South Lake Tahoe police chief outlines political campaign sign rules

It's election time which also means it's time for political signs to be found throughout the South Lake Tahoe community.

City of South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler is reminding candidates. their committees and supporters about the rules for signage placement.

Here is the law pertaining to signs as outlined in City Code 6.14.130A:

- Only on private property with permission from owner (no public easements)
- Size limited to 12 square feet—(for example: 3’ x 4’ or 2’ x 6’)
- Not “intentionally illuminated”
- Not displayed for more than 60 days immediately before the general election
- Only one sign per parcel
....A two-sided sign as a single sign
....Corner lots are allowed one sign per street frontage
....Multiple signs for different candidates are allowable
- Must be removed “immediately” after the election (from a practical standpoint, SLTPD allows 48 hours)

During this season, the police department regularly receives calls reporting violations. Often, according to Uhler, it seems like those who are competing for the same elected position come forward to report violations against their
competitor(s).

Here's how SLTPD handles the problem:

When their responding Community Service Officer confirms a sign is in violation, their process includes taking a photo of the sign then seizing the sign. At the end of the season, they calculate how many hours were spent enforcing this issue and we proportionately deduct the appropriate amount from the candidate’s sign deposit
(given to the City Clerk for the campaign sign permit). This way, staff time is paid by those who violate the Code.

Early in the season SLTPD does their best to inform candidates who have signs which are in violation so they can work with their campaign staff and take corrective action. Usually, this helps with conforming to the City Code. For those who do not take corrective action, we may issue an administrative citation which includes
penalties which reach beyond their sign deposit.

As we move deeper into the campaign season, Uhler says to feel free to report violations to the police department nonemergency number at 530-542-6105 (leave voicemail). Or, in the alternative, e-mail the CodeEnforcement Division: code@cityofslt.us.