Is there a time regulation for election signs?
Election signs may not be posted on public property until 30 days prior to an election, or September 19 for the 2015 federal election. On private property, such as lawns and businesses, election signs may not be posted until 60 days prior to an election, or August 20 in the case of the 2015 federal election.
Enforcement by the City is conducted on a request for service basis, or proactively in the event that the placement of a sign is causing a public safety or a line of sight issue. On public property, signs may be removed and impounded without notice. In the case of private property, notice is given, with a specified period of time for compliance. If there is no compliance, the sign may be removed and impounded.
Election signs must be removed within 48 hours following the election date. Signs still in place following the 48-hour period may be removed and impounded accordingly, although notice is typically given to allow candidates to collect their signs.
What is an election sign?
An election sign is a temporary sign advertising a candidate or political party in a municipal, school board, public utility company, provincial or federal election.
Where can an election sign be placed?
Election signs may be placed on the road allowance of City streets but must not interfere with the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians, or create line of sight issues. For safety reasons, election signs are not permitted on central boulevards or medians, and may not be placed within 50 centimetres of a sidewalk, or where there is no sidewalk, within 2 meters of the roadway, or within 50 centimetres of the edge of a shoulder.
Signs may also be placed on private property with the permission of the property owner. Signs may not be placed on National Capital Commission lands without written approval, as outlined by the NCC Traffic and Parking Regulations (ref. Article 32).
Is there a size regulation for election signs?
There are no dimension requirements for election signs.
What happens if the placement of election signs compromises public safety?
If a By-law Enforcement Officer determines that an election sign is posing a safety risk or a line of sight issue, the sign is removed immediately and is stored at the By-law & Regulatory Services facility on Industrial Avenue for 30 days. Contact 311 for instructions on how to retrieve the sign. A charge of $50 per sign may be applied upon retrieval.
Are there any fines associated with violations of the regulations?
Set fines for violation of the regulations range from $260 to $365 depending on the infraction. Although the City has enforcement discretion and may issue charges, voluntary compliance with the regulations is anticipated.
Reference:
City of Ottawa By-law 2003-520, as amended (Signs on City Roads By-law)
City of Ottawa By-law 2004-239, as amended (Temporary Signs on Private Property By-law)