Question: It’s getting a bit out of hand here in Harpswell with signs nailed to poles or stuck in the ground. Approaching the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department station, there were three in a row, and over the bridge many more. They seem to be everywhere. Should the town do something about this?
Garry Hansen, Orr’s Island
Answer: Roadside signs in Harpswell fall under a mix of local and statewide rules. Many of the signs you’re seeing are legal, but there are limits on what they can advertise, where they can go, and how long they can stay.
Harpswell’s sign ordinance regulates most permanent and temporary signs on private property. Businesses are allowed to display temporary signs while work is underway — for example, contractors placing a lawn sign at a job site.
Businesses are not allowed to place signs on utility poles, in public rights-of-way, or on private property when not doing work there.
Event organizers can put up temporary signs advertising things like a community supper or, in a recent example, a monument unveiling. Such signs generally must be placed on the property where the event is happening, in a public right-of-way, or on private property with the owner’s permission. Signs must be at least 5 feet from the edge of the road.
Political signs are governed mostly by state law. Maine allows political signs in the public right-of-way for up to six weeks in the first half of the year and another six weeks in the second half.
Campaigns are expected to take down signs when that display period ends or shortly after an election. The signs must identify the person or committee responsible for them, and they cannot obstruct visibility for drivers.
Private property owners may display political signs on their property at any time.
Harpswell Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said residents with questions about a sign should contact the Code Enforcement Office, which will look into the issue and ask the owner to remove the sign voluntarily if needed. If the owner doesn’t comply, the town will issue a 30-day notice of violation, she said.
J. Craig Anderson, Reporter, Harpswell Anchor
Send “Ask the Anchor” questions to joliver@harpswellanchor.org.
