Political campaign headquarters in York County may now have a 40-square-foot political sign in addition to any building signage.
Previously, political headquarters were allowed to have 32-square-foot signs, while business and civic-related temporary signs were 40 square feet.
The York County Board of Supervisors approved the change unanimously in the wake of inconsistencies with the Virginia state code, which says political signs must be given the same opportunities as other temporary signs.
Supervisor Sheila Noll (District 2) noted James City County and Williamsburg have a 32-square-foot maximum size for political signs. She asked if the amendment could be “revisited” after approval.
“We will have a campaign this November and we will see just how obnoxious those signs may be to our citizens and then we can revisit this if we need to,” she said, referring to Nov. 4 U.S. Senate elections.
If the board wishes to change the size of political signs in the future, business signs would also have to be changed to comply with state code.
James City County and the City of Williamburg also have no limitations on the number of 32-square-foot political signs allowed per parcel, while York County is setting the limitation at one sign per parcel.
Supervisor Walter Zaremba (District 1) disliked the idea of allowing numerous signs and said there is “nothing more disdainful to the average citizen than political signs.”
“I think the candidate running in opposition to the candidate being trumpeted by these signs has a great advantage and can use that as a sword rather than just a shield,” Zaremba said.
In addition to a 40-square-foot sign per property, an unlimited number of political signs measuring 6 square feet are permitted.
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