(1)

Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms mean:

(a)

Election campaign period.

1.

In the case of an election for office, the period beginning on the first day for circulation of nomination papers by candidates, or the first day on which candidates would circulate nomination papers were papers to be required, and ending on the day of the election.

2.

In the case of a referendum, the period beginning on the day on which the question to be voted upon is submitted to the electorate, and ending on the day in which the referendum is held.

(b)

Political message. A message intended for a political purpose or a message, which pertains to an issue of public policy of possible concern to the electorate, but does not include a message intended solely for a commercial purpose.

(c)

Residential property. Property occupied or suitable to be occupied for residential purposes and property abutting that property for which the owner or renter is responsible for the maintenance or care. If property is utilized for both residential and nonresidential purposes, residential property means only the portion of the property occupied or suitable to be occupied for residential purposes.

(2)

Display period. Political signs advocating for a particular candidate, party, or position specific to a particular election campaign or referendum shall be displayed only during the election campaign period as that term is defined in Wis. Stats. § 12.04(1)(a), plus five days before or after that period.

(3)

Display period not applying. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, if a political sign meets the requirements of this chapter and is granted a permit according to the provisions of this chapter, the time limits in this subsection do not apply.

(4)

Not on residential property. Political signs not on residential property are not exempt from any provision of this chapter.