I am looking for copies of local "sign bounty" laws. I have the folks in line to try to get such a law introduced in Jax. I just need to get to ground work laid so it can be written.


"If your not living on the edge you are taking up to much space" unknown

My brother lives in Palm Beach county; recently when I was talking to him, he mentioned they have some sort of sign bounty program there. Might want to check with your neighbors to the south; they probably have done all the legal legwork for you, too.......good luck!!!

Regards,
lasteagle83

CAUSS forum on Garland bounty program
http://www.causs.org/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=52&topic_id=2722&mesg_id=2722&page=

Garland Texas sign bounty program
http://www.ci.garland.tx.us/Home/Departments/City+Administration/Community+Relations/I+SIGN+Program.htm

Application to participate
http://www.ci.garland.tx.us/NR/rdonlyres/33C7D19C-864B-42BC-A44B-0306B1F334CD/0/oksignapp.pdf

Release and hold harmless
http://www.ci.garland.tx.us/NR/rdonlyres/C8AA7912-DA8E-45FC-B22E-B8EDC1F614EC/0/releaseform.pdf

Garland city permission slip
http://www.ci.garland.tx.us/NR/rdonlyres/C5F1E300-B466-4683-B137-44AE21811AAC/0/okcardcarry.pdf

Garland Trash Bash Program
http://www.ci.garland.tx.us/Home/Departments/Community+Services/Keep+Garland+Beautiful/News_landing.htm

This is reference to Mesquite TX sign bounty program:

http://www.cityofmesquite.com/news.php?Story=151

I think Charlotte NC paid a contractor to pick up illegal signs. I don't recall the details.

If you get any feedback from the cities that have tried it, please share it with us. It seems like an idea that should spread easily if it works and has no bad unintended consequences.

Newbie (not)

Baltimore City passed such an ordinace mid-2006. Says that anyone can pick up certain illegal signs and, if a fine is levied, half goes to a Community Organization of their choice. Strange thing is that it does not include signs on utility poles, since the city has not signed an agreement with the utility company even allowing the city workers to remove these signs. (Well, that doesn't stop a dedicated shark.)

Link is:

http://cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/charterandcodes/Code/Art%2019%20-%20PoliceOrds.pdf

Following is the relevant section of Article 19, subsection 45:

§ 45-3. Removal of illegal signs.
(a) ...
(b) From City property – by others.
(1) For any sign posted in violation of § 45-2(1) through (6) of this subtitle, any individual may:
(i) summarily remove the sign; and
(ii) either:
(A) discard the sign in an appropriate manner; or
(B) submit the sign to the Department of Public Works for
further enforcement proceedings.
(2) A submission to the Department of Public Works for further enforcement proceedings:
(i) must be accompanied by an affidavit, in the form and tenor required by the
regulations adopted under § 45-4 of this subtitle, that describes the circumstances of
the violation and removal; and
(ii) may designate a non-profit community or neighborhood association listed with the
Department of Planning to share in any fines that might be collected in the matter.
(3) An association so designated is entitled to receive 50% of any fine collected under City Code
Article 1, Subtitle 40 {“Environmental Control Board”} or Subtitle 41 {“Civil Citations”}.
------------------------

Note where it says § 45-2(1) through (6) in the above code, it is § 45-2(7) that says it is illegal to post signs on utility poles.

Hope this helps.

Massachusetts General Laws

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/266-126.htm

PART IV. CRIMES, PUNISHMENTS AND PROCEEDINGS IN CRIMINAL CASES

TITLE I. CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS

CHAPTER 266. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY

Chapter 266: Section 126. Natural scenery; penalty for defacement


Section 126. Whoever paints, or puts upon, or in any manner affixes to, any fence, structure, pole, rock or other object which is public property or the property of another, whether within or without the limits of the highway, any words, device, trade mark, advertisement or notice which is not required by law to be posted thereon, without first obtaining the written consent of the municipal or public officer in charge thereof or the owner or tenant of such property, shall, upon complaint of such municipal or public officer, or of such owner or tenant, be punished by a fine of not less than ten nor more than one hundred dollars, and in addition shall forfeit to the use of the public or private owner of such property or the tenant thereof the cost of removing or obliterating such defacement to be recovered in an action of tort. Any word, device, trade mark, advertisement or notice which has been painted, put up or affixed within the limits of a highway in violation of this section shall be considered a public nuisance, and may be forthwith removed or obliterated and abated by any person.