News

Clear sight lines matter: City addresses sign placement at intersections

The City of Decatur is reminding businesses, organizations, and individuals that advertising signs are not permitted in public street right-of-way, particularly at street corners and intersections.

These locations present the greatest public safety concern. Signs placed at corners, in medians, or attached to traffic control devices can block sight lines, distract drivers, and increase risk for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

This reminder is operational in nature and reflects existing City ordinances that regulate sign placement in public right-of-way to protect public safety. As sign placement has increased, especially at busy intersections, the safety concern has become more pronounced.

The City asks that advertising signs placed in the street right-of-way or on traffic control devices be removed by February 15, 2026. This includes signs placed at street corners, medians, sidewalks, or attached to stop signs, signal poles, or utility poles.

After February 15, City crews will begin removing the remaining signs in these locations as part of routine street maintenance and public safety efforts. Removed signs will be discarded.

What is the street right-of-way?
The street right-of-way is public property maintained by the City. It generally includes:

• Roadways
• Medians
• Shoulders
• Sidewalks
• Utility strips between sidewalks and streets
• Traffic signs, signal poles, and utility poles

If a sign is placed at a street corner, between the curb and sidewalk, in a median, or attached to a traffic sign, it is likely in the public right-of-way.

Frequently asked questions

Does this apply to business signs?
Yes. Business advertising signs are not allowed in the public right-of-way, especially at street corners and intersections.

Does this apply to political or campaign signs?
Yes. Campaign signs are treated the same as all other advertising when placed in the public right-of-way or on traffic control devices.

What about event, church, or nonprofit signs?
Temporary event signage is not permitted in the public right-of-way.

Are realtor signs affected?
No. Realtor signs placed on private property in front of homes, with the property owner’s permission, are not affected.

Can signs be placed on private property?
Yes. Signs placed on private property with permission are allowed, as long as they comply with applicable City ordinances.

Will the City remove signs?
Yes. After February 15, 2026, City crews will remove advertising signs located in the public right-of-way or attached to traffic control devices. Removed signs will be discarded.

Does this apply to City, utility, or construction signage?
No. This does not apply to City signage, utility company signage, or signs required for permitted construction or traffic control.

City ordinance reference
Sign placement in public right-of-way is addressed in the City of Decatur Code of Ordinances, including:

• Section 25-74 (B), which prohibits temporary signs in street right-of-way and on utility poles
• Section 25-76 (I), which prohibits signs from being erected in or projecting over public right-of-way

The full ordinance language can be reviewed here:
Section 25-74 (B) – https://tinyurl.com/bxk2mbxj
Section 25-76 (I) – https://tinyurl.com/yf9zsn52