Aug. 16, 2004 – With the semiannual summer cropping-up of campaign signs already in evidence, the Public Works Department wants to make sure political candidates and their supporters know the rules and regulations that govern them.
According to a Government House release issued on Monday:
– Signs posted along roads must be at least two feet off the road or sidewalk and 15 feet from any intersection.
– They must be at least 25 feet away from traffic signal systems and may not block informational or traffic signs.
– Wooden signs should be no larger than 4 feet square.
– Cloth and canvas signs should not exceed 3 by 8 feet.
– Banners and posters may not be attached to any government property, including traffic signs and signal devices, utility poles, curbs, walls, buildings, trees, guard rails and highway dividers.
No political advertising is allowed within the historic districts of St. Thomas and St. Croix — much of downtown Charlotte Amalie, the old part of Frederiksted and most of downtown Christiansted.
Public Works Commissioner Wayne Callwood said the department can remove any signs and banners that don't conform to the regulations.
He also said all candidates are required to obtain "an advertising permit," which costs $10. The headline of the release stated that "permits are required for political signs." However, in the first paragraph was a sentence reading "Political signs are exempt from the mandatory $10 advertising fee."

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