HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – As the primary election approaches for certain races in Christian County, the public is being reminded of state regulations regarding the display of yard signs for local political candidates.

With four mayoral candidates filed in Hopkinsville, the May election puts three republican mayoral candidates head-to-head for a spot on the November ballot. Both candidates for sheriff, PVA and select city council and magistrate seats will also debate ahead of the Primary on May 19.

Kentucky law dictates certain regulations for displaying political yard signs. It is said in KRS 381.800 that political signs cannot be displayed earlier than 30 days before any special, primary, or regular election. Signs must be removed no later than seven days after.

The KRS also specifies that an entity such as a homeowner’s association is not able to prohibit the outdoor display of political yard signs on the owner or resident’s property. Local governments have the authority to dictate limits on the size, placement and manner of display of the signs.

| MORE ELECTION: Public debates for mayor, city council, sheriff scheduled ahead of Primary Election in Hopkinsville

Specific regulations for sign placement in Hopkinsville

As far as regulations specific to Hopkinsville, in the Code of Ordinances there are no clear restrictions about political yard signs. However, referring to signs in general it is disclosed that the city reserves the right to remove any sign placed within the right-of-way either permitted or unpermitted if it is determined that there is adverse placement, deterioration or dilapidation which constitutes a nuisance or hazard to public safety.

The City of Hopkinsville dictates that it is unlawful for any person to extend any banner or canvas sign across any public street, park or other way of the city. It is also unlawful for any person to nail, tack or paste any bill, poster, placard or advertisement to any post or pole used for supporting telegraph, telephone, electric light or fire alarm wires located on city streets or alleys as of code 99.18.

In Hopkinsville, conditional use for a sign shall be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the compatibility to surrounding neighborhoods.

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