During an election year, City Hall receives numerous requests to clarify the City’s ordinance regarding signs. Specifically, political or election-related signs. In the City of Manitowoc, temporary signage is permitted on all residential properties. The regulations do not police the content of signs – that would run afoul of the First Amendment. But Manitowoc is allowed to regulate sign type, placement, size, and duration. For details regarding allowable sign types by location, you can visit the interactive sign code portal. If you have a question regarding temporary special event signs at your residence, it is likely that you are allowed a total area of 40 square feet of signage. Residential properties are allowed a maximum area of supplemental signage based on the sign district (usually 16 square feet), with additional signage area allotted to temporary and special event signage (24 square feet) (most election-related signs are temporary signs that relate to a special event – the election). Supplemental signage can take the form of a wall sign or a freestanding sign. Temporary signage refers to any banner, pennant, poster, or advertising display made from paper, cloth, canvas, plastic, cardboard, wallboard, plywood, or similar materials, intended for limited display and not permanently mounted. Temporary signs must be properly maintained pursuant to MMC 31.210, and are presumptively in disrepair after 90 days. Temporary special event signs must be removed no later than 10 days after the special event has ended. Any signage the City considers to be permanently installed requires a sign permit issued by the Building Inspection department. For more information, citizens can reach out to Building Inspection staff at (920) 686-6940 or by email at buildinginspection@manitowoc.org.