Don't Remove Political And Other Signs, Westport Police Again Remind Residents

WESTPORT, CT — With Election Day next month, the tradition of posting political signage expressing support for various candidates is in full swing. And with that, the Westport Police Department has received complaints related to the disappearance, removal and/or theft of these types of signs. The department is again reminding people of Town regulations relative to temporary signage.

"Most importantly, residents and visitors are advised against taking it upon themselves to remove signs that do not belong to them from both public and private property," officials said in a statement. "The enforcement of the town’s rules is the responsibility of the town of Westport, not that of private citizens. The removal of signs from public or private property by someone not authorized to do so by the Town, or by the owner of the sign, may constitute theft. Entering onto private property to remove signs may also constitute trespassing. Both of these acts can ultimately result in arrest."

Below are general guidelines for ALL Temporary Signs:

• Town property includes traffic islands and road rights of way.
  
• The Town may not approve, nor is it responsible for, any signs erected on State of Connecticut property. It is not advisable to place signs on State of Connecticut property (including rights of way and islands along Routes 1, 136, 57, 33, and the Sherwood Island Connector, nor on the exit or entrance ramps of I-95 or the Merritt Parkway) as the State DOT may remove them.
  
• No sign may be placed on any public-school property without permission from the Superintendent’s Office.
  
• No sign may be placed within the interior of Compo Beach or Longshore Club Park.
  
• No sign may be placed on Town Hall property.
  
• No sign may be placed on trees or utility poles.
  
• No sign may interfere with traffic visibility.
  
• Signs placed on public property advertising a private business or company will be removed.
  
• Signs on private property require property owner approval. Signs on private property shall not extend beyond the property line or into the Town right-of- way and is suggested they be removed within two days after the publicized event or election.
  

Temporary Signs for Advertising Charitable Events

The placement of temporary signs on Town property for the purpose of advertising a charitable event requires the completion and submission of a Temporary Sign Request Form to the Selectwoman’s Office. The form itself and additional information can be found on the Town of Westport’s official website. This application must be reviewed and ultimately approved by the Westport Police Chief, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Director of Parks & Recreation, or their designated representatives.

The following conditions will apply to charitable events:

• A maximum of fifteen signs is allowed for each such event. This includes directional signs.
  
• The signs may be erected not more than two weeks before the event and must be removed within two days after the publicized event.
  
• The size of the sign cannot exceed two feet by three feet.
  
• Non-compliance with these conditions may result in the removal of signs.
  

Temporary Signs for Political Purposes

Political signs are considered an expression of free speech and are allowed on public property. The general guidelines as noted above apply to temporary signs for political purposes.

Again, please note that this release and these guidelines pertain to roads maintained by the Town of Westport, not state roads or state rights of ways such as Route 1, Route 33, Route 57 and Route 136.