When must campaign signs be removed after an election?

The city code and county election pages do not specify a single removal deadline for all campaign signs; candidates should remove signs promptly after the election and check with Code Enforcement for location-specific rules.

Can I place signs on public property or sidewalks?

Signs in the public right-of-way or on sidewalks are commonly prohibited or require permits; check with City of Spokane Code Enforcement before placing signs on or over public property.

Are there special rules near polling places on election day?

Yes. Election buffer zones typically restrict political advertising near polling place entrances on election day; check Spokane County Elections rules for precise distances and prohibitions.

Who enforces rules about campaign signs?

City of Spokane Code Enforcement enforces city sign and zoning rules inside Spokane city limits; Spokane County Elections enforces election-day buffer rules at polling places.

Spokane Campaign Sign Time Limits - City Bylaw

Signs and Advertising Washington 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026

Spokane, Washington candidates and campaign teams must follow local rules for where and how long campaign signs can be displayed. This guide summarizes the city approach to time limits, removal, enforcement channels, and practical steps to comply with Spokane municipal rules and election-site restrictions. Where the city or county code does not state a specific deadline, this article notes that the detail is not specified on the cited official page and points to the enforcing offices for confirmation.

Check permit and election-day rules early to avoid removal or fines.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Spokane and Spokane County share responsibility for campaign-sign issues depending on location: the city enforces sign and zoning rules on private and public property within city limits, while Spokane County enforces election-site buffer zones around polling places. Specific monetary fines and exact escalation schedules for campaign-sign time violations are not specified on the cited official pages; see the Help and Support / Resources section for department contacts to confirm current amounts and processes. Current as of February 2026.

Fines: not specified on the cited page; contact Code Enforcement for current fine amounts and schedules.
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page; enforcement may escalate to daily fines or abatement actions.
Non-monetary actions: removal orders, abatement at owner expense, seizure of signs, and referral to municipal court are possible under city authority.
Enforcer: City of Spokane Code Enforcement and Spokane County Elections for polling sites; use official complaint/contact pages to report violations.
Appeals: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; appeals may proceed through the city hearing or municipal court process—contact the enforcing office for deadlines.

Appeal and exact fine amounts must be confirmed with the enforcing agency.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes sign and building permit procedures for permanent and some temporary signs; however, no single, city-published "campaign sign permit" form is specified on the cited pages. Candidates should verify whether standard temporary sign permits or zoning approvals apply to their signs and follow any permit submission process listed by the City of Spokane Planning and Building departments.

Common Violations

Placement in public right-of-way or sidewalk obstructing pedestrian access.
Signs within regulated sight triangles at intersections or too close to traffic control devices.
Failure to remove signs within a reasonable period after an election or after posting deadlines.
Use of non-compliant structures (electrical connections, permanent fixtures) without permits.

Removing signs outside posted deadlines can reduce disputes and enforcement action.

FAQ

When must campaign signs be removed after an election?: The city code and county election pages do not specify a single removal deadline for all campaign signs; candidates should remove signs promptly after the election and check with Code Enforcement for location-specific rules.
Can I place signs on public property or sidewalks?: Signs in the public right-of-way or on sidewalks are commonly prohibited or require permits; check with City of Spokane Code Enforcement before placing signs on or over public property.
Are there special rules near polling places on election day?: Yes. Election buffer zones typically restrict political advertising near polling place entrances on election day; check Spokane County Elections rules for precise distances and prohibitions.
Who enforces rules about campaign signs?: City of Spokane Code Enforcement enforces city sign and zoning rules inside Spokane city limits; Spokane County Elections enforces election-day buffer rules at polling places.

How-To

Confirm sign rules: contact City of Spokane Planning/Code Enforcement and Spokane County Elections to learn location-specific time limits and buffer zones.
Obtain permits if required: follow the city’s sign or building permit process for any temporary structure that may need authorization.
Place signs correctly: avoid rights-of-way, sight lines, and polling-place buffers; follow size and anchoring rules to prevent hazards.
Remove promptly: take down signs within a reasonable period after the election or when requested by enforcement to avoid fines or abatement.
If cited, follow appeal steps: contact the enforcing office immediately to learn appeal deadlines and procedures.

Key Takeaways

Spokane enforces sign placement and election-site buffers—confirm rules before posting.
Exact fines and deadlines are not specified on the cited city pages; contact enforcement offices for current figures.
Use permit channels when signs involve permanent fixtures or regulated temporary installations.