In order to balance the free speech rights of citizens regarding candidate choices or ballot measures to be decided at special, primary or general elections with the interests of the city in maintaining a safe and clean environment for its citizens, the commission adopted the following rules with respect to political campaign signs placed in residential areas:
Political campaign signs placed in residential districts must be removed within 10 days following the election. Political campaign signs in residential areas shall be limited to a total of sixteen square feet exclusive of supports. Political campaign signs may not be placed upon the public right-of-way or upon any publically owned property and may not be placed in the area of a sight triangle, as defined in Ordinance 14-02-03, so as to obstruct the sight lines of vehicles.
This change was necessitated by a change in state law resulting from a federal lawsuit challenging the state's campaign laws, specifically regarding electioneering on election day.16.1-10-06. Electioneering within boundary of an open polling location.
The former 45 day limit prior to election is gone as is the provision requiring the signs be down by election day.