Temporary Signage
Section 25-14 of the Sign Ordinance found in the Code of Ordinances regulates temporary sign.
Temporary political signs are treated in the same way as other temporary signs in the City of St. Joseph, as required by the United States Supreme Court, which requires that regulations be "content-neutral"; the ordinance cannot distinguish between what the sign says.
Temporary signage at a home in a residential district must comply with the following:
- Cannot exceed 4 feet in height;
- Cannot be larger than 6 square feet in area, and the total area of temporary signs displayed on the property cannot exceed 24 square feet. (So, for example, there could be up to 4 signs, each 6 square feet in area, but there could be more than 4 signs if they are small enough.);
- All signage must be located on private property. Signage found in the tree lawn (area between the sidewalk and the road) or on other public property will be removed. Unauthorized signage on public property is removed by City staff and placed outside on the parking lot side of City Hall, where it is kept for one week in order that the sign may be retrieved by the owner; and
- There is no restriction on when political signs may be placed or must be removed, they are simply temporary signs and are included as part of the property's allowed signage.
Temporary signage on commercial properties or signage that does not qualify as temporary signage has different regulations, as described in the ordinance. Signage that does not qualify as temporary signage requires a sign permit. If you are contemplating placing a sign that is not a temporary sign under the ordinance, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm the requirements for the signage and to obtain a permit before placing the sign.
