The Ada County Highway District Commission has adopted an ordinance
regulating signs that we hope will make it easier for you to know where to
place your signs while also ensuring that safety is maintained for
motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Candidates are welcomed and encouraged to place signs where they will do you
the most good – as long as they are far enough back from the roadside or
intersection to avoid creating a sight obstruction.
As of September 19, 2012, ACHD’s new ordinance will come into full legal
effect. Provisions of the ordinance include:
- No sign placement can create a visual barrier for drivers,
pedestrian or cyclists trying to navigate the roads
- Signs must be placed outside of the vision triangle, a space 40 feet
back from the point in the intersection where the curb lines or the edge
of pavement on roads without curbs would meet near the center of the
intersection
(please
see Figures 1 and 2).
- Signs must be placed no closer than 6 feet behind the back of the
curb or 12 from the edge of pavement on roads without curbs
(Figure
3).
- No sign can be placed in roadway landscaping areas, including in
medians, in roundabouts or within the parking strips between the curb
and the sidewalk.
- No flashing lights or effects, which could create a hazardous
distraction, are allowed.
- No signs can be placed on signal poles, on traffic signs or on any
other piece of public road infrastructure.
- Signs must be removed within 48 hours of the election.
Ada County and the cities within Ada County may have sign ordinances that
are more restrictive than ACHD Section 5104.3.2. If so, the more restrictive
standard shall apply. It is the responsibility of those placing signs in the
public right-of-way to be aware of those regulations.
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Click here to view the complete ordinance
-
Click here to view a diagram of where signs may or may not be placed
in the public right-of-way
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if my sign is placed in a location that
violates ACHD’s sign ordinance?
A: The ordinance governs ACHD enforcement authority to
remove signs that are creating hazards and the option to recoup the
costs for enforcement.
Q: What does ACHD do with the signs it removes?
A: If ACHD removes a sign that is determined to be
in an unsafe location, it will hold the sign at its headquarters,
located at 3775 Adams Street, Garden City. If you believe that ACHD
may have removed your sign, it is best to call and confirm. ACHD can
be reached at 387-6100 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m.
Q: How soon after Election Day do I need to remove my signs?
A: Signs must be removed from the public right-of-way
within 48 hours after the election.
Q: Who should I call if I have questions about sign
placement in the public right-of-way?
A: If you have questions regarding where you may place your
campaign signs, please call ACHD’s Traffic Services Department at
387-6140.