about political signs

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Aug. 12, 2000 11 PM

Candidates and their supporters are being warned by the city of Troy about where they choose to put election campaign signs.

In response to recent complaints stemming from sign placement violations, Calvin Lott, city planner/administrator for the city of Troy, sent a letter to candidates Friday informing them of Ordinance No. 84.

The ordinance, which stipulates littering in the city limits, states political signs and posters cannot be put on the city street rights-of-way.

"They can be on private property, but not on city rights-of-way," Lott said of campaign signs.

He said the letter was sent to candidates because "we’ve had a lot of them (signs) pop up" with the upcoming Aug. 22 municipal election.

Lott said some business owners have complained that signs have been placed in front of their businesses ­ on the street right-of-way ­ without their permission.

If found on a right-of-way, signs will be picked up and stored at the Public Works Department on Walters Street off U.S. 231 North, where they can be picked up by candidates.

"We will pick signs up Monday if they’re not removed," Lott said.

Signs placed in yards or businesses, with the owner’s permission, will not be affected by the ordinance, Lott said.

One of the reasons for the ordinance is to prevent safety hazards that could result from improper sign placement.