The city of Marathon is diligently enforcing its temporary-sign law, which affects campaign signs for those seeking elected office in Monroe County.
Marathon’s law (107.622) unequivocally states that no temporary signs may be placed in the right of way – the space between a road and the boundary of private property.
Also, Marathon limits the amount of signs that can be placed on residential and non-residential private property.
On residential property, up to four signs are allowed, but the cumulative square footage cannot exceed 6 square feet. The sign’s message must be static (no moving electronic lettering, for example) and no lights are allowed on the signs. The signs cannot be taller than 3 feet high. Temporary signs, including campaign signs, cannot be used for more than 60 days per year.
The rules are different for property zoned non-residential, which includes parcels that are zoned commercial or mixed use. City law allows for no more than three temporary signs per parcel. Again, the square footage is cumulative if there is more than one sign and cannot exceed 12 square feet. The signs cannot be taller than 6 feet high. Temporary signs cannot be used for more than 60 days per year.
If the temporary signs of a single candidate, or more than one candidate, violate the rules, all the signs located on that particular parcel will be removed.
Also, the candidate or his or her representative must have the express permission from the property owner or tenant to place campaign signs on private property, whether it is zoned residential or non-residential.
The city is removing signs that violate its law. The candidates or his or her representatives may collect the signs at City Hall.
