City Reminds Residents of Yard Sign Rules

From City of Ames

AMES, Iowa – Many Ames residents like to voice an opinion, support a candidate, or cheer on the home team with a temporary yard sign.  However, there are rules that address sign placement.  When locating the right spot for your yard signs, please keep in mind: 

•        Signs should be placed behind the property line and are prohibited in the public right of way, which is the area located between the curb and the back of the sidewalk.  For properties without sidewalks, the right of way width may vary, but is usually the first 
14.5 feet behind the curb in residential neighborhoods. 

•        Signs should never block the view of on-coming traffic.  At each intersection, there is a 20-foot by 20-foot “visibility triangle”, which is measured along the property line.  Items within the visibility triangle must be less than 36 inches above the street gutter.   

•        Temporary signs may not be displayed for more than 90 consecutive days without removal or replacement. 

The sign ordinance is in the City of Ames Municipal Code, Chapter 21. This is available on the City of Ames website at:  http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=266.