The purpose of this article is to regulate political signage
in order to preserve the order and cleanliness of the rights-of-way
within the Borough and of Borough public property; to avoid the appearance
of clutter; to protect property values; to avoid litter and growth
of weeds around signs; to reduce traffic hazards caused by distraction
to motorists and the impairment of sight lines; to ensure that the
Borough remains an attractive place to live and work; to reduce administrative
burden and the necessity of expending public funds to remove political
signs; and to protect the health, safety and welfare, morals, convenience
and comfort of the public.
As used within this article, the following words and phrases
shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:
PERSON
Any individual, firm, employee, corporation, partnership,
association, committee to elect or reelect, supporter or political
candidate.
POLITICAL SIGN
A sign, including but not limited to posters, banners, and
stickers, which indicates the name, cause or affiliation of a person
seeking public or other elected office or on which reference is made
to an issue for which a public election or referendum is scheduled
to be held.
RESTRICTED PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
Every roadway within the territorial limits of the Borough
of West Mifflin, whether a state, county or Borough roadway, and five
feet on each side of said roadway.
Any person, political candidate or political committee wishing
to exhibit political signs on any public property outside of the restricted
public right-of-way shall file an application with the Borough Community
Development Department on the prescribed application and pay a refundable
fee as determined by Borough Council, which may be set by simple resolution.
Any person who shall violate or shall fail, neglect or refuse
to comply with any provision of this article shall, upon conviction
thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $600, plus costs,
and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment
not to exceed 30 days; provided, however, that each sign and each
day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.