LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This campaign season there have been a lot of complaints of disappearing signs, and on Monday Caltrans urged candidates to be cognizant of state right-of-ways to avoid having their signs taken down.

Caltrans issued the reminder to all candidates registered in the upcoming election, their representatives and campaign personnel, and campaign workers for ballot measures of the policy regarding placement of “temporary political signs” within view of a state highway.

According to Caltrans, Section 5405.3 of the State Outdoor Advertising Act allows an exemption for the placement of the temporary political signs along certain state highways.

But the law requires the signs not be placed within the state highway right-of-way, and if they're within view of a state highway candidates are required to file a statement of responsibility form with Caltrans.

To meet the temporary political sign requirements, the signs have to encourage a particular vote in a scheduled election, be placed no sooner than 90 days prior to the scheduled election and removed within 10 days after that election, be no larger than 32 square feet and have a statement of responsibility form filed with the Department of Transportation certifying a person who will be responsible for removing the signs, Caltrans reported.

Caltrans spokesman Phil Frisbie said they don't track how many signs belonging to specific candidates are taken down.

“We do track when we have a call to remove large signs but that is very rare and most of those are other advertising signs, they're not political signs,” he said.

Figuring out just where the right-of-way is, however, can be a challenge, he said.

“The right-of-way varies a lot throughout Lake County,” Frisbie said. “It depends upon where it's at, how old the highway is at that section.”

In some places, the right-of-way is about 10 feet from the edge of the pavement, in other places it extends as much as 80 feet from the road's edge, he said.

“If they're not sure, a general rule is in most places if there is some sort of fence off the road, generally that fence is on the right-of-way line,” he said.

Hanging the signs on fences also isn't allowed, he said, because the fence is still considered the right-of-way.

Because most people aren't aware of the right-of-way's location, illegal signs are a year-round problem, Frisbie said.

Not allowing the signs in certain areas has several reasons behind it, according to Frisbie.

“It's visibility and safety, but also it's an inappropriate use of state property,” he explained.

State law directs Caltrans to remove unauthorized signs. Maintenance crews will pull the signs when they can, although Frisbie said the removals are a low priority compared to other duties.

Because the signs are removed during the normal course of road work, the removal costs are insignificant, he said.

If someone calls to look for the signs, Frisbie said Caltrans crews will make arrangements to get them returned, with no charge.

Frisbie said candidates and their representatives can call him at 707-441-4678 to get more information on how to retrieve signs.

“We would much prefer that they call us rather than have to go out and remove an improper sign,” he said. “That inconveniences both of us.”

Candidates also can get a copy of the statement of responsibility form for temporary political signs at www.dot.ca.gov/oda/political_signs.htm .

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