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City reiterates rules for campaign signs
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The city of McMinnville is reminding candidates not to utilize the right of way for their campaign sign placement. The city also says removal of those signs placed legally is considered theft.

“We take all types of theft seriously at the Police Department,” said McMinnville Police Chief Bryan Denton. “The candidates should report the thefts so they can be investigated. Anyone witnessing a sign being taken is also asked to call.”

McMinnville’s Commu-nity Development Department does have the authority to confiscate signs wrongfully placed in the right of way.

“One thing they might check is the city’s codes enforcement department,” said Denton. “If they are on right of way, codes will take them.”

Codes usually sends a letter to all candidates on the sign restriction guidelines:

• No sign shall be located in such a manner so as to obstruct free or clear vision, or cause hazards for vehicular or pedestrian traffic by reason of location, shape, illumination or color.

• No sign shall be located on, or attached to, any public property except public signs authorized by the city of McMinnville, Warren County, or the state of Tennessee.

• No sign shall be located on or overhanging any public right of way. In many, but not all cases, the public right of way is between the utility poles or fence along the roadway.

• No signs shall be painted or attached to any fence, trees, rocks, canopy posts, utility poles, and the like.

• Political signs may be displayed on private property with the consent of the owner.

By state law, it is unlawful for any person to attach show cards, posters, or campaign materials on poles, towers, and fixtures of public utilities unless authorized to do so.

Signs in violation of city ordinance will be removed by the department. They can be picked up by the candidate. For more information, call 473-1204.