PRESS ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 21, 2011          

CONTACT: (415) 554-6926

PUBLIC WORKS REMINDS PUBLIC OF RESTRICTIONS FOR POSTING SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY

SAN FRANCISCO, CA –The Department of Public Works (DPW) is reminding the public to follow guidelines and restrictions for posting signs on public property. Signs are defined as any card, decoration, poster, campaign sign, or any object containing or bearing writing that is affixed, posted or fastened to a utility or light pole that is permanently attached to the street or sidewalk. In 2007, an ordinance was passed that restricts the posting of signs on city property.  The requirement was established to reduce litter and blight and minimize obstruction to ensure safety.

The public may post signs and information on some utility poles and lamp posts if the postings follow regulations outlined in Article 5.6 of the Public Works Code. Signs must not exceed the dimensions of 8 1/2“ by 11”; conform to the shape of the pole; be attached with tape or other non-adhesive material such as twine, string or other non-metal banding material; be placed less than 12 feet from the ground; indicate date of posting and be removed by the poster within 10 days after an event or election date.

All signs continue to be prohibited on historic street light/lamp poles and on all traffic signal poles. The regulation authorizes Public Works to remove prohibited signs and administer penalties that range from $100 and $500.  The public may call 3-1-1 to report illegally posted signs. For more information and a list of historic street light/lamp poles, please visit www.sfdpw.org.

DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains City street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services.

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