As local political candidates prepare to ramp up their campaigns ahead of the June 5 primaries, more political signs are appearing on roadsides and in private yards.

Candidates who want to keep their signs, however, should be aware of where they can and cannot be placed. As a rule of thumb, simply keep them off rights of way.

“All signs are supposed to be outside the public right of way,” Public Works Director James Rich said Monday. Signs in private yards are fair game, of course, as long as the property owner has provided consent.

City workers will take up any sign placed where grass can be cut. Signs placed in the line of sight of vehicles will also be removed. The rules are similar outside the city limits, an official said.

Limestone County District 3 Commissioner Jason Black, who is also seeking re-election in November, said he has a small collection of signs, all of which can be reclaimed by the candidates. He added it’s not just campaign signs that are removed, but also real estate and any signs advertising a service like internet or stump removal.

At Monday’s County Commission meeting, District 1 Commissioner Stanley Hill said he’s seeing more service-oriented signs popping up on utility poles. Black said he makes an effort to reunite local service signs with the business, when possible.

Rich said if a candidate sees his or her sign missing from within the city limits, they can call his office at 256-233-8725. He explained the signs are kept at the Public Works Department “for a short period of time.”