Code enforcement officer clarifies rules for signs

The posting of political signs is not limited to a timeframe of 45 days before until seven days after an election.

Fairfield Code Enforcement Officer Tom Baker has corrected the information about political signs printed on the front page of Thursday?s edition of The Fairfield Ledger.

The information Baker supplied to The Ledger concerning the timeframe and locations for posting political signs was taken from an old Iowa Code that has since been changed.

Baker realized his error after Todd Braaksma commented online.

?I am curious about the citing of state code 306C regarding the placement of political signs. I looked up the code, and this is what it states: ?Repealed by 2003 acts,?? Braaksma wrote on The Ledger?s website.

The updated code no longer restricts the timeframe. However, Baker said, political signs still cannot be placed on city, county or state right-of-way or in a spot where it would cause a traffic problem.

?I have not seized any signs on private property,? Baker said. ?All I?ve taken is those in the right-of-way.?

Baker has removed a variety of signs, including several for yard sales, from city right-of-ways.

As far as political signs, Baker said, ?Only Ron Paul signs are out so far. To my knowledge, there is no other candidate with signs out.?

Paul staffers distributed signs during his campaign stop in Fairfield Aug. 9.

Baker said he has only seen two or three appropriately placed on private property ? all others have been illegally posted in the right-of-way.

Seized signs may be reclaimed at Fairfield City Hall.