As political fervor heats up with the approaching election season, Upper Arlington officials have reminded residents about the rules for displaying political yard signs and banners. The City's efforts to maintain clear guidelines protect freedom of expression and community aesthetics.
According to a recent announcement on the City's website, Upper Arlington is determined not to regulate the language on political signage to preserve individual freedoms. Yet, residents must be sure not to exceed the regulated size of signs egregiously. The City website says signs "must be located on the property and not in the public right-of-way." They also capped the number of signs per property at five, but properties that are being marketed or under construction can display an additional sign for each street frontage they have. This aims to ensure visibility without crowding the public spaces.
The regulations, which are fairly comprehensive, also prohibit the installation of illuminated signs and signs with changeable copies. If signs do not meet the stipulated size of eight square feet per side and a height of four feet if free-standing, they might be subject to removal. If citizens spot a sign they believe violates these rules, they must contact Code Compliance by calling 614-583-5073. These measures are put in place to ensure that political speech does not overrun the shared visual spaces of the community.
Focusing on the respect for private property, the City makes it clear that signs placed on private property should not be tampered with, warning that theft charges will be pursued against individuals taking signs. It's an aspect intended to strongly discourage the often emotionally charged theft of political signs. "Please be mindful of the aesthetics of our neighborhoods when displaying political signs," the guidelines from Upper Arlington's official site implore residents. It reflects an attempt to balance civic engagement with neighborhood harmony.
