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(pseudo-political post, but not party affiliated)
So awhile ago the news ran a story on the evils of stealing yard signs. And today, walking the dog, I was reminded of it as I strolled past a yard sign that was properly placed. What do I mean by that? If you don't know, please read on! It could save your yard sign.
While there most certainly are neighborhood skirmishes and incidents of individual sign-stealing, I'm willing to bet (judging by the states of the cities' dumpsters) that over 75% of the missing signs are picked up by city codes enforcement personnel because they violate city ordinances. Yes, some cities are far more strict than others (I think we all know who), but they all have codes, and if you don't know your city's, call city hall and find out. Meanwhile, here are the big ones:
1) Signs must be placed outside of the right-of-way. For those not in the biz, the right-of-way is the front portion of your yard that you don't really own. That's right, that land right up against the curb isn't yours, though you have to maintain it, and the city and utilities have the right to dig it up at any time. Right-of-way varies by street, but in this area a good rule of thumb is 12'. So make sure those signs are 12' back in your yard (if you have a sidewalk, another somewhat standard measure is 1' behind the sidewalk). Any sign in the right-of-way is fair game to codes and their roving vehicles crammed with twisted, abused metal wire-frame signs on their way to the dumpster, torn paper flapping forlornly...
2) One sign per campaign. You can't have 27 'Candidate Sugarplum' signs peppering your front yard. Typically, if you have 27 of them in the right-of-way, all will be confiscated. If you have 27 of them outside the right-of-way, all but one can be taken.
There might be other rules in your city, including a maximum number of signs overall, maximum sign size, or, goodness knows, color-coordinating rules. You never know what's in those city ordinances. OH! That last flippant comment also reminded me - you might want to check with your HOA (if you have one), as well, as they can have rules stricter than city codes. And yes, if you violate those they can take your signs, too, though I'd be willing to bet they'd send you a strongly worded note letting you know what a disappointment you were to the community for violating the sacred covenants.
If people followed these rules, a lot of poor signs would never be abducted and dumped in landfills, weeping bitterly at not fulfilling their destiny.
The small percentage that are taken hostage in neighborhood wars... there's only one thing to do about that, and I think you all know what I mean. Uh-huh. Ninja guard squirrels.
So awhile ago the news ran a story on the evils of stealing yard signs. And today, walking the dog, I was reminded of it as I strolled past a yard sign that was properly placed. What do I mean by that? If you don't know, please read on! It could save your yard sign.
While there most certainly are neighborhood skirmishes and incidents of individual sign-stealing, I'm willing to bet (judging by the states of the cities' dumpsters) that over 75% of the missing signs are picked up by city codes enforcement personnel because they violate city ordinances. Yes, some cities are far more strict than others (I think we all know who), but they all have codes, and if you don't know your city's, call city hall and find out. Meanwhile, here are the big ones:
1) Signs must be placed outside of the right-of-way. For those not in the biz, the right-of-way is the front portion of your yard that you don't really own. That's right, that land right up against the curb isn't yours, though you have to maintain it, and the city and utilities have the right to dig it up at any time. Right-of-way varies by street, but in this area a good rule of thumb is 12'. So make sure those signs are 12' back in your yard (if you have a sidewalk, another somewhat standard measure is 1' behind the sidewalk). Any sign in the right-of-way is fair game to codes and their roving vehicles crammed with twisted, abused metal wire-frame signs on their way to the dumpster, torn paper flapping forlornly...
2) One sign per campaign. You can't have 27 'Candidate Sugarplum' signs peppering your front yard. Typically, if you have 27 of them in the right-of-way, all will be confiscated. If you have 27 of them outside the right-of-way, all but one can be taken.
There might be other rules in your city, including a maximum number of signs overall, maximum sign size, or, goodness knows, color-coordinating rules. You never know what's in those city ordinances. OH! That last flippant comment also reminded me - you might want to check with your HOA (if you have one), as well, as they can have rules stricter than city codes. And yes, if you violate those they can take your signs, too, though I'd be willing to bet they'd send you a strongly worded note letting you know what a disappointment you were to the community for violating the sacred covenants.
If people followed these rules, a lot of poor signs would never be abducted and dumped in landfills, weeping bitterly at not fulfilling their destiny.
The small percentage that are taken hostage in neighborhood wars... there's only one thing to do about that, and I think you all know what I mean. Uh-huh. Ninja guard squirrels.
no subject
lol
Alas, the poor signs... I can't WAIT until they all go AWAY.
no subject
I agree with the one community who wanted to ban the signs. Seriously, are people really swayed by them? What are they but an eyesore?