This is where political campaign signs are — and aren’t — allowed around Centre County

It may seem like a free-for-all when it comes to campaign signs, but there are rules about where they can be placed. As Election Day approaches and early voting continues, the CDT asked several Centre Region municipalities, and PennDOT, about their policies. Here’s what they said.

What’s required on signs?

Campaign signs and other forms of advertising must indicate who paid for them, the state Election Code says.

Where can signs be displayed?

In Ferguson Township, campaign signs are not allowed in the right-of-way (the area between the sidewalk and the street). Up to three signs can be displayed on a residential lot. “Be sure that signs do not interfere with pedestrian traffic, curb ramps, or access to buildings, driveways, fire escapes, and parking spaces,” the township advises on its website.

State College borough allows campaign signs on private property, whether your own or someone else’s with permission. Signs are not permitted anywhere in the right-of-way.

Property owners in College Township may place temporary signs on their property as long as they are outside the right-of-way. Such signage is prohibited in the township’s right-of-way and on any township property.

In Harris Township, signs can be placed on private property but are not allowed in the right-of-way.

Patton Township does not have a prohibition on signs in the right-of-way but requests that they not be placed in the median or areas that would obstruct a driver’s line of sight at an intersection.

Campaign signs cannot be placed within the state Department of Transportation’s right-of-way on state roads, interstates, expressways and other limited-access highways, a PennDOT spokesperson said. “Political signs cannot be attached on light or signal posts, guide rail or other PennDOT traffic control devices,” the agency said.

When can they go up?

Harris Township allows signs 30 days before the election and requires them to be removed within seven days after the election.

Patton Township doesn’t have rules about timing, but asks that signs are picked up within three days after the election.

In State College borough, temporary signs can be displayed for 30 consecutive days, two times per calendar year.

College Township does not have rules about timing for small, temporary signs such as campaign signs.