City of Beloit reminds residents of rules regarding political signs

political-yard-sign

As the November election approaches, the City of Beloit Planning & Building Services Division reminds residents that the City’s Sign Ordinance allows the display of political signs while protecting community aesthetics and promoting traffic safety.

Political signs may be displayed on private property without a Sign Permit, subject to the provisions in Section 30.33 of the Sign Ordinance. However, political signs may not be displayed in the public right-of-way or on other government property, including parks, street terraces, medians, and vacant lots. Unlawful signs may be confiscated and/or result in municipal citations being issued. On Election Day, no sign may be displayed on public property within 100 feet of any entrance to a building containing a polling place. If you have any questions or concerns, or to report an unlawful sign, please call 608-364-6700.

In addition, the Beloit Police Department reminds the public of Wisconsin Statute 12.13(3)(h), which states that “no person may…Deface, destroy or remove any legally placed election campaign advertising poster with intent to disrupt the campaign advertising efforts of any committee registered under ch. 11, or alter the information printed thereon so as to change the meaning thereof to the disadvantage of the candidate or cause espoused. Nothing in this paragraph restricts the right of any owner or occupant of any real property, or the owner or operator of any motor vehicle, to remove campaign advertising posters from such property or vehicle.”