St. Croix County – Prohibition of Signs with highway
right-of-way
Chapter 86.19 (1), Wisconsin Statutes, reads as
follows:
“Except as provided in sub. (1m) or s. 84.01 (30)(g), no sign shall be placed within
the limits of any street or highway except such as are necessary for the guidance
or warning of traffic or as provided by ss. 60.23 (17m) and 66.0429. The authorities charged with the maintenance of streets or highways shall cause the removal
therefrom and the disposal of all other signs.”
St. Croix County has received a number of complaints in the past weeks regarding signs, both political and otherwise, that are located within highway right-of-way. Realty, campaign and other signs are prohibited in the right of way. Typical highway right-of-way width is 66-feet (33-feet from centerline) but can vary significantly based on the demands and construction requirements. If you have specific right-of-way width questions contact the municipality in charge of maintenance of said highway.
Improperly placed
signs may:
· Compound damages
or injuries in the event of a crash.
· Distract a
driver's attention.
· Endanger the
safety of individuals who are erecting signs along busy highways.
· Obstruct a
motorist's view.
· Present obstacles
to crews who maintain (mow) roadways
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation also lists significant information regarding improperly placed signs within the public right-of-way, this information is available via website at .Wisconsin Department of Transportation http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/real-estate/outdoor-adv/improp-placed-signs.aspx