The general election is quickly approaching, and that means political advertisements and signs will soon be commonplace once again. At the Sept. 20 meeting of the Gothenburg City Council, the ordinance pertaining to the placement of political signs within the city of Gothenburg was amended. The ordinance was passed earlier in the year and was updated last week to clarify the language.
The city ordinance states that political signs may be placed on personal property, as long as the property owner has given permission. The sign must also meet specific guidelines.
The change to the city policy is in regards to the timeline of political signs. The ordinance now states that the signs may not be placed more than 30 days prior to the public election related to the purpose of the sign. The city regulations pertaining to political signs state that the sign may be placed without a permit, provided that the sign:
Is not located on public right of way or an easement dedicated to public purpose.
Is not illuminated.
Has no moving elements.
Does not exceed 36 square feet in area.
Does not exceed four feet in height.
Shall not remain in place for more than 30 days.
Is removed within five days of a public vote on the political issue related to the sign.
“The change in the sign ordinance came about due to considerable complaints from citizens during the primary election,” explained Gothenburg City Administrator Gary Greer. “Basically, individuals running for office can have political signs up 30 days before the related election and must be removed within five days.”
