Campaign Signs

In state and federal election years, Minnesota Statute 211B.045 governs the placement of campaign signs from 46 days before the primary until 10 days after the general election. This statute allows campaign signs to be posted in any size and number, subject to some limitations in Minn. Stat. Chapter 211B on the content of signs and where they can be placed. Municipal sign ordinances cannot regulate the size or number of noncommercial signs during this time period, but still apply to placement on public property. At present, Rochester does not have a sign ordinance regulating political signs, so they can be placed on private property year-round. 

 A prohibition exists for signs on City streets, Boulevards, or in the public Right-of-Way. 

More information on specific concerns related to campaign signs, including which provisions regulate certain topics and who to contact about complaints, is available in the table below.

Topic Regulated By Contact for Complaint
Content of a sign MN Stat 211B MN Office of Administrative Hearings, 651-361-7900
Signs in City streets and/or right of ways, on city boulevards, on boulevard trees or utility poles City Ordinances Rochester Public Works, 507-328-2400
Signs in State or Federal street and/or rights of way MN Statute 173.15 and MN Statute 160.27

Minnesota Department of Transportation
651-296-3000

Signs of Corporate Property MN Statute 211B.15 MN Office of Administrative Hearings, 6651-361-7900

On Election Day:

  • Signs on public property within 100 feet of a building that is a polling place
  • On the public property of a building that is a polling place (park, school, library, public housing)
MN Statute 211B.11 Olmsted County Elections 507-328-7650

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City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

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