City of North Bend release - The City of North Bend would like to remind candidates, property owners, businesses, and residents about the rules governing signs placed in or near the public right-of-way.  North Bend's sign regulations are content-neutral. The City does not regulate or enforce signs differently based on the candidate, issue, viewpoint, or message displayed. Campaign signs are subject to the same applicable rules as real estate signs, business signs, yard sale signs, and other temporary signs.  Keep Signs Out of the Public Right-of-Way - Signs may not be placed in City rights-of-way or on City-owned property.  Public rights-of-way can include more than the traveled portion of a street. Depending on the location, the right-of-way may include sidewalks, planting strips, shoulders, medians, and other areas used for streets, utilities, and public infrastructure.  Signs placed in these areas can: Block visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists; Interfere with mowing and routine street maintenance; Create conflicts with utilities and other public infrastructure; and, Become litter if they fall over or are not collected. Get Permission Before Placing a Sign - Before placing a sign on private property, make sure you have the property owner's permission.  Property owners may remove signs placed on their property without authorization. A good rule of thumb is simple: if you do not own the property, ask before placing a sign.  What Happens if a Sign Is in the Right-of-Way?  If City staff determines that a sign has been placed in violation of the City's sign regulations, the location may be documented and the sign may be removed.  If one of your signs is missing, please do not automatically assume it was stolen. It may have been removed because it was located within the public right-of-way or on public property.  If you believe a sign may have been removed by the City, contact Code Compliance at 541-756-8180.  State Highway Rights-of-Way - Please remember that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has separate rules governing signs within state highway rights-of-way.  Those requirements are especially important along U.S. Highway 101 and the OR 540/Cape Arago Highway corridor, including portions of Virginia Avenue, Broadway Avenue, and Newmark Avenue. Signs placed within a state highway right-of-way may be removed by ODOT.  The boundary of a public right-of-way is not always obvious and may extend beyond the pavement, curb, or sidewalk. When in doubt, confirm that the location is on private property and obtain the property owner's permission before installing a sign.  Same Rules, Regardless of the Message - The City's responsibility is to administer its sign regulations fairly and consistently. Enforcement is not based on who or what a sign supports.  A sign is a sign.  We appreciate everyone's cooperation in helping keep North Bend safe, clean, and fair for all.  Questions or want to report a possible violation?  Contact the City of North Bend.  More Information:  North Bend Sign Ordinance — NBCC Chapter 18.70.