The purpose of the Township in promulgating this article regulating the placement of temporary political signs on public property is, among other things, to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the community.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Penn Forest as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 7-2-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-03]
The following shall be defined terms for the purpose of this chapter:
Those signs announcing political candidates seeking office, political parties and/or political and public issues contained on an election ballot.
Temporary political signs posted on public property located within the Township are subject to the following general requirements:
A.
Number of signs. No more than one temporary political sign shall be placed on public property at any intersection of roads or streets for any candidate, nor shall a temporary political sign be located within 500 feet of any other such sign for any candidate.
B.
Area. No temporary political sign on public property shall exceed an aggregate gross surface area of four square feet per sign.
C.
Height. No temporary political sign shall project higher than four feet, as measured from the base of sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is higher.
D.
Timing. No temporary political signs may be erected or maintained for a period to exceed 30 days prior to the date of the election to which such signs are applicable and shall be removed within three days following the termination of the election.
E.
Illumination. No temporary political sign shall be illuminated in any manner.
F.
Required information. At the time of the posting of the cash bond, there shall be submitted to the Township, on a form supplied by the Township, the following information:
(1)
The name and address of a person who is placing the temporary political signs and the name and address of the person who will be responsible for removal of each sign.
(2)
The general nature and purpose of the temporary political signs to be placed.
(3)
The date when the temporary political signs will be removed. In no event shall the date specified for removal be later than three days following the termination of the election.
G.
Required consent of the Township for the placement of temporary political signs on the public rights-of-way or public property. The Township reserves the right to deny a request to post temporary political signs on public property or require the removal of any temporary political signs at any time whenever such sign poses a threat to the public's safety, health and welfare; Specific prohibitions include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1)
Temporary political signs shall be prohibited within five feet of the edge of the paved surface of any road or street within the Township.
(2)
Temporary political signs shall be prohibited along any road or street within the Township where it would obstruct the clear sight distance of the traffic.
No temporary political signs shall be placed or erected on any private property without first obtaining permission from such property owner.
Any person who shall be convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of this article before a Magisterial District Judge having jurisdiction shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $300, together with costs of prosecution, or to imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed 30 days, or both.