Can your HOA bar political signs? Ohio bill would end bans

[Emile]

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A new bill could shake up suburbia by creating a right to plant political yard signs—even if your homeowner’s association says you can’t.

House Bill 16 would let HOAs and local governments keep “reasonable restrictions” about where, when, how big and how many signs people displayed. But outright bans would be prohibited.

“My view of HOAs, personally, is to delegate authority and responsibility for aesthetics, landscaping and things of that nature,” said state Rep. Brian Lorenz, a Powell Republican.

The idea for HB 16 came from a Democratic constituent who wanted to display her sign for Vice President Kamala Harris. She was stopped from doing so by her HOA rules.

Read more at: https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/02/can-your-hoa-bar-political-signs-ohio-bill-would-end-bans.html

[hlthe2b]

1. Horrible idea.

In November, my neighborhood HOA did not disallow signs within 6 feet of the home. Only two cretins chose to put up signs--both Trumpers, but most of their signs were for local elections and those affiliations (though probably MAGA-leaning) were not obvious. And because they were right up against the home they looked pretty stupid. I know for a fact that their immediate neighbors really hated it, but no one bothered the signs. At least one of the women living in those homes did mention how "unfriendly" everyone seemed toward her when I politely acknowledged her as I was walking my pup--and that she felt shunned by everyone else. That did give me some pleasure.

[rampartd]

2. there are certainly free soeech arguments in favor of signs

but the hoa is as much a contract as a "government," so each assoc. should enforce its own rules.

compromises involving size of signs and distance from the home should be spelled out in the agreement?

[Littlered]

3. Strange that dark money

Can run ads that invade every aspect of your life unencumbered. My problem, and it seems to be a phenomenon that started with Trump, is the never ending political sign display. Once upon a time our little town had a specific season for political signs. Which I thought was great.

[Jughead]

4. Political signs

Political signs are an eyesore. They were great before mainstream media existed but not today.

[Hope22]

5. During election season I find it helpful!

In my community I have several people who are voices of reason. I can tell by the yard where she stands and almost 1000 cars go by there a day. The signs come down on election night. Our Republican neighbors take their own sweet time getting theirs down.in fact some are still up. I don’t see why others should lose the right just because others can’t follow the rule.