Can HOAs ban political signs in NC neighborhoods? What the law says
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Early voting is underway, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Candidates for local, state and federal elections are making their final appeal to voters, including through campaign signs popping up on roads, intersections and neighborhoods.
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But can homeowner associations (HOAs) ban political signs in North Carolina neighborhoods? Here’s what the law says.
Yes, but there are some stipulations.
For HOA restrictions registered before Oct. 1, 2005, the restrictions specifically have to use the term “political sign” to regulate them, according to Ward and Smith, a law firm with six offices in North Carolina. A prohibition on all signs are is not enough to limit political signs.
Restrictions registered after Oct. 1, 2005, that want to prohibit political signs must write the following on the front page of its rules, in all capital letters, bolded and “no smaller than the largest print” used throughout the document: “THIS DOCUMENT REGULATES OR PROHIBITS THE DISPLAY OF POLITICAL SIGNS.”
The rules also have to contain “internal language” that specifies the restrictions, according to the law firm.
If a HOA is missing language on political signs, rules can be put in place to regulate them, according to Ward and Smith.
“The (HOA) Board may promulgate a rule prohibiting political sign display earlier than 45 days prior to an election and later than seven days after the election,” according to the law firm. “The rule may also regulate the size and number of political signs allowed to be displayed on a lot or condominium unit. But be careful! The Board cannot promulgate a rule that is more restrictive than a local political sign ordinance.”
In Charlotte, signs can’t be placed within 11 feet of the edge of the pavement, in medians, in traffic islands and on sidewalks, and a handful other locations. In Raleigh, the rules differ based on the zoning of the property.
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State law defines a political sign as “a sign that attempts to influence the outcome of an election, including supporting or opposing an issue on the election ballot.”
“These types of political signs may be prohibited or regulated under both Chapter 47F and Chapter 47C, but be careful; not all flags or banners automatically become political signs simply because they may contain political rhetoric, especially when they are displayed outside of the election time period,” according to Ward and Smith.
Yes, but it depends on the regulations, according to Law Firm Carolinas, which has four offices in North Carolina.
“In North Carolina, the right to fly a United States or state of North Carolina flag in a planned community or condominium is protected by statute unless the declaration of covenants contains certain key phrases,” according to the law firm.
If the precise language is not present, the association must allow a United States or state flag up to four by six feet.
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This story was originally published October 22, 2026 at 9:52 AM with the headline “Can HOAs ban political signs in NC neighborhoods? What the law says.”
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