Full Notification

The public safety department has received complaints of political signs either stolen, damaged or removed.

As the election cycle continues and the debate over who should be elected intensifies, we request that you respect your fellow residents views and remind the community that the display of political signs is a form of freedom of speech. As such, the department denounces the theft or destruction of political campaign signs for all candidates, regardless of political affiliation.

Any theft or destruction of campaign sign is also a crime. In Michigan, stealing or defacing political signs is a misdemeanor that can carry a maximum penalty of a $500 fine or imprisonment of up to 90 days in jail.

If posting a campaign sign, city ordinance requires that temporary political signs must be:

•On one property, must not exceed a total of sixteen (16) square feet in area.

•Shall not be located within any right-of-way whether dedicated or owned in fee simple or as an easement.

•Shall only be located on property that is owned by the person whose sign it is or has consented to placement of the sign.

•Shall not be placed on any utility pole, street sign, streetlight, or similar object or on any public property or public right-of-way.

•Shall be removed within seven (7) days after the election.

The public safety department recognizes that campaign signs come at a financial cost and are the personal property of the individuals who display them. All candidates and residents are reminded to place their signs within ordinance requirements.

The public safety department will make reasonable attempts to advise a resident or business owner that a sign displayed is in violation of the ordinance. All personnel have been advised to explain the ordinance and allow individuals the opportunity to comply and display their sign.

Campaign signs that do not meet these criteria will be removed by the public safety department. Candidates can pick up any removed signs at the public safety department. Signs not claimed within seven days of their removal will be discarded.

All residents are encouraged to contact the department if you feel a sign was stolen, damaged or wrongfully removed by an officer.