Are political signs allowed? Yes, and please note that political signs are exempt from sign permits. Candidate/campaign ground mounted signs must meet certain basic rules.

• Signs attached to a tent, or any other structure affixed to the ground, are considered a “ground mounted” sign.
• The number of signs is limited to 1 per campaign or candidate per lot per street frontage for developed or vacant property.
• “Ground mounted” political signs cannot be larger than 6 square feet per side (double face signs are allowed provided the total of both sides combined does not exceed 12 square feet). This applies in both residential and nonresidential areas.
• Signs can be no more than 5 feet tall unless attached to another structure such as a tent.
• Ground mounted political signs should be securely affixed to the ground or to an approved supporting structure.
• Signs cannot be affixed to trees, utility poles, or fences.
• Political signs cannot be within the public “right-of-way” for a road or within a pedestrian easement. Temporary political signs should be placed behind the sidewalk or 10 feet back from the curb.
• No sign shall be placed within the election rules boundary (as established by the Shelby County Election Commission).

Yes, but please consider safety. A handheld sign is any sign that is held by or otherwise mounted on a person (i.e., sandwich board). Clothing and hats are not considered signs. 

A handheld sign is not included in the maximum number of allowed signs but must be held by a person. A handheld sign that is placed on the ground or propped against something becomes a ground mounted sign and is counted toward the maximum limit of 1 per candidate/campaign.

Handheld political signs can be displayed within the public right-of-way, but public sidewalks and streets cannot be blocked per the Town Code. The right-of-way is considered to extend a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of the pavement of the road, or to the dedicated right-of-way boundary, whichever is farther. Please note that these types of signs can distract motorists and place the sign holders too close to moving vehicles.

In short, please hold signs at least 10 feet behind a curb of the road for safety but the Town will not prohibit you from displaying handheld signs in the right-of-way unless you're blocking the sidewalk or street.

While the Town does not regulate the content of flags, there are other applicable regulations.

For flags and flagpoles on multifamily and nonresidential properties are regulated as signs (only one allowed if attached to building or three if ground-mounted). Flagpoles on single-family residential properties shall be located a distance equal to or greater than their own height above grade from the nearest property line; but, in no event shall a flagpole in a residential district exceed a height of 20 feet above grade. There is a maximum of one flagpole per lot in all residential districts.