department reporting page. Report illegal signs^[2]
Document sign locations and take dated photos before filing complaints or removing signs from private property.

Keep records and photos in case of disputes over removal or authority.

FAQ

When must campaign signs be removed after an election?: Campaigns should remove signs promptly after the election; the city treats unattended signs on public property as illegal and may remove them as part of cleanup activities.
Who removes signs from the sidewalk or median?: The Streets Department removes signs found in the public right-of-way; complaints can be filed on the city report page. Report^[2]
Do I need a permit for a political sign on private property?: Depends on size and type; consult the Department of Licenses & Inspections sign permit guidance for permit thresholds and application procedures. L&I sign permits^[1]
What fines will I face for leaving signs up?: Specific fine amounts and escalation are not specified on the cited city pages; contact the enforcing department for exact penalty amounts.

How-To

Document the sign: take photos showing location and date.
Confirm location: determine whether the sign is on public right-of-way or private property.
If public, file a report with the Streets Department via the illegal signs report page. Report illegal signs^[2]
If private and you are the owner, remove the sign or apply for a permit with L&I if required. L&I sign permits^[1]
If you receive an order or ticket, follow the department instructions and preserve documentation to appeal if applicable.

Key Takeaways

Remove campaign signs promptly after election day to avoid city removal.
Check L&I for permit requirements before installing large or permanent signs.