by Dirk Van der Linden
State law governs where political signs may be placed, and many of the current primary election signs being displayed are not legal. Many are too close to the street.
According to the Iowa Dept. of Transportation, political signs may not be located on public property. This includes utility poles, road ditches, traffic signs, and the “parking” or “tree berm” along a city street. The public land along a city street starts at the curb and goes back to the inside of the sidewalk. Signs currently in this public area should be moved back onto private property. If there is no sidewalk, the private property line should be determined, and signs should be placed on private land.
In Wright County, if you are unsure about a property line, you can look up your property on the Beacon website: https://beacon.schneidercorp.com. Select Iowa and Wright County. Select Property Search. Type in your name or address. Select Map at the top of the page to get an aerial view showing property lines.
Political signs are not allowed on private property along highways if the landowner has been compensated for the placement. If a fee has been paid, a sign permit must be obtained.
Signs are also not allowed within 300 feet of a voting place at any time that ballots are being cast.
According to the DOT Traffic and Safety Manual, improper signs that are causing a hazard can be removed immediately by city, county or state authorities. Signs that are not hazardous must be removed within 48 hours of notice being given. A removal fee may be charged to the owner of the sign.
Political candidates and their supporters should take note of these rules and be sure that their signs are being displayed correctly.
