Whether it’s a yard sale, political support, home rental, or hiring opportunities, yard signs are a great way to share messages. In Johnston, residents must place these signs on residential property. Be sure to follow these basic rules:
- Signs must be on the resident’s property – not within the right-of-way.
- Signs placed on a corner cannot block the vision triangle of the street.
Public Right-of-Way
The strip of land between the street and sidewalk is called the public right-of-way and is technically City property. This area may contain gas, sewer, water and other utilities below the surface. It is important to maintain easy access to these utilities and keep it clear of visual clutter that can often distract drivers or hinder the use of sidewalks. Property owners are required to maintain the right-of-way, and it is important to keep it free of signs and other nuisances.
Illegal Sign Removal
As City building staff observes or receives reports of signs that have been improperly placed, they will remove them from the right-of-way. Signs are removed without regard to content. City staff will not remove signs from private property. When a sign is placed in the vision triangle, staff will contact the resident and grant a reasonable amount of time to move the sign to an appropriate location. For questions about sign location, call 515-727-7778.
Reclaiming a Sign
Each year, the City collects a large number of signs from the right-of-way. Signs are typically kept for a week before being recycled or landfilled. If a sign was mistakenly placed in the wrong location, there is a chance the City may still have it. To inquire, call 515-727-7778.
More Information
Please keep these rules in mind when placing your next sign. For more information, contact Johnston Building Department at 515-727-7778.