KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As campaign season heats up, Keene officials are reminding residents and candidates that no signs—political or otherwise—belong in the city’s public rights-of-way.

According to the Public Works Department, New Hampshire law (RSA 664:17) and city ordinances make it illegal to place signs along public roads, sidewalks, medians, roundabouts, or drainage ditches. These areas are considered part of the public right-of-way, and signs placed there will be removed by city crews.

Only one exception exists: businesses located within the downtown core may display licensed sandwich board signs, provided they have obtained a permit from the City Clerk’s office.

Political and other campaign signs may still be placed on private property, but only with the landowner’s permission. Officials clarified that the restriction applies solely to city-maintained areas, not to state-owned rights-of-way, where signs are allowed as long as they do not obstruct traffic and the property owner consents.

Public Works crews will dispose of any commercial signs immediately upon removal. Political signs taken down by the city will be stored at the Public Works facility until Nov. 12, seven days after Election Day, to allow candidates or their representatives to retrieve them. After that date, the signs will be discarded.

Residents with questions may contact the Public Works Department at 352-6550 or by email.