Springfield Standard

The City of Springfield is reminding residents, property owners, and business owners of guidelines in the Springfield City Code regarding the placement of signage on public and private property. City staff will conduct a sweep of major roadways beginning Wednesday, Sept. 18.

While placing advertising in the right-of-way of any public thoroughfare is prohibited, signage on private property is allowed under various restrictions.

Section 98-7 of the City Code outlines the prohibition on placing advertising in the right-of-way. This regulation aims to protect public safety, provide access to vital utilities, reduce litter, and ensure publicly owned property remains neutral.

The City's right-of-way generally extends anywhere along a public street to at least within a foot behind a sidewalk, power pole, or other public infrastructure. The right-of-way tends to widen to 10-40 feet from the pavement at intersections to provide safe sight distances for traffic. Right-of-way areas typically include roadway medians, ditches, stormwater basins, and some trails. GIS mapping of property lines can be found on the Greene County Assessor’s webpage.

Section 36-454 of the City Code outlines parameters for signs placed on private property. This includes a section on political signs which are exempt from permit requirements but must still follow sign regulations and building codes. The code stipulates that political signs placed on private property must not be illuminated, cannot be located within required sight triangles, and must be removed within 48 hours after the election they were directed towards.

“The City understands the desire for signage to promote small businesses or political affiliations; however unregulated sign clutter leads to an unattractive community and signage in unapproved locations can lead to safety issues when placed in a driver’s field of vision,” explains Public Works Assistant Director Eric Claussen.

During the sweep, signage found within the public right-of-way will be removed and stored at the Phil Broyles Complex (1111 W. Chestnut Expressway) where candidates/businesses are allowed to collect their signs between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Any signage not claimed will be disposed of on Nov. 1.

In addition to this sweep during the upcoming election season personnel from Springfield Public Works Building Development Services and other city departments will monitor the placement of signage on public and private property as they go about their daily duties throughout the city.

Signage located on private property suspected of not complying with zoning code requirements will be referred to Building Development Services Department. A zoning violation case will be opened when signs are found to be in violation.

These signage guidelines can also be found online along with other information at springfieldmo.gov/election.