Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend September 11, 2006 Campaign sign rules vary by city By Jennifer Strange for the Mail Tribune As the Nov. 7 election approaches, some Rogue Valley residents are eager to express their views about candidates, bond measures and other items on the ballot. Posting campaign signs on private property is a time-honored way to make an opinion known, but codes must be followed. "Sign codes protect the general public's health, safety and welfare by making sure rights of ways are not obstructed and visibility remains good," said Eagle Point City Planner Bunny Lincoln. Sign ordinances also preserve the aesthetics of a community and landscape without limiting free speech rights. "There are no restrictions on the content of the signs," Lincoln said. "It has to be in good taste but in terms of who you're supporting, you can support whatever issues you want to be supporting." Sign codes for various Rogue Valley communities are as follows: Ashland: One sign per parcel of private property may be posted up to 45 days prior to an election and must be removed within seven days following the election. Allowed only on the private property of the sign-placer, the sign cannot be more than 4 square feet in area. No signs are allowed on public right of way, said Adam Hanks, City of Ashland code compliance officer. Talent: The city allows temporary signs not more than 16 square feet in area to be placed on private property only. No sign permit is needed and signs must be removed within 10 days following the election. "If we were to receive a complaint from somebody saying it was obscuring vision distance, we might approach and ask them to move them to a place that isn't dangerous," said City Planner John Adam. Phoenix: There is no limit to the number of signs placed on private property during the period from 60 days before to five days after an election, said Roxanne Faull, utility clerk and court clerk. Signs cannot be more than 12 square feet in area. Medford: No code governing yard signs exists in Medford unless the sign is so large that it would be governed by land use codes. "Signs are allowed with the request that folks get them down as soon as possible after the election," said Glenda Owens, assistant to the city manager. Signs can be posted at any time before the election on private property and not in the public right of way. "Most people are really good and take them down," Owens said. "But if we get complaints, our code enforcement officer will go out and ask them to remove the signs." Jacksonville: Temporary signs are allowed not exceeding 4 square feet, not erected more than 30 days prior to an election and removed within seven days following the election. There is no code determining the number of signs allowed per parcel, said Sandra Miller of the planning department. "Within reason would be one sign per residence or per property but, since they're temporary, unless somebody's putting 50 signs on their property, we're not really going to enforce anything." Central Point: Signs or posters announcing the candidates and office sought can be posted on private property and must be removed within 10 days after the election. They can be posted at any time before the election but cannot exceed five square feet in area. There is no limit on the number of signs. "If we have a sign that didn't follow the guidelines, we'd follow up with the candidates," said City Recorder Deanna Gregory. White City: As an unincorporated community, White City falls under Jackson County regulations. Signs with a surface area of no more than 32 square feet and not more than 25 feet in height are allowed on private property within required setbacks from property lines. No signs are allowed in public rights of way and no signs may be illuminated, roof-mounted, A-frame, supported by permanent footing or contain balloons, inflation or moving images. Signs visible from state or visible highways must meet state regulations. One or more signs, up to a total of 8 square feet, are permitted in urban residential areas. Any signs larger than 12 square feet must be removed or converted to a permanent sign after six months following an election. Eagle Point: Signs can be posted on private property with the permission of the property owners 30 days prior to an election until 10 days after the election. There is no restriction on the number of signs on one piece of property as long as the signs don't equal more than 12 square feet in area, not including the material used to support the sign. Shady Cove: There is no limit to the number of signs that may be posted on private property as long as setback and clearance requirements are met. Signs must be removed within seven days after the election and can be posted any time before an election. "We don't have sign folks that go around and enforce," said Elise Smurzynski, city administrator. "If there's a health and safety issue about a sign that blocks visibility or has been put on top of a directional sign or stop sign, we're not patient with that." Butte Falls: No sign codes exist. Prospect: Sign code follows Jackson County code; see White City. Gold Hill: No specific ordinances for campaign signs exist, although posting must follow similar codes. Signs are allowed on private property but not in any public right of way, signs should be removed upon end of event and no posting signs on power or telephone poles. Rogue River: Signs not exceeding 4 square feet concerning an election may be erected no more than 40 day prior to and removed within seven days following the election. Ground signs are limited to one per business or resident within property lines and never within rights of way or on corners. "People are supposed to come in, fill out an application and we give out permits," said Carol Weir, deputy recorder, "but I've never had one election person come in. The candidates or their representatives give them out and people just put them out. The permitting is not enforced, but if they go up way too soon, we'll notify them." Jennifer Strange is a freelance writer living in Central Point. Reach her at [email protected]. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com