‘Tis the season for campaign signs

Political campaign signs have been popping up around Carson City as the new year will bring with it three elections ending with the general election in November.

Going into political season, the message from city officials is that people should not put campaign signs in the public right of way and should be respectful of each other’s property.

“Signs are not permitted to be located on trees, traffic control signs or utility poles,” said Community Development Director Hope Sullivan. “Signs should also not be located within the publicly owned right of way. The city staff will remove signs that are on the public right of way, including signs mounted to trees, traffic control signs or utility poles in the right of way.”

Carson City code defines a political sign as “a sign designed for the purpose of advertising support of or opposition to a candidate or proposition.”

This definition and specific rules for signs can be found in the Development Standards appendix of Carson City Municipal Code Title 18. Sign rules are enforced by the Community Development Department. Many commercial signs require a permit, but signs for political campaigns, charitable or religious organizations are exempt if the sign area does not exceed 32 square feet, or, if a freestanding sign, does not exceed 8 feet in height.

“Political signs shall be removed by the candidate within 14 days after the election has been held,” reads the code.

Violations of sign rules can lead to misdemeanor charges involving jail time and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, District Attorney Jason Woodbury told the Appeal voluntary compliance is the norm. Sometimes candidates need to be reminded to take down signs, he said, but he couldn’t recall a case related to Title 18 sign ordinances coming to his office for prosecution.

“Voluntary compliance seems to be working,” he said.

Title 18 is being revised by the District Attorney’s Office and the Community Development Department for eventual review by the Carson City Board of Supervisors. The sign section was not included in a joint-board review of the city’s Development Standards in October, but it is expected to be revisited in the future.

“This whole area about speech and political signs, there have been a lot of developments in the law since these ordinances were passed,” Woodbury said.

Woodbury said his office constantly monitors legal developments while evaluating city code.

“We’re taking a good look at it to make sure we have good, solid legal authority to be able to enforce these things should that be required,” he said.

Sheriff Ken Furlong told the Appeal election season “brings on many aggressive behaviors” and warned residents not to engage in theft or vandalism of campaign signs. Such offenses “are all capable of being criminally prosecuted.”

“The Carson City Sheriff’s Office will pursue reports of violence, destruction and thefts,” Furlong emphasized.

He noted in the past, CCSO has seen cases of battery arising from political disputes.

“Politics are emotional,” he said. “Stay in line with the character of Carson City and be respectful of other people’s opinions. That’s my best advice. Be respectful of other people’s — and organizations’ — property.”