CAMPAIGN SIGNAGE REMOVED FROM RIGHT-OF-WAY

Election signs are a common feature of election seasons, as are questions and complaints regarding their placement. This year, the City has received an increased number of complaints concerning campaign signs in residential areas, resulting in additional enforcement activity by the Code Enforcement team. When Code Enforcement responds to a complaint, staff also reviews the surrounding area for similar violations. As a result, addressing a single reported violation may lead to the identification and removal of other noncompliant signs in the vicinity.

For clarity, staff takes a practical approach to enforcement and does not measure the placement of every sign in the field. When a sign appears to meet the applicable distance requirements based on a visual assessment, it will generally remain in place. However, when a potential violation is brought to the City's attention, staff has a responsibility to investigate and take appropriate action.

As a reminder, in residential areas, campaign signs must be placed at least three feet behind the sidewalk, toward the residence. Where no sidewalk exists, signs must be placed at least five feet from the edge of the paved roadway.

When a sign is removed, the candidate is notified and advised that the sign may be retrieved from the City Clerk's Office. Removed signs are generally held for approximately two weeks.